In April, the extra-planar being known as the Reaver made his first appearance in Ravenholt. Through the heroic efforts of the people of Ravenholt he was banished for a time, but he left behind a number of townsfolk who had been "tainted" with something known only as the Void. The Raven's Herald was unable to discover exactly what the void is or what its connection is to the Reaver, but it is clear that the Reaver is attempting to use this link to turn these citizens into more of his minions, known as "Voidlings". The creatures that joined him in his previous attacks on Ravenholt were voidlings created on the last plane that he destroyed.

After the Reaver was banished, many attempts were made to cleanse the void taint and keep him from returning to this plane. Citizens tried Vision songs, the Oracle, and asked advice and knowledge of many powerful and wise beings including some avatars of elemental icons. However they were able to discover very little despite all of these efforts.

A modified form of Spirit farewell was performed on one of the defenders of the last plane which fell to the Reaver. This warrior, Kreegar, was able to explain much to the citizens of Ravenholt. The Reaver's power comes from the elements of Death, Chaos, Water, Earth, Dream, and Darkness. To combat him, Kreegar and his allies had created powerful tokens of the six opposed elements: Life, Order, Fire, Air, Reason, and Light. These tokens appear as gold stars with a gem in the center. Kreegar and his friends however had been betrayed by one of their own and slain before they were able to try to use these tokens to defeat the Reaver.

The defenders of Ravenholt started to work to gather elemental essences from each of these six planes and to ascertain the location of the five stars that had already been gained. Before the task was finished however, one of the tainted, Adrian of Stormwatch was transformed into one of the Reaver's minions. If he was cut down he simply returned in his voidling form. There were no clues as to how to cure him. Throughout the night of Saturday June 13th, Adrian traveled through the town , sometimes aiding the undead, and other creatures assaulting the people of Ravenholt, and at other times simply speaking with or menacing citizens. He led to the resurrections of Eathan and Sir Thorge of Capulus.

At midnight another modified spirit farewell was performed to summon Jalista, a powerful mage who was also one of the Reaver's last victims. She was the creator of the six stars and possessed the one which the town had not yet found. She imparted much information about how to eventually defeat the Reaver.

That same night, the court of Eastwyck made a deal with a creature known as the Auditor, a being associated with Death, which made many bargains with townsfolk that gathering. It is unknown what Eastwyck had to pay but the Auditor agreed to help restore Adrian to his original form. Adrian resurrected and is reportedly now clean of all taint by the void.

The Reaver's threat is far from ended however. Many citizens of Ravenholt are still tainted by the void, and efforts to cure them are still underway. Anyone who has one of the six stars which are elemental tokens is urged to contact a noble immediately.

This June, Ravenholt faced an unexpected threat; Doppelgangers. Several townsfolk captured by ogres, bandits, or seeming friends appeared in town as evil doubles which could not be easily told from the originals and seemed to have all the memories of the captives that they imitated. When the doppelgangers were cut down, they dissipated instantly and the ones the duplicated would appear out of any mirror in town, unconscious.

On the evening of Saturday June 13th Jayson and Roland of Dragonshire were captured by ogres only to return shortly thereafter in what was later to be discovered as not their true forms, but those of evil doubles. After the doppelgangers were destroyed, a being came into town offering to take their friends to rescue the real Jayson and Roland. He rifted a group consisting of Willow Treespeaker, Sir Antro of Dragonshire, Squire Sakket, Oberon Anduin, and Vincent through a mirror to what seems to have been the Dream plane. There they faced the two captives nightmares made real before managing to free Jayson and Roland from their own fears and returning to Ravenholt through the mirror by which they left it.

Later that night, more townsfolk were made into doppelgangers, including such notables as Sir Victdar, Sir Delahr, and Squire Kyril of Eastwyck, and Sheriff Logan. The doppelgangers of the three nobles of Eastwyck cut down their entire court in their cabin, as well as much of the court of Capulus, and might well have made all of both courts into doppelgangers as well had they not been interrupted by a timely attack from Adrian of Stormwatch in his void tainted form. All of those who appeared as doppelgangers seem to have returned normally.

