For almost a year, Ravenholt has been subjected to periodical harassment by a set of monoliths that had risen around the boundaries of the city.

Investigations by several bands of adventurers and citizens of Ravenholt had shown that the monoliths were of Arcane origin. Information gained from T.F. Arcevol suggested that the devices were part of n ancient artifact created by an unknown race. The exact nature of the device was unknown, but Arcevol stated that the artifact may have been created to destabilize magic. Over the last few months, it appeared as if Arcevol were correct. globes of iridescent energy absorbing magic, stone constructs destroying wards and other barriers, and the last fall, the monoliths projected a field of entropy, disrupting all magic that entered it.

After the initial appearance of the monoliths, several citizens went about deciphering the strange runes carved upon the surfaces of the stone pillars. The writing gave the key to entering each monolith. Citizens speaking the names of the monoliths were mystically transported to one of several chambers where they were tested for strength of body, mind, spirit and determination. It seems that after several teams defeated the test of one monolith, the next monolith would be accessible. It was not until the group now known as Stormwatch, led by Drax and Cynesra, entered the second monolith, that Ravenholt discovered the cause of the mystical assault. Upon entering the central chamber, Stormwatch was set upon by the leader of the Lizardmen, Primus. Even with six of their members cut down, Stormwatch subdued Primus with binding spells, but before they could question him, he vanished from the chamber threatening doom upon the "Warm blooded filth" of Ravenholt. His claim of doom almost came true when in the late fall, the monoliths created a field of entropy that destabilized magic. This destabilizing effect was so powerful that it stripped citizens of all active spells upon them, and slowly drained magical objects. it is theorized by the Mage's guild that the destabilizing zones were so strong that if they had overlapped they would have disrupted even the Mage's and Healer's Guild circles as well as any objects of lesser power. But with the help of Silverwing, Johann of Ribe, and several other citizens, they were able to forge amulets that would for a time hold off the destructive nature of the energy fields and allow many other brave citizens into the third monolith, where important lore about the monoliths were found.

Late Saturday night on the 25th,with several explosions and bursts of energy a fifth monolith arose from the ground in the center of the common fields in Ravenholt. no writing was seen upon the stone, and no one dared to touch its glowing surface. Though several citizens tried to enter the monolith, it appears that the language that it was translated from is very different in pronunciation, and it wasn't until Sunday morning that the correct pronunciation was learned. Unfortunately with many of the citizens drained of their resources from helping the Crimson Guard, none were willing to face the possible onslaught that Primus and his elite warriors had set for them in the chambers of the monoliths. It wasn't until several citizens were warned from multiple sources that the sixth hour of the afternoon would be too late to stop Primus and the destructive plans that he had set in motion that several citizens then tried to enter but were forced back. I appeared that only those who had been tested and succeeded at several of the tests could activate the monolith. Rumors have it that several citizens tried from the start to stop the monoliths, and had attempted to solve every test put before them. They were: Dame Anastasia, Bishop, Connor Darkwolf, Cynesra, Delahr Greymist, Drano Battlehammer, Drax, Sir Havalock, Tempus, and several others unknown to the Herald at this time.

Only with the combined effort of the Arcane Blade wielded by the Crimson Guard, and several citizens calling upon strange lore, were those who had not been allowed to pass able to enter the monolith. It is said that the battle against Primus raged on and on, as wave after wave of lizardmen and saurians died trying to slow the people of Ravenholt. Even when Primus was cut down, he laughed, calling them fools for he had already activated the device that would destroy them all.

With quick wit, and some insight from Arracor Stormhaven, they were able to stall Primus' plan with barely two minutes left. These brave people were thrown into a series of challenges that tested them to their limit. When they were done, they left the monolith and returned to the center of the Commons just outside the monolith, not knowing how successful they had been.

