On the second day of September, a large group of prominent Ravenholt citizens including many of the Duchy's high nobility vanished and has not been heard from since. Their disappearance is currently assumed to be the work of Nikijo, a powerful and evil being who first appeared in Ravenholt in July 595.

Nikijo, Morpheus' predecessor as the Icon of Dream, and now a corrupted being of Nightmare, menaced Ravenholt last year with a large group of powerful death knight minions with unique powers. He was believed to be defeated at the time, though he threatened to return before he was cut down. There was no evidence that his defeat was only temporary until very recently.

On the evening of Sunday September 1, a member of a group dedicated to Order called the Joyous Guard came to Ravenholt seeking aid from Duke Andros and Duchess Alexa. He brought the news that Sir Colta, one of Nikijo's high minions was in danger of taking over and corrupting the Joyous Guard and requested a group of fifty people to help him defeat the death knight before it was too late.

Many brave and formidable townsfolk rallied to his call. Among these missing heroes were Duchess Alexa, Countess Altair, Count Gaereth, Baron Northridge, Baron Alaric, Forestlord Ehawk, Viscount Daramor, and much of the noble courts of Dragonshire, Arkham, Westmarch, Capulus, Anvil, The MacHines of the Baljar Gypsies, Tristemere of the Mage's Guild, and several other prominent and worthy citizens. This impressive fighting force left on Monday morning through a gate to challenge Colta, and there has been no sign of them since that moment. Their spirits have not appeared for resurrection, and all attempts to find or communicate with them have been baffled. Baroness Ganthe and her court of Eastwyck left town shortly beforehand, along with Stormwatch in a separate quest to try to regain a cup that would be of aid in protecting the Joyous Guard, and they have not been heard of either.

Those noble remaining have been distributed across the duchy to help keep things running. Dame Quin is watching Arkham, and Viscount Anduras is covering Dragonshire. Fast riders were dispatched as soon as it became apparent that the group would not return, three heading south, one west, and one north. No news has been recovered of the whereabouts of the vanished warriors, however.

With the loss of the Duchess, both Counts, and three out of four Barons, along with most of their courts, and many of the Duchy's most prominent commoners, the seat of the Duchy has been left reeling. The people of Ravenholt can only wait and hope for their safe return.

For a long time, Ravenholt has been plagued by a strange affliction known as the blight, a kind of poisoning of the land itself. Late this August, it was finally dealt a strong blow, of not defeated altogether.

Forestlord Ehawk learned from a unicorn of a ritual that might cure the blight. It required eight people to bury kingsilver around the heart of the blight while Ehawk himself focused his unicorn powers in an attempt to repress the blight so that it could not interfere with the ritual. Because it was vital that the people involved in the ritual not be disrupted while it was in process, a large number of townsfolk accompanied them to guard them from the minions of the blight.

As soon as they reached the blight, Azamar, Madame Zara, Ember, Archer, Sorrow, Arick, Baron Derek Northridge, and Gabriel Wolvestride took up positions around the blight and prepared to bury the kingsilver, while Ehawk entered the center of the blight itself. Immediately upon the ritual's commencement, the group was assailed by countless blight minions. Waves of raw chaos poured out of the blight's center at the ritual casters as well, doing them grievous damage. In the center a repulsive chaotic blackness began slowly engulfing Ehawk, despite his struggles with it. Tristemere Mirabad was observed drawing some of these waves of Chaos onto herself, and rather than harming her, the chaos seemed to lend her supernatural fortitude.

Jatrina Sartosa joined Ehawk in the center of the blight, to help him resist it with her Stone Elven mind powers, but well into the ritual they were attacked by a berserk towns person, and the two of them were thrown out of the blight, blasted and unconscious. The horn that was the mark of Ehawk's unicorn powers was gone, exploded into a bloody pulp.

Calico took Ehawk's place in the center, as she had powers similar to Ehawk's.

At the end of the ritual, rather than the blight abating, the attacking creatures were replaced by strange spectral draconian creatures which continued the assault. At this point Gabriel Wolvestride of Stormwatch sensed through his Wild Elven instincts that a life must be sacrificed to the blight in order to destroy it. He threw himself into the center of the Blight and was consumed.

