This September, the heroes of Ravenholt narrowly averted a terrible disaster. I was learned for the Bone Golem, Artis (see Bone Golem's Bottle Retrieved) that the three, a triad of Greater Liches who rule the necropolis planned to perform a ritual to enshroud all of Ravenholt in permanent darkness so that undead could walk during the day. The ritual was to take place at midnight in a cave warded by a proscribe-like effect similar to that on the necropolis. Living spirits could enter, but would be unable to leave again.

The backlash from disrupting such a ritual was expected to be extreme, so Dougan Steelforge of Anvil cunningly contacted Death itself and negotiated a boon for himself, Perdue of Anvil, and Sir Thorge of Capulus, who unwittingly accompanied him. They were given a mark that would protect them from the ritual's backlash.

A large group led by Vastin Ardaen and consisting of Anvil, Stormwatch, and Eastwyck ventured to the cave, fighting their way with impressive speed and force through masses of guardian undead. The bulk of the group entered the proscribe while the remainder waited outside to guard their retreat. They slew many undead, finally reaching the place where the Three performed their ritual. Perdue of Anvil cast a shatter spell upon the mirror that was the focus of the ritual, causing it to backlash. Everyone within the cave save the three marked by Death fell down dead at once. The marked began frantically Life-ing fallen healers, and remarkably, all were on their feet again quickly.

Those outside the proscribe also suffered less drastic backlash effects. This acted as a signal to Chastity Wolvestride of Stormwatch who sat in a circle, prepared to cast a Destroy Earth ritual. When the barrier went down, a push was made to rescue Nork of Stormwatch, who had been dragged off by the undead, and then the worn heroes hastily retreated. Unfortunately, Perdue of Anvil was taken in the retreat, and because of the speed with which the heroes had to withdraw, his absence was not noticed until the victorious heroes returned to town, Perdue himself came back under his own power shortly afterwards, but identified with some kind of Chaos mark upon his spirit.

The Three took no action against the warriors of Ravenholt once their ritual was disrupted but entered town briefly to "meet their new neighbors" as they apparently claimed. They took little action in town, and soon returned to the Necropolis.

Back in the Spring, the people of Ravenholt acquired keys to the hiding place of a powerful bone golem called Artis, who was a former minion of the Necropolis wishing to free himself from their control. This September, the bottle itself was safely retrieved.

Koshi of the Healer's Guild had led a group including Healer's Guild and ARC members to scout out the location where the bone golem claimed his bottle to be. They had found locks for the seven keys, and marked the trail. The cave where the bottle was hidden was warded by a magical barrier set by the Necropolis that prevented any with significant training and experience from entering, and it was also guarded by many undead. Two groups therefore sent after the bottle. One of inexperienced warriors to retrieve the bottle, and one of more powerful adventurers to keep the undead off their backs. Koshi led both groups back to the gate, and they pushed through to the magical barrier that would divide them. Then the inexperienced group which included Coellad Arija, Colwyn, Clarissa, Meileelu Arija, Kessel, and Liri Varaja of Anvil; Vincent and Vycanth of Stormwatch, Bryan Andrews, and several others whose names the Herald was unable to learn, proceeded to find the bottle. The experienced group, led by Vastin Ardaen , aand consisting mostly of Anvil, fought to defend the portal against the undead. The group seeking the bottle found and retrieved it with lightning quickness, displaying competency far beyond their lack of training, and then quickly withdrew. The rejoined groups then fought their way out of the caves. The bottle was identified, and confirmed to be the correct one by Artis himself. The bone golem has since provided the town with much useful information about the Necropolis out of gratitude for his freedom on his former masters.

As some of you may have known, the bell in front of the Healer's Guild was tainted. Whenever a barbarian rang the bell to clear the path, they would hear the tortured screams of their ancestors. On Saturday, September 5th, a barbarian spirit came to Ravenholt to tell the living barbarians how to clear the bell of its taint. Four missions were attempted to gain the power of the elements to aid the barbarians in purifying the bell. Each mission represented a different element and upon completion, one adventurer would be granted a power mark of that element.

The first mission was of Air, which represented Knowledge and wisdom. The adventurers had to answer several riddles. With the quick wits of Harold McDonald the group was able to complete the task. Shaman Kainon Andrews was given the first mark of Air.

The second mission was to obtain the favor of Fire. The adventurers fought against fire newts on their own plane. After several encounters, the adventurers came upon a nest of the Newts. Fallon of the ARC approached the nest and protected it against any harm. For this she won the favor of Fire by showing compassion.

