Raven’s Herald
February, 597
SESSUAR ROUTED IN CAPULUS
At the end of January, Sessuar forces took the small Capulan town of Fisherman's Cove to use as a landing area for supplies. However a small force of Ravenholt's defenders in the area succeeded in reclaiming the town before reinforcements from either side could arrive.
The attacks on the Sessuar forces holding the area began with raids on Sessuar supply caches on the night of January 31. The next day, efforts continued as a large party of Ravenholt warriors attempted to retrieve an item capable of creating a permanent power circle that the Sessuar had hidden nearby.
Unfortunately as soon as the item was moved, it released a strange creature referred to in some confiscated documents as, "The Hunter". The creature was an exceptionally agile brown-furred mammal with long claws, and it spit a strange venom that infected those that it struck and affected them in strange ways. Though antidotes to the poison were found later that day, the creature was never captured or destroyed and is still loose in southern Capulus. Little is known about the beast save that it was brought over by the Sessuar from the Imperium.
Late in the afternoon, a scout from the Ravenholt armies returned to town with the news that a portion of the Sessuar army was headed back towards Fishermen's Cove. Luckily the Captain of the force was an arrogant man who liked to take chances; he had ridden ahead of his forces to meet with his lieutenants near town. A Ravenholt strike team led by Duchess Alexa took advantage of this information to ambush the captain and kill him. The approaching Sessuar forces became confused and more cautious, slowing their approach, which brought the defenders of Ravenholt more time to prepare.
The next morning brought the news that the Sessuar believed that they had found one of the legendary "Dark Doors" of Capulus nearby and were planning a final assault to try to open it, which would probably lay waste to all the nearby lands. The forces of Ravenholt split to defend three separate cavern entrances to the underground maze network in which this door was believed to be hidden. In a long and difficult battle all of the attacking Sessuar forces were destroyed.
Though the position and strength of the remainder of this portion of the Sessuar army in southern Capulus are not know for sure, it is certain that they have suffered a great blow and will not fare well this winter with no supply line to their main force in Rotaria.
NIGHTMARE CREATURE HAUNTS HEROES
When the forces of Ravenholt came to take Fisherman's Cove back form the Sessuar, they faced not only human foes, but a strange creature that fed on fear.
On the night of their arrival, they discovered that there were about a half a dozen prisoners form the siege being held nearby by the Sessuar. The rescue party arrived to find the prisoners unconscious, save for one old man. Despite many efforts to help them, the unconscious prisoners slowly wasted away and died within about an hour. Later it was discovered that their condition was part of the backlash of a ritual that the old man had attempted to try to create a vengeance spirit to fight the Sessuar. His ritual went horribly awry, killing many of the townsfolk and creating a being of fear and nightmare that he called "the Haunt."
This creature had been feeding off of the spirits of the villagers, but it became distracted when the heroes arrived. Thus the spirits gained enough strength to seek help, and one by one they came to the gathered folk of Ravenholt, and were laid to rest.
This angered the Haunt, who then sought new victims from among the forces of Ravenholt. It appeared among them and caused them to fade away into it's own nightmarish realm where it and its minions sought to terrorize them and feed off of their fear.
However, acting under the old man's advice, the heroes were able to gather some strange stones while they were there which the old man could use in a ritual to banish it once more. Finally, late in the night of February 1, a large force went to the Haunt's realm to defend the old man and those who assisted him while the ritual was completed. When it ended, the Haunt became vulnerable, while before, it had only reappeared whenever it was cut down, this time, it was hunted through its own realm and destroyed for good.
BANDITRY DOWN
the Town Guard seem to have greatly reduced the numbers of bandits and brigands in the areas immediately surrounding Ravenholt over the past few months.
A sergeant who recently joined the Town Guard said," If you didn't know that we've been out there beatin' the bushes, 'n beatin' 'em outta the area, you'd think that the earth just opened up an' swallowed 'em!! We've got'em onna run."
The town guard appears to be justified in their high spirits, as interviews with various merchants show that attacks are indeed far below their normal levels for this time of year
UNFEY SEEK ANSWERS
Recently Arracor Stormhaven was visited in Evendarr by an unfey emissary asking precise questions about the nature, abilities and origin of the needle-like spear that he acquired during last June's gathering in Ravenholt City. At that time, Ravenholt citizens were tormented over the course of several days by strains of a haunting Ardynnite folk song about a tailor named Benjamin Bowmaneer. The song helped them to acquire several seemingly disparate objects which together eventually enabled them to free an imprisoned unicorn.
