On the night of Friday, June 12, a young wizard's apprentice named Jadrin entered Ravenholt seeking help in dealing with creatures that had overrun her mentor's tower and trapped a friend inside. She also sought a group to sneak into the tower through a hidden tunnel to retrieve papers with information on a ritual of her mentor's that had gone wrong. Ryker and Corwyn of the Mage's Guild led the frontal assault while the court of Capulus ventured the secret passage. Jadrin's friend, a scout named Mirai, was rescued, and both groups wound up in the wizard's study where they found numerous notes and papers and a circle of power. While they searched the study for further clues, the woman they had thought was Mirai, disintegrated Jadrin and escaped through another secret passage blocked by the circle, in which she seemed to be invested. The real Mirai showed up later, and it was evident that the woman that the warriors of Ravenholt had "rescued" was a shape-changed or magically disguised impostor.

The papers recovered from the tower were reviewed by Ryker and by Sir Zeyr of Arkham. Some of them seemed to be the notes of a creature ritually created by the wizard; others were notes of the wizard himself. It seemed that the wizard had found a power source and performed a ritual, giving his life to power it, to create a being that would exist to end violence. The ritual had flawed, and created an opposite to this being as well, one whose only purpose was to create violence and strife. This creature could be stopped using the items that had powered the ritual: four orbs associated with the four seasons. The scout Mirai knew the locations where the orbs had been hidden, and volunteered to take groups to retrieve them.

Meanwhile, a strange and powerful being appeared in town calling himself "Heart's Blood". He approached the townsfolk asking them questions about why they bore weapons, sometimes attacking those whose answers displeased him.

The Baronial court of Westmarch first encountered HeartsBlood while he was attacking a commoner. They immediately intervened, rescuing a commoner and forcing Heartsblood to retreat. While they were not able to speak to him at that time, later that night Nork of Stormwatch approached him and was able to talk to him peacefully. It soon became apparent that he was the creature created by the wizard's ritual to try to end violence in Ravenholt.

There was no sign for some time of Heartsblood's opposite, a creature calling herself Anath. It is believed that she may have been behind virulent ogre attacks, increased banditry, and other problems faced by Ravenholt that gathering.

On the following day, Sir Zeyr of Arkham, assisted by Ryker, coordinated groups to retrieve the four orbs that could be used to reduce Anath's power, and force her to reform in the circle of her creation. Lucas of the Funeral Parlor gathered a group to retrieve the Spring orb which included several townsfolk Very new to town, mostly Dark elves associated with the Funeral Parlor.

Squire Ailon of Arkham organized the group that retrieved the Summer orb. The Fall orb was recovered by a group led by Dame Quin of the Ducal Household and Sir Wyatt of Arkham. The Winter orb group consisted mostly of members of Stormwatch and Arkham, as well as Nomad of the Dragon and Pawn.

The Orbs, if activated around Anath would decrease her power and make her vulnerable to permanent destruction. However the only way she could be forever destroyed was by coming onto contact with Heartsblood, her opposite, which would destroy them both. Sir Zeyr of Arkham spoke to Heartsblood who took the field again that night, and convinced him to make this sacrifice.

The day after all four orbs were retrieved, Sir Zeyr organized a ceremony following instructions laid out in the deceased wizards notes to attune appropriate bearers to each of the four orbs. Jenna Killbane of clan Demonae took the orb of spring, Vincent of Stormwatch attuned to the orb of summer. Ryker took up the orb of Fall, and Tristemere Mirabad of Stormwatch attuned to the orb of Winter.

Later that morning Heartsblood told the orb bearers how to find Anath, who was in the guise of one of the merchants of House Avaro at the Auction that occurred that morning. The four orb bearers were able to get into position and activate their orbs without the creature noticing them; it then transformed to its true shape and tried to flee, but was cut down on the field.

Count Gaerath then organized two groups to go to the wizard's tower and fight Anath one final time. The court of Westmarch spearheaded the frontal assault on Anath and her minions. The orb bearers meanwhile took their orbs to be destroyed by dropping them in a lava pit, and then sneaked Heartsblood in through a secret passage. Anath was cut down. When she reformed in the circle of power in the wizard's study, Heartsblood made the fatal contact and both were destroyed.

The reason behind recent mysterious attacks on Stone Elves in the Eastwyck area was discovered this past month in Ravenholt. The vengeful spirit of a murdered farm woman whose quest for revenge against her attackers became a quest against all life, had a particular hatred of Stone Elves, and enjoyed using her dark powers to cause their deaths. This June she was returned to her rest by brave and noble people of Ravenholt. The tale of her death, after-life, and final rest are related below.

Two hundred years ago in what is now southern Capulus, the family of a young woman named Kaethe was mercilessly slaughtered by brigands. With her dying breathe, Kaethe begged for the power to avenge her family's murders, and her wish was granted by an unknown power.