At the second hour past noon on the 27th the fifth monolith exploded in a burst of arcane energy that has destabilized magic within the bounds of the Duchy of Ravenholt. The energy released by the fifth monolith seems to have altered the flow of magic in the Duchy, said a representative of the Mage's Guild. Since Ravenholt is near several ley lines, and our world is closely connected to several other planes, the danger is not over. It appears that many objects of mystical power failed, some grew hot to the touch, and others were unaffected. After several days of investigation, both guilds have found that many of the objects that had lost their power are now active again, but losing their enchantment slowly. After further investigation, the Guilds have found that mystical objects that were to survive until the next cycle of changes may be losing their power. Worst yet is that the flux in magic has altered thins to such an extent that even the most basic of objects are failing. Already, potions, scrolls, and even the mystical herbs in alchemical solutions seem to be breaking down. It appears that many, if not all mystical devices are decaying and will be completely drained before the first snow fall. Both guilds are looking into ways to slow the decay of magic. The Duke has stated that any knowledge that helps in stopping or slowing the decay may be rewarded.

We at the Herald would like to thank those citizens who fought against Primus and bought us time against his hideous plans. These are the names of the heroes that we know of: Daenar, Antro Accipiter, Johann of Ribe, Sir Havalock, Tarlisen MacFarlane, Garth Seyseyer, Marsan, Tempus, Bishop, Kestryn, Scott, Calvin Littlefield, Azamar, Donnal, Talin, Bailiwick Stormhaven, Arracor Stormhaven, Brendel Poundstone, Martimus Wilder, Drano Battlehammer, Delahr Greymist, Sir Togan Icciteri , Countess Altair Lithill Ravenhurst, Keyla of Dragonshire, Cynesra, Taimar Korugar, Silverwing, Neville Vallenwood, Connor Darkwolf, Sir Aryenne Shelton, and Reilan Silvertalon of Dragonshire.

Evendarr City ~ The pennants are flying, and the city's inhabitants are mending holes in their best finery because everyone can sense the building excitement. The capitol is absolutely a-buzz with excitement over the formal coronation of King Mykel Endarr II King Mykel's coronation is still surrounded by a sense of wonder and a hint of amusement at the odd paradoxical nature of it all. After all, Mykel was crowned king over two hundred years ago, and now he is due to be crowned again. To briefly remind our readers, King Mykel spent two-hundred years "Out of time" as the result of a mysterious bargain he struck with an elemental of Time, not returning until the autumn of 595 when he appeared during the strange events at Saxony Keep. Now, some seven months later, he will be crowned as our king once again.

"It IS strange," admitted local historian and amateur astrologer Robilar Mattiason, "but no stranger than the existence of Dragons and Rifts, I suppose. I had the opportunity to meet His Majesty very briefly upon his return to our city, and he seems every inch a King. I say 'long life' to him."

Meanwhile speculation reigns about the current whereabouts of Iloni the Traitor. Iloni disappeared from Saxony Keep during the time that King Mykel appeared, and , it is assumed she is currently hiding with her Sessuar allies.

"All steps are being taken to locate her," said Lord Ambrose Huntington, the King's chief advisor. "Colvendar Riechart, being so closely related to the traitor, is very anxious to settle the matter once and for all, and we have no doubt that he is prepared to take any length to secure the Traitor's capture."

Colvendar Riechart, as Filed Commander of the Royal Army, as well as brother to the Traitor Iloni, has been placed in charge of her capture.

Unity Volta~ Yet more sightings of the Lake Ardynn Serpent have caused the Unity Wizard's Guild to officially proclaim this "the most sightings in a recorded year in Voltan History. "Amyrdin MacAilan, mage and scholar of the lore surrounding the serpent said, "There has never been a year as plentiful in sightings as this one that we have recorded. This year will truly go down in history as the year of the Serpent."

Some scholars are growing a touch nervous, however. A few obscure legends of the serpent suggest that it is a harbinger of war, appearing at times when war is imminent. The fact that it has appeared so frequently of late might point to a coming conflagration. "But," as MacAilan points out, "this could be a case of the cause being caused by the effect. There is, admittedly a great deal of social unrest right now, with the upheaval with the new king, the situation with Niman, and the continuous problem with the Sessuar. In such times it is common for people to be more wary and jumpy. it is possible that everyone is a bit on edge, and so many reports of strange activity have begun. It is possible that a large percent of these serpent reports are the result of people being anxious and worried."

