It all began with a mysterious disease, and ended in the bloody decimation of the Sessuar forces in a pitched two day battle that began and ended in the gray dawns of Wednesday and Thursday the 11th and 12th of March, 598.

For months, rumor and report spoke of a hideous disease affecting only Sessuar: many referred to it as a "spirit-affecting plague" because as rumor had it, any who caught it did not resurrect after dying a slow, lingering death. Stranger still, it seems now that something about the "Magical barrier" that surrounds Ravenholt abated the spread of the disease although it did not cure the hundreds of Sessuar that fled over the Ravenholt borders to the far north and south. For months, it now appears, sick and dying Sessuar have been immigrating into Ravenholt; some Mystic Wood Elves have reported seeing encampments of Sessuar, Knee-deep in the decaying bodies of their fellow Sessuar spread out all over the far north, beyond the now-deserted town of Lonely, and similar reports have come from sailors brave enough to spy on the remains of southern Capulus. It seems that the long winter's wait was too much for the Sessuar, and in the bitterly cold dawn of Wednesday the 11th, they made their move upon the peoples of Ravenholt. Reports are still coming in as of press time: the following is as accurate as possible considering the state of the Ravenholt forces and lines of communication:

EASTWYCK
Over 6000 Sessuar came sweeping over the plains of Eastwyck out of the Northern Downs soon after daybreak on the 11th. The court of Eastwyck along with the Royal Army 4th Mountain division had been attempting to free the town of Goblinsbane when the attack hit, and were able to hold off the encroaching forces just long enough for the peoples of North and South Woodseaves to escape into the Mystic Woods before they themselves followed to hold the line along with the forces of the Mystic Wood Elves themselves as well as the 500+ Treants that now patrol the borders of the Wood. No final deaths have been reported from that fight although several resurrections have been confirmed, none from the court of Eastwyck itself.

The Sessuar finding so satisfaction from these combined forces stormed over the face of Eastwyck heading straight for the heart of Ravenholt. Goblinsbane, North Woodseaves, Kester, Burnisham Falls, Alinwyck, Bestrick, South Woodseaves, Rosharryh, Skurg, and Burton on the Blood were all confirmed as having fallen to the Sessuar invasion, but through the valiant efforts of too many to be named, all of the inhabitants of these towns are reported to have escaped safely into the capitol city, burning and razing their towns behind them.

The eastern line was soon caught and held by the combined might of Ravenholt's trusted allies: 100 Barbarian warriors sent by Duke Adrick Voltan stood beside the Royal Army 4th foot division, covered by the protective fire from 150 Quentari Telcontari archers, who while trying to report to the Ducal Household of Ravenholt were surprised by the attack and immediately joined the forces. Joined by the Coombe Rangers and 100 Highlander volunteers stationed at Hoolie’s Hollow, The allied forces pushed back the Sessuar armies to Griswold, then beyond finally holding them at bay at the tiny towns of Penrith and Ravenstarr Manor, just outside of Rosharryh, and Skurg.

CUMBERLAND
The combined might of the Sessuar forces rained sown upon Cumberland that fateful Wednesday are now estimated to have been somewhere near 18,900 men; 7,000 from out of the west, 11,400 from the east. The remaining Cumberland and Dragonshire forces, joined by the Royal Army 6th Earth Magic Users Division, and the 8th foot Division, tried again and again to make a stand against the advancing hordes and although they were driven back again and again, their valiant efforts allowed many of the remaining citizens to escape their homes and raze them so that no one and nothing would be left for the Sessuar. Finally, at very nearly midnight

on the 11th the weary but determined forces made what is being called "Cumberland's Last Stand" outside the gates of Dragonshire Keep itself.

The battle raged long into the night, and many fell in defense of the Keep. When dawn broke on Thursday morning not a single Sessuar still moved upon the battlefield. No word has yet reached the Raven's Herald of the fate of the Courts of Dragonshire or the very new Court of Cumberland, but the price was high.

At last report, the towns of Glen Farclas, Redbrook, Deershill Knoll, Celdric's Trap, Haven, Mikon, Tara, and Greystone had all been taken or burned. Kragen's Helm, lying in the direct path of the rampaging army, fell only after a pitched battle which ended with the very last of the clockworks falling to pieces, and reportedly taking three Sessuar with it as it went. Longhope Castle, long under siege by the Sessuar, was luckier in some sense. When the walls were overrun, almost 2000 men fell, but the remaining 1000 were joined without warning by forces from Myanthea, which surprised the Sessuar from behind and provided the necessary morale support for the remaining denizens of Longhope to drive the Sessuar off, saving the castle they had labored so long and hard to preserve.

