This August, heroes from all over Evendarr and beyond assembled in Volta to fight the evil being known as Tarlov Ghosthand. The forces assembled under the leadership of King Mykel of Evendarr, and Aran Elenaro of Quentari moved at once on the lair of the Ghosthand with King Mykel bearing the weapon to be used against him that had been assembled at Padash, the previous year.

However, the initial assault was unsuccessful. Tarlov actually shattered the weapon using powers drawn from his bond with the land. It was later learned that the weapon, originally created in the time of Elenaro's grandfather to destroy Tarlov, was flawed because the elementals had not been convinced to power it at its forging.

Not only did the Ghosthand destroy the weapon meant to slay him, but he time-stopped the area and had his minions kidnap Ember before making his escape. Evidently, he had heard of Ember's reputation as a scholar and wished her to act as his scribe. Through luck and cleverness, and with some aid from a rescue party, Ember was able to not only escape, but also take Tarlov's journal with her, which proved a valuable source of information in bringing about his demise.

The thwarted assault party returned to the field to regroup and try to discover what could be done about Tarlov, with the only weapon that could slay him destroyed. After nightfall, strange creatures appeared. They seemed to be of various humanoid races, but highly powerful, and they seemed driven to destroy all members their race. These "race-hunters" likened to less powerful versions of Pantherghasts are believed to have been minions of Tarlov, somehow transformed from normal members of the races they represented. When cut down, these creatures quickly returned. It rapidly became evident that they were "Bottled".

These creatures and the minions that accompanied them caused great carnage. Though the gathered heroes strove valiantly to rescue those who were down, there were a great many resurrections that night. The following day, a group including members of Eastwyck went to attempt to destroy the bottle of the Scavenger hunter. They faced overwhelming waves of powerful minions and were cut down. A large rescue party, including Anvil and many other skilled warriors were sent in but after bitter fighting, they too were slain. Many of the minions departed once there was no one left for them to fight. This allowed a second rescue party to enter and deliver life spells and other healing to the fallen. Tragically, for some this healing came too late. Sir Zeyr of Arkham permanently died as a result of this massacre, and there were other resurrections as well. The Scavenger hunter's bottle was at last destroyed, but at a terrible cost.

Another attempt was made to break a second bottle that day. with a backup group waiting outside the caverns to lend healing assistance and other relief. The group suffered no losses, but retreated with the bottle unbroken, seeing that the odds were nearly impossible and not willing to risk another slaughter. Plans were laid to wait until nightfall, when the hunters took the field, and to send a group then to smash a bottle, while the hunters and many of their minions were away, and the bottles would be less well defended. This plan was carried off successfully with the Human hunter's bottle, and it was destroyed. The undestroyed hunters may still be loose in Volta.

Meanwhile documents on the creation of the weapon to defeat Tarlov were found in which it became apparent that the support of the four primal elements would be needed to reforge the stave stronger, with the power to defeat Tarlov.

People with close links to these elements contacted elementals to determine whether their support might be won. Prince Kevynn Blackfox contacted Water, Lady Bailiwick Stormhaven contacted Fire, Culain of Eastwyck contacted Earth, and Curyll Stormydd contacted Air. When it became apparent that the elements were in favor, groups were sent to retrieve scrolls that would detail how to reforge the four pieces of the staff.

Two of these scrolls were retrieved by groups from Tyrangel, one was retrieved by a group from Myanthea, and another by a Ravenholt group organized by Arick and consisting of members of Dragonshire and others.

From these scrolls, it became clear that each of the four pieces of the staff were associated with an element. A group needed to be sent to reforge each piece. Each group required a weaponsmithm and a ritual caster to reforge the piece, and one person with a link of some kind to the element in question to convince the elemental that would be summoned to give its essence to power the staff. The court of Eastwyck made the Fire piece; Anvil made the Earth piece; a mixed group consisting of the Tyrangel group "Stormguard" and members of Anvil made the Water piece. The Air piece was made last, and by this time there was savage fighting on the field, with the town arranged in a defensive formation around the building with the Earth and Celestial circles of power within. The first group that attempted to go on the Air quest was cut down before they could safely break away from the fighting. A second group was organized, including Sir Valinger Stormcrow of Capulus, Arick, Alexander of Tyrangel, and members of Anvil. This group was successful.

