The adventurers who journeyed to Sercia, Capulus, to fight the Curse this November discovered more than just the Gate of Xylar. An ancient stone well that occasionally manifested mystical powers was discovered to be haunted by spirits that had died in a ritual performed by a necromancer who wanted the power of the well for himself.

Numerous groups descended into the well in an effort to help the trapped spirits. Many people were brought to the well by the urgings of a Mystic Wood Elf of the group Bloodmoon whose name the Herald was unable to learn. Those who entered it found the water to be breathable, and were able to fight and move normally. They battled a variety of creatures, and solved riddles. They were able in this manner to retrieve special shovels that would allow them to move letters ringing the well to spell out another, final, puzzle. Once that puzzle had been completely assembled, a large final group entered the well. They battled wights that appeared as their greatest fears, and later fought one of the trapped spirits, who was forced to take the form of a giant serpent and attack them. In the end they were successful in defeating the undead form of the necromancer who had originally cast the backlashed ritual, and released the trapped eight spirits to their rest.

This well evidently currently holds properties similar to the alchemical spring in Ravenholt. Townsfolk were able to learn much useful information about it's history, through old journals that were found about town.

On Friday, November 7th, the impenetrable mist that had surrounded Sercia, Capulus lifted at last. A large group of Ravenholt warriors entered the town to determine what had happened within. They found the place empty of all life, even down to the insects. Near the center of town, a glowing gate had appeared, from which a loud heartbeat, and a woman's voice emerged. The voice was apparently that of the Curse of Capulus. The gate, it was discovered later, was the Gate of Xylar. The Raven's Herald was unable to discover what connection existed between the Gate and the Curse. It was clear however that the Curses was using the Gate in some way, and might have even existed beyond it. The entire town was crawling with strange tentacled creatures whose claws could bring berserker madness to those they struck, causing them to attack their companions.

The investigating heroes soon discovered a large number of the fabled "Doors of Capulus" had appeared in a building near the tavern, each bearing a strange sigil. There were many scraps of encrypted writing nailed to the walls of this building, which were interpreted by Durchasi Ruinvorn, among others. These writings provided the Duchy with vital information as to the nature of the gate, and how to defeat it. Mandrake Capulus, the first Baron of Capulus, and Duchess Alexa's father, appeared in town and was aiding in the understanding of the doors when he was apparently pulled through one against his will.

Groups were sent through these doors under the direction of Duchess Alexa, to retrieve the pieces of the fabled Amulet of Xylar. The pieces were well hidden in twisting corridors, and the creatures defending them brought either sleep or madness to any that they wounded. Those who fell vanished, to reappear deeper within the labyrinth, encased in a strange, life-draining crystal.

When the last piece was collected, a being rumored to be a manifestation of the Ring of Arcodex appeared with minions, hunting the Duchess Alexa because of her ties to the Capulan land through her father, Mandrake. A group was sent through the last door even as the creature had almost reached the Ducal party.

It seemed however that the wrong word had been used to activate the door, When the original group returned, frustrated, the final effort had to be tried again, This time, sixty people were brought through. In a bitter and protracted fight on the far side of the door, many people were cut down, both by creatures, and by their own friends who had been affected by madness. Sir Delahr Greymist of Eastwyck, in the grip of this berserker control, slew both Fletch of Anvil, and Alrand Coolane, neither of whom resurrected successfully.

Despite great losses, the Amulet of Xylar was assembled successfully, and Mandrake Capulus was freed. The warriors of Ravenholt had very little time to mourn their dead however. In order to close the Gate of Xylar and defeat the Curse of Capulus, they still had to perform a ritual in front of the Gate, which needed to be protected from the minions of evil that would seek to disrupt it.

For the ritual to succeed, Mandrake Capulus had to give up his life, and Duchess Alexa had to give up her title, - permanently. The ritual was completed swiftly in the bitterly cold rain. At its completion, the voice of the Curse could be heard to scream in pain, and the Gate was sealed. Shortly afterward, the spirits of the vanished people of Sercia came at last to resurrect.

The Curse may be banished entirely a a result of this ritual. The Raven's Herald was unable to determine the exact nature of its defeat. However it is certain that the Gate of Xylar was sealed, and the town of Sercia made safe again.

This November, representatives from the Stone Wood met with nobles of Ravenholt in a war council organized by Baron Johann of Capulus, Sir Aryenne Shelton of Capulus, and Sir Nevil Vallenwood of Dragonshire. The council discussed how the Stone Elves might aid Ravenholt in its war against the Sessuar.

