While most of the Duchy celebrated the New Year, a group of adventurers was locked in a desperate and ultimately fruitless struggle against a powerful vampire. Malava Von Perish first came to the attention of the people of Ravenholt a year ago on the eve of the new year, when travelers to Rundin discovered her lair. Malava was then possessing a man called Nicholae Von Skoya, whose family she had controlled for generations, The people of Ravenholt discovered that Malava was only vulnerable for the first hour of each new year, when she could be staked and killed in her lair. Though they fought her minions valiantly, they had insufficient force to destroy the vampire during that time, and Malava escaped.

Late in December of 596, Malava was sighted with a force of undead moving her coffin to the vicinity of Glen Farclas Cumberland. Duke Andros put out a call for adventurers to travel to Glen Farclas to aid in the destruction of the vampire. The group of about sixty people who answered the call was led to the area in which Malava had been sighted by one of the trappers of the area who had originally seen her.

The forces of Ravenholt were met with a terrifying surprise, however. they were almost immediately surrounded by a vast horde of Death knights. At first, despite the lack of magic weapons, some warriors attempted to destroy them with spells and enchanted blades; however as it soon became apparent that these death knights numbered in the hundreds, all withdrew for safety into an old building nearby.

Some who had lagged behind the main group were brought into the building by the mysterious powers of Vanira, the Quentari Elven woman who had helped those who traveled to Volta This August. Vanira established an Earth circle in the building and was able to attune it to a kind of stone found in the area, so that anyone brining one of these stones to the circle could charge a weapon with magical power for as long as the circle lasted.

For the most part, the adventurers remained trapped inside the building, though small parties made forays out to rescue some trappers who had been dragged away by the undead and to bring some food inside.

The next day, small groups made repeated efforts to find the special stones from the mines though they had to fight many undead to do so.

That evening, the circle that powered the temporary magical blades threatened to fail, presumably due to some evil influence. It was temporarily shored up by the efforts of Forest Lord Ehawk, and Calico. In order to restore its stability, however, three skilled spellsingers, Adrian of Stormwatch, and the Bronwyn sisters, went on a quest to learn a song that could repair the circle.

The situation was further complicated by the arrival of a strange old woman and a being called Simon what she claimed was her son. He appeared to be at least partly elemental in nature, and very powerful. Their purpose was unclear, though they seemed anxious to retrieve items from Delahr of Stormwatch which they claimed he had taken from them. Later on it was discovered that they were almost certainly a disguised Thorna Alinger, and her charge, Alexander, the son of Guxx. Though the pair were unquestionably evil, there seemed to be no way to get rid of them due to Simon's invulnerability. Eventually. Simon agreed that they would go away, and even help them by directing them to a dwarf who knew a back way into Malava's lair on the condition that everyone present participate in a strange, "Mother's Day" ceremony by lining up and giving the old lady a gift.

A large group went almost immediately to speak with the dwarf, Logar Steelforge. He told them of a famed dwarven smith known only as "The Artisan" who once had a workshop where Malava's lair now was. The Artisan had set up tests of mental and physical agility for those who sought to be his apprentices. Those who passed the tests could obtain a puzzle that worked as a key to the tunnels and caverns that now housed Malava's lair. A small group was immediately dispatched to attempt the tests, consisting of Cynesra of Stormwatch, Arracor Stormhave and Kestryn Ardaen of Anvil, Squire Bailiwick Stormhaven of Eastwyck, and Divad of the Healer's Guild. They returned successfully with the key puzzle.

As the warriors gathered to assault the vampire's lair, they learned that Malava had sent undead to collapse the tunnels and block their entrance. Anvil immediately split off from the main group to take care of this threat. They fought waves of Death knights, killing an estimated 50 of these powerful minions of Malava, and managed to keep the tunnels safe.

Meanwhile, the main force entered the Vampire's lair. After fighting through twisting corridors, they came out into a large cavern only to find Malava on the other side of a large pit with only a few platforms rising out of it, well defended by hordes of death knights wielding vast spell and poison power. The heroes fought valiantly, slaying many of the death knights but every time one was cut down, another would take its place.

A few of the defenders of Ravenholt fell into the pit and resurrected, including Nork of Stormwatch, and Baroness Ganthe Overwind of Eastwyck. It was clear that Malava had been expecting the assault. One of the local trappers was seen fighting alongside the undead, and it was obvious that he had been a spy all along, reporting the heroes' plans to his master.

