Over the past month, the tolling of the necropolis bells has been ringing across Ravenholt.

The first occurrence was during the first hour of February 6th. As a series of warped notes tolled from the bone island, black storm clouds gathered over the necropolis in a matter of minutes. A fierce thunderstorm arose and quickly obscured the cursed island from sight. The storm raged throughout the night, with waves large enough to damage a few of the fishing vessels still tied at the docks. By dawn, the storm faded, and very few brave local fisherman dared to check their morning nets. On their return to the docks, they reported that one of the dark bone towers of the necropolis had been blasted away by the storm, tumbling into the lake.

The second occurrence came on the fourth hour past noon on February 12th. The toll of another bell, this warped sound higher in pitch, emanated from the Undead City. This time, instead of storm clouds, dead bodies arose from the ground and silently stood where they had clawed themselves from their graves. None of the undead attacked or moved, except to climb from the earthly tombs during the tolling of the bell. All of the animated corpses collapsed when the peals of the bells ceased.

The most recent incident took place just before dawn on February 20th. For a third time, the citizens of Ravenholt were assaulted by the grating, unearthly, sounds of a deep toll. The results of the bell caused many citizens to speak in gibberish for several minutes. All was thought safe when this effect wore off within half an hour. The town guard has been ordered to detain anyone who speaks in this gibberish voice for identification in the Guild of Mages.

Citizens of Ravenholt : During the past three years, the members of the court of Eastwyck have spent considerable time and effort in researching the nature and history of a number of organized groups of undead abominations. In particular, those groups which have been active in Ravenholt and the nearby Duchy lands have been of particular focus, for obvious reasons. The group known as the Black Rose is well-known and long-time foe of the citizens of the Duchy. For this reason Eastwyck has pursued information on and insight into this group in specific. Countless citizens of Ravenholt have been interviewed on this matter. The information gained has been carefully collected by all members of the Court and has been Archived through the good offices of a Friend of the Court.

Upon beginning this toil, every member of the Court, as well as the many others who have kindly volunteered their assistance was made aware of the necessity of making all inquiries in a manner as subtle and considered as possible. The reason for this precaution is clear. Any group which would be of interest must not be alerted to any inquiries into their activities, lest they react in violent retaliation. The members of the court and those who have aided this effort have consistently heeded this advice to the greatest extent possible.

Recently, the efforts of the court of Eastwyck relating to the Black Rose in particular have been made public knowledge. The specific claims which have been made of actions taken by the court with regard to the Black Rose are wholly erroneous. It is my sincere hope that such a revelation will not result in the very provocation which the court has succeeded in avoiding for nearly three years. Nevertheless, the deed being done, the court would like to take this opportunity to publicly invite and request all who are possessed of reliable information regarding the Black Rose, or any similar group, to recount such to any member of the court. All information will be held in strictest confidence, and will be utilized to provide greater knowledge and safety for the people of the Duchy, our sworn and cherished duty.

By my hand in faith,

Baroness Ganthe Overwind

Eastwyck.

Greetings, Few of you will remember me. My name is Silford Reamweaver. I am from Sercia in Capulus.

I must first apologize for the lateness of this letter. It has taken some time for Sercia to return to normal after the horrors that befell it this autumn past. There has been much to do, but the fates have been kind. The winter has been mild, and all is well again.

Words fail me in attempting to describe the gratitude felt by the people of Sercia to those brave and kind citizens of Ravenholt who came to our rescue when a strange gate and an even stranger mist appeared in town. As one of the few Sercians who did not disappear in the fog. I had lost faith in ever seeing my neighbors again. Were it not for the actions taken (and in some circumstances the sacrifices made ) by you, Sercia would today be a cold, dead place.

I would be amiss in writing this letter without giving particular thanks to certain people whom I had the honor of meeting. I first want to thank the court of Capulus, who showed great compassion in sheltering and protecting me from those evil-spawned creatures that ravaged our town. Your kindness is exceeded only by your courage.

Next, I want to thank the Baljar gypsies, who, when faced with a most difficult curse, chose to forgo vengeance and instead attempted to understand the nature of the curse, and in doing so, saved a life.

Finally I must express my own gratitude to Kestrel , without whose wisdom and guidance, I might never have found the strength to fight my demons and overcome my own curse.

Yours in Friendship,
Silford Reamweaver

I , Countess Altair Lithill Ravenhurst do hereby order that notices posted in the tavern of a treasonous nature will be punishable by death. That, during times of war, such notices by their very nature may cause the death of many innocent citizens. If a citizen has concerns about nobles, they should bring such concerns to the attention of either myself or His Excellency Count Gaereth. The tavern wall should be used for weddings, births, or party notices.