The Stone Wood sent members of its High Council, the Co'Latioue, to decide what aid they might lend against this common foe. The members that arrived in Sercia were Kanatos Purfeelo, Minister of War, Myalo Zemvalos, Keeper of the Peace, Intiara Lockleer, Minister of the Stars, and Arrienka Sartosa, Guardian of the Power of the Earth.

As the gate of Xylar manifested in Sercia, Capulus and spewed forth minions of destruction to savage the defenders of the land, another quieter but equally strange manifestation occurred in the dwellings of those who had come to battle the Curse of Capulus. It seemed that many of the building in the ill-fated town were haunted by the spirits of the dead who were doomed to play out the tragedies that killed them until someone intervened to send them to their rest.

Many kind townsfolk intervened in these spirits' plight, speaking to them, and convincing them to break the cycles that had led to their deaths ,or allowing them to come to terms with their lives so that they could rest in peace at last. In the cabin occupied by the Ravenholt commoner groups "Anvil" and "Stormwatch" a young couple re-enacted the sad tale that had ruined and ultimately ended their lives. Their dilemma was resolved by the efforts of a number of those who lived there, including Rystrel of Stormwatch, Clarissa, Cinnabar, Mei-leelu, Liri, and Jericho, of Anvil.

In another building, a gypsy woman's spirit appeared whose gaje husband's negligence had led to their child's accidental death. The woman had burned her house down with herself inside it, and had cursed her husband before her death, turning him into a werewolf at night. The Gypsies in town helped bring the were-wolf husband to his wife's spirit and the two were reconciled, allowing the woman to remove the curse and go to her rest.

In another instance, the spirits of a woman, her husband, and a messenger played out a tale of betrayal in which the woman's husband killed her with the help of the messenger. Samus Powers kept the cycle from repeating by warning the woman's spirit away from the messenger and her husband.

There were many other spirits as well all those which the Raven's Herald was able to learn of were laid to rest by the efforts of helpful townsfolk. It is currently unknown whether the spirits' appearance was connected with the Gate of Xylar - or the Curse of Capulus in any way.

On Friday, November 7th 597 we learned the grievous news that Duke Andros Ravenhurst Holmsong disappeared during the battle for Kragen's Helm with the Sessuar. Reports say that Andros summoned the power of his sword "Bane" and turned the tide of a losing battle, breaking the Sessuar assault. As a result, he disappeared in a flash of light. King Elenaro of Quentari, Andros' grandfather, has attempted a Contact Earth ritual to no avail. It can only be assumed that Andros is no longer on this plane, or has died permanently.

The loss of the population of Sercia drew me to Capulus on November 7, 597 with many members of the nobility and citizenry of the Duchy. The Gate of Xylar was open and needed to be closed. I soon learned that there were steps that could be taken to close the gate, and many people stepped forward to travel through the doors. I thank them all. We could have not been successful if each and every group that went through the doors had not succeeded. As we assembled the items we needed , it also became known that a ritual would have to be performed to close the gate, and I would have to take part, not as the Duchess of these lands, but through a link of heredity. I could not hold a bond with the land and its peoples and hope that this ritual would succeed. It would not. As many of you are now aware, as of the evening of November 8th, 597, I am no longer Duchess of these lands. I resigned my title to perform my part of the ritual. This ritual was successful, but some possible effect or backlash from the ritual has prevented me from re-swearing my oath to the land and resuming my title. I do not know if there will ever be a way to remove this mark, and I cannot discuss the ramifications of my re-swearing an oath, but I am unwilling to bring harm to these lands.

Roderick Ravenhurst, the son of Prince Basil has assumed the title of Duke of these lands, and he does so with my full support. I have been asked to assist in council, and will be close by to that end, and to continue the fight against the Sessuar.

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you that I am honored to have been the Duchess of these lands for these few years. I have seen such acts of heroism, nobility, and sacrifice that are unequaled anywhere in this kingdom or the lands beyond. In the next few months I will be traveling and helping Duke Roderick become familiar with the Duchy and its peoples. Good fortune to you all.
Alexandria Holmsong Rhyannan

Savvaas, a Highlander of the Bronwyn Clan, and a citizen of Ravenholt, died permanently this October. He took his own life on the journey back from the recent gathering in Quentari and failed to resurrect. He leaves behind his clan and many friends.

Alrand Coolane Calay, of House Coolane suffered his permanent death on November 8th 597 in Sercia, Capulus, fighting to close the Gate of Xylar. He was a Kyralian archer, relatively new to Ravenholt, but already well known for his selfless courage and skills in battle. He was an accomplished scout who never let up his vigilance in the war against the Sessuar. He leaves behind one older sister, Heather Na'Var and both his parents, Colette Chevaal Na'Var an Wade Na'Var Chevaal . The Ceremony of Death was held in Sansandur, the Stonewood Forest, on November 11th, 597, and was attended by the entire community.