Local fishermen however, refute this idea. "We've always watched for the Serpent," said veteran fishing master Angus Wallace, "but now she's been about more for us to see. Of course we're all nervous, but no one can say that our seeing the Serpent is nothing but shot nerves. I won't hear of it!"

Astrologers and seers have concurred that a minor elemental juncture will occur around the 15th of June. During this time, elemental magicks will be strengthened as our worlds connection to the elemental planes grows close. It is believed that the circles of power that were placed in Ravenholt by Skane "the Elemental Lord" could have been used as a powerful focus for summoning rituals had they not been destroyed months ago. The Herald has also received reports that several outposts of Skane's were raided and the elemental circles there destroyed over the week of the 26th of May. the Duke has issued a warning to all citizens to be alert to any elemental activity, and that evidence shows that Skane may be planning an assault during the juncture.

My name as many of you have learned, is Devon Divaad MacDeiss. I am a weary old man with three fine children who join me in looking to a future without the dark shadow of the past many years. I do not write these words to tell my tale, rather to give thanks to the many people who achieved a glorious success even at the point that I had given up and accepted failure. I will likely miss many names, and even more deeds of great valor so in deference to my failing memory let me say this of the citizenry of Ravenholt. I came bearing only dire news and promise of ill. Both noble and commoner alike stood forth to offer me aid. The wisdom and the strength of the people was often heralded to even a simple man as myself, what was grievously absent from the reports the astounding generosity and kind hearted quality of you people. Not once in my entire quest for help did someone tell me "No, I will not help you." Not once in my entire quest for help did someone barter a price for their efforts.

Not once will I ever regret my decision to seek help in Ravenholt. To the many whom I may never thank sufficiently, know that your deed stands for itself and has earned the praise of one man and his family through all of their future days.

I arrived with my left arm destroyed by the dark power of a creature spawned by the Curse of Ancid Keys, and the key to salvation from my curse in the hands of those dark foes. I was immediately given healing, and restored from the chill touch of the creatures as a brave group led by Delahr of Stormwatch set out on a task that I thought too dangerous for their number in retrieving Aubrey's ash.

The nobles, entrenched in their affairs took time to see to the needs of one of their servants and quickly dispatched many a capable mind and arm to aid my quest. I could not forget the concern and haste with which Sir Victdar rallied forces to ensure that Delahr's bravery did not end in disaster.

Much was done to progress the resolution which we learned would free the unicorn Siroccokembar from the clutches of the Incubus Ancid Keys and prevent the corruption of that pure power by such a dark man. I'll not soon forget the fearful march into the deep woods in which my heart neared stopping many times, but continued forth with the bravery of my three companions, Dame Lilith, Sarrin, and a brave young gypsy whose name has sadly been stolen by my fright. I owe the many groups who pursued spirits and provided some counsel on further atrocities of Ancid, and certainly I could not forget the three tireless ladies: Rael, Chastity, and Cynesra who deciphered the tablets. How many groups set upon a mission of survival while their counterparts unraveled the mystery in slow painful pieces, I will never know, or properly thank. Still further efforts from the weary runners who ran into the danger of the dark circle to fetch the needed soil to continue our quest. When Ancid's dark powers spawned a torrential storm to highlight our impending defeat, it was Eastwyck and Stormwatch who stood forth again to fight to the last, and returned having freed the will of Siroccokembar.

At this point I had accepted defeat because despite the freeing of his will, the power of Siroccokembar was still in the control of Ancid and the curse that he had planned. The curse was shown to me in my wife's undead form. It was then that the strength of Sarrin and G'yoko Tsukimi Kinto Ruinvorn inspired a final chance to extract a victory. The Liche form of Aubrey knew full well where Ancid held Siroccokembar. By entreating a challenge, it hoped that might could break down the cursed spirit that corrupted the woman I love while reason might reach deep enough to convince this spirit to lead us to the imprisonment.