Her Excellency Baroness Ganthe wishes to congratulate Bailiwick Stormhaven and Delahr Greymist on their upcoming ennobling. Let it be known that Bailiwick and Delahr have been designated to swear their oaths to Countess Altair Lithill Ravenhurst and to the lands and people of Eastwyck in the Spring. As Delahr and Bailiwick have already been granted title by the Baroness, they have been given the honor of choosing to use their titles until that time.

Capulus is still seeking recruits. All those wishing to join the Capulan Army please contact Major Valinger, Those who wish to join the court proper please contact the Baron or Silverthorne.

The Court of Eastwyck will be offering open and formal court upon the first gathering in Ravenholt. Matters of any kind may be brought before the court at that time. The court invites any in need of aid, counsel or resolution to speak freely.

CAPULUS- I gave my trust, and have watched this long autumn and winter whilst your promise remained unfulfilled. I have now felt your justice, and tasted the canker of corruption. No More.. -Alden

To All Citizens of Ravenholt:

As of late, I have come into custody of the ritual scrolls for Create Earth and Celestial Foci. I am making these scrolls available to the public upon request. Seek me at the Alchemical Research Center (ARC) and we can try to work out an arrangement for its use. Sorry, but the scrolls are not for sale. Thank You.
-Kainon Andrews

Thoria Gypsies: We have overcome distance and separation to become family again.. Let us ALL come together during the April gathering and celebrate that we have found each other and we are blood family again!
Love, Your Sister, Narri

Corrections: In the January 598 issue of the Raven's Herald Countess Altair's full name was miss-spelled. it should have read, "Altair Lithill Ravenhurst." The Herald submits its apologies.

In the article "Malava Slain" in the last issue of the Herald, we reported rumors that there were conflicts ion the chain of command on the expedition to kill the vampire Malava. The Herald has discovered that these rumors were false. We apologize for the mistake.

Named for former Raven's Herald editor Vallen Brynlydon are a long standing Herald tradition. This year they have once again been collected by Kaylar.

Shintai:
Sharp as a blade
Soft as a whisper
We met but once
In barren Sercia
    -A humble Gaijin Healer

Antro- For good times not long past.-Willow

Fallon, Harold, Voltreg, and Aurora: each of you are family to me.. I can never tell you how much each of your friendships mean. May it last until Time ends.
-Love, Narri

To All of the single women of Ravenholt, especially the Wild Elves and Sarr. I pledge my undying love to all of thee on this fine season of romance. I would do so personally, but will have to wait until the Sessuar Scourge is wiped from the face of Evendarr. Until then...Lovingly All of Yours, Kel'Trebeck Iianthanas Silverbow of the Northlands Wild elves.

Three things which are long, dark, and beautiful- The Blood River, Night, Fallon's hair..

Cynesra- wherever you wander sister, look to your shadow; my heart is there, so that I still fight by your side.
        -Kestryn

Sir Delahr- For each and every season, you shall have a friend in me.-Willow

On this Vallentines Day let us stop and think for a moment about all of the loved ones lost during our current war with the Sessuar and of their loved ones who are still with us. May peace come to all of us soon. -Silverthorne of Capulus

To Nova- Our hearts are joined for eternity. Soon so shall be our lives. You are the most vital person in my life. I will love you always.-Koshi.

Laylee and Brysha: I do and have always loved both of you. I hope we can be together as a family soon.. You are always in my heart. -Momma

White Rose,
Red Rose,
He roes

Koryon- If kindness be in leaf and petal, and weapons in the stem and thorn, Then you will ever be the rose.-Willow

Vastin-So long as in gold the sun rises and sets,
So long as in silver the stars spread their nets,
So long as the moon rides the black velvet sky,
So long lives our love, though all else should die-Kestryn

Precious-Love unites us stronger than ever. A new family, a new life, I love you with all my heart and spirit, eternally-Love , Narri

Liri- Stomachs conspiring? Utensils running away to join vampires? It was great to get to know you recently and I hope to have more fun times.
-Willow

Kestryn- khahar az khun,
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
I really, really, really miss
Going out and hitting stuff with you. -Cynesra

Mango!-Happy Vallentines Day Northwind.-T

Liri- kahar az ghalb
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Stay out of trouble,
Or I'll drag you back to Myrr and lock you in your room!
Love, -Cynesra

Through winter's chill, I homeward still am yearning;
now spring is nigh, and soon am I returning.
Though far they roam, the birds come home to nest;
'Tis there my heart and mind will find their rest.
And as the bird's bright song is heard on wing,
I will rejoice, raise up my voice and sing!
-Daphne Green

My sweet Narri, I have no means with which to give thanks for the time that we have had together. Life with you is like living a dream, a dream from which I hope to never awaken. May we never part ways again, for I do not know if I could bear to lose the light of my life again. -Louis

Nomad- Friend and confidante- thank you for being there in this year of trouble and turmoil. Love to you always- Yours, Dulcey