Fletch, a well known and long standing warrior of Ravenholt, took his final death on the eve of Saturday, November 8, 597, while trying to save a friend and end the Curse of Capulus. Born in the Gray Hills of Westmarch on June 24, 569, Fletch was a founding member of the Legion of R.I.C.H., and later, a key member of Anvil until his death. He leaves behind no surviving family, but he is greatly mourned by his team, and by his many friends in Ravenholt. He was known for his quiet bravery and heroism, and his caring heart. A moving memorial was held in Sercia on the morning following his death.

The Sarr known as Whiteback died his final death in Ashbury this fall, fighting beings known as the Spectral Kings of Halloween. He leaves behind his Mother, Dulcinea Bronwyn. A funeral feast was held on Saturday November 8th, 597.

Born in September of 592, these two well-known Gypsies met their deaths at the hands of a Kris (gypsy Court) in the Heroes Graveyard. Declared Marhime on November 9th, 597, they are dead to all Rom in body and spirit. Gaje may note that their spirits have been reborn in the bodies of Stack-o-Lee MacHine and Catahoula MacHine.

It is with somewhat mixed emotions that I pen this account. However, I feel the recent events in Sercia compel me to speak. There are many heroes that should be thanked for their contribution to closing the gate which existed in that troubled town, and it saddens me greatly that such a success came with so great a price. My grief for the loss of Fletch and Alrond will pain me for a very long time, and I would hope that all would honor their memory and the deeds that they accomplished in the short time that we were graced with their presence.

I cannot let it pass unnoticed into the annals of history what happened in Sercia without making my thoughts and feelings known to all of those who were in attendance and also to all citizens of the Duchy. the sacrifices that were made were many, and the choices, difficult, but none so difficult as the one that Alexa made. I would have it known that all those that participated in the ritual to close the gate did so with the safety and salvation of Capulus as their goal. Alexa had led our Duchy for more than three years. During that time, she showed by her deeds and words not only was she more than capable, but she was and is, by far the noblest person I have ever known. She in countless situations proved herself as an understanding and compassionate leader, unparalleled warrior, and accomplished stateswoman. Not only is she all of these things, but she is also my best friend and whom I am proud to call my sister. I have served her unquestioningly for three years, and would gladly follow her to my final death.

Leadership is not an easy task, and often we are called upon to make a decision that may cause us grief and sorrow for the sole purpose of ensuring the safety of the Duchy. This past gathering, Alexa had to make such a choice. While faced with the grievous news of Duke Andros' sacrifice, and subsequent disappearance during a battle in Cumberland, she continue to fight for the salvation of her beloved homeland and her father. It was during this struggle that she learned that the only way to save Capulus and her father, was indeed, to sever her noble tie to the land. The ritual that was to be performed required that her sole tie to the land be that of her Capulan blood, and heritage. I must tell you all that this was not an easy decision for her to make. She is greatly pained by the price of Capulus' safety, but due to those virtues that she holds so sacred, she sacrificed her title as Duchess of Ravenholt to save the land of Capulus and those citizens that were so brutally taken from us all. All those present who fought to keep us safe during the ritual have my eternal gratitude. We would not have been successful without your unyielding defense. As a result of our attempts, the gate was closed, but not without more of a price to be paid. Alexa's father gave his life for the closing of the gate, and it pains her greatly. However, that was not the only price she was to pay. Another bittersweet cost for the salvation of Capulus is now known. Alexa, having given up her noble title for the completion of the ritual, learned the final cost. The final cost is that she may never again hold a noble title, or dire consequences will befall not only herself, but also the entire Duchy.

The duchy needs a leader, and as most of you know, Roderick Ravenhurst would claim his birthright as Duke of Ravenholt, pending Prince Kevynn Blackfox's affirmation. In this time of war, a leader is central to our success. While I would ask all of the citizens to give him their support, I would ask also that you not forget the price Alexa has paid. She remains, and will always be, the noblest woman I have ever known, my best friend, and the woman I am proud to call sister. For You, Alexa, to Death and Back. Always.
Aleena Arrowood Endicott Gaeleschin
Countess of Arkham.

WHile many of the people of Ravenholt gathered in Sercia, Capulus, the Heroes' Graveyard and the Graveyard of the Four Winds followed them. A creature called "the Herald " appeared in a monument near the center of Sercia, from which it distributed tokens associated with one or the other of these graveyards. Those with tokens would have the chance to gain knowledge from the Graveyards when they manifested late at night. They would manifest when and where four of the appropriate tokens were gathered together at once.

