This May, a strange effect caused some of the most terrible and memorable battles and events of the recent past to return to be relived in the present. To create a closer bond between the people of the Duchy, especially the nobles and the land, these past struggles had to be fought again. Some of the adventures relived included an assault on the Lair of General Urich, the School of Seven Bells, Lankirin's Lair, the Heroes' Graveyard, The Battle in the Lair of the Golden Spider, and others. Fluxes in time allowed townsfolk to relive these adventures in alternate realities.

The battles were largely successful, though the took a heavy death toll. Urich was successfully staked in his coffin; it is uncertain whether this means that the vampyre is dead in our time as well, or whether it was merely an alternate Urich that was killed. A Pantherghast was released from Lankirin's Lair (see Pantherghast, p.3) just as it was the first time. The first group sent to fight the Gold Spider did not return, and so a rescue group followed them, slaying the spider at last and retrieving the captured townsfolk from a mass of webbing.

In perhaps the most fearsome battle, most of the able-bodied warriors in town united to repeat the assault on the lair of the first Brood Queen to appear in Ravenholt. After a vicious and exhausting fight through many levels of brood tunnels, the united townsfolk faced the Queen and her toughest minions across a gaping pit crossed by a narrow bridge. Many prominent citizens died in the final battle, either falling into the pit or being turned into Brood by the Queen. Some townsfolk in desperation threw death spells at their own paralyzed comrades who had been dragged across the bridge, reasoning that a Death spell would leave five minutes to receive a Life, while transformation into a brood meant instant death. In the end, however, the Brood Queen was finally slain.

In the end the heroes of Ravenholt were successful despite many resurrections. How much these struggles have done to unite the leaders of Ravenholt with their lands remains to be seen.

On May 23, a menace thought banished from Ravenholt returned to threaten our Duchy-and all of Tyrra- once again. The being called Husk, one of the creatures from a place called Altyrra who invaded our world some time ago, gated back to Ravenholt to threaten us once again. He locked many people in the Great Hall just after the procession of nobles using some kind of strange ward, and his gloating voice came from the air itself to proclaim his intent of conquering Tyrra and exacting vengeance for his earlier defeat. The ward was brought down by ritual casters who were able to decipher strange writing that held the key to the ward, but Husk's threat was just beginning.

Nicholas, a member of the Altyrran group called the Crimson Guard which opposed Husk and his predecessor, Scourge, also reappeared in Ravenholt at the same time. He warned the Ravenholt Crimson Guard members that Husk sough to forge a link to a dark power known as "the Nameless," which would grant him sufficient power to make him virtually unstoppable. In order to stop him, Nicholas urge that the townsfolk free four spirits of fire, air, chaos, and celestial magic that were bound into Defender, the sword of the Crimson Guard. To free the spirits, several people had to first take up the oath of the Crimson Guard's last leader so that his own spirit could go to rest. Once this was done, the four spirits were freed and they were able to give the townsfolk additional boons and help.

When Husk began his ritual to forge a sigil linking him to the nameless power, the celestial spirit was able to open a magical conduit to his ritual circle. While a large group of Ravenholt ritual casters joined forces to attempt to counter his ritual through this channel, the air spirit sent another group of 40 people to attempt to kill Husk himself when his circle was destroyed. Husk sent many minions to disrupt the counter ritual but the warriors of Ravenholt formed a defensive circle around the ritual casters and protected them from interference. The casters chose to concentrate their full power on destroying Husk's circle, rather than splitting their power to counter his ritual as well. Unfortunately, although they succeeded in destroying his circle, it was not until just after his ritual was complete and his sigil was forged.

Meanwhile the large group sent to deal with Husk fought their way through waves of powerful minions. At last they won through Husk's circle, where he taunted them briefly with his completed ritual, before his circle was destroyed and the warriors of Ravenholt surged in upon him. Many fighters struck him with their most powerful blows, but it took a confine spell to finally neutralize him. Upon being given the final blow with an enchanted blade, however, Husk turned into a black ooze and seeped through the floor into the catacombs below.

The forty townsfolk pursued him into the catacombs, killing him two more times. Each time he turned into ooze again, and escaped. The final time, they were able to collect some of the black substance in a vial, but it is uncertain whether this will be of any help. It is certain that he escaped alive through this strange trick, and is still at large, though severely weakened for the time being.