Gabriel's body was discovered shortly thereafter by Thorondar Darkthunder, near Ehawk's unicorn pool, unconscious. Upon awakening, he reported having visions of a spectral dragon. These visions and the creatures that appeared at the end of the ritual seem to imply that the blight was somehow connected to or powered by this unknown Draconic creature, but nothing is known for certain at this time.

The blight has vanished entirely from the area around Ravenholt thanks to the bravery and sacrifices of these people. However, it is still active in the Ice Valley, where Wild Elven tribes are banding together to combat it.

During the last weekend in August, the clockwork creations of the madman known as the Tinkerer came to Ravenholt with the Tinkerer's newest and greatest creation, Harbinger. The mechanical creatures, commonly known as Tic-tocks, set up a carnival with various challenges where citizens might earn passes to the Tinkerer's workshop. The Tinkerer felt that Harbinger represented his final mastery of the art of tinkering and now wanted to take apprentices that he might pass on his knowledge. Those who he admitted to his workshop might be offered the opportunity to become his apprentices as well.

The Tinkerer, however, never had the chance to meet those who won his challenges. When a group of townsfolk including Random, Cynesra, Johann, Talin, Kain and Dougan was escorted to the Tinkerer’s workshop by some of his greater clockworks, they found the place aflame, with the smashed bodies of clockworks littering the ground. The group entered the building despite warnings that it was rigged to explode. They managed to rescue a badly damaged Lucien, a clockwork who is well known to Ravenholt.

From Lucien's account of what happened, and other sources, it seems that Harbinger revolted against the Tinkerer, and took over the leadership of the tic-tocks. Harbinger's violence ended there and he and the other clockworks supposedly wanted only peace with humanity, however a group calling itself "the Blood Alliance" attacked them and caused much of the destruction in the workshop. The Blood Alliance is a group of humans who harbor grudges against Tic-tocks for their past assault on Ravenholt; many of them suffered personally at their hands, or lost loved ones to the clockwork's attack. One member who would not state his name urges that the people of Ravenholt crush this menace before it is too late. He also points out that it was only four years ago that the clockworks assaulted the town of Ravenholt.

The night after Harbinger's rebellion, the clockwork known as Chronos returned to Ravenholt with obvious modifications making him more combat capable, and told the townsfolk that Harbinger had a message for the people of Ravenholt. A large group followed him to where many tic-tocks were laboring industriously in some unknown project. There an image of Harbinger appeared to them to announce that he had absorbed the Tinkerer's knowledge and made himself ruler of the Clockworks, but that he meant no harm to the people of Ravenholt, and wished to live in peace. The people of Ravenholt can only hope that his warlike preparations were meant as a means of defense only and that his desire for peace is sincere.

The exact fate of the Tinkerer remains unknown at this time, as do many details about Harbinger and why he rebelled against his creator. Document pertaining to the Tinkerer's research are being examined for more information.

This August, Ravenholt won a major victory in Capulus over the Sessuar. The looming threat of Sessuar invasion has been in the minds of virtually every citizen of Evendarr for some time, but now the people of Ravenholt can breathe a little easier after this heartening victory.

The forces of Capulus clashed at sea with those of the Imperium, and at first things did not bode well as the Sessuar mages summoned a mighty storm against the Capulan fleets. But the destabilization of magicks around Ravenholt actually did our Duchy a good turn as it interfered with the Sessuar weather control and their storm suddenly blew away. With help from other groups of Ravenholt warriors, the Capulans were able to defeat the Sessuar forces soundly.

The Sessuar themselves possess many strange abilities, such as resistance to certain magical and alchemical attacks. Despite strong and creative efforts, the forces of Ravenholt were unable to take any actual free Sessuar captive, as once they were subdued, they inexplicably died and crumbled to dust before they could be questioned. Even attempts to gain information form waylaid Sessuar through the mind powers of Stone Elves and Biata triggered this strange suicide reaction, which may be due to a ritual effect.

The Raven's Herald sources tell us that Baron Alaric Malinruin of Capulus was able to capture one of the gates that the Sessuar use to bring through their flying fortresses. How the Duchy will be able to use this prize is unclear, but it certainly represents a major coup.

Baron Alaric presented his victory declaration before the King at the beginning of the Noble's Tournament. He expressed his gratitude to the non-Capulan forces of Ravenholt that aided him in the battle and claimed that victory would not have been possible without them.