CAPULUS
The combined forces of Capulus, along with 500 Stone Elven archers, 300 troops from Blythedale in Ashbury and the Royal Army 3rd Mountain Division were locked into a pitched battle before dawn rose on the 11th, as they had been for weeks. They were determined that not another inch of Capulan soil would fall before the Sessuar. Referred to by many as the "StoneWood Line", these brave spirits kept the line all day and night. Though many had to be carried from the battlefield not a one left of their own volition until not a single living Sessuar could be seen. Though many towns in southern Capulus were lost that day, such as Byrne's Cove, Dunharrow, Ripplemeade, Bodmin, Moraven, Reese, Midlothian, and SludgePoint, it is considered by many grateful citizens of Capulus that had these forces not been adamant about holding the StoneWood Line, many more would have fallen, and not a single Capulan town would be left standing today.

WESTMARCH
Westmarch was surprised by a vicious double pronged attack on the 11th. While over 700 sick and dying Sessuar drove north towards the relatively unprotected Deerbrook, bent on a mission of sheer destruction and death to any that stood before them. More than 12,500 Sessuar stormed over the mountains and flooded western Westmarch, heading for the capitol of Ironvale.

Luckily Capulan forces and Westmarch border patrols were able to stop the rampaging 700 Sessuar before they reached Port Rowena, but not before they had decimated the town of Alyndale, and cut off the capitol city of Sercia from releasing further evacuees into Westmarch. To the north and east, Arkham forces stopped the Sessuar cold at the towns of Baldor and Darkmoor, preventing them from advancing any further towards the capitol city of Ravenholt. The rest of the Westmarch forces were not so lucky.

The Sessuar forces burned through eastern Westmarch like wildfire, destroying Trader's Rest, Tarinthon's Mines, Copper, Baldor, Keswick Crossing, and invading DragonGap before broken Westmarch lines could reform. Ironvale itself would likely next have fallen if not for the quick intervention of 300 soldiers from the Barony of Trellheim in Ashbury. Knowing full well the danger, they rushed without fear into the very maw of the encroaching Sessuar forces and held them at DragonGap so that the terrified citizens could escape, and Westmarch forces could regroup and attack. All were slaughtered mercilessly, but their sacrifice was all that the Westmarch forces needed. Led by the baronial court themselves, the forces of Westmarch caught and held the Sessuar forces between the cities of Mallopw and Dragon'sGap, fighting them to a man and protecting the precious capitol city as well as the many towns in western Westmarch.

RAVENHOLT
Having returned from his inauguration by Prince Blackfox just five days before, the new Duke of Ravenholt awoke Wednesday morning to a flood of refugees from fallen towns north and south, and an encroaching Sessuar Army bent on felling the capital of the Duchy. Without hesitation, he gathered the Ducal Household and citizens of Ravenholt and set about defending the capitol city. All day long wave after wave of evacuees came tumbling into town, terrified and exhausted, followed by pockets of Sessuar scouts. Duke Ravenhurst, the Ducal Household, and citizens of Ravenholt took the field again and again, to both fight off the endless stream of Sessuar raiding parties as well as to comfort and direct the frightened citizens form the rest of the Duchy.

Because of the many valiant acts by the many peoples of the Duchy of Ravenholt, by all races, all classes, Noble and Commoner alike, the many lines were held successfully and the mysterious plague took its final toll, leaving all infected Sessuar dead by Thursday night. Those Sessuar that still remain are on the run, hunted men with but hours to live, and the people of Ravenholt are slowly returning to their towns to rebuild and begin anew, finally freed from the dark shadow of the Sessuar Invasion that has covered us for so long.

This February, the bells of the necropolis rang several times, each time with a strange effect accompanying the sound. On the last sounding of the bells, the very earth of Ravenholt shook, and great chasms appeared around the city. A large number of citizens fell through into caverns beneath the city before the cracks filled in again, trapping the people below.

Those who had fallen into the caverns soon discovered a cave with twelve inscriptions in strange writing spaced evenly around the walls and an obelisk in the center. There they found two beings that Ravenholt has encountered before. - The Seer, and the Guardian, who appear a different races, but who always bear the same S shaped mark on their faces. The obelisk and the Seer were somehow engaged together in restraining the power of the Necropolis. The Seer informed the people of Ravenholt that they could help by going on quests to retrieve plaques that could be matched with the inscriptions on the walls. These plaques, combined with a strange ritual would succeed in limiting the Necropolis in some way. The Raven's Herald has heard different versions of what exactly this was to accomplish. Some believe that it was to prevent the necropolis from opening a gate into Ravenholt, others believe that it was to seal the necropolis itself in some way, others are uncertain of anything but that it would limit the necopolis' power. One source indicated that these plaques had been stolen and hidden by the Chaos Child.