Another key element in the attempt to slay Tarlov was the Jodari Prophecy which spoke of several Crowns which must be gathered together to defeat Tarlov. Lady Stormhaven and her brother Arracor worked on deciphering this prophecy. They were able to determine that each crown that the prophecy referred to was a ruler of the land.

The final thing needed to destroy Tarlov was his High Horoscope, an astrological document which evidently has some kind of power over the one that it is cast for. A small group went to steal it from Tarlov's very lair, with help from a powerful elf known as Vanira. Vanira held Tarlov in a circle that she summoned, while the group, consisting of Arracor Stormhaven, Pelgar, Ember, and several others fled back to the massed defenders of Tyrra with the Horoscope.

Finally the heroes gathered for the ritual to defeat Tarlov. The rulers who had been determined to be the Crowns called for in the prophecy were assembled within a large circle, each with a champion chosen from among the gathered heroes to speak for them in the ceremony, and to protect them from harm. The four elementally linked people who had retrieved the four pieces of the staff assembled it within the circle, and bore it around to the Crowns, who each touched it and lent their power to it. Tarlov's high horoscope was then read, summoning him to the circle, and entrancing him so that he was unable to defend himself. King Mykel finally strode forth with the staff and struck Tarlov a single blow. This entrapped him within the globe clutched at the top of the staff, which King Mykel then shattered with the flat of his sword, destroying Tarlov forever.

The heroes were victorious, but their losses were great. A number of warriors of good died permanently in the effort, and there were nearly thirty resurrections. Let their sacrifice and their bravery be remembered.

On the day after Tarlov's defeat by the forces of Tyrra, His Majesty Aran Elenaro Ar-Din received word that plans set in motion prior to Tarlov's demise had come to fruition. Quentari was under attack. Elementals, still bound in some way by Tarlov, had over-run the surprised Quentari troops. The Aran immediately called for all those honorable and able to gather upon the main field to be magically transported to Quentari's defense.

While preparations were being made, certain people about the town disappeared.

Lady Stormhaven of Eastwyck was the first, followed quickly by Culain of Eastwyck, Sir Delahr of Eastwyck, Forestlord Ehawk, His Highness Prince Kevynn Blackfox, Curyll Stormyyd, Darius Brisbane, Arracor Stormhaven, and Dougan Steelforge. There was one thing that each of these persons had in common: they all possessed strong ties with the elements. All that is, except Arracor Stormhaven.

Many of these nine had been approached during the gathering by Icons of their elements. They were reminded of the sacrifice the elementals had made to power the Amarth Ma-Nazgul and were asked if they would be willing to make the same sacrifice for the elements in return. All had agreed, for the elements had indeed given much for Tarlov's destruction.

The companions, upon finding themselves outside a structure far away form Volta, in the company of others with elemental ties, determined that the chance to return the favor had come. Sir Delahr stood for Life and Dougan Steelforge for Death. Prince Kevynn Blackfox stood for Water and Lady Bailiwick Stormhaven stood for Fire. Curyll Stormydd stood for Air, and Culain Steelforge for Earth. Darius Brisbane stood for Shadow, and Forestlord Ehawk stood for Tyrra,. It became known to these adventurers that Arracor Stormhaven was to represent all those without such ties. As one companion joked, he was the "Elemental Cynic".