Both the Four Winds and the Heroes' Graveyard manifested in this fashion. When the Heroes' Graveyard appeared inside of Capulus Hall, someone with a token for the opposing Graveyard of the Four Winds presented their token along with the four of the appropriate graveyard. The creatures that watched over the Graveyard were angered, and demanded the man's death. The man was saved thanks to the quick thinking of several members of Stormwatch, however. Gabriel Wolvestride asked whether Duke Andros was now in the Heroes' Graveyard, but the beings did not know.

Dame Anastasia learned form the Graveyard of the Four Winds that Vandal Northridge, the nefarious former Baron, believed dead for years, is currently alive, and "up to mischief". She also learned that Constantine Lykos, a recently deceased Ravenholt notable was in both the Heroes, and Four Winds Graveyards.

What other answers may have been gleaned from the Graveyards, during their brief appearance, the Raven's Herald was unable to determine.

My Lord Cabbot, My most humble apologies for the delay. My behavior was inexcusable. Delivery will be made as soon as possible.
-Xetrisna

Cynesra, Please contact me with a way to send you messages, I need your aid in obtaining information on two matters. Please send a message to me in the Stonewood Forest.
-Jatrina Sartosa

The Code of Chivalry states," Thou shalt be generous, and thou shalt give freely to all" . We are an anonymous group who believes in and lives by that ideal. Our packages are merely small tokens of the generosity our respective lands have shown us. They are our small service to Ravenholt. Peace and goodwill to you all. We remain,
-The White Rose

Wanted: Trustworthy clarke to work Tarnaak's emporium four to six hours a day. Good pay for the right person. All interested persons reply to Tarnaak of Dathsheer through this paper.

Neko Mirabad and Havelock of the Ravenholt Mage's Guild are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter Haveakey Mirabad, on November 19th in Ravenholt City.

Alrand, Though I did not know you well, I shall miss you nonetheless. Our fight against the Sessuar will no be so easily won without your immeasurable skill. Journey safely to the next life, and know that some have been greatly impacted by your departure. I will not forget you.
-Lt Solace Collingswood

Ary and Lilith, Travel safely this winter. The household will not be the same without your gentle demeanors. If I cannot call you my lieges, may I call you my friends?
-Leftenant

Be it know to all Rom that Stack-o-Lee MacHine and Catahoula MacHine are marhime. They are dead to you. Their names are cursed and must not be spoken. Offer them no comfort, no aid, no shelter, lest you suffer the same death as they.

Neko- The birth of Morrigan was the happiest moment of my life. But now, with the coming of Haveakey you have made me a grandmother for the second time, and it only gets better. Good luck to you and Havelock. Your Loving Mother- Tristemere

On Saturday, November 9th, 597 in Sercia, Capulus, a Capulan noble was stripped of his title, and several members of the court resigned in response.

The former Sir Aryenne Shelton of Capulus had a verbal altercation with Countess Aleena of Arkham, the subject of which is unknown, though it was rumored that it was related to Duchess Alexa's decision that none should enter the doors that had appeared in Sercia without her permission. Some time later the Countess came to the Hall of the Capulan Court, at a time when Baron Johann was absent, and had left Dame Lilith in charge. For reasons that the Raven's Herald was unable to discover, she stripped Sir Ari of his title, forbidding him ever to hold title in Capulus again.

Dame Lilith then proceeded to resign her title as a noble of Capulus, handing the chain of office left to her by Baron Johann over to the Countess. She was followed by Sparro Stonecastle, and Ioz Gumblin, who resigned their positions on the Court. Regellan, who had just been seeking to join the court, rescinded his bid to do so. With no knights left on the court, control of the Barony was temporarily handed over to Major Valinger Stormcrow until the Baron's return.

After Baron Johann's return, Ioz Gumblin asked to be readmitted to the court, claiming that his decision had been made in haste. He was accepted back onto the court of Capulus and knighted by Baron Johann.

The others who had left the court were all invited back as well. Lilith refused, and the Herald was not able to discover whether the others who resigned have yet decided whether to accept and rejoin the court of Capulus.

When asked about the incident, the former Dame Lilith said. "I think that the people of Ravenholt know Ari and me fairly well by now. They know we have made it our primary purpose to serve the people of Capulus for the past several years, and I hope that they also know we would not make decisions such as this past gathering lightly. Sir Ari is one of the finest, most dedicated and truly, "noble" men that I know, and I hope that he will be remembered as such."