The Seer sent many groups to retrieve these plaques through gates that she created. The plaques were guarded by a variety of creatures and often by puzzles and traps as well. Most were successfully retrieved through the valiant efforts of the roughly fifty people imprisoned beneath Ravenholt. A number of people including Keyla, Ember, and Durchasi Ruinvorn were involved in translating the inscriptions. The plaques bore astrological symbols, and each of the inscriptions matched one of the signs.

A great problem arose when Keyla misplaced one of the plaques. The plaque grew permanently fused into this location. Countess Aleena of Arkham was able to move the plaque to its proper position, but had to sacrifice her life to do so. The Countess resurrected successfully.

In the end, twelve casters of magic were assembled to perform the ritual to thwart the necropolis , with Alexa aiding the Seer in the center of the ritual. The Raven's Herald was unable to obtain the names of all who participated in the ritual, but they included Countess Aleena, Cap, Ember, Gilliard, Corwin, Durchasi Ruinvorn, Keyla, Mei-leelu, Liri Varaja, and others. The rest of the gathered forces fought off attacking undead from the necropolis to prevent them from disrupting the ritual until it was successfully finished. Shortly after the ritual was completed, a group of dwarven miners from Ironvale succeeded in digging a way out of the caverns, and all were able to escape.

There are a few noble souls who though they did unlawful and treasonous deeds in life are able to absolve themselves of all crimes after their death and finally attain a state of peace. They deserve to have their stories told. So is the case with the shade, Bethan Artain Kenzy, whom we have learned to deeply respect.

Bethan Artain Kenzy was a squire of Eastwyck in the year 565. In the time he was a squire, he witnessed many other squires rise to knighthood while he himself was left behind. Squire Bethan questioned his liege on why this was so. The reason Bethan was given was, "The answer lies within."

Bethan should have been content with this answer, but he had befriended another squire named Eldbrit Duff Farswin. Eldbrit made Bethan believe that he had something that the other squires did not, and so these other squires met with "mishaps" . In response to these mishaps that Bethan had caused, many of these squires were demoted or sent away. In the meantime, Eldbrit had been knighted and had begun teaching Bethan. Still Bethan was not knighted, nor did anyone catch on to his scheming. Soon all was to come to a halt.

In the year 568, Squire Acare Couley was to take his last test of knighthood. Bethan, as he always did, "fixed" the equipment for the test. He was not present for the test, but word soon came to him that Sir Gregor might have to be resurrected, and that was all he was told. He wondered what had gone wrong. Soon he found himself in the Squire's quarters with Squire Acare who was unhurt. In a fit of rage, he beat Acare senseless, and ran away, leaving Acare there to die. And die he did.

Some time later, Bethan was arrested for the death of his liege, breaking the bond of the land, and the death of Acare. At his execution, he asked forgiveness for his crimes. He also asked for a favor, - that the oath of the Land be placed on a tablet of Eastwyck stone, and placed on his coffin. Cecil granted him this favor, and saw that it was done.

When it was time for him to die, he looked up with honor into the eyes of his executioner, It was Eldbrit, grinning down at him. It was then that he realized everything that Eldbrit had done, and what he had done to himself. In his heart formed feelings of hatred, despair, and hope. The next conscious though that he knew was confinement, but not confinement. The tablet on his coffin was the only thing that he could affect, but that tablet had been broken into many pieces and scattered.

He dedicated himself to a quest. To right the wrongs, and restore the oath. Then and only then would he be able to rest.

The oath was restored, thanks to our brave heroes, who risked hordes of undead to retrieve the pieces. In a touching ceremony witnessed by those present, Bethan was squired by Sir Delahr and recited the oath in a loud, powerful, resonant voice. Then he went to his rest not as a treasonous murderer, but as a true and valiant soul, and so shall he stay.

Unto the Good Peoples of the Duchy of Ravenholt:

Greetings and good tidings. I am known as the Lady Rhyanna Endarr, Knight of His Grace Duke Roderick Ravenhurst, Duke of the Duchy of Ravenholt, and member of the scholarly Order of the Midnight Star. I have been charged by His Grace Duke Ravenhurst to bring these good tidings to you whilst we are En Route from the capitol of Evendarr. Please take my Written Words as they were Meant; Reflecting in Every Way those Spoken by Duke Ravenhurst.