During the gathering, certain people encountered the Marquessa of the unfey who may in fact have provided assistance, and is even believed to have presented gifts to several Ravenholters who managed to overcome her disdain of Tyrrans and please her. Speculation as to the Marquessa's involvement continues to provide no insight into her actions. Given the Unfey reputation as cunningly deceptive and powerful beings, it was somewhat befuddling that the Marquessa appeared genuinely pleased when the citizens succeeded in their undeniably goodly task.
Despite Arracor's efforts to withhold as much information as possible , the unfey emissary still appeared satisfied as he rifted out. The Emissary was also seen in Ravenholt and overheard asking questions about other items acquired at the same time, including a shield once held by Captain Valinger Stormcrow of Capulus. The Emissary did not seem to meet with further success, and has not been seen since.
THE WRAITH GOES ROVING
Among the many strange events occurring this winter is one that has until recently gone unnoticed. The creature known commonly to the citizens of Ravenholt as "The Wraith." has been sighted attacking towns and villages in Capulus. The Wraith is a creature that intermittently haunts the city of Ravenholt which no one has ever found a means of destroying permanently.
This creature has apparently rampaged through several towns in Capulus including TwoTowers where it killed the entire family of a jeweler. and Sercia, were it attacked and killed people along the wharf area before breaking through the town guard and disappearing.
From the information gathered thus far, it appears that the creature is heading towards Ravenholt. though it is unclear at this time why it would have left in the first place, when it has apparently never done so in the past.
"From what we have been able to tell, this is the first recorded attack by "The Wraith," anywhere other than Ravenholt, ever. But the description of the creature is almost perfect, down to the hat." said a member of the Ravenholt Sage's Guild.
Tristemere Mirabad of the Mage's Guild is currently looking into these attacks. There is apparently a mysterious connection between Tristemere and the Wraith that dates back to about six years ago when the creature kidnapped her for some hours. Tristemere has asked that anyone with any information that might help her research, contact her at the Mage's Guild.
PUBLIC NOTICES
My thanks go out to all those who helped me in my return to Ravenholt three months past. I apologize in taking so long to write this but things have been so up-in-the-air since my return. I will never forget what you've done for me. I am in your debt. -Amethyst.
Volunteers needed for alchemical research. Don't find us, we'll find you.-The Guild.
Seeking assistance from someone with prior experience removing unwanted spirit marks. Traveling through Ravenholt area on or around Feb 28th. Will pay well. -U.F.
I cannot get to my love, if I were free: The circle of the Tyne stands between him and me.
In the future to save time, please send all treasonous entries for the Raven's Herald Directly to Dame Quin of the Ducal Household.
To Her Grace and the Ducal team, I would personally extend my thanks for
allowing me to travel with you this last gathering in January. We made quite the
effective team and I am looking forward to our next great adventure....
-Delahr Greymist
RASH OF TRAP ACTIVITY
Small but deadly device have been showing up in unexpected locations at area farms and outlying Ravenholt hamlets. Traps have been found in places ranging from the middle of a grazing field, to a tavern's kitchen, proving particularly deadly due to their unusual shapes and structures. The device found in the kitchen resembled a simple child's toy, while the remains of the item in the field appear to have been in some kind of basket. the only other item discovered so far that may be of similar nature seems to have been left in mid-arming at the door to an orphanage, perhaps by someone evading capture.
After much inspection by specialists it is generally agreed that the caliber of device is such that only a master craftsman could have built it. The Raven's Herald suggests that all suspicious devices be handled with the utmost care.
STRANGE BAND FOLLOWS UNKNOWN HUNT
Citizens in many of the villages of Capulus have reported a sizable band of men scouring the countryside, seemingly searching for something or someone. This band is comprised of Humans and Elves, led by an unknown figure dressed entirely in black. Little is known of this hooded figure - only that he calls himself "the Hunter". There seems to be no connection to the creature of the same name recently released in Fisherman's Cove by the Sessuar.