The sigil itself, which spewed forth chaos at all who came near it, seemed immune to physical attacks. A group was sent back later with a ritual scroll and components to destroy it, but the place was in ruins and there was no sign of the sigil. Apparently, a sigil was destroyed once on Altyrra; the Crimson Guard of Ravenholt are trying to discover how it was done, so that Husk's sigil can be broken and his threat to Ravenholt ended.

To The Good People of This Duchy:

Since Countess Altair did not post the following letter in the last issue of the Raven's Herald, as were my orders to her, and she has not brought forth a reason for not following my order, I now take it upon myself to inform the Good People of the Duchy of the actions taken by the former Baron of Cumberland.

To the Good Citizens of this Duchy:
On this the 7th day of May in the year 597 it is with much sadness that I, Baron Mardigan write this letter.

Due to irreconcilable differences with Her Excellency, Countess Altair, I have asked His Grace Duke Andros Holmsong that the entire court of Cumberland as well as myself be released of our titles and our oaths. We have asked this of our own free will and with honor.

His Grace Duke Andros has granted this request.

I intend to stay here in Northern Cumberland on the front lines commanding the Cumberland Army until I am relieved by His Grace Duke Andros. After I am relieved of my command, I will remain at the northern border in Cumberland, fighting for the Duchy until this war is over.

To His Grace, Duke Andros, I pledge my life and my sword in defense of this Duchy.
        Thank You,
        Gerrick Grog Mardigan

This letter was delivered to me on May 9th,597 by the former Baron's Squire. It was read to all assembled at the opening ceremonies by the Countess. After the reading, the colors of Cumberland, the white raven on a red field, were retired with great honor, and it was made known that Gerrick Grog Mardigan and any of his court may again hold title in this Duchy. At this point I announced that I was leaving the capital city immediately to relieve the Baron of his post.

Be It Known, Mardigan and most of the Cumberland Court have remained on the front line with me, and that I have placed Mardigan in command of the Skyeguard 7th regiment. I wish to personally thank Mardigan and the members of his court for the years past and future service they will provide to this Duchy.
            Sir Andros Holmsong
            Duke of Ravenholt.

This May, the sound of great iron bells tolling form the necropolis across the lake caused more than just a feeling of foreboding. The tolling of these bells was accompanied by waves of attacking undead, and the spirits of any who fell in battle while the bells rang were torn to the necropolis rather than residing in their body awaiting healing or a life spell. The bells themselves were apparently forged from the barbarian anvils that destroyed celestial magicks by minions of Talmar Spirit-thief, the ancient greater liche who is rumored to have been sighted in the necropolis.

The magic of the bells took the spirits to use them to power the necropolis. The barbarian shaman Red-wolf sent spirits to aid Ravenholt townsfolk who found themselves there, giving them a chance to escape if they could pass through five wards guarded by intricate puzzles and patrolling undead. To make sure that no one would have to face this challenge alone, many townsfolk slew themselves when one of their friends fell while the bells sounded, following them in spirit to the necropolis. Most groups that were drawn there escaped alive. Cynesra Arija Nosfer'Vae even managed to escape on her own when no others fell by her side. Several members of the Court of Dragonshire, however did not return from this dark journey. Groups of adventurers discovered pieces of a journal giving information on how to crack the bells. Acid from the Brood Queen that the townsfolk fought during one of the time fluxes occurring at that time needed to be poured on each of the bells, and then spell-singers must sing a song to crack them with its resonance.

Baroness Ganthe Overwind of Eastwyck organized an expedition to sneak into the necropolis with the acid. The group posed as the slaves and dinner of a young woman impersonating a vampire. These daring heroes who included Talin of Bladesworn, Taylynd, Drano Battlehammer of Storwatch, Stack-o-lee MacHine Baljar, and two others, were ferried across to the necropolis by the skeletal boatman. They were admitted to the necropolis, greeted by a powerful demon-lord, and shown to a room in the belltower. There they discovered the trapped spirits of the missing Dragonshire members.

