Earky this October many citizens of Ravenholt traveled to Padash, a Sarr settlement in Quentari at the request of King Elenaro. Their goal was to somehow bind or defeat Tarloff Ghosthand , and evil being who brought great chaos and disturbance to Volta last year. Our correspondents have not yet returned from Quentari to bring a full report of what occurred there, but partial reports have begun to trickle in.

Apparently, the travelers from Ravenholt joined with the locals and with warriors and heroes of many other lands of Evendarr and beyond in quests to obtain some great weapon which King Elenaro identified as being both useful against the Ghosthand and somehow available in the area. Bands of adventurers went on quests into ancient ruins in the middle of the town, called there by spirits who guarded the various pieces of the weapon that could defeat Tarloff. These quests each examined a characteristic of those who went on them, such as Fear or Regret.

Other travelers went on Dream-quests to gather information on the Ghosthand, still more delved through piles of paperwork gleaned from local libraries and other sources in a desperate search for clues.

Finally the weapon was assembled, and Duke Adric Voltan and Prince Kevynn Blackfox bore it away to King Mykel so that it could be wielded against Tarloff in the spring. The Ghosthand is apparently currently bound somewhere in the mountains of Volta, and heavy snows make it impossible to face this foe until warmer weather.

The gathered defenders of Tyrra finally performed a strange ritual using old magicks that relied more on the heart and will than on studied lore and techniques. They summoned four elementals who in turn gave rise to a being of Tyrra itself, who granted them information on Ghosthand and how he could be defeated. Some of this information seems to point to Vanira, a powerful elven woman who has helped the defenders of Tyrra in the past as a source of aid against this dark foe.

A young girl named Little Frita was found wandering around the Vikindran Town of Hunter's Isle during preparations for the Harvest Festival this September. She could not find her home. She was found to be correct, but she was not lost, -the village was.

It was found out that a ritual was performed to protect the village, and instead of the desired effect, the whole village disappeared. Several attempts were made to go and retrieve bits of the ritual, and the successful adventurers found themselves in a game with Spirits who were protecting the village. The adventurers determined that they had to place Enchanted Staves in the village square, but as they attempted to do this, these spirit protectors would attempt to remove the staves and hide them. After some time, the actions of two men became critical to the adventurers success. Random Precision and Calvin Littlefield stood their ground and through their actions to protect the staves, the adventurers succeeded and the village was returned to its normal state. At this, the novice ritual caster whose ritual had flawed, vowed never to cast formal magicks again.

During the harvest festival on Hunter's Isle, Lady Torra, a much respected Elder and high Healer among the Vikindra vanished from her home along with her permanent earth circle.

The details are undetermined, but left behind where the earth circle was located, was a gate comprised of pure Chaos. Numerous forms of undead overwhelmed the island as they poured forth from the gate. Only through the quick-witted actions of those present was the flood of undead brought to bay.

It was then discovered that a small portal appeared near the chaotic gateway. Rising to the challenge Viscount Daramor leapt into the portal followed closely by Sir Zeyr, Kuma, Squire Bailiwick, and several others before the portal closed behind them.

This group of brave and noble citizens found themselves in the heart of the Necropolis. Although it was populated by numerous undead, none attacked the group. They found themselves greeted by an undead answering to the name, "The Captain". The group of heroes attempted to destroy the abomination, but after the first assault which seemed not to affect it, the captain drew his blade. All at once a deafening screaming was heard by all and a series of chantings and mutterings came from the vicinity of the dreaded blade. The Captain then asked the group to parley instead of attacking. After moments of discussion the heroes determined two things, the first of which was that the disappearance of lady Torra was actually a side-effect of the workings of the Necropolis.

It seems that the necropolis was scouting out a recently uncovered Earth node of great power. While attempting to harness its power, another entity was attempting to repair the problem at the same time. Apparently Lady Torra was affected by the battling entities.

The second thing the group determined was that the only way back was through the necropolis' chaotic gateway. The Captain warned that any who attempted this path would most likely become corrupted undead minions. No information is currently available regarding those who were forced into escaping in this sinister means.

Through the talented actions of Cynthia and the Dragonshire Court, the writings on the glyphs that were on all of the structures of the Vikindra town on Hunter's Island were deciphered. They named the Lost City and its spirit guardians as the cause of the disappearance of Lady Torra, and the entity at work that was trying to defeat the necropolis by protecting the earth node.

Arkham County found the first way to seal and protect the earth node. After several hours of torturous and mind deadening puzzles and riddles, the Arkham group found the first of the chaotic life-draining magicks placed against the earth node. Sir Dougan is to be especially remembered for his selflessness in diving into the chaotic life draining magicks and purifying them with a potent rune and his own life energies. Through his actions, he strengthened the earth node by negating the chaotic magicks.