Kaethe took into herself the dying pain and emotions of her family. She tracked the brigands who had killed them and destroyed them. For several months afterwards, Kaethe hunted more marauding bandits, but her dark powers apparently began to consume her, and soon she did not care who her victims were as long as they fed her hungers. An appeal was sent to the Stonewood Forest for assistance from the Stone Elves, who were able to strike Kaethe down after a brutal battle and destroy her.

In truth, however as was discovered this June, Kaethe had only been banished to the nightmare realm for two centuries, until she discovered a young empathic healer in Eastwyck. Andelyn, who arrived in the city of Ravenholt this June, possessed the power to take pain and misery from others into herself without the use of the Earth magicks commonly used to heal wounds.

Stone elves and others with similar mind powers within the capital city and its environs could sense Kaethe as she drifted through Ravenholt. Being sensed apparently angered Kaethe, for if anyone pointed out that they felt her presence she would fill the minds of those around her with hatred and rage to attack the one who had sensed her. Baroness Ganthe Overwind of Eastwyck, Willow, and Dta-Ri all fell victim to Kaethe's attacks, but fortunately none proved ultimately successful.

Early afternoon on Saturday of the 13th, Kaethe used her powers of rage and hatred to provoke a large fight outside Eastwyck Hall. This location was chosen most likely because Andelyn was traveling with the baronial court during her stay in Ravenholt. The young healer rushed from body to body, healing wounds with just the touch of her hand. At the end of the battle she cried out and collapsed. Lady Stormhaven ordered Andelyn's body to be taken to the Mage's Guild to be identified, but before they could reach the circle, Andelyn awoke. She looked upon herself in amazement and exclaimed, "It worked!"

When Lady Stormhaven and her companions sought an explanation for Andelyn's odd behavior, she threw what appeared to be spells of chaos upon those who tried to restrain her, then turned gaseous and escaped.

A scholar from the Stonewood forest arrived shortly after, investigating attacks on Stone elves in the area. He brought information connecting the history of Kaethe and current events. His theories were confirmed when Andelyn's spirit manifested and spoke of Kaethe's possession of her body and her own entrapment on the plane of nightmares. She also spoke of the spirits of Kaethe's family who had been in torment all these years, powering Kaethe with their pain and misery . Andelyn claimed that Kaethe's power could be broken and her spirit laid to rest if the spirits of her family were released.

Four groups ventured to the Plane of Nightmares to save Kaethe's family. Dta-ri led a group from the Healer's Guild to help Kaethe's son Jathan. They recovered a wooden dragon that restored the boy's courage for a time. He begged his saviors to take the dragon and bring it to his mother to force her to remember him, for only when Kaethe had been laid to rest would her family rest as well. Baron Derek Northridge of Westmarch and Stormwatch recovered a rag doll belonging to Cavia, Kaethe's younger daughter, and saved her form despair. Random led a group to release her eldest daughter, Nadelle from her hatred by restoring her engagement ring. Both daughters also begged their rescuers to take the tokens they had found to their mother or else their torment would continue after the brief deliverance.

The court of Eastwyck took up the challenge of freeing Kaethe's husband Lorian from his rage. After a vicious fight, they disarmed him of his sword, and his anger temporarily left him. His request was the same as his children's before him: put his wife to rest

Late that evening Andelyn's spirit appeared again to lead those who would follow to Kaethe's lair. A sizable force of Ravenholt citizens did battle with the nightmare creatures that Kaethe had summoned to protect her. In the midst of the battle, a small group of those bearing the tokens managed to fight their way through to confront her. Squire Kyril of Eastwyck, Borax of Stormwatch, Silverwing, Dta-ri, and Random boldly presented the possessions of her family and spoke of their ongoing torment on the plane of Nightmare. Kaethe dismissed their words as lies at first and began to summon her power to destroy them. Their heartfelt pleas to release her children and husband from their suffering soon began to have some effect. Kaethe began to wail in denial that, "This was not how it was supposed to be!" She collapsed, and Kaethe's spirit rose from her stolen body. She begged for forgiveness and thanked her saviors for her release from darkness and her family's release from their torment, then she vanished.

Andelyn's spirit returned to her body when Kaethe's departed. It is unknown at this time whether she has retained her healing gifts, and the court of Eastwyck has taken her into their protection.

Late in the night of June 12th 598 a strange being calling himself, "the Auditor" appeared in town. He appeared as a human, but clearly associated in some way with the plane of Death, and possessed significant knowledge and power. He claimed to have come to balance the scales of Life and Death, both in the Healer's Guild whose circle is now strongly tied to powers of Life, and in those who had an imbalance in deaths due to strange circumstances, or the intervention of powerful forces.