These brave heroes then fought their way through powerful undead guardians to pour acid on the bells, led on by the spirits of Dragonshire's fallen. After finishing the last bell, they had to jump from the tower-top into the waters below to escape the angry minions of evil behind them. The spirits escaped with them, and the folk of Dragonshire were restored to life.

Later, the bells were cracked by a spellsong, damaged past use. It is uncertain whether they are destroyed for good, or what the next move of the dark powers within the Necropolis will be.

Recently members of the clock-work hating group known as the Blood-alliance appears in Ravenholt, passing out a publication called "Bloodlines" which expounded their anti-clock-work ideals. They claimed that Harbinger's clockworks had attacked and slaughtered a town nearby. It was later discovered that the Blood Alliance themselves had attacked the town, strewing mechanical parts about to put the blame on Harbinger.

Meanwhile, Harbinger approached Duchess Alexa offering aid in the fight against the Sessuar in return for citizenship. Harbinger and the Duchess worked out an agreement by which the clockworks may have Kragen's Helm if they retake it from the Sessuar. Harbinger's forces will become a division of the Dragonshire Army, answering to Sir Togan. Sir Togan commented "In light of recent troop morale issues in Cumberland, I am really confident that Harbinger and his troops will rekindle this war effort. Kragen Helm will be taken back, and form there we can stage further onslaughts against the enemy."

The Blood Alliance have been declared an outlaw group. Members are to be taken into custody and brought to the proper authorities for questioning. Several members have already been arrested, but were killed in their cells by the clockwork Lucien, who has reappeared after being thought to be dead.

On the night of Friday May 9th, an old terror was unleashed on Ravenholt once more and it took a heavy toll before it was destroyed. As a result of the time ripples occurring in Ravenholt, the Pantherghast, a creature that feeds on the spirits of elves, was freed again.

Years ago, a group of adventurers sneaking into Lankirin's cabin accidentally released the Pantherghast. The battle proved to be one of the momentous events from the past that the people of Ravenholt needed to re-enact, and so a group was gathered for the task. Just as it happened the first time, only non-humans were able to go on the quest, due to a proscribe against humans on the cabin. Tow members of the original party were in town to take up their old task again: Constantine Lykos, and Jatrina Sartosa. Accompanying them were Viscount Daramor Darkcloud, Baron Derek Northridge, Lord Ferral and Lord Narrik of Westmarch.

Once the six warriors made their way through traps and warder glyphs to the final room where the Pantherghast had been unleashed before, they found the circle that they knew the Pantherghast would form in, and a magical blade. As with the first time that this battle was fought, a wall slammed down the moment that someone stepped into the circle, separating the party. After the pantherghast formed, Jatrina and Derek delivered several of their most powerful blows to the creature, but they, and Daramor, the third elf trapped within the wall were paralyzed by the creature's claws before they could finish it. Fortunately, the wall raised again before it could obliterate them, and the other three elves joined the fray.

The Pantherghast escaped into our time. The six warriors healed themselves and followed, hunting it through the woods to try to prevent it from reaching the town and preying upon elves. Unfortunately, Constantine Lykos, and Baron Derek both fell to its claws and were obliterated. Constantine failed to resurrect. The first time he faced the Pantherghast in Lankirin's cabin, Constantine ran from this being of primal terror, leaving companions to die, but by chasing it tenaciously through the woods with little support, knowing that his spirit was too weak to survive an Obliteration, and by dying heroically in the defense of all the elves of this duchy, he more than redeemed himself.

The Pantherghast escaped its pursuers, but the following night the people of Ravenholt were more prepared. Baron Northridge organized an ambush consisting of a large portion of the town's warriors. As soon as the elves sensed the return of the Pantherghast, the ambush force lay in wait between two cabins while Baron Derek, Gabriel Wolvestride ofStormwatch, and Valinor went out to act as bait. once they goaded the Pantherghast into chasing them, they fled straight to the waiting horde of townsfolk. With a great roar, they all sprung to the attack, chasing the creature to the edge of the wood line where it was finally destroyed.

On the night of Friday May 9th, Constantine Lykos perished at the claws of the Pantherghast. He died attempting to destroy the creature and protect the elves of Ravenholt from its hunger. A former guildmaster of the Healer's Guild, Constantine leaves behind many friends, a sister and children. He was a powerful and capable healer with a long and heroic career as a defender of Ravenholt. His cheerful and caring presence will be missed by all who knew him, a memorial gathering was held the Saturday after his death by Viscount Daramor.