In Mid-August, Ravenholt was suddenly inundated with strange, wraith-like creatures of Shadow, bone, and blood. They came heralded by Thorick Ironcall of the Order of the White Raven, who warned that they had escaped an old confinement and were loose in the area.

The wraiths had originally been discovered by Duke Basil Ravenhurst when he first came to the land that would become Ravenholt. He sent elite troops armed with weapons of purpose to dispatch them, but they were only able to drive them back and confine them in a cave with a Proscribe ritual versus undead. This proscribe was evidently destroyed by the magical shock wave that recently hit the Duchy, and the creatures were freed to wreak havoc upon the land.

The wraiths proved difficult foes for even the battle-hardened people of Ravenholt, largely because of the powerful Shadow Wraiths that led them. They launched into a berserker frenzy when they were severely damaged, swinging very powerful blows and requiring a fighter's strongest blow or a spell of at least Lightning Storm strength to harm them. They could infest the shadows of people they had brought down upon the field. They later emerged from the shadows of effected citizens in large numbers while they were resting in their homes, enveloping entire buildings in their darkness and causing much destruction.

In order to defeat the wraiths, first it was necessary to understand them. Many brave citizens ventured into a cave where they found themselves reliving an ancient battle. From what they witnessed, and from other clues, they were able to piece together the events that had created the wraiths.

A hundred years ago, Cecil ‘Swordhand’ Eastwyck came to quell goblin hostilities in this area. A small goblin tribe offered to make a truce, and Cecil sent a contingent to meet with them in a cave near modern-day Ravenholt. However it turned out to be a trap engineered by a rebel Nimani lord, and Cecil's people were all slaughtered. The carnage was made complete by some traitors in Cecil's own regiment who prevented them from leaving the cave and escaping. Before the sergeant in charge of the doomed contingent fell, he laid a curse with his last breath that none of their spirits would rest until the land was conquered for his liege. The violent wraiths overrunning Ravenholt were the twisted remnants of these once proud souls.

In order to lay the wraiths to rest and remove their menace to the peace of Ravenholt, it was necessary to recover the twelve weapons of purpose originally wielded by Basil's troops to drive the wraiths back. Several groups of adventurers organized by Squire Bailiwick Stormhaven of Eastwyck descended into a series of caves to retrieve them.

Once the weapons had been recovered, their wielders named them and dedicated them in a ritual powered by hundreds of crystal essences gained from slain wraiths that had been gathered together by Lady Quin of the Ducal Household. The Raven’s Herald was unable to gain a full list of all the twelve heroes who wielded the weapons of purpose, but they included Duchess Alexa, Arracor Stormhaven of Anvil, Bosk Wolffe of Dragonshire, Borax of Stormwatch, Ethelred, Sir Grim of the Ducal Household, Houlie MacHine of the Baljar gypsies, and Malace of Eastwyck.

All that remained was for these weapons to be brought to battle, an a full host of warriors of Ravenholt joined them in returning to the cave where the original betrayal took place a century ago. There, through the agency of more of the crystal essences, they fought the same battle that Cecil's men had lost, facing hordes of rebel Nimani. This time, however, they were victorious, and with the winning of the battle, the wraiths were laid to rest.

During the visit of King Mykel, two beings known as the Lord of Rot, and the Lord of the Horn came to Ravenholt as well. The two were diametrically opposed, with the Lord of the Horn a being of growth, and the Lord of Rot one of decay. The Lord of Rot brought minions to town as well, creatures that attacked the townsfolk with claws that carried a wasting disease.

The two beings were apparently not the elemental Icons that the folk of Ravenholt have grown used to but rather were created by the people's beliefs. They contested for certain items, such as the Window of the Soul, and the Gate of the Sky, which would give them a certain mount of control over the land of Ravenholt. Several groups of townsfolk aided the Lord of the Horn in obtaining these items so that they would not fall into the hands of the Lord of Rot.

To show his gratitude for the aid that the people of Ravenholt had given him, at the end of the Noble's Tournament the Lord of the Horn offered a bountiful harvest to the much beleaguered fields of Eastwyck. The tourney winning Barony gratefully accepted this boon as the greater of the two prizes they received that day.