The Raven's Herald was unable to find anyone who knew the origin or nature of these doppelgangers, though it seems that some connection to mirrors is likely. There have been no further reports of doppelganger activity since the morning of June 14th though no one seems to know how and why the threat was ended any more than where it came from.

Come to the House of Al-Quadim! A shop of wonders and practicalities from across Tyrra. -items to make adventuring easier, or to delight your friends and loved ones! Armor, Weapons, alchemicals, potions, scrolls, locks, traps, spell books, and objects of beauty and uniqueness bought and sold. Appraisals of fine objects also available. Traps made to order. Training available on request. Special orders always welcome! Safe Journey to you!

To All Citizens of Ravenholt:

By the request and sanction of our Lord Duke Roderick Ravenhurst, a Heraldic Registry is being compiled. All colors and coats of arms are to be recorded in the registry. At your earliest convenience, please provide either written or verbal description of your court, group and personal colors and arms to Durchasi Ruinvorn. Thank You.

Wanted: All manner of ritual components, Will pay premium rates. --Darius Brisbane

Wanted: I am interested in recruiting new adventurers to the lands of Ravenholt as bodyguards for my shop. Please contact Amra Asland Al-Quadim at the House of Al-Quadim, located in front of the Healer's Circle...Safe Journey to You!

Friend,
Arrived. Last time hindered by unanticipated company. Expected no others. Eluded discovery. Not safe. Another time.

Be it known the Court of Capulus will be considering new members at the first September gathering in Ravenholt City. Anyone wishing to join the court should send word to Anastasia prior to that gathering.

Wanted: Everything! I am looking to buy/sell/trade for many items. Potions, scrolls, components, armor, weapons, crystals. Pleases contact Amra Asland Al- Quadim at the House of Al-Quadim located in front of the Healer's Circle. Safe Journey to You!

Wanted: True elemental essence of Darkness or Shadow, and any information regarding the shadows which plagued this last gathering.
--Darius Brisbane.

Attention Spellsingers:

Be it known that I have acquired foci for the spells Vision, and Rest. Anyone needing to make use of them should contact me. I am a member of the Court of Capulus and will be attending most council gatherings in Ravenholt city.--Anastasia

Wanted: Ritual Components of the second power. Please contact Amra Asland Al-Quadim at the House of Al-Quadim, located in front of the Healer's Circle. Safe Journey to You!

Unto the Order of Ouroboros,
Why not put your names to your lies? Speaking as a gossip and a scofflaw, I can personally say you have no style. Why not show your faces? At least I have the courage to sign my own notes. I dare you to do the same!
--Goodman Samus Darkforge of Ironvale

In Memoriam: HeartsBlood
A knowing spirit and true who gave up his own existence for the good of all. There is no finer gift. I will eternally regret the lack of a chance to know him better, and shall always strive for a peaceful answer in his memory. Perhaps so should we all.
As he did live for us, so did he die for us.
        --Sir Zeyr Querrian D’Nolchak Knight-Champion of Arkham

Tired of working endless days to barely feed your family? Have you always dreamt of one day having enough land to get ahead? Come and live the dream in the beautiful land of Arundel in Avendale. Raise your family and crops in an abundance of rich, fertile land. Your only limit is the amount of land you can work. Take advantage of our growing trade and the protection of Avendale's military. Ensure the future of your children now, and Arundel.

CAP'S EMPORIUM EXPLODES
by Daphne Green

On Friday of the May gathering at about 10:00pm there was a single large explosion at Cap's Emporium, a well known mercantile establishment in downtown Ravenholt.

Captain Eliyahu ben Nachman (widely known as "Cap") went to the door pf his emporium in the company of Trivector, whom he had hired to cast a Ward. As Cap opened the door, he and Trivector were caught in the explosion. Fortunately, members of the Healer's Guild, located next door quickly reached the two mortally injured citizens with life spells.

Investigation revealed that the source of the explosion was a trap of some kind attached to the door. No damage was done to the valuables inside and the damage to the building was quickly repaired in time for Cap's normal business hours the next day.

An investigation of the attack is pending. Cap's Emporium is offering a reward of five gold pieces for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible and another five gold for the actual capture of those persons.