The third quest was a quick but brutal one. Voltreg was put on trial and accused of allowing the bell to be tainted and controlled by the Void. Voltreg defended himself and proved that it was not his fault and that he could do nothing to prevent what had happened. For his arguments, Voltreg won the favor of Water.

The last mission was of brute strength and team work. The adventurers faced several waves of trolls. The spirit of Earth looked on and made comments and accusations about the team's cohesiveness. Some of the adventurers argued with the spirit, trying to prove that each group fights differently. In the end, the spirit granted the mark to the barbarian Jarnak for his fighting skills.

After all of the spirit marks had been obtained, the adventurers eagerly awaited the time to cleanse the bell. about an hour after the last mission, the adventurers with the markings each chose a companion and went to the bell. When all of the marked people touched the bell, they faded out of Ravenholt and entered a vision quest within the bell to sever the link between the bell itself and the plane of Chaos. To do so, a hard battle was fought against many powerful chaos elementals. After reaching the center, the four spirit marked people had to concentrate their strengths to focus their elements into the barbarian artifact while their companions held off continuing hordes of chaos elementals. After what seemed an eternity the elements rejoined with the artifact, cleansing it of its taint. Unfortunately, the hammer was destroyed in the process. From there, the adventurers fought their way out to return to Ravenholt.

A special thanks to all who assisted with the cleansing: Tyrus of the ARC, Harold MacDonald, Koshi of the Healer's Guild, Tanis of Eastwyck, Lochinvar MacLeod, and the elven friend of Jarnak-sorry that I forget your name at this time- and any others that were there in body or in spirit.

For the last few months the Alchemical Research Center has been visited by a poltergeist. At first the members of the ARC heard singing and strange things continuously happened; objects would be moved candles would spontaneously light themselves, and so on.

As time went on, people began to think that the cabin might be haunted. Singing had always been a constant when the strange things happened. Harold MacDonald at one time sang back to the spirit, at which time it sang again. Shortly after that the spirit left.

A few weeks later, the spirit revisited the ARC. The singing was heard, and the people within the cabin tried to communicate with it. Several questions were asked, but no solid answers were given. Eventually, Shaman Kainon Andrews sang back the verse that the spirit sang. The spirit accompanied him, and sang another verse. The people present copied down the words and sang them back again. After each verse sung, a new verse would be presented, until the song was complete. The people present-Kainon, Tyrus, Kendrick, and Cole- followed the song's lead. After completing the "instructions" they entered what seemed to be a vision spell. In the vision, they saw the spirit, and her story unfolded for them. After the vision, the spirit left.

At the gathering in early September, the spirit returned. The verses of the song were sung to it, but nothing happened. Kainon retrieved an item which had aided them before, and again, the people present entered a vision. A riddle was given for the adventurers to solve. After the vision had ended, they worked diligently to solve the puzzle, but to no end. There are high hopes that the resolution can be found soon so as to end the torture of the spirit.

On a dark night this September, the powerful undead group known as the Black Rose once again visited Ravenholt. Rumors indicated that they intended to attack Eastwyck and possibly Prince Kevynn as well. The Black Rose stayed in the woods, however, where many brave townsfolk ventured after them to attempt to destroy them, slaying many minions. In the end, Westmarch, Asylum, Arracor Stormhaven, and some members of the Funeral Parlor stayed on the hunt for longest, succeeding in killing the ghoul known as Renfield. The Death Knight that led the Black Rose group, however, escaped towards dawn.

Congratulations to Martimus on your induction to the prestigious "Golden Lions." Your bravery and commitment to the safety of all peoples has not gone unnoticed.

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!

Seeking Red Wolf or Spirit Dancer: It has been a long time since you have made it to town. Many people seek your wisdom and knowledge. If you can not make it to town, please send word to the barbarians of Ravenholt so that they may meet with you somewhere. Thank You.

Order of the Codex, We wish to thank you for generating the idea to donate proceeds from our auctions. Let it be known that they, the Orphanage have thanked us numerous times so I wish to convey their thanks to those who implemented the idea.
-Rafter of the Darkwind Funeral Parlor.

To Stormwatch: I like the name of your group. How fitting that you stole it from a group of inexperienced adventurers. Couldn't think of anything on your own, could you? It figures, Always claiming someone else's prize.

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 Guild Circle. Safe Journey to You!

Congratulations to Harold and Fallon for their new marriage. May it be long and joyous. May your mugs always be full, and your alchemy always fly true.
May the elements offer you their strength and the totem spirits guide your path.
From all those that love you both forever and always.

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 Guild Circle. Safe Journey to You!