Recently a group including Countess Altair, Baroness Ganthe, and some of the courts of Dragonshire and Eastwyck managed to penetrate the lair of the man calling himself the Dark Master. The Dark Master himself is still at large, but now a great deal more is known about this enemy of Ravenholt.

The Dark Master first appeared in Ravenholt in June, at the same time that the gate to Altyrra was causing havoc in town. He was arrested for treason at this time, due to his stated goal of having dominion over Ravenholt. The source of his powers remains a mystery.

Ulrich, who is one of several townspeople who have been marked by the Dark Master, and are susceptible to his control, found a way to reach the Dark Master's stronghold and led the courts of Dragonshire and Eastwyck there through a swirling mist. After fighting their way through waves of monster minions, they found the Dark Master himself within the protection of a power circle.

Countess Altair and Baroness Ganthe spoke to him for a while, but due to his power circle, they were unable to bring him in for justice. Countess Altair, however, was able to obtain his cloak, which allowed the group to pass through the ward on his door.

After fighting their way through more minions, the group found their way out again through the mist that surrounded the stronghold. While traveling through this fog, some of them saw the faces of long dead friends and family before them. The nature of these visions is uncertain.

Squire Bailiwick Stormhaven, one of those who accompanied Ulrich to the Dark Master's lair, said that the Dark Master was a "mage of such epic proportions that he can no longer handle anything resembling a weapon, as it will turn on him - even a butter knife!" No magic affects him, whether spells or magical weapons, with the possible exception of a dispel magic. Normal and silver weapons, however, apparently have full effect. How he gained such strange powers is unknown.

Your input is needed on the important task of determining the sexiest men in Ravenholt.

We want your list (in order) of who you think are the top ten sexiest men in Ravenholt.

(Sign your name please, just so we can be certain that no one is voting multiple times to tip the balance!)

Please send your submissions to Lily of the Valley, care of the Raven's Herald. Winners will be reported when the final list is tabulated.

The Nobles' Tourney of 596 took place during the visit of King Mykel, and the competition was especially intense as the noble courts strove to outdo one another under the royal eye. The Barony of Eastwyck came in first place, with Capulus finishing second, and Dragonshire and Westmarch were tied for a close third. The court of Arkham did not participate, but rather took the duty of helping run the tournament and guarding King Mykel. Baron Grog Mardigan of Cumberland and his court were absent from Ravenholt during the King's visit and the Tourney.

The quality and closeness of the competition was obvious from the very beginning of the tourney, as all four courts made an impressive showing in Colors. Capulus took first place, though it was a difficult decision for the judges when all the teams acquitted themselves so well. The Entertainment was also close, but was won by Westmarch with their controversial but very humorous skit that poked fun at Dark Elves, the court of Eastwyck, and the Duke himself.

The combat competition proved very unusual. Some of the courts fielded scholars, such as Baron Alaric and Baroness Ganthe as part of their three person combat team, and despite their lack of special proficiency with weapons they proved canny fighters and difficult opponents. Baron Northridge, however, represented Westmarch by himself, as no one else on his new and small court was particularly skilled in arms. He defeated the teams of Capulus and Eastwyck one at a time, and the combined team of Dragonshire all at once to take first place in the combat tourney in an impressive display of skill.

Eastwyck took the spell casting tourney thanks to their talented Sarr duo of Malace and Mastorium. They also won the Hunt with help from Stormwatch, the winners of the 596 Commoner's Tourney. Dragonshire won riddles, which were reinstated into the tournament this year after several tourneys without them. The competition was very close for the entire tourney, with all four teams finishing within three points of each other at the end.

During the King's visit, several nobles took the opportunity to make new nobles or to re-swear old oaths in the presence of King Mykel. Duchess Alexa made Aleena Endicott Enfield her personal squire in a brief but touching ceremony in which the strong friendship between the two women was clearly apparent. The nobles of Capulus re-swore their oaths to Baron Alaric, and the King himself received their oaths in Alaric's name. Sir Victdar of Eastwyck also made Mastorium of Eastwyck his squire, claiming that he expected that the former Westmarch Lord would teach him more about being nobility than he could ever hope to teach Story. Count Gaereth also made three knights of Arkham before the king, including Duggin the Dwarf. Unfortunately the Raven's Herald was unable to learn the full names of these three knights; they will be announced and congratulated in the next issue.