By the time Anvil arrived to reinforce the main group, the fight was over. The hour of vulnerability had passed, and Malava had won. Though some had escaped the cavern, many brave folk lay dying in Malava's hands. The foul undead began to gloat in triumph, but when Donal MacRenn of Anvil stepped forward to bargain for the safe return of the downed warriors, she became suddenly amenable. Rumor has it that Arracor Stormhaven used some power to threaten her into releasing the fallen, but the Raven's Herald was unable to discover any details. In the end, the beaten forces of Ravenholt had no choice but to withdraw, and allow Malava to go on her way.

There have been hints that Malava may have discovered some means of removing her one hour of vulnerability; however her enemies, the defenders of Ravenholt are still confident that the defeat is only temporary, and that some way will be found to destroy her at last.

With the coming of winter, the Sessuar invasion of northern Ravenholt has come to a stop. The Sessuar launched a Kingdom-wide attack, starting with Ravenholt, Volta, and Rotaria at the beginning of November.

The initial attacks on the border forts neat Zythrim and Briar and on Longhope Castle in Cumberland almost overwhelmed Ravenholt's armies. On November 1st the main Sessuar forces and a large force of elementals and constructs breached the outer wall of Longhope Castle, and were forcing the defenders back when the mystical shock wave that destroyed the crafted items of Ravenholt struck. Elementals, constructs, and weapons and armor alike vanished or disintegrated. The Ravenholt commanders took advantage of the confusion and ordered a counter attack. Captain Woldren valiantly defeated over two score Sessuar soldiers with the handle of a shovel. current reports from Longhope state that the Sessuar forces have been rearmed, but not in time to continue the campaign before winter set in.

Sessuar forces have taken the northern territories of Cumberland all the way from the village of Farris along the Dragonsteeth Mountains to the fortress of Kragen Helm on the west side if the Kragen Moors.

During the initial assault, Sessuar forces were repulsed from Kragen Helm, suffering a similar fate to that of the army at Longhope Castle. The second assault was a brutal success. On November 12th, the northern walls of Kragen Helm were shattered and its defenders slain in a rain of elemental explosions. It is believed that the Sessuar had over 100 wizards invoking a ritual called "elemental strike." which crushed the defenses before nightfall.

Kragen Helm is of great military importance due to its location on the Winterwyrm River.

Sessuar assaults in the Barony of Eastwyck have not been spectacular, but have had as much success. The Sessuar have taken Lonely and Elveswood along the northern edge of the Mystic Wood, and have moved far enough south to take the hamlet of Martin. Sessuar have also taken Giant's View, Goblintooth Gap, and Wyrmbane Hill, and the hamlets of Coppershaft, and Gorge Hold. Their main force was slowed and harried so much by the expert scouts of Eastwyck that they had to stop their march south through the Northern Downs when winter set in. The Eastwyck Rangers hid as many of the big trails in the downs as they could, and left open trails that lead to the Northern Passage which passes through Shandlin's Ferry. It seems that the Sessuar are as confused by the mists surrounding the village for miles, as we are.

Rumors hold that some of the Sessuar forces in Rotaria have turned north and marched through Warwyck and Blythedale to attack the southern borders of Capulus an Westmarch. Not much has been heard about this southern assault, except that the Sessuar scouts have been seen in the Bone Mountains of Capulus, and along the trade routes from Trader's Rest, Copper, and Midlothian.

For four months, reports have been coming in of strange pairs of creatures appearing briefly throughout the Duchy. Often they will simply pronounce some warning to a single person, or perform some seemingly harmless, or even useful act, then vanish.

The creatures appear suddenly through rifts or gates. The only clear pattern is that they seem to have some foreknowledge of events, and when they appear, they have a specific purpose in mind, usually helpful at best, apparently pointless at worst.

The creatures always appear in pairs, one is inevitably armed, and one has been referred to as the "protector". This second creature has never been witnessed bearing protection of any sort, aside from a ceremonial looking wooden staff. This one refers to itself as "the Seer" and has exhibited extremely high levels of spellcasting of either kind, including the casting of rituals as spells. Many of the reports also detail that the pair often have identical marking on their cheeks.

Other than these characteristics, the groups have yet ever to be the same. The gender of both creatures varies, The two are most often of the same race, So far the origin and purpose of these creatures is unknown.

More mishaps have befallen the Tinkerer's creations, presumably at the hands of the clock-work hating "Blood Alliance." While the people of Ravenholt struggled against the Vampire Malava, the repair workshop that housed the clockwork known as Lucien blew up in a fireball that engulfed much of the beach that it was stationed near.