Their Graces sanctioned this plan and as I watched building after building stand unified to support this cause, I slowly watched our plan garner success. Many chose the path of might and the valor of Quickie, Feral, and Lord Magistrate Ezariah stand foremost in my mind.

Still those who strove to reach through that might to touch my Aubrey had their great effect and with two opportunities for reason remaining, Capulus and the lone G'yoko stood to bring me success. I know not who of those reached deepest but both reached her, and she left me with a promise to provide the needed information and a plea for me to choose well those who would have chance to end her curse as well as mine and that of our children. I chose from what I had seen that dark and stormy evening, I chose from those that stood forth when I had accepted defeat as Ancid destroyed that circle whereupon my success had balanced. Thirteen, an unlikely number for success, strode into Ancid's domain and only they can tell the tale of their success. They freed Siroccokembar, they freed the children MacDeiss, they freed my now deceased Aubrey, and they freed Devon MacDeiss. They all bear a charm of a unicorn, and all were touched by the spirit of the unicorn they freed, but what I shall remember is that they and many others of equal heart and spirit touched my life and I am the better for it. Thanks unto all of you fine citizens of our great Duchy.

In my last letter to the Raven's Herald, I spoke with the belief that I had been wronged. I was wrong in this belief. As it has been explained in the Raven's Herald, the definition of Obliteration is where I was wrong.

So I hereby ask the forgiveness of the Duchess in the same manner in which I dishonored her word by even suggesting the idea of such into the minds of the citizens of Ravenholt and for doing this I ask the people of Ravenholt the same forgiveness.

His Royal Highness Prince Kevynn Blackfox found me with guilt on the word of his nobles, for those crimes my sentence has been committed. I sincerely hope that with your forgiveness we can put this in the past and that we can all get back to the protection and prosperity of Ravenholt.

PEOPLE OF RAVENHOLT~ Many times your displays of valor and generosity enabled us to show the mettle of our Duchy. Many times I have called on your aid and never have I been disappointed. You have my undying gratitude, and should know that I will always return that aid. Ask and I will give of myself as the need requires and I am able. For your many acts most especially those thankless tasks you welcome, I extend my gratitude.

Alaric Malinruin
Baron of Capulus
Servant of Ravenholt

The small town of Alnwick in the barony of Eastwyck was recently destroyed. According to our sources, the assault was performed by a large force of elementals in an attempt by Skane to kill one of our own local notables, Kestryn Ardaen. She and her husband, former knight of Eastwyck Vastin Ardaen maintain a residence in the formerly peaceful town. It is not known at this time whether the two were in residence when the attack took place. Baroness Ganthe of Eastwyck has announced relief efforts for the displaced citizenry, but details were unavailable at the time of this printing.

BY DECREE OF HIS ROYAL MAJESTY MYKEL II of the Royal House of Endarr, by Sign and by Affirmation the One True King of Evendarr, Lord of All the Lands and of its Several Peoples, Knight Protector of Ancestral Homelands, Lord Guardian of the Waters, Marshal of the Armies, Lord High Admiral of the Navies, Knight Guardian of the Royal Ways, and in concordance with Their Highnesses, the Princess Lillian Rotari, and Princes Kevynn Blackfox and Miles Tegg of the Principalities of Evendarr, We Do Hereby Call Forth All Nobles, Citizens, and People of Good Will to Bear Witness to The Coronation of His Royal Majesty Mykel Andros Willem Lawrance Endarr as King and Liege of the Realm of Evendarr and of All Its Lands and Waters and of All Its Peoples.

This Ceremony shall take place at the 8th Hour after Midnight, in the Royal Plaza in Evendarr City on Midsummer's Day, the 20th Day of June, in the 596th Year of the Realm.

In Honor of Our New King and Liege, a Week of National Celebration and Feasting is Declared.

All Persons are Commanded to Give Ear to this Decree and to Bring Word to Any and All who have not been made Aware.

By The King's Command
On this 30th Day of March
596 Y.R.
Lord Dugan Haversham
Royal Chancellor of
Evendarr

Late Friday evening, a gate exploded within the Tavern opening a portal between Tyrra and a similar place known by its residents as Altyrra. From the other side, a terrible battle blazed between a group of soldiers known as the Crimson Guard and the minions of an army known only as "the Dark Horde." The Crimson Guard, led by General Tamojin were in the last stages of evacuating their world which had fallen to the powers of Chaos and Destruction.