Those attuned to such things could sense even from outside the structure that there was a strong chaotic power within. Tarlov's own insidious influence could be felt as well, but his power was fading. As the party entered the building, they were set upon by enslaved elementals. The adventurers discovered, much to their surprise that they were immune to attacks by their element. Some among the group found that their strength was greatly enhanced. Forestlord Ehawk could walk upon the treacherous terrain with no difficulties at all- the very firmament of Tyrra supported him. Arracor Stormhaven was happy to find that not being tied to any element, he was affected by none as well. Feeling well prepared, the group forged ahead into battle.

The fight led them to a large room where they discovered a horrible prison. Hanging above a bubbling pool, suspended by ropes that could not be broken was a unicorn. His visage was one of long-suffering patience and the adventurers sought his release. The group found a locked room, and upon solving the magical puzzle that barred their way, they discovered the magic behind the unicorn's imprisonment. A strange arcane weapon lay upon the floor wrapped about with cords of elemental energy. The weapon reeked of Chaos. Upon study, Forestlord Ehawk determined that this weapon could sever the bonds holding the unicorn. Because Tarlov's influence was so diminished, the merest effort would untie the elemental cords around the weapon. Unfortunately, once the bonds were broken, they would swiftly unravel and the energy of their release would make the prison unstable.

It was decided that because Arracor could not be affected by most of the elemental attacks, that he would be the one to wield the weapon. Protected by his companions, he leapt into the pool. The weapon saved him from the pool's deadly liquid, and he swiftly cut the unicorn free. The party rushed out the way that they had come, for the released elementals went berserk and attacked in droves. Sir Delahr, the last to withdraw, was cut down protecting his comrades.

Lady Stormhaven pulled him to the safety of the outside, where she herself promptly required healing.

During the brief respite before they were transported back to Volta, the Company spoke with the Unicorn. He declared that he was Lazareth the Rose, the last of the Guardians who chose to stay and guard Tarlov's original prison. When Tarlov became unbound, he used the unicorn's power to bind and corrupt the elements. Now that he was free from his torturous imprisonment, Lazareth the Rose meant to travel the lands once more. He commended the companions on their deeds, and on the valor of all those who had risen up to strike at Tarlov the Ghosthand. Humbled and inspired by all that had happened, the companions returned to Volta with the thanks and well wishes of the elements and of Tyrra.

A festival in honor of the visit of His Royal Highness Prince Kevynn Blackfox is to be held in the city of Ravenholt on the fifth and sixth days of September in the year 598. All are invited to attend. Many festivities are planned for this most joyous occasion, including a Nobles Tournament, a Commoners Tournament, Highland Games, a Royal Feast, and a Masked Ball.

The festivities shall begin promptly at eleven o'clock in the morning of September 5th, with the presentation of the Ravenholt nobles to the Prince in the Form of a Colors presentation/competition on the center tourney field.

Nobles are required to be at the presentation to introduce their courts, but are not required to compete this year. It is understood by His Royal Highness that the Nobles have been very busy with the rebuilding of the Duchy.

For any commoners wishing to enter the Commoners Tourney or Highland Games, applications will be available Friday the 4th of September. The following guidelines apply:

The competitions shall be as follows:

Colors
Combat
Decryption
Hunting
Darts

Combat
Darts
Scavenger Hunt
Riddles
Entertainment

Insults
Log Throw
Foot race
Dagger fighting
Practical Joke

A Royal Feast will be held Saturday evening beginning promptly at 5:30pm. The Grand Masked Ball will follow after the feast. All are invited to attend.

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! By Ducal Decree the borders of Ashbury have been closed due to plague. This horrible illness kills quickly and painfully. Even worse, those resurrecting from this disease find themselves growing sickly again within a weeks time. No treatment has yet been found, but every resource is in full use working towards a cure. Researchers in Lake Hollym are hard at work. The borders of Ashbury will remain closed until a cure has been found. Until that time, no one may enter or leave the Duchy. Anyone attempting to do so will be killed immediately, regardless of rank. All within Ashbury are under order to resurrect within its borders for the good of the kingdom. A list of the permanently dead will be posted near the border on all major roads. These lists will be updated weekly.