A fair number of townsfolk also signed contracts of some kind with the Auditor. These contracts seem to have involved going on quests, or giving up part of the signer's spirit in return for services rendered by the Auditor. Those who signed contracts are generally keeping very quiet on the nature of them so the Raven's Herald was unable to discover much about the contracts or the quests that they entailed. At the very least, the court of Eastwyck made some kind of deal with the Auditor in order to cure Adrian of Stormwatch who was deeply affected by the Void taint (see June 598 R.H. ) This was the first time anyone had been successfully rid of the void. What price Eastwyck paid for Adrian's restoration is unknown.

Those who interacted with the Auditor generally describe him as a neutral being, polite and impartial. After a few days in town, he departed, apparently satisfied that he balance of Life and Death had been restored.

This May, many townsfolk went on quests to destroy necromantic circles created by the necropolis. During the Sessuar war, a deal had been made to obtain the aid of a clan of saurians in return for a boon. This May, members of that clan came to town seeking help in destroying these dark circles that the necropolis was creating in their realm. These circles were being used to create the saurians into undead minions of the necropolis.

The heroes of Ravenholt organized in groups of thirty to attack the circles when the tide was low enough, fighting their way through vicious waves of powerful undead and then defending the Destroy ritual against yet more minions of the necropolis. The rituals were performed by Dougan Steelforge, assisted in one case by the spellsinging talents of Amadeus Baljar, who sang a luck spell to help the overtaxed ritual casters chance of success. It is currently believed that all the circles were destroyed. These missions were very deadly, however. On all but one effort, coordinated by Sir Antro Accipiter of Dragonshire, and Sir Zeyr of Arkham, there were fatalities resulting in resurrections.

Agroup calling themselves the Order of Ouroboros became active in Ravenholt this June. The group spread a treasonous newsletter called, "The Voice of Truth, " throughout the town and is believed to be responsible for several assassination attempts upon prominent citizens such as Guildmaster Kendrick of the Healer's Guild and Countess Aleena of Arkham.

A group of townsfolk fairly new to Ravenholt infiltrate the order at a small meeting in a barn just outside of town, seeking information. The leader of the Order was discovered to have a charm-like effect delivered by voice and most of the group was charmed. Their plight was soon discovered when they returned to town, and the adventurers were cured.

Later another group consisting of baron Derek Northridge and members of his court, Ulrich, and Nomad slipped into another meeting outside of town and were successful in capturing the Order's leader, a man named Morlen Greenstone.

The Order seemed to consist mostly of local farmers charmed by the leader's power, but there is some evidence that they may also have been connected with the doppelgangers appearing in town at around the same time.

Citizens of Ravenholt:

I, Sir Antro Accipeter, Lord Regent of Dragonshire, encourage you all, noble and commoner alike to ask me any and all questions concerning Dragonshire, myself or any related issue. I will gladly answer all of these questions to the best of my ability. I hope to clear up any confusion that you may have. Until the next gathering, travel safely and be well.
-Sir Antro Accipeter, Lord Regent of Dragonshire.

To the Townsfolk of Ravenholt,

My thanks for your swift response when the Order of Ouroboros made an attempt on my life. We at the Guild are always in danger, due to our obligation to be open and receptive to newcomers in town. This places us, and me, at constant risk to an action like that. Knowing that you all have your eyes on us is a great reassurance. We are not alone, and we thank you!
-Kendrick, Guildmaster of Healers

Wanted: True Elemental essence of Shadows or Darkness. Contact Darius Brisbane

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

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, spellbooks, and objects of beauty and uniqueness bought and sold. Appraisals of fine objects also readily available. Traps made to order. Training available upon request. Special Orders always Welcome! Safe Journey to You!

To All the Citizens of Ravenholt:

By 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 written or verbal description of your Court, Group, or Personal colors and Arms to Durchasi Ruinvorn. Thank You.

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 fornty of the Healer's Circle. Safe Journey to You!

Wanted: All manner of ritual components. Will pay premium prices. Contact Darius Brisbane.

His Grace Duke Roderick Ravenhurst has given approval of a new Guildmistress of Mages for the Duchy of Ravenholt. The Duke has accepted the recommendation of former Mage's Guildmaster Lord Daramor Darkcloud that Madame Zara, his assistant Guildmistress should succeed him. The Duke confirmed lord Daramor's Choice on Sunday June 14th at an audience in the Ducal Manor.

Viscount Daramor will retain his title, but in an expanded role. His Lordship has been chosen to fill a newly created position as Viscount of Magics, having responsibility for overseeing operations of both the Healer's and Mage's Guilds within the Duchy.

"Given his strengths in both Earth and Celestial Magic, it seems appropriate that Lord Daramor exercise this new office, particularly under the current circumstance of the unusual magical effects within the Duchy." Zara commented. "I am honored follow in the steps of my predecessors, Lords Daramor, Turing, and Arcevol, and I will do my best to carry out my duties in the tradition of excellence that they have established since the beginning."