The Purpose of this article is to serve as a reminder to all citizens and travelers in Ravenholt of our laws. It is your responsibility as citizens and visitors to be cognizant of our laws. Failure on your part to learn the laws is not a valid defense in trial. Those who are established citizens of Evendarr or recognized visitors are protected by and subject to these laws. The Nobles or Magistrate will make the final decision of who is or is not covered under law.

Matters of commoner law may be handled by the magistrate or noble of the land. Within the city of Ravenholt, all matters of commoner law are handled by the Lord Magistrate. As of this writing this position is filled by Lord Magistrate Dewsiron Martisius. Matters of Noble law shall be handled by the liege of the noble in question. While all laws have suggested punishments it is the privilege of the magistrate or noble sitting in judgment to punish each criminal as harshly or as leniently as he or she sees fit, depending upon the circumstances surrounding the crime.

There are proper channels available to challenge the decision made in a criminal trial. That proper channel is NOT the Raven's Herald. If any citizen of Ravenholt is in need of information regarding the appeal of such decisions, you may ask of any noble of these lands.

The following is a legal definition of Obliteration.

Obliteration shall mean that the offender shall suffer the equivalent of three deaths. This does not mean an obliterate ritual. It means that the criminal will suffer a successful obliterate ritual, OR Three deaths. at the discretion of the magistrate or noble. Failure of an obliteration shall NEVER be considered to be caused by innocence of the condemned. Failure of a ritual is caused by a failure of the magicks themselves, or by an error in the casting.

Regarding Nobles:

All those persons that are under consideration for assuming Noble title within the lands of Ravenholt (Squire, Lady/Lord, Dame/Knight, Baroness/Baron, Viscount/ess, or Count/ess) must be presented by their liege to be to the Duke or Duchess for introduction and examination prior to their appointment. If a noble is appointed without having been presented to the Duke or Duchess, they shall be found guilty of Pretending to Noble Title, and their liege shall be found in contempt of this law.

All those holding Noble title within the lands of Ravenholt must attend at least one half of the gatherings in the capitol city in order to retain their title. Extenuating circumstances will of course be taken into account, but only if communicated well ahead of time. However, if a noble is absent from more than one half of the gatherings without excuse, their title shall be removed.

Low Crimes usually consist of the damage or theft of property or assault and are therefore punishable by fining or incarceration. Multiple or repeat offenses may be punishable by confiscation of the individual's possessions or by death.

Arson: Destruction of another's property by fire.

Assault: Placing someone in fear of harm, seriously threatening another person, or causing harm to a person or to their property. These may be physical or magical threats.

Bribery: Obtaining favors, money, or other property by force, intimidation, or illegal means.

Conspiracy: Planning to commit a crime, aiding a criminal (person in the commission of a crime) obstructing the investigation of a crime, or obstructing the course of dictated punishment of a criminal (setting a criminal free from incarceration, delivering a life spell to one sentenced to death, etc.) is conspiracy. In matters involving nobility, this will become treason. In matters involving undead, the charge will be necromancy.

Contempt: The willful disrespect of a noble or public official disobedience of an order given by them. Please know that his Highness Prince Kevynn Blackfox has passed a law requiring that all nobles be addressed by their proper titles.

Forgery: Producing or planting of false documents or money for the purpose of deceit.

Theft: stealing or destruction of another's goods by any means. Tax evasion is a theft

Public Disorder: Anyone found acting in an abnormal or irrational manner.(babbling nonsense, walking about unclothed, speaking or acting in a manner unlike themselves, et cetera) Must be brought to the Mage's Guild immediately for identification, and if necessary, detained there until the madness has passed. Once this madness had passed, if no external cause can be found for the disorderly behavior, a fine of no less than one gold shall be extracted and paid to the Mage's Guild by the afflicted person, whether in cash, material goods, or guard duty for one hour.

According to Evendarr law, common folk may not engage in "honor combat" without the sponsorship of a noble of Ravenholt. Any common folk engaging in honor combat without a noble sponsor present will be charged with contempt as well as any crimes committed (assault, murder) .

If anyone is harmed other than the two parties engaging in Honor combat, the one who cause the harm will be charged with the appropriate crime.

High crimes are punishable by confiscation of goods and by death. Obliteration and banishment may be ordered for multiple or repeat offenses.