While the defenders of Tyrra gathered to fight Tarlov Ghosthand in Volta, a number of disturbing and still largely unexplained effects manifested. On one afternoon, rifts opened and closed in the middle of the field and unknown armed warriors and brood rushed in and out of them. The Brood were all swiftly annihilated by incensed warriors. Some of the warriors were captured. They were reported to have been from another time or plane, and were attempting to collect Brood for their master, known as "the Overlord". Several people who examined the rifts reported them to be temporal in nature.

The code of Chivalry states that: "Thou shalt respect the weak, and constitute thyself the defender of them."

While the great battle against Tarlov Ghosthand raged, I "spoke" to a young woman named "Piper" who was distressed that when she blew her whistle for help when attacked by creatures , she was berated loudly for doing so. Piper bears no weapons, and cannot spellcast, for she is mute. There is all possibility that these facts were not known, so I have taken up her cause.

Piper was in the thick of the elemental battle to aid King Elenaro, dodging blasts of fire and ice to apply herbal healing to fallen combatants. Bravery of this caliber cannot and should not go unnoticed. May we all learn from her example, and count ourselves fortunate to come to her aid.

Sir Alan Moonwind
Knight of Kragen's Helm
Cumberland

A Memorial

What is it like to read the obituary of someone you never knew? I have done just that in these pages many times, reading lists of accomplishments, companions, relatives, ranks attained, -seldom feeling even a fraction of what those same companions and relatives must be feeling. What can I say to make you the reader feel my loss? How can I convey the agony of being the only person who can approach her estranged family to tell them that the daughter they once loved and nurtured, but turned their backs on, will now never come back to them. There will never be a reconciliation. There is no avenging a mother's tears at hearing the news of the death of her child. If you did not know her, you will never know her. If you did know her, you understand. I will not be the one to itemize her, or put a level on her life and how she spent it. That is for someone else to do. Fox, my friend since childhood, is dead. Her death has been avenged. Lift a mug in her honor whenever you think about it. Slan agus banacht -Harold MacDonald

Unto the Honorable Peoples of Ravenholt:

Forgive my presumption, but I feel it necessary to clarify a point of etiquette. It is both right and proper to address any person, be they noble or goodman, by the term "My Lord" or "My Lady". This is Not addressing someone by noble title, nor is it considered pretending to noble title to accept such address. This is very different from addressing someone as "Lord So-and-so, "and should not be confused. If a person addresses another as "My Lord "or "My Lady" it is generally out of respect or politeness and should be accepted with all good grace.
        -Lady Stormhaven
        Coombe, Eastwyck

THE ANNUAL HEALER'S GUILD AUCTION will be held Saturday Sept 5th at 2:00 p.m. Wondrous pastries, cakes, and cookies will be sold off as well as interesting items donated by individuals. Scrolls, Potions, Foci, Ritual Components, Alchemical Components and perhaps a mystery donation will be auctioned off as well. A list of the items to be sold will be seen at the tavern and the Healer's Guild. Please come early, and bid often. We are seeking items for his auction, so if you have anything that you would like to contribute, please contact Guildmaster Kendrick, Sister Prudence, or Gwyneth.

Sir Zeyr Querrian D'Nolchak, Knight-champion of Arkham, Lord Protector of Nelson, Order of the Winged Lion, Master of the Melorian Order in Ravenholt met his final death on Saturday August 8th 598. He was slain in a vicious battle against minions of Tarlov Ghosthand. Sir Zeyr, a former squire of both Dame Jatrina and Duke Andros, was knighted in 595 and served as a knight of Arkham until his death. He was a strong protector of the lands and people of Ravenholt and was always willing to give of himself in defense of others. He is survived by his parents, Querrus and Zerina and his four year old daughter Azaria. He was 26 years old.

Lind, the young Dwarf better known to her friends as "Fox" permanently died on Saturday Aug 8th 598. She met her death in Volta fighting with the other gathered heroes against the forces of Tarlov Ghosthand. She was associated with House Morbahan and close to Sheriff Logan and his group, Omega. She will be sorely missed by her friends.