Half a year ago, Vastin Ardaen, a former knight and local hero took up leadership of the Joyous Guard, and disappeared from Ravenholt. This spring he returned, but with word that all was not well with his Order.

The Joyous Guard is a group of warriors pledged to defend Order and oppose Chaos. they are linked mystically to the will and nature of their leader, who cannot be defeated save in single combat. Some time ago, they fell under the dominion of a foul deathknight called Colta who was defeated by the people of Ravenholt last fall. Some of Colta's minions escaped to plot malice against the Joyous Guard. They succeeded in stealing several important relics of the Order, which they used to cast rituals against the Guard. The sword of Order was affected, and turned insubstantial and unable to leave Vastin's hand.

Future consequences would only be worse if the items were not retrieved.

Vastin turned to the people of Ravenholt for help and many answered his call. He gated several groups to retrieve tabards, a sword, a cup, a shield, and other items that had been stolen by Colta's minions. These quests were very dangerous, as each item was guarded not only by dangerous undead that ranged from skeletons and ghouls to spectres and revenants, but a deathknight or deathlord guarded most items as well. Without magic weapons these battles were very harrowing for those adventurers that fought them. In the end all the items were retrieved successfully and the deathknights destroyed.

It is currently uncertain whether the threat to the Joyous Guard has been ended. More Colta minions probably remain scattered throughout the Duchy, but once again, they have been struck a strong blow by the people of Ravenholt.

An open letter to The One Who Publicly Addressed the Baljar Gypsies in the Raven's Herald May 597, from Catahoula MacHine Baljar.

You who wrote this Public Notice appear to be of the Rom. If this is so, then it saddens me that you must present a gypsy issue before the gaje. Since you have done so, I must respond in a similar fashion. I speak only for myself, and not for the Baljar Tribe.

You have said that we do not openly welcome and treat other gypsies with respect. My heart is heavy if we have somehow insulted you, but I think that your words are wrong. The list of gypsies that has found a home with us -a temporary home, or a permanent one, is long. I am certain that many of the Rom who are not of the Baljar kumpania will tell you that we have been there to provide aid, comfort and shelter. You may wish to start with the Kaneristi, who so enjoyed our hospitality- and we their company- that we formed two tribes into one. I think that the Varaja tribe would not agree with you. I think that Hazhanni would disagree with you, and Guilliard, and Two Carmens, and Uchiniki, and Peyo, and many more.

It is true that I once held a freehold. In the time that I held that land, it was a safe haven for all gypsies. Perhaps it is wrong for us to use what resources we have for the protection of our people, but it seems to me that it is not. Perhaps you should come to the Mystic Freehold. Perhaps then you would have felt differently.

There is perhaps a bond between my family and the Gaje of Ravenholt. When I became a gypsy, it was on this city. It was not uncommon for our people to be murdered out of hand. A day did not pass but that we were threatened with the end of our people. Barely an hour passed that we were not threatened, bullied, oppressed. All because we were gypsies.

In those days we were not so strong. We should not protect ourselves. The Gaje who helped us are the same gaje who live in Ravenholt today. The gaje who threw out our oppressors are the same gaje who live in Ravenholt today. Without these people, there would be no gypsies alive in the duchy of Ravenholt-of that I am sure. Is there a bond between us? Perhaps. and why not?

You suggest that we should remember the struggle of the gypsies, which is found in the old tales. My friend, it is found in the new tales as well. The Baljar, and any gypsy who lived in Ravenholt perhaps three to five years ago have lived the struggle of the gypsies more strongly than most. We know the struggle well. For that, we know the old tales well, likely better than you. Come to our home someday, and we will share the old tales together.

And when you do come, bring a knife, dog, for I will feed your blood to the very earth. Before all, gypsy and gaje alike I name you coward, worm, unworthy to bear the blood of the Rom. I name you a disgrace to our people, an embarrassment to the blood, you goat, and son of a goat. I am the torke. I will protect my family from harm and insult. I will protect them with steel and wood, with heart and body and blood.