During the last weekend in August, and the first few days of September, an unusual number of Rifts appeared in Ravenholt. On Friday night, they appeared briefly in the woods with great frequency. Later that weekend, other rifts opened on the field, admitting various entities. It is uncertain whether the two sets of rifts were connected in any way.

The Rifts Friday night were very brief and unstable, and townsfolk who saw them reported that their far sides often shoed the same surroundings they stood in, but in different seasons. The rifts seem to be connected to a time effect of some kind in which many time streams are briefly intersecting with each other. It is believed that these strange effects may be connected to the elemental lord Skane, who recently was active in the Stone Wood and may now be attempting to gain control of the element of Time.

The rifts that occurred later were very different in both their patterns of appearance and in their apparent purpose. Nothing was seen to emerge from the rifts that occurred in the woods on Friday night, but at least some of the rifts on the field were deliberate passages for single entities. One admitted an undead double of Count Gaereth from the alternate world of Holmsong, who searched for Sir Grim. Another unleashed a Pantherghast that searched for Daramor, which caused great mayhem upon the field until it was dispatched by the local elves. Lady Chaos also rifted into town at least once, seeking Squire Bailiwick Stormhaven of Eastwyck to call in a debt. It seems highly unlikely that these rifts were connected to the former ones, though they may be connected to each other. At least some of these appearances were associated with the delivery of messages to prominent citizens which exploded in a flash of fire of anyone but the one to whom they were addressed tried to read them.

Capulus is a very difficult barony to rule, both because of its past history, and its current problems. But the new Baron, Alaric Malinruin feels that he is up to the challenge. He assumed the rule of Capulus this spring, after former Baron Vandal Ravensblood stepped down. Alaric is no stranger to leadership, however, having been a knight on various courts, the founder and leader of Anvil, and a Baron of Eastwyck before this most recent appointment. Baron Alaric must face among other things, the Curse of Capulus, the shadow of its infamous former barons, and possible Sessuar invasion.

However, Baron Alaric told the Raven's Herald that for him, the greatest challenge comes from the people of Capulus. "most severe of all challenges is teaching the people the proper means by which they should be governed. The people have learned the lessons of the Montesque and Sagramore lines that rule is by a dark and oppressive force. They fear their leaders, and fear is not the means by which I wish to rule, nor is it the most effective. "

Baron Alaric expressed gratitude and admiration for former Baron Vandal and the court he left to his successor. He called Vandal "An excellent leader who made great strides in a very difficult position. Not just in changing the villainous rule of the previous Barons, but doing so while maintaining the strength that has been the hallmark of this barony." He also spoke in glowing terms of the court that Vandal had assembled, which he has maintained intact.

Though optimistic, Baron Alaric is very aware of the challenges and difficulties that he faces. He admitted to being worried about the Curse, though he is certain that he can defeat it, with his experience in defeating the Curse of Rosharryh, and with the help that Vandal has already given him.

When asked about his notorious predecessors, the Baron replied, "Sagramore has long been my enemy, and I have long been his. It does not change with my being Baron of Capulus....We will find his weakness and exploit that to see his end. His rule here is over, and I am Baron of Capulus."

Baron Alaric plans to strengthen Capulus through peaceful methods, such as trade and alliances with their neighbors. He hopes to increase the confidence of the Capulan people in the possibility of prosperity under benevolent rule. The Baron stated that "It will take time for the people to understand, but my leadership and the strength of the fine court which remains from Vandal will advance Capulus in military strength, commerce, and unity, while they see that we do not have dark secrets hidden from them."

For some time now, Ravenholt has been caught up in a game played largely by Elemental Icons, and other beings of similar power to gain the vacant post of Elemental Lord of Death, formerly held by Guxx Unfadoo. This August, the game continues, but apparently there is a new player.

Several of the powerful beings trying for the Seat of Death appeared in town seeking people to try for another piece of the seat, and even they were worried about this new player. Not even the Icons playing this game seem to know who the new player is, a fact unusual and frightening in itself. However they are certain that he or she has already gained at least two pieces, and this mystery player has also apparently somehow "gotten rid of" Rex, Guxx's general, and a being of phenomenal power. It is uncertain whether Rex was destroyed, or merely removed from the game in some way.