Roland, A young Sarr and former squire to Countess Altair, died on Saturday Aug 8th 598. He was slain in Volta in the battle against Tarlov Ghosthand and his minions. Roland was only four years old. He was always cheerful in life, and even when a spirit-farewell was performed for him in Volta shortly after his death, he seemed playful, claiming that death was but a new adventure. He leaves behind many friends who mourn his loss and the untimely end to his bright and promising life.

Malkar, a powerful Celestial caster and longtime hero of Ravenholt took his final death on Sunday Aug 9th 598. Malkar was a member of the court of Westmarch under Baron Blakeny for a brief time, then left to join the Mage's Guild. He served as head of security for the Mage's Guild for many years. He had not been seen much in Ravenholt for years when he returned to join the battle against Tarlov, which led to his death. Malkar leaves behind a long history of heroism and many friends.

Seeking anyone skilled in the lore of the Elements, and those that are part of the "Game". -R. Silvermane

Seeking aid from Alchemists of Evendarr. Due to the magical flux, standard alchemy in the Hinterlands does not seem to work as once it did. We are finding specific components needed for each different substance. We wish to trade knowledge of recipes, old and new, for our springs are aloof and dangerous. We wish to correlate any recipes and known effects of this experimentation with the hopes that we lose no more people to the spring..
-The Alchemy Guild of The Hinterlands

Wanted: All manner of Ritual Components and True Elemental Essence from any of the twelve major elements. I will pay well for these. Contact Darius Brisbane.

Citizens of Ravenholt:
I am capable of crafting one strengthened weapon a day. Provide me with the material, and I will be honored to perform this service free of charge. First Requested, first crafted. My other weapons(silver and standard) are available through Amra Al-Quadim.
-Boran Timoth, Smith

The Noble Court of Capulus has a number of positions available. Anyone wishing o join the court this fall should speak to Anastasia prior to the Sept. gathering. We will consider any class, and will provide training to those less experienced who become members,

Are you a warrior? By temperament or by training? The Army of Capulus is seeking recruits to join the ranks of one of the best supplied and trained armies in all of Avalon. Positions available in the infantry, archers, and cavalry. Healers also needed. Defend your home and your people. Speak to a recruiter at any estate in Capulus for additional details.

Are you a professional soldier? The Army of Capulus is currently beginning an intensive officer training program at Fort Harvest, Ripplemeade. Officer candidates will receive training in many areas, including strategy, tactics, logistics and command. Training available to members of the Capulan military and to others willing to commit to a tour of service. Apply for examination at Fort Harvest, Ripplemeade or with the court of Capulus at the Ducal City.

Wanted Any information regarding the aspect of Death, or any info about the Black Unicorns. Any Help will be greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten.
-Iian Silverbow.

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 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 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 at 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: 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!

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 Guild Circle. Safe Journey to You!

The Raven's Herald would Like to remind its readers that there is a 75 word limit on Public Notices. If you have a longer submission you wish to post, you may want to consider submitting it as an advertisement, a letter to the Editor, or an Article, as appropriate. Thank You.

WANTED: To Aid The People of the Hinterlands -

Due to a recent great magical flux, and a malevolent whirlpool entity we are in need of generic mundane items.
We are in need of Alchemy, Potions, scrolls, Spellbooks of Earth and Celestial, Spell Ink, and Alchemical components.
The Mage's Guild is in need of a circle of power extend; any with information on how they would do this would be appreciated, for the flux has changed magic as we knew it. We are willing to trade handsomely for copies of any Earth or Celestial Ritual Scrolls that could help to protect our people. We have Armor, Weapons, and Coin to trade. There are caravans and shipping routes if need be.

        For the People and Guilds of the Hinterlands,
        Rosha Silvermane
        Baron of Shindale
        Court of Icewyrm.