I will find you and I will kill you, wretch. May the color drain from my vision and the very blood from my heart if it is not so.

Townsfolk report seeing several nobles and prominent citizens outside the Ducal Household on may 25th torturing an unknown person.

Reports have Count Gaereth, Viscount Daramor, Sir Grim, Shatter, and several other well known citizens torturing and dismembering a man outside the Ducal house. It is unknown why this was occurring, nor was the identity of the victim known. Rumors have the victim as either a farmer who did not pay 5 copper in taxes, a merchant who was witholding a special shipment of unknown items, or a Sessuar spy attempting to kill several of the higher nobles.

The Ravenholt Commoner's Tourney took place this May, sponsored by Boris the Gypsy. Several groups competed fiercely for prizes of large assortments of valuable items.

The overall winners of the Tournament were Stormwatch, who took first place in colors, combat, spellcasting, and entertainment.

First place in the hunt went to the ARC and first in puzzles went to Whiteback. Omega which fielded multiple teams won second place overall, followed by the ARC in third, and Vincent and the Healer's Guild in a tie for fourth. Also competing were the Motley Band, and Wanderlust.

The spring brought a strange sight to Ravenholt- a powerful Deathknight surrounded by minions took to the field, but left without harming anyone, or being attacked himself.

The deathknight, one Stephen Cabbot, has been known to Ravenholt for some time, but has taken only a few actions to harm citizens. It is rumored that he has spoken privately with several townsfolk about unknown concerns. He stormed into town on the night of May 24th apparently enraged about a letter he had received from a woman he believed to be his former wife. Arracor Stormhaven confronted him in the middle of town ,and spoke with him at some length, after which Cabbot departed peacefully.

I had risen early on the morning of June 4th 597 to scavenge some tasty herbs for breakfast tea. It was then that I heard the clang of steel and the screams of soldiers. Carefully I picked my way across the meadow toward the Sessuar picket line to the North. My heart leapt for joy. It was our soldiers forcing the Sessuar to flee Southward.

For two full days the battle raged back and forth along the fields that led to Trader's Rest. Casualties and deaths were high on both sides. The soldiers of Westmarch would give no ground to the Sessuar. They were determined to force them south, and free Trader's Rest from their Tyranny. Even now as I write, I can hear the great healers still aiding those that were wounded. In the end, fate sought to favor Westmarch, and the Sessuar were forced to flee Trader's Rest. Westmarch soldiers, exhausted, pushed the retreating Sessuar south of Trader's Rest. When Westmarch set colors, they say, a great cheer arose as the last ray of light from the setting sun fell upon the colors of blue and grey.

I write this letter so that all may know of the heroism and bravery of all of the soldiers who fought to free Trader's Rest from the Sessuar Army and return the land to its rightful owners. As the light of this candle dims, and my children are fast asleep, my thoughts lie heavily upon my husband, now a soldier, gone for several weeks. I hope that he returns to me.

May You Travel in Peace,
Llerian Mor'Esti
Herbalist
Trader's Rest

Early this May, citizens found themselves forced to take part in a dangerous play warped by dark magic.

The famed "Misery Loves Company " of Evendarr journeyed to Ravenholt to open a new play. Many townsfolk, including Duchess Alexa and the Ducal court gathered in the Great Hall to watch. However, the bells of the Necropolis rang just as the thespians used a magic-powered special effect, and the dark power of the bells warped and corrupted the Fey magic of the players. The Great Hall was sealed with an unbreakable ward, and those within found that they must try to successfully enact each scene of the play while corrupted actors attacked them in the parts of the villains, trying to prevent them. If a scene did not turn out as it was in the script, due to the controlled troupes resistance, then all those within suffered damage, and they must start the scene again.

In the end, the entrapped townsfolk enacted the play successfully and the hall and the acting company returned to normal.

Thanks to all those who were able to attend the services for Lucien the Clockwork, and welcome to all our new citizens under the leadership of Harbinger. We may fight on different fronts, but let us all fight well.
Sir Dougan ofArkham.

The Count of Arkham is currently recruiting for his Household; all applicants will apply in person to the Court by the eve of Saturday May 24th.