Several Skyeguard soldiers were injured in the blast, although there were no fatalities. When final inspection of the premises was authorized, Lucien was nowhere to be found. If any of his remains exist in the building, they have been reduced to dust. One soldier recounts the incident:

"Regiment three has been assigned to guard this building for some time, but our watch has been cut down to two men per day. We only make round to it now, rather than standing watch over it. Luckily we were just nearing the building when it went up. Shards of metal were thrown easily a mile into the air. Look at my shield! Four metal pipes have gone right through it!! I was thrown about fifty feet from the blast. No one could survive that !

A service tunnel was found under the complex that the clockworks used to move to and from the small base. It is unlikely however that Lucien escaped through this tunnel, as he was deactivated during his repair work. The tunnel has been blocked, but excavation is being done to attempt recovery of some clue as to what has happened.

While gathered near Glen Farclas with the band who sought to slay Malava, local dwarf Flint and a group of his friends laid to rest the spirit of an unfortunate young woman. the ghost's story was a sad one. She was waylaid, given enslavement poison, and ordered to rob a rich merchant, whom she killed in the struggle. She was caught and sentenced to Obliteration, but she fled and hid with a group of brigands.

A few months later, she was trapped in a cave-in and left to die by the leader of the brigands. She found his diary in a bag that he had left behind, and discovered that he was the one who had originally enslaved her. She died there in the cave, with the evidence to prove her innocence in her hands.

Flint and his group searched the undead-filled caves in the area for her remains, and eventually found them for proper burial. The ghost still could not rest until her name was cleared. She followed the dwarf around for some time, until finally Flint arranged for Sir Havalock of Cumberland to read the fateful note aloud over the grave that Flint had prepared. The ghost then faded away into peaceful rest at last, after returning once more to lead Flint to a small treasure horde.

(Based on votes cast by a wide selection of the women of Ravenholt. )

10 & 9. Stack-o-lee and Ezariah MacHine ofthe Baljar gypsies. If all of the MacHines are as luscious as the ones who dwell in Ravenholt, I may have to take a trip to their home to visit the rest of the boys. I'll be sure to bring plenty of pudding.

8. Vastin Ardaen: Now the leader of the Joyous Guard - and the women of this order are certainly going to be more joyous. Unfortunately Vastin seems a little stingy in doling out attention. - The one time he was affectionate towards his wife, Anvil thought he was possessed.

7.Dire: Funny how a stone elf made this list, since they are generally stoic and unemotional, and not very fun at parties. But it cannot be denied, Dire is a cutie. I think he is married to Jatrina or something, and though she is off being Lady Light now, I wouldn't take that as an opportunity.

6.Sir Victdar: Alas for we poor pining lasses, Sir Victdar seems quite devoted to his duties as a knight of Eastwyck, and to his Baroness. Rumor has it though, that his services can be bought, or at least rented, for a few thousand copper. Start saving now, girls!

5.ArracorStormhaven: Arracor seems to change the colors of his clothing to match his attitude. White, innocent Arracor, Black, Arracor the Grim, Red, relatively normal Arracor, Green, leadership Arracor. If anyone figures out the color for Amorous Arracor, do let me know! I'll be there to take advantage of the mood.

4.Nork: Nork, darling, be assured that there is at least one woman who won't try to kill you after getting you alone. Unless you count exhausting you to death..

3.Forestlord Ehawk: They say good things come in small packages, and this has never been more true. Unfortunately, Ehawk can be hazardous, as many a warrior lass has been known to let her guard down while staring in drooling fascination at Ehawk's glistening physique as he mightily strikes down his foes.

2.Gabriel Wolvestride: I saw poor Gabriel shortly after the destruction of all our magicks and weapons. without a sword, all he could do was sneak up on monsters and play tag. Darling, you can play tag with me anytime! I guarantee I won't be hard to catch at all.

AND

#1...Baron Derek Northridge! Easily the sexiest Baron in Evendarr, Baron Derek has the women of Ravenholt longing for the hot days of summer when the baron will once more expose his magnificent body to our lusting eyes.

An honorable mention for getting many votes despite not being a man of Ravenholt goes to His Majesty King Elenaro of Quentari. That smile, those eyes, those tights!!

Disclaimer: This list is all in fun! If any of the men listed above are offended in any way at being chosen, -Get over it!! You shouldn't have been born so gorgeous! Out of respect for their Graces, Duke Andros was not considered a candidate for this tawdry contest. (and we're afraid of the Duchess!) This certainly does not mean however that we do not respect the actual candidates. In fact every time I see Baron Derek without a shirt, my respect for him grows. Yes, My Lord Baron. Anything you say, My Lord Baron...