After being summoned to the side of his Highness the Crown Prince Kevynn Blackfox in Early December, His Grace Journeyed Safely and Without Incident to the Capitol City of Evendarr, and there, Under the Directive of His Highness, Underwent a Long and Thorough Series of Tests. His Grace Duke Roderick Ravenhurst was Examined by Trusted Advisors of His Highness, and Tests of His Graces' Moral, Emotional, Mental, and Physical Stability were Performed: all to the Complete Satisfaction of His Highness.

So at 12 noon on February 24th, His Highness the Crown Prince Kevynn Blackfox of Evendarr named Roderick Ravenhurst as the New Duke of Ravenholt.

His Highness, after naming His Grace to the position of Duke, also chose to name the New Seneschal and Chancellor of Ravenholt, Because of the Unique Situation Facing His Grace. His Highness so Chose Two Individuals who, because of their Oaths and Records of Service, were Directly Responsible to both Himself, and to His Grace Duke Ravenhurst. To That End, Sir Thomas Packard was named the New Chancellor of Ravenholt, and I , Lady Rhyanna Endarr, was So Named the New Seneschal of Ravenholt.

His Grace Duke Roderick Ravenhurst, Sir Packard, myself, and His Entourage are Currently En Route back to Ravenholt with All Haste; with Us is the Official Writ, Signed by Crown Prince Kevynn Blackfox's Hand. It will Be Available for Viewing by All when we Arrive in Ravenholt, Estimated to be Sometime after the 12th of March.

Lastly, His Grace wishes to Extend His Sincerest Apologies to all of those who have Tried so Diligently to Reach Him. He Was Summoned to the Side of His Highness Prince Kevynn Blackfox earlier this Season to Discuss His Eligibility to Assume the Rank of Duke of Ravenholt and His Schedule of Travel and Attendance to Prince Blackfox has not left much Time in Order to Attend to Visitation or Correspondence. His Grace will be Holding Court in Ravenholt during the Week's End of April 17th. During That Time, His Grace will be Accepting Oaths of Fealty at Two Hours after Noon on Saturday the 18th.

Long Live The True King of Evendarr,
Lady Rhyanna Endarr
Seneschal of Ravenholt
Knight of His Grace Duke Roderick Ravenhurst of Ravenholt
Member of the Order of the Midnight Star

Springtime usually has a mixed meaning for the common folk of Ravenholt. On the one hand, the weather warms, new livestock arrives, planting begins, and merchant wagons arrive. On the other hand, for those of us in this frontier Duchy, it also means another yearly tradition: Monster raids. Early spring marks the time when monster races, the weather warm enough to make travel possible, stage raids upon the farmers and smaller towns in Ravenholt seeking food and supplies. Preparedness is everything, and usually the peoples of Ravenholt are ready for these raids.

But this year, for many towns, all was for nothing as of yet. There have been no reports of the type of large-scale monster raids Ravenholters have come to expect. In fact the most commonly reported phenomenon seems to be one of migration: over thirty confirmed reports of large numbers of orcs on the move have been collected by the Raven's herald by press time. The normally territorial orc tribes of the area seem to be abandoning their settlements en masse and rumors have begun to circulate that their destination seems to be somewhere near the capitol city. Other monster races such as Ogres and Trolls do not seem to be following suit, but their numbers have likewise been equally low and few to no significant raiding parties of any significant size have been reported. Strangest of all, the area's most prolific monster race, the goblin has seemingly disappeared from the Ravenholt area. Sightings of Goblins themselves are astoundingly low, and those that are seen seem uncharacteristically willing to approach the peoples of Ravenholt. This, surrounding farmers assure us is completely unlike these monsters. In all previous years, monster raids have been a near constant phenomenon during the months of March through May, and the change has some people nervous.

"Yep, sure is strange, About his time, we should be seeing whole bunches of gobbies coming down out of the forests- they's run outta food by now, and gotta feed the young-uns! But this year, not a one!" said one eyewitness Billy Bobob, a farmer in Lower Eastwyck. Although the absence of the yearly raids is by no means a cause for sorrow, especially after the hardships caused by the Sessuar War, many of the common folk are concerned about what the sudden drop in monster numbers might mean. As Billy Bobob said, "Yep, With all the orcs on the move, and the Gobbies gone missing, a body can't help but wonderin' what they knows what we don't.. "

Inhabitants of the capitol city of Ravenholt have been witness to yet more strange monster activity; Lizardmen!