Chutney! How's that for reflexes? -KT

Anonymous-OBVIOUSLY you forget what it means to be Romani- to stand beside your beliefs, passions, and blood. If you remembered any part of this, you would have spoken to us directly, and seen the depths of the Baljar heart, heard our tales, the passion of our music, laughter and love.

But you insult us, knowing nothing, seeing nothing of who we are. Are you afraid you would not be welcomed?
        -Rain Kharia Elhebraun Baljar.

Cailean, Aurora, and Dulcinea,
I am both glad and proud that your abilities are being appreciated. You are assets to any team, and I am very happy that I am not he only person who knows. Savvas and Laisi, thank you for visiting Ravenholt. The only bad part about it is that you had to leave. Savvas, you are my only brother, and have taught me much. Don't stay away too long. With much love, Michaela

W.S.
Your reflexes astound me. I will try this one again. Mango.
-T.Q. o.t. W.S.

Wez has warned youz, youz no lissen. Huzk our mini onion. More badd if you no payz us. Youz bring lots of shiny copper to the special place or we really get rough.
L7

Count Gaereth, It's too bad that all of us in low town haven't been privileged enough to get to know you. You are a kind and fair man. Thank you for letting me know that first hand.
-Michaela I. Bronwyn

CLUES TO DEFEAT THE NECROPOLIS
By Alan Moonwind

As many of you are aware, the necropolis is the prison for uncounted spirits, stolen and enslaved for its twisted designs. Fifteen of the stronger spirits so trapped belong to leaders, shaman, and heroes of barbarian tribes which in times past rebelled against the oppression of Talmar Spirit-thief. Sadly, each rebellion was defeated and the spirits put in bondage to the evil will of Talmar. On two recent occasions they have been able to send enough of their will out beyond the necropolis to entreat the aid of the peoples of Ravenholt. They send forth "Quest Haunts," to spirit link scrolls to willing individuals so that a ritual can be completed to give us key information for the defeat of the necropolis. The power of their prison is so great, however, they cannot tell us directly how to complete this ritual. They instead can only give us clues. The clues when properly interpreted will show the order in which the spirit linked individuals are to present themselves.

I, and several others have spent long hours interpreting these clues, but since the ritual has twice failed due to an error in the order, I am offering the information I have so that as many people as possible can work on this.

The fifteen spirits each sent out a scroll which except for the name of the spirit and the clue at the bottom are identical. Since there are so many copies if this out there, I will not put the full text of the scrolls here. Rather I will tell the order of presentation in the ritual is Leader, Shaman, Hero for each clan and the clans must be in order of the rebellions against Talmar. Below follow the name of each spirit and the clue it gave, as complete as I have them.

Vorlox: Talmar Spirit-thief was a Greater Liche for the final two battles.

Maalkia: Maalkia was the hero of the first rebellion.

Rosbin: Zim fought his rebellion between two others, one of which was the Badger Rebellion.

Kaless: Teppak or Rosbin fought in the Bear Rebellion against the Liche form of Talmar.

Lyka: I have invoked the prophesy of the Badger.

Sendipo: The Fox was my inspiration through the prophesy.

Brahm: The battles did not begin or end with Brahm.

Elsinta: Elsinta battled Talmar in Liche form, and not with the urging of the Wolf.

Felthis: The spirits of the Lynx ever whisper unto me.

Neolis: As howls the Wolf, so I answer the call.

Teppak: The Lynx did not advise the first battle.

Argen: My strength is the spirit of the Great Bear.

Antar: Antar fought for Kaless in the rebellion which followed the Bear's Rebellion

Detak: Detak fought against the Liche form of Talmar.

Zim: Zim did not lead Rosbin, Zim was not first rebellion and took place before the advice of the Badger.

These are the clues as I have them. At the next gathering, I will be looking to coordinate with anyone who has insight and anyone who receives a new scroll form the spirits.

For the Land, for the Duchess, and for Life.

...At making traps to protect wares? At passing locks? At bypassing those traps? I am seeking the best at each, and I will pay in GOLD for the most capable. Bring me your best trapped box, your best picks, and the best tools to bypass those traps. I am learning how to best protect my merchant wares, and no better way exists than to challenge the best and learn what gives them the most trouble. This contest will run on July 4th 597. Visit the tavern for details.-Cyrus Harding.