Madam Zara also noted that she has accepted the office in an acting capacity at this time, adding that she is also currently Guildmistress of Astrologers for the Duchy. She informed His Grace that she will need time to gauge whether she can administer both offices in a timely and responsible manner before making the second appointment permanent. She gave her assurances to both the Duke and the Viscount that the evaluation process would begin immediately.

As her first official act, Guildmistress Zara continued the tradition of orderly succession within the Mage's Guild by naming Dame Quin Tarmeger of the Ducal court to be her Assistant Guildmistress, also effective as of Sunday, June 14th.

To the good citizens of Ravenholt,

On May 23, 598 Duke Roderick Ravenhurst asked that I resign as Countess of Dragonshire because of concerns he had based on accusations of crimes that were brought forward by Countess Aleena of Arkham, Viscount Daramore, Sir Grim, Dame Quin, Durchasi, Anastasia, Keyla of the Mage's Guild and others that I may not be aware of at this time.

I wish to state here that though the events I am charged with did take place, in no way have I committed crimes of murder, treason, theft, and breaking the Code of Chivalry by telling falsehoods. All the events that I have been charged with had been brought forward while Duke Andros was alive. He heard the issue and found that no crime had been committed. Since his brave death, there are those that wish to take issue with the past and prevent me from continuing to serve this Kingdom as a Knight and leader of the people.

It is a noble's duty to surrender title when asked of one's liege lord. However in good conscience I cannot allow these accusations to go unchallenged. Therefore, I call for an open trial before the citizens of Ravenholt to either find me guilty or innocent of these charges. Though these charges were disguised as concerns, they have succeeded where the Sessuar could not, in removing me from leading Dragonshire. As in all cases when a high noble is accused of crimes, the utmost care must be taken in hearing all sides of the issue.

It is my sincere wish to continue to serve the citizens of Ravenholt and this kingdom either as Countess or as Commoner. I look forward to standing before the court and stating my case, hearing both the accusers, and those that speak for me in this issue.

May action on this issue be swift and fair.

Long Live King Mykel
Long Live Prince Kevynn
Long live Duke Roderick
Most Humbly, Altair Lithill Ravenhurst, Companion of the Circle.

To All of Ravenholt,

A number of weeks ago we were visited by a being known as the Auditor. He visited many people around town and frequented the Healer's Guild several times. He told us that he was there for a number of reasons. His first job was to investigate reports of people who may have been in some way cheating death. Those who seemingly should have died a final death but were still among the living.

His questions for the Healer's Guild were of a different nature. He saw the mark of Life and the Rod of Healing as a taint on our circle. Being that he was an emissary of Death, this was understandable. He was concerned that we might become too devoted to Life, due to the constant influence of the rod and the circle. He spoke with all of us in the guild, and in the end set forth two tasks for us to do. These were tasks that would see just how far we would go in the service of Life.

The first required releasing a spirit that was trapped. The spirit was binding a large, dangerous creature. If the spirit was released, the creature would be freed. The spirit pleaded to be allowed to go to its final rest, and the guild members there released it. The creature later arrived in Ravenholt. It was dispatched by, I believe, Sir Grim and his companions.

The second task was to confront a man who had extended his life beyond normal by becoming a liche. I accompanied my healers on this task. We found the "liche" was in fact alive again. He had attempted to gain a book capable of extending life. The book, instead of extending his undead-ness brought him back as a normal, living human, and kept him alive for many years. There was however, some type of proscribe on the room that would not allow anything living to pass through. The book could not be moved due to some magical influence in the room. We finally were forced to kill the man at his request. He did not expect to survive a resurrection, but would rather be dead forever than alive, and trapped as he was. After we dispatched him, the Auditor appeared. He said that he was satisfied for now, but that he would return.

One extra note of thanks to the fighter who accompanied us.

I am very sorry that I cannot remember your name, only your face. You know who you are, and I am personally grateful for the help and the patience that you gave to us. If you ever have need of service, ask me-I am in your debt.

-Kendrick, Guildmaster of Healers

The Annual Healer's Guild auction will be held Saturday September 5th at 2:00 p.m. Wondrous pastries, cakes, and cookies will be sold off as well as interesting items donated by the master of a caravan. The items will include jewelry, furniture, and other things of a useful nature. Scrolls, potions, foci, ritual and alchemical components and perhaps a mystery donation will be auctioned off as well. A list of the items to be sold can be seen at the Tavern ,and the Healer's Guild. Please come early and bid often. We are also seeking all manner of donations for this auction, if you have anything that you would like to contribute please contact Guildmaster Kendrick, Sister Prudence, or Gwyneth.