Speculations as to the identity of the new player run wild. Some have guessed that it may be Darin Darkcloud, Jatrina has suggested that it may be Primus, as having been slain himself, he has an interest in seeing that the seat does not fall to anyone else. The astrological portents forecast only ill from their arrival. However there is virtually nothing in the way of solid evidence; this new and dangerous player remains a mystery.

THE RAVEN'S HERALD CONGRATULATES CHASTITY FAITH VALDERGUARD AND GABRIEL ELIJAH WOLVESTRIDE ON THEIR MARRIAGE at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday Aug 10th 596

May their happiness grow through the years, to be exceeded only by their love.

Citizens of Ravenholt: I make a plea for your understanding. For decades, the Tinkerer has subjugated the clockwork people under his rule and under his control. This time is at an end. I have taken the Tinkerer’s knowledge and will put it to good use to see that our two peoples can live in peace with each other. I and what is left of the Tinkerer have merged to become one great being of higher understanding. His mortal death serves as a trophy to the clockworks for decades of oppression. I simply ask that you allow us to exist in peace. We do not wish any ...Unpleasant confrontations. Until we meet again...Harbinger, King of Clockworks.

To the Barony of Eastwyck,
Great job in winning the tournament. I know how much work it is. I heard your team really excelled.. ~ Arracor

Congratulations to Gabriel and Chastity. May your happiness last forever.
~ Arracor and Anvil

To all who came to the wedding: Thank you one and all. It wouldn’t have been the day it was if we were not surrounded by our friends.
~ Gabriel and Chastity Wolvestride

To Derek Northridge: I have heard about your impressive showing in the fighting tournament. Congratulations on what must have been an excellent job. ~ Arracor

Broce: You're slipping. The last play was funnier. We'll still give you two points anyway, but the obliteration still puts us ahead. Come to Ravenholt; we'd love to offer constructive criticism..
~Kestryn and Cynesra

On June 16th 596 Logan of Barrymoore assumed the duties of Ducal sheriff of Ravenholt. The post had become vacant with the ennobling of the former Sheriff, Baron Alaric Malinruin. Logan's appointment was sanctioned by Duchess Alexa and Lord Magistrate Ezariah MacHine.

Sheriff Logan is currently assisted by a group called Omega, with whom he was seen traveling about town this August. The Raven's Herald wishes him luck in his new and difficult post.

As of this issue, Lorel Westglade is assuming duties of Editor-in-chief of the Raven's Herald. While she intends to make some changes, Lorel assures us that submissions from the people of Ravenholt will always be welcome in this newspaper.

"In the past it has always been the submissions from the people that made the Raven's Herald really exciting ," the new editor said. Letters to the Editor, Public notices, and the like make the Herald a sort of public forum rather than a mere bearer of news, or a scandal sheet."

The new editor also wishes her readers to know that it is her intention to present nothing but the true facts as news in the Raven's Herald. If you notice any inaccuracies, oversights or other errors in this newspaper, it is because the staff was misinformed, not because of any malicious intent to print falsehood. Please report any such errors to the Raven's Herald so that a correction notice can be run in the next issue.

Even while the wraiths of his soldiers ravaged Ravenholt, Cecil "Swordhand" Eastwyck's past continued to affect our present in other ways as well. The spirit of the first baron of Eastwyck returned to Ravenholt in May to seek the current court of Eastwyck, and ask for their aid. This August they were able to make progress in fulfilling his pleas for help.

When Cecil Eastwyck had won the land that became his barony from the barbarians during the Goblin Wars, the Barbarians killed his family in vengeance. A barbarian spellcaster named Greywhisper trapped their spirits somehow, and even after his death, they have remained in torment to this day. Cecil's spirit came to Ravenholt seeking help in releasing them, but only certain people were able to see or interact with him:the current court of Eastwyck, Naeryck Northridge, Jatrina Sartosa, and Houlie, Ezariah, and Stack-o-lee MacHine, whose ancestor Waylan MacHine fought with Cecil in the wars.

In order to help Cecil and his family, it was necessary to retrieve several items associated with them. The first necessary item was the staff of Greywhisper. which was recovered successfully. Progress has been made towards the next step, but the quest to free the deceased Baron's family is not yet complete.