Kidnapping: Taking or constraining a person with unlawful force.

Murder: Taking of another's life, even if a life spell was administered.

Necromancy: Casting of a necromantic spell. (any spell with the word 'chaos' in the incantation) or ritual is necromancy, as is the creation or knowing possession of any necromantic item (Any item created through necromancy, or one that produces a necromantic effect) or creature, consorting with or conspiring with undead. If one is forced to consort with undead under extenuating circumstances, this consorting and the circumstances must be reported to the Duke or Duchess immediately for any future plea of leniency to be considered.

Pretending to Noble Title: A commoner who seeks to convince another that he or she has a noble title is guilty of this crime. It is unlawful to present oneself as a "former noble. " You may not represent yourself to the goblins as a noble.

Slavery: Forced servitude, the buying or selling of another to enforce servitude . This can be through use of charm, dominate, enslavement, euphoria, love poisons, as well as by physical or implied threats. No one may own slaves in Ravenholt, monster or not. The possession or use of the elixir known as euphoria is always illegal.

Treason: Attempting to overthrow the lawful government of the land by means of force or trickery. This crime may be punishable by death and confiscation of all worldly goods. In the matter of high treason, the attempt to overthrow the Duchy, Principality, or Monarchy, Obliteration is mandated and may be to the final death. Banishment after obliteration is an option.

All citizens and visitors are protected by these laws, and are required to obey them. Invaders of this land are not protected by these laws. You may not be arrested for committing the following against a monster, an invader, or their property: Arson, Assault, Theft, or Murder. There are certain laws which may never be violated, regardless of the victim. They are: Kidnapping, Slavery, and Necromancy.

Circles of power with any duration exceeding that of battle magic must be granted by the Duke or Duchess. and the owner of the circle must be able to produce a writ to that effect. Ungranted circles of power are prohibited, and shall be considered a crime of treason.

Similarly anyone looting the defenders of the town while the town is in threat will be considered guilty of conspiracy to the crimes of that threat. This is likely to be conspiracy to treason as a minimum, and will have severe results.

Greetings to one and all from the Seneschal of Capulus:

I am aware of some small confusion concerning the nature of my duties and title. In particular the contrast between the actuality and perceptions of those things stated by the Baron at my elevation ceremony in Ravenholt. So, to the purpose of allaying controversy, I shall describe the purpose and position of the Seneschal of Capulus. My status is not as a noble of Ravenholt, but rather that of a senior member of the inner court of Capulus.

Outside the bounds of the Barony of Capulus:-the seneschal may not act autonomously in judicial or executive matters.

-the seneschal may upon due consideration, establish, increase, or decrease any commercial or logistical activity between the barony and any lawful agency or entity of state.

- the seneschal may if so directed by the Baron of Capulus or his knights, represent the Barony at any formal or informal assembly.

Inside the Barony of Capulus:

-the seneschal may judge common disputes or criminal trials, but may not execute sentence unless sanctioned to do so by a magistrate or noble with authority over Capulus.

-the seneschal is not granted direct lordship over an estate.

- the seneschal shall be the primary advisor to any Capulan noble wishing to depart from established estate management practices.

-the seneschal shall hold authority over all commercial and logistical enterprises within the barony, and is anwerable only to the Baron, and Baron's lieges in these matters.

As I do not retain ownership of an estate, I shall vigorously and courteously discourage those who might mistakenly address me as "Lord" or "Sir" from doing so. I have been granted much lawful authority, duty, and heavy responsibility within the barony of Capulus. In regard to this, my station shall ask the same level of honor and respect from the common citizens of Capulus as is due our nobility and court officers. Be assured, I will devote all of my abilities to serving the people of Capulus, and earn from each and every citizen the respect that is due my station.

If there are any who still harbor questions or doubts, I invite all to contact me at the Hall of Capulus in Sercia, or in Ravenholt City at the noble gathering in the month of June. Let me now congratulate the two newly made Knights of this barony.

To Sir Thorge Cyclos, and to Sir Valinger Stormcrow, I wish good health and wisdom. May their knighthood bring prosperity to this land!!

Silverthorne of Capulus
Seneschal