It is said that this group has entered the villages late during the night under the cover of a thick mist destroying both homes and owners in what seem to be specifically targeted attacks. After each attack, the leader spoke only these words. "This place is now cleansed. No longer will this one serve their undead master." As quickly as they had arrived, the band vanished again into the darkness. No other casualties have been reported. This "Hunter" has last been reported seen in and around Hangman's Brook.
VALLENTINES
Nork, Our love has been a wonderful accident. I would go over to Order for you if I could. Marry me -at least for a little while.-Tristemere
To Hiddenclaw, The most caring and beautiful mercenary in all the lands. Someday I shall find your price.- B.O.C.
To Calico, Simple youth, not simple beauty, B.O.C.
Happy Vallentines Day Bishop!
love , Your Sidekick. (or are you my Sidekick.?)
To the Dragon and Pawn;
I am finding myself with your help. You are my family. Love to all within,-Jordie
Brothers-I have not forgotten about you.-Riana MacNamee
To Capulus-Still with you after all these years.. never forget that.- Your Loyal Soldier-Jordreth Cyclos
A Vallentine: to the Court of Capulus and the Highlanders for offering me a home in their lands and their friendship when I needed it most-Gwyneth.
Neville-Please return to me in one piece from the war.-Titania
To Random, You and your kind have shown me happiness and more than anyone is
to see in one lifetime. Thank you for all you have done .
-Your Bookend,
Jord
To the Mighty Baron!
I wait for you tonight. Eagerly!
Love and Kisses,
-Sheraton T. Bonebay
Kestrel, Grania, and Falco,
So far away, and yet so near to my heart. -Gwyneth.
To Thorge Cyclos,
Love to a fighter's brother.
Jord
Enjoy your first married Vallentines Day Chastity!
-Titania
Kestryn, Khahar az ghalb,
In the grand tradition:
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Strap a board to my arm,
And I'll go hit things with you.
-Cynesra
To Archer, Sorrow, Rellik, Alderon, and Garret,
Thank you for helping me belong to something.
-Joordreth the Accountant
To: Lady Zaikar.
I love you with all my heart.
-M.
My Two Loves,
Though time and distance have pulled us from each other's arms, My heart is
still yours and I still long to hold you once more. I Love You.
-Narri
To Finagler,
Wherever you are, There you are..-Kaylar.
Here is a big sloppy wet kiss for all of my brothers and sisters. -Buck
Vallentine Memories.
"Discussions" with Divad, Sister Prudence's calm word, counsel wise of
Kendrick sometimes heeded; Gruff Tiberious, blustery, yet not.. Voltreg, Druin,
Steadfastness, courage, patience. Max's mysterious healing brownies, downed with
Severin's magic elixirs and wines. Zen's harp playing soft. Enter the bubble
twins, The F.O. Fallon club to make us laugh, and Cap with his hat of magic
tricks...Cynthia's belly dancing, Tira's listening ear, Valinor's tilting at
dragons with interesting results. Tales profound from friend Daphne. New members
not known as well, but equally regarded. How I miss you all.
-Gwyneth.
Happy Vallentines Day, Stick Jocks! May it be filled with many fights and no
casting.
-The Scholar with shield and no ninth.
Sir Ari, Happy Vallentines Day! Is your offer still open?
-Anastasia
Stack, Thank you my friend I do not like to think of where I would be if things had been different. I owe you more than my life...I owe you my freedom.-Ja
Cynesra-Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
In the words of a stick jock,
"Quod Tibi Est?"
-Kestryn
To All the Baljar, I miss you and hope to see you all soon!
-Ja
To my sister Skye, my blood bonded siblings; Voltreg, Narricis, Druin, Lytol, my daughter Sabrina, and her husband Cole, and all of my friends whom I can't list here because of the 75 word maximum, and everyone who has ever healed me, or attempted to. I would like to wish you a happy Vallentines day. May joy, love, and peace enlighten you this year. Walk bravely and safely through the shadows-Love, Fallon.
To Vastin Ardaen:
It has been an honor to fight, live and love by your side all these years. Even
when duty and distance part us, know that my heart is always with you.-Love,
Kestryn
Tristemere-
(insert theme music here)
-Nork.
Harold-
When the sun sleeps,
and the whispers die away,
Dear friends shall meet
On the closing of the day..
Welcome to Eastwyck!!
-Bailie