The Crimson Guard had used an artifact they referred to as the Gate Machine to flee the planet and escape the forces of Scourge, General of the Fourth Command. The two generals were said to have been waging war upon each other for centuries, however, the Crimson Guard reported that theirs was a losing battle against powerful Dark Horde minions such as the Stalkers, (Skeletal Mystic Wood Elves) whose gaze alone wrought death and the terrible Dark Hunters whose only weakness was their extreme susceptibility to chaos.

It was clear that the Crimson Guard were users of necromancy, however they only used it when it meant the difference between life and death. They pledged to Sir Alaric who had recently become the Baron of Capulus that they would obey the laws of Ravenholt as long as they stayed.

To the dismay of the Guard and all of Tyrra, General Scourge maintained one of the gate stones necessary to operate the gate machine, and proceeded to send forces randomly upon Tyrra. Reports from as far as the kingdom of King Elenaro of the Quentari elves verified attacks from strange undead and dog-like creatures gating in from elsewhere. Elenaro's forces report success in driving back the dark soldiers from his lands.

Finding all the gate stones and destroying the gate machine seemed hopeless until a restless spirit of one of the Crimson Guardsmen named Tallarian Amberglow arrived, stating that he could not rest until he had finished his quest to recover the last of the gate stones. It seems that recovering these stones was his last order received in life from General Tamojin, and Amberglow refused to fail him, even in death.

Amberglow used his powers to take citizens of Ravenholt to the four corners of the world and far beyond to reclaim the lost gate stones. One particular excursion almost ended in disaster as the party in question were forced to flee from the hail of death spells that the Stalkers rained on them, leaving a member of Cumberland behind. Had it not been for the bravery and fighting prowess of Arracor Stormhaven, Forestlord Ehawk, and Johann of Ribe who went back in alone the damsel from Cumberland surely would have died.

The final gate stone was taken from a minion of Scourge named Lieutenant Husk. Husk, who was half Human, and half Dark Hunter, was assaulted by the entire town. The effort yielded the final gate stone, however, Husk escaped.

The nobles and townsfolk waited for a Celestial alignment that Cap and other astrologers predicted and then mounted a full-scale assault upon Blood Keep on Altyrra. In the brilliant battle, three lives were lost. Baron Derek Northridge fell behind the lines and perished, although his spirit managed to find the gate back to Tyrra for resurrection. The other two losses were General Tamojin of the Crimson Guard, and his personal Healer, Nicholas. The gate machine required a key that would allow for more time to escape, however all efforts to obtain it failed. In an act of self-sacrifice, Nicholas continued to look for the key while the general used his powerful sword named defender to short the power of the gate machine allowing enough time for the people of Ravenholt to escape back to their world. the remaining guardsmen, Raven and Whiteclaw inducted Arick of the Dragon and Pawn as a fellow guardsman and vowed to serve as protectors of Ravenholt. With the destruction of the gate machine, the threat of invasion from Scourge's forces has ended, although it seems that Scourge was already in league with a Tyrran that went by the name "Dark Master."

Little is known about this Dark Master, however he is considered to be extremely dangerous.

TO ALL THOSE SWORN TO THE ORDER OF THE DIAMOND CROSS. Be aware that I no longer hold you to your oaths. I have tried to find you to inform you personally, but have been unable to do so. Contact me at a gathering if you wish to discuss this.
~ Vandal Ravensblood.

HEALER'S GUILD SEEKING COMPONENTS
The Ravenholt Healer's Guild is interested in acquiring most any ritual component that may be available. The guild is offering an average of 1.5 gold for most common components, and 2 gold for common power components.

The Guild serves the greater good of Ravenholt, and any components that we receive are used to those ends, not for personal gains. Any help in this regard would be greatly appreciated.
~Kendrick
Guildmaster
Ravenholt Healer's Guild