The second time the spirit guardians of the Lost City appeared they brought a group from the various lands of Ravenholt to battle many undead creatures to find the lair of the second hideous chaotic life draining magicks, Sir Zeyr willingly sacrificed his life energies, and together with another potent rune was successful in purifying and strengthening the earth node and sealing it from the evils of the necropolis.

When and where the next spirit guardian will appear, for everything learned from the writings on the glyphs and the words of the guardians themselves spoke of things to be done in groups of three.

Early reports from the large gathering of heroes in Quentari tell of a Pantherghast loosed on the Elven kingdom.

Many Ravenholt citizens involved in a mission to spy on a vampire who may have been a minion of Tarloff saw the creature, which seemed to be under the control of the undead that laired in the place.

Though it was attacked fiercely by Ravenholt's own Nomad, Kestryn Ardaen, and Yuri, the creature escaped into the woods. It was extremely powerful, even for one of these dreaded hunters.

No Ravenholt citizen has reported seeing it again before leaving the gathering, though one local elf resurrected after being obliterated at its claws. It is assumed that in a nation of powerful elves like Quentari, the creature will not last long.

The recent Festival on Hunter's Isle, hosted by the Vikindra, was rudely disrupted and subsequently forced to be canceled by marauding Sessuar. As the festivities began on Friday evening, several Sessuar ships were seen in the vicinity, and several groups were sent out to dispatch the problem. Two of the scout ships were sunk with the loss of all Sessuar on board. Among those who were sent were members of Capulus, the Funeral Parlor, Arkham, and others. During these raids, valuable information of a secret nature was discovered, and due to the talents of Dame Quin, the codes were soon broken.

The following day, in apparent retribution for the attacks of the ships, the Sessuar fiercely attacked from several fronts simultaneously. Two of these attack fronts were successfully defeated by the combined efforts of Ravenholt visitors and Vikindra forces. One group suffered near total defeat when they found themselves trapped on the other side of a Sessuar supply gate.(See last month's Raven's Herald)

Although exact numbers were not determined, it is believed that six Sessuar scout ships and one flagship were destroyed during the battles. Perhaps as a response to their overwhelming defeat, all Sessuar on Hunter's Isle have vanished. No location was ever found for the Sessuar jump gate, but it is rumored to still be active. No new reports have been received by the time of this printing.

As leader of the Vikindra, I extend thanks to all who came to stand with us against the Sessuar. Those who fought with us showed bravery and skill which rivals our own fierceness. Our common cause forged us into a mighty power for the cause of Glory against our nemesis. I hope that the bonds made here will remain as a bridge of hope and prosperity for our two peoples from this time forward. Thank You Friends.
- Jarl RatabJak Veklok

Whiteback, I wish to publicly apologize to you for setting you up as a play-toy for the Vikindra children. I apologize for any humiliation and /or embarrassment you may have suffered. Sorry- Blue

My admiration and thanks go to the squires of Eastwyck for their outstanding service to the court during our stay in Padash. Each of you performed exactly as I expected-with individuality and resourcefulness. Meet me in Sercia for your next challenge. -The Baroness.

Congratulations to Squire Kyril and Squire Harold of Eastwyck. The court proudly looks forward to the peace and prosperity that your future leadership will bring. -The Baroness

To all the Vikindra Children who were in my care, I'm sorry if you got in trouble for playing with Whiteback. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think you did very well. Thank you for helping me with the practical joke. -Blue

I wish to publicly thank everyone who helped me acquire the ritual components I needed in order to purify my Quentari blood. I especially wish to thank Kendrick for identifying every bit of dirt and debris I brought to him. Thank you all so much; my debt to all of you can never be fully repaid.
-Zanthia Sylvera Pheonixsong
Proud Quentari

The Raven's Herald would like to remind its readers that there is a 75 word limit on Public Notices. Notices in excess of this limit will not be published.

Word has just been received from Capulus that the port city of Sercia has been subjected to a strange effect that has apparently emptied it of its population.

Witnesses including a captured Sessuar agent reported seeing a weird pulsating glow surrounding the town that brightened the nighttime sky late on Friday, the 17th of October. The following morning several individuals were reported to have entered the affected area. Those remaining behind claimed that they heard heart-rending screams coming from within the glow, which they likened to a gaseous cloud. Word is now being sent on to Baron Johann, Count Gaereth and Duchess Alexa of this strange phenomenon. Groups of commoners in the local area have banded together to warn all travelers away. The glow is said to be slowly dissipating but can still be dimly seen at night. The nature of the cloud is not known, and speculation has run the gamut from a toxic plague to a powerful ritual error. Under torture, the Sessuar spy denied that the invaders had anything to do with the attack.

Because of the war with the Sessuar, it may be several weeks before an appropriate response can be brought to bear upon the situation. In the meantime, all travelers who had planned to visit Sercia are being warned away.