A number of folk have expressed fears of what effect such a change could have on the Sessuar war, but Baron Johann seems smilingly confident.

Countess Aleena was unable to be reached for comment.

It is with sadness that I must at this time take up my quill, as it is the result of the loss of a friend, and comrade in arms. Fletch of Anvil, whose spirit fled him on 11/8/597 was the most honorable and courageous man that I have had the pleasure to know in my years in Ravenholt. Never have I served with a man so dedicated to his duty, or so steadfast in his loyalty. In his life, and his death, he would serve- "To always and everywhere provide strength and support to the people of Ravenholt ..." Though his blade is lost to us forever, his spirit of courage will remain with us always.

Goodbye, my friend.
-C.T. Littlefield

On November 11, just two days after the destruction of the famed "Curse of Capulus" in Sercia, reports of strange explosions and perverse magical effects began to circulate. These effects seem to be occurring within days of one another, those closest to Sercia reportedly having occurred far before those farther away, leading some experts on magic, and magical theory to speculate that the destruction of the curse may have released a "wave" of power which seems to be rushing over Ravenholt.

Most noted of these phenomena are an as-yet-unexplained series of bright explosions which lit up the skies along the northern and southern borders of Ravenholt. The first reported, and apparently the largest, occurred on the tiny island of Chiru off the eastern edge of the coast of Capulus.(Probably due to its position in respect to Sercia). Sailors and fishermen all along the coastline described a sudden explosion a few hours after midnight of November 11th, that ,"Lit up the night sky as if it were daylight." and a passing Vikindra ship reported hearing screams coming from the island, moments before. Capulan troops searching the island reported finding a circle of scorched earth nearly one hundred yards in diameter, and the charred remains of ten skeletons which crumbled to dust at their touch, but noting more that might aid them in discovering who or what caused the explosions.

Similar explosions were reported in several other areas over the next few days: two to the south of Capulus on the evening of the 12th, near the Rotarian border, two in the far north of Eastwyck on the 15th, and vague reports of anywhere from 3 to 5 in the north of Cumberland, also tracing to the 15th or 16th of November. Rumors abound as to the cause of the explosions, the most popular of which claim that they were the Supply Gates of the Sessuar, destroyed by the magical backlash from Sercia. Local officials have however warned citizens of Ravenholt not to believe such rumors until official confirmation may be made.

In other news, strange effects have also been reported in the realm of more everyday magic. As the purported "Magical Wave" passed by, ritual casters of both Earth and Celestial magicks reported strange results in their rituals. Everything from the doubling of effects on foci to the opposite effect of the intended ritual, (The most retold story being one who instead of being spirit-forged, found every item on their person to be Permanenced, and no change to their spirit.) to what the caster was sure would be a backlash turning into a tiny flaw. These strange ritual effects seem to have ended, but a lasting effect on spellbooks has been noted, with several more "missing" spells appearing in books.

In an unexpected move late last month, the Mystic Wood in Eastwyck exploded upon the Sessuar front, beating back the Sessuar to the edge of the Northern Downs, and terrifying them to the point of near-panic.

In the early morning of November 25th, hundreds of mystic Wood Elves, bearing every sort of weapon, spell and poison imaginable streamed out from all sides of the Mystic Wood, screaming war cries and viciously attacking the dozing Sessuar lines. Only moments later the huge trees of the wood itself actually pulled up their roots and waded slowly into the fray, stopping the first wave of the Sessuar in their tracks, and causing much panic and confusion among their ranks.

As the Sessuar began to recover from the shock of seeing the impossible, they were thrown into absolute panic by the sight of the trees not only walking, but methodically attacking the Sessuar themselves. The carnage was great, with Sessuar crushed under root, and tossed about like rag dolls, some torn in half by the crushing grips of the Treants. Many Sessuar were so entranced in horror that they made no attempt to stop the charge of the Mystic Wood Elves themselves, and were cut down without ever lifting a weapon.

Losses on the side of the Mystic Wood Elves were very light, the destruction and carnage wreaked by the huge lumbering Treants left many of the Mystic Wood Elves unopposed, and the wide array of mixed skills meant that few that fell stayed down for long. On the other side, Sessuar losses were heavy, morale was broken almost immediately and when they finally composed themselves their line was broken and many of the most powerful Black Robes and Warriors had already been killed.

The Mystic Wood/Martin Sessuar line was composed of nearly one thousand troops. Most of these have retreated into the Northern Downs, or scattered, or been killed.

Simultaneous attacks by Ravenholt and Evendarr troops at other key areas have left the Sessuar reeling. Among the troops of Ravenholt, there is a very real sense that this terrible war might well end sooner than we think.