Rising from the muck well before their usual time, (some suggest that the unseasonably warm weather of February and March may have confused them. Large groups of 10 or more lizardmen have been systematically marching into Ravenholt center, unarmed, and staring fixedly at the Healer's Circle before turning and wandering off.

Even stranger the order has come down from the Ducal Household itself that unarmed lizardmen are not to be harmed, leading many to give credence to the rumor that nobles of Ravenholt have granted the lizardmen permission to resurrect in the circle along with citizens of Ravenholt. The Herald will print more as we discover further facts on this story.

Wanted: Weapons and Armor whose use has effectively expired. Please contact Amra Asland Al-Qaudim! Safe Journey to You!

His Grace Duke Roderick Ravenhurst requests that All Members Past and Present of the Ducal Household of Ravenholt Attend the Week's End Gathering in the Capitol on the 17th of April. Any who Cannot Attend are Requested to Inform His Grace Immediately
        -Lady Rhyanna Endarr
        Seneschal of Ravenholt
        Knight of His Grace,
        Duke Roderick Ravenhurst of Ravenholt
        Member of the Order of the Midnight Star

Do you need jewelry appraised? Items exchanged for currency? Access to a Technician's delicate art? If you want to get anything, or need to sell anything, contact Amra Asland Al-Quadim! Safe Journey to You!

Foxy: Good to see you back. Really have missed you. -Hans

Wanted: Everything!! I am looking to but/sell/trade for many items. Potions, scrolls, components, armor, weapons, crystals, jewelry. Also wanted: Craftsmen to fulfill contract work as well as a place to sell your wares! Please contact Amra Asland Al-Quadim! Safe Journey to You!

Dearest Friends at the Funeral Parlor, I would like to thank you for the service you did for me this fall. Rest assured, I will repay the favor in full.
Sincerely, An Employer.

Willow and Nomad, I would like to thank you for the kindness you have shown me. I have met an old friend of yours, in order to repay you, please meet us at Garson's Bridge on 27 March.

Wanted : Multiple Low circle celestial scrolls. I need to purchase multiple scrolls to fulfill an order. Please contact Amra Asland Al-Quadim! Safe Journey to You!

Let It Be Known To All Vornae: A challenge to all Vornae has been issued. It shall take place at Garson's Bridge in Westmarch on the stroke of midnight, March 27. For Inquiries, and acceptance of this challenge, please send messengers to Master Merchant Calvin, at the Headquarters of the Three Ravens Caravan in Garson's Bridge. NO DRAE PLEASE.

Wanted: Weapons and Armor. For Weapons, I am especially interested in silvered Longswords, Scimitars, Main Gauches, Spears, and Axes. For Armor, I am interested in all suits from Leather to Full plate. Please contact Amra Asland Al-Quadim! Safe Journey to You!

The Behir and the Beholder Magic Shop specializes in Celestial magicks. Scrolls, potions, ritual components and magic items bought and sold. Novice adventurer discounts. Celestial training available. Located in Central Ravenholt

BRAVE ADVENTURERS WANTED! Are you tired of sitting around reading the wall inside of the tavern? Do you yearn for excitement and fun? Well our motto is: "If you can't make it to the people, then bring the people to you!"

We of the Three Ravens Caravan have had a slow winter, what with the Sessuar nastiness, and we are looking to get rid of stock so that we can pay for our Spring Shipment! Everything Must Go!

There will be a gathering of several merchants at our winter headquarters in Garson's Bridge, and only the Bravest, Most Fearless Adventurers are invited! Everyone knows what a Merchant Gathering Means! A Festival!! This means of course that there will be games, a treasure hunt, a unique riddle competition, and of course, plenty of strange and unusual items from around the lands of Evendarr and beyond to buy! There will also be a Harmonic Ritual Demonstration for those who are interested. If you wish to attend this impromptu festival, ride drive, or walk to our winter headquarters. Where is this fantastic event occurring, you ask? Why at Garson's Bridge, Westmarch! The safest and best protected Barony in the World! When, one might ask? Why March 27th to March 29th! Just as the snows break!

Do you need training? Are you new to adventuring? Every Spring, our caravan is attacked by goblins, orcs and other less desirable creatures in the early raids. To make the sport easier, our scouts have already found the lairs of these despicable creatures! We will pay you for every one of these creatures that is removed from the caves just north of our encampment. How do we want them removed?

Anyway you can! No Questions Asked! The More of Them the Better!

Is there anything special that you are looking for? Anything that we can have ready for your perusal and discriminating tastes? Just send a message to the Three Ravens Caravan. We Aim To Please!