Malava Von Perish of Niman;
Your victory over us in the Barony of Cumberland on the eve of the New Year is a hollow one, and this I say to you...You have Not won, you have Not beaten us. You WILL BE DESTROYED! I say this with the conviction of the renewed faith of our team, who together faced your trap, suffered our losses, and will continue to remain strong against your twisted evil until you are vanquished. We Are Your Nightmare...
Koryon Greymeir II
of Stormwatch,
Duchy of Ravenholt.

Highlanders! I am doing some research on your background and clans, and need your help. Could you please contact me if you are interested in helping? Erin or Samus should be able to tell you who I am. Thank You.
-Titania Keristal.

Dougan,
I'll be happy to reclaim my brother's body. He was supposed to wake up. Did you kill him as well? Perhaps you are even a Blood Alliance Agent. I understand they destroyed the repair station as well while Lucien slept, or perhaps that was more of your handiwork? You seem to be good at destroying our kind. I shall come for Turbo's body, but any violence against me will mean misery to you for the rest of your pathetic life.
-ChronosII

Attention People of Ravenholt! Some of you may remember a Half ogre named Scourge, formerly of Lioncourt. We have not seen him since he set off on a personal quest one year ago, If anyone has seen him or has any information Please contact Delahr Greymist of Stormwatch.

To Gwyneth Whitefeather:
We stand behind you. You were right in what you did. The nobles of this Duchy shall suffer for this outrage. To Dame Kyttrel: Consider yourself marked.

It is known, Cormack, that you have moved up in the world, to the position of Death. I am writing this simply to say goodbye and thank you. Thank you for the guidance that you gave me. Thank you for the times we shared. Thank you for welcoming me when we hadn't seen each other in so long. Thank you for giving me a home in Ravenholt. Cousin, come back and visit when you get a chance. I will still uphold my vow to continue your quest to avenge your father. So, Cormac O'Neill, Icon of Death, will your legend live on. "the human who thwarted Two Icons, Primus, and his own demise in one day." Good luck my friend, and keep the puns coming.
Your Cousin,
Samus Powers, Squire to
Will'o'Wisp.

DEATH!
Its not so bad anymore..!
Gurthak.

I wish to express my gratitude to those who helped in our attempt to destroy the vile being known as Malava in Cumberland this past New Years change.. I especially wish to thank Azimar, who gave me rest, Calico, Sir Havalock, Nomad, Yuri, and several others who stood beside me during the terrible carnage, gave me courage, healing and strength to resist the terrible lies that rang the cavern walls throughout the battle. I also thank Donal and the members of Anvil who were able to free several of us who had been captured. I most especially wish to say thank you to our team's leader, Cynesra, who bravely faced our dangerous opponent and fought to keep the death knights from dragging me away. We will be victorious next time.
Koryon Greymeir of Stormwatch.

To the Citizens of Ravenholt:
Check your back issues of the Raven's Herald boys and girls.
February 595 to be exact. We gave you your chance to save all your magic toys, but our demands were not met. Fools! You didn't believe us, and now we have sucked your magic dry! In fact, I'm sitting on it right now! All the magic in your Duchy has been neatly deposited into my chair cushion. So give us our 5000 small unmarked copper and you can free your magic. If not- the chair gets it! (and we mean the BIG IT!)
This message has been brought to you by the letter L and the number 7.

The Raven's Herald requests that in future, Public Notices be limited to an absolute maximum of 75 words to save space. thank you.

Lazarus a member of the court of Dragonshire County died his final death while fighting to defend Ravenholt against the foul undead forces of the Black Rose. He continued to serve Ravenholt well, even after his death, and was critical in retrieving pieces of the Seat of Death for Ravenholt. He finally went to his rest when the seat of death was filled on November 3, 596. He was brave, honorable, and a good friend to the entire court of Dragonshire. He leaves behind his younger brother, Squire Martimus of Dragonshire.

Mantras Brightfire died on January 1,597 at the gathering of heroes and adventurers who attempted to slay Malava Von Perish the Vampire. He rescued several people from death during the ill-fated final battle in the vampire's lair. Among other accomplishments he was also the bearer of Dame Lilith's Compassion during the effort to destroy Guxx in 596. The brave rogue's death was somewhat unexpected as his spirit was quite strong.