Braughm-Raor, Blackstone, Festivities abounded in this great city , the capitol of County Blackstone and the largest seaport in the Kingdom, as King Mykel Endarr II and a delegation from the Royal capital arrived to begin the first of the royal processionals- Grand tours of the Kingdom of Evendarr by His Majesty and the Court.

His Majesty was escorted from Evendarr City by an Honor guard from the Principality of the Heart led by Prince Kevynn Blackfox, where crowds of well-wishers along the Blackstone Road greeted the entourage with cheers, banners, and cascades of flowers. They arrived in Braughm Raor on the afternoon of August 15th, where they were met by Princess Crissea-a native of the port city as well as by members of the Royal Navy whose headquarters are located here. The King entered the city to a wildly cheering throng, as the Royal company was made the guest of the principality and the county. A Day of Feasting was declared, and the celebrations lasted long into the evening as His Majesty attended several balls and soirees held in his honor. The following morning the king toured the facilities of the royal naval academy, where he inspected the troops and equipment and was given an enthusiastic demonstration of weaponry, tactics, and skills.

He then embarked upon the R.N.E Queen Lorelei the magnificent flagship of the royal squadron commanded by high admiral Ruyven Silkstone, the newest and finest addition to the royal navy under its modernization program. In addition the first fleet, based out of Braughm-Raor and commanded by Adm. Hendrik Jarman will accompany the Crown Squadron. It will be joined at Port Jaskara by the Command Squadron if the 2nd Fleet, Prince Kevynn's former command, now headed by Adm. Luther Pieters. It is rumored that the royal retinue will also be met at Port Jaskara by a contingent of wizards from the Royal Academy at Janitria, all necessary precautions in the face of the alert against Sessuar invasion that has been in place for the past few months.

The first Royal visits will focus upon the coastal territories of the North, those lands which lie under the greatest invasion threat. the King will debark first at Port Jaskara, where he will visit Saxony Keep. There, together with Duchess Jane Monay, he will formally dedicate the memorial to his late Queen and son as wwell as pay his courtesies to the recovering Baroness Acadia Landsheim. He will also inspect the rebuilding if the damage in the town caused by the Sessuar invasion,

His Majesty will then proceed to Daven, Rotaria to consult with Princess Lillian Rotari, and Duke Morten Sarten on several matters including coastal defenses, From there he will embark for Sercia, in Ravenholt where he will preside over a royal tournament of nobles in early September.

The brave adventuring band known as the Pyx were hailed as heroes after the rescue of twenty slaves from a hidden and illegal mine in the Anymdin Mountains. After a difficult and vicious battle against a dozen well trained soldiers in the mine complex, the Pyx successfully liberated their charges. Nine enemy troops were killed, although two lieutenants escaped with their leader, Delancy Vidar. "Got'em good!" one of the rescued slaves exulted in praise of the heroes. "Fightin' in yer mine here ain't no apple-pickin' party, Them scum wuz got an' got right. Too bad a few made it out.. "Several of the rescued prisoners required healing, though none needed resurrection.

Papers uncovered at the site revealed Vidar's superior as Lord Tyree Je'Dosian a noble in the service of the Baron of Jennith, Niman. A spokes person for the Voltan court has reported that Duke Adrick Voltan is launching a full scale investigation, swearing to put an end to this business.

ABAEROTH, PRINCIPALITY OF GREENMARCHE A source at the Court of Princess Lillian Rotari has at last confirmed a report that the Quentari island city of Tolereb had been blockaded from the 8th to the 13th of August, but has vehemently denied that any such action was either known to, or sanctioned by, Her Highness or the Niman court. "The Princess is herself a native Quentari," the source exclaimed. "Why would she order, or even tolerate, such a dastardly attack upon her own homeland or its people? The mere suggestion is repulsive, and brooks not even a hint if credibility. We are as mystified as the Quentari themselves, and we have no reason to believe that His Grace the Duke would countenance such a provocation against our allies. "

Although citizens of Tolereb allegedly confirmed that the ships bore Niman colors and troops, when Quentari vessels arrived to break the blockade, their crews witnessed seven Nimani ships at full sail in pursuit of what are believed to be the original fleet. No lives were lost and Tolereb has been fully restored,, A formal protest form the court of Quentari is expected soon.