People of Ravenholt, The children and staff of the Darkwind Orphanage wish to thank you for your support in moneys and curatives that were donated in your name by the Funeral Parlour from a portion of the proceeds of the last three auctions they held. If only you could see they joy in the children's eyes when they look to the new beds, and play area that is being built. Again, Thank you all!
Norman Flynn /Chancellor

Wanted, multiple low circle celestial scrolls. I need to purchase multiple scrolls to fulfill an order. Please contace Amra Asland Al-Quadim. Safe Journey to You!

Cynesra: Thank you. -V.R.

Wanted: A Destroy Undead Focus: 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!

Wanted: Production components utilized for the strengthening of a weapon. Please contact Amra Asland Al-Quadim. Safe Journey to You!

Black Rose,
It is quite a pity that one impure thorn can sour the image of a perfect rose. The beauty of the delicate petals shall not be corrupted by your twisted forms. I await your defeat with gleeful anticipation. I regret that I was not there to witness your retreat, but for you the end is near.
May you forever wither in the Darkness of permanent night.
-The True Daughter of the Rose.

Wanted: Multiple Potions. I need to purchase multiple potions to fulfill an order. Please contact Amra Asland Al-Quadim. Safe Journey to You!

Seeking: Historians and researchers to share information and correspondence. Please contact Severa Winternight in Tyrangel, Southwatch.

Citizens of Ravenholt, Although my schedule on the anvil is full through the end of September, I wish to add that I am still prepared to continue making resistant weaponry for the townspeople, free of charge as long as the materials are provided. I will be working in Ravenholt through October. Any who are interested contact me through Amra Asland Al-Quadim. First requested/First crafted.

Dear Citizens of Tyrra.

I would like to personally thank everyone form the bottom of my spirit and heart for the losses we have endured together during the last three years. I realize that perhaps these words might not mean too much now, but I feel that I need to express myself. As most of your know, I lost my son and grandson three years ago at the hands of Thorna. We found out later that she was working for Tarlov. Also during that year many friends and heroes died because of his intervention. Last year in Padash, again, many people died by his means. The Aran Elenaro was attacked by three of Ravenholt's best and widest known heroes . Tarlov used his influence to attempt to destroy our spirits and our minds. At this past gathering in Volta, Tarlov killed me with the power of Tyrra, which we had to regain to help defeat him. It is this that I really want to talk about.

As we all know, many people gave their lives for the defeat of Tarlov -some permanently. We call them heroes, but they were and are more than that. To many of us they were friends, companions, people that gave their lives and saved others by doing so. For those who are still alive, we must never forget them, From this point on, the village that we stayed in during Tarlov's defeat will be known as Hero's Den. I know that I will never forget all of those people who reminded me what it is and was to be a true noble. I also wish to thank everyone who helped me regain my faith and my bond with the lands. I wish to put out a personal invitation to everyone to return to Hero's Den every year and establish, or re-establish a bond with the lands of Volta and Tyrra. Everyone from the most common to the highest noble should do this, for you will gain a feeling of pure joy.

In closing I would like to thank you all for your help and sacrifices. Please join me during Yuletide celebrations in Volta this year; without a war or a struggle, we can get really rowdy!

            Thank you all,
            Your Humble Servant
            Duke Adrick Voltan
            Duke of Volta.

This evening as I sat in my humble chamber in Lake Hollym, relaxing after a long and arduous day in the libraries of the Celestial Academy, I perused the recently delivered August edition of the Raven's Herald. Imagine my shock and dismay as I read the letter from Harold MacDonald memorializing my close friend and travel companion Lind, known to her friends as Fox. I sat mute, overwhelmed by the weight of the news.

I first met Fox in October of last year. I was traveling in Ravenholt with the family Morbahan. We stayed in the Raven's Perch that weekend and as usual were frequently disturbed by the noise of the younger patrons of the Inn. Finally, tired of the continual racket, one of our party silenced with a spell a young off-key dwarven songstress. She promptly involved the Sheriff, who demanded and apology or a fine, to be remitted to the young Dwarf. We paid the fine.

I honestly don't know how Fox (for the singer was in fact she)then became associated with our party. Most would harbor a grudge after the event described above. It i perhaps a testament to her strength of character that she saw the humor in the situation. By the end of that weekend, Fox was a valued, trusted, respected, and well liked member of our team. As that gathering closed, Fox and I decided to travel to Lake Hollym together. On the journey there, I had the pleasure of teaching this bright young dwarf to read and write.

Fox traveled with the Family Morbahan frequently this past spring. Though she was a relative late-comer to our group, she readily assumed status as one of our most devoted members.

Outside commitments kept the majority of the family from journeying to Volta this August and I cannot help but think that many of us will receive news of her passing the way I did. I will miss Fox beyond reason. My world is sadder without her.
- Adaon Lluagor - Morbahan