Raven’s Herald
February, 599

SOUL DEVOURER HAUNTS INN

Early this February, the Soldier's Rest Inn opened near Coombe, Eastwyck. The opening of the high- class inn was to be a grand event and nobles from all over the duchy gathered at the celebration. However the celebration was soon stained by death and mayhem.

Members of the Inn staff began turning up permanently dead. At first, there were no clues as to how they had been killed. Coulaine of Eastwyck, Dougan Steelforge of Anvil, and Nomad, investigated the murders, some of them trying to use seer abilities to try to determine what had happened. They discovered that the victims souls had been torn from their bodies by a soul devouring creature.

The first of the victims was found prior to the opening of the Inn within a mystic city which appeared and disappeared periodically near the site of the inn. This Lost City, known as Shallnod, was already known to some of the warriors of Ravenholt as a place of knowledge and old magics that once held the prison of the elemental menace, Skane. The Lost City was discovered to hold both a vast library of magical knowledge and a war college, run by the spirit of a warrior known as Kattrell. Magics were often found to work differently in or near the city: some old spells functioned once again, and other spells worked unreliably.

A messenger came from the Lost City, and brought some people including Lady Bailiwick Stormhaven, Coulaine of Eastwyck, and Perdue of Anvil, to speak with a Sage within the city who had a form that appeared to be undead, but was not. They learned that the Soul-Devourer was a shapechanger known as a Gaki, and had once been held in a magical prison within the city, but that the wards had deteriorated with age, and the creature had broken free. The creature could be struck down, but not permanently killed: only imprisoned. In order to lock the Gaki once again within it's prison, the seven or eight pieces of the seal that bound it had to be retrieved first, then a ritual had to be performed involving representatives from as many different races as possible.

Many adventurers went on quests to retrieve the pieces, each of which had an aspect, such as agility, or fighting prowess, that influenced the nature of the opposition that they must face to gain their goal. The teams were led by Baron-regent Delahr Greymist of Cumberland, Baroness Ganthe Overwind of Eastwyck, and Sir Victdar of Eastwyck, among others.

The most difficult and dangerous quest, that of Carnage was organized by lady Bailiwick Stormhaven. a large mass of warriors were assembled at the gates and sent in, twelve at a time to fight the powerful creatures within. Numerous warriors fell to the enemy with each assault and were temporarily left behind while the next band of heroes rallied to the attack.

Willow Treespeaker at one point made a daring run to heal those downed within, saving many from ressurection. In the end, the piece was won.

When all the pieces had been gathered, the creature was trapped through a ruse and Dougan Steelforge and Lady Stormhaven led the representatives of the various races in performing the binding ritual to seal the Gaki once again within its prison. The ritual was concluded successfully, but the Lost City sealed itself before the heroes could escape, and they were trapped inside for two weeks until the city appeared again with the changing of the moon.

CHAMPIONS OF THE MAZE

For some time now, a Gate has opened periodically in Ravenholt that has transported willing adventurers to a strange realm to battle creatures in an underground multileveled maze in search of treasure and battle experience. After a set time passes, the adventurers have always been magically returned home.

This February the Gate appeared at the Soldier's Rest Inn, and once again a group braved its perils: however this time they reached the end of the maze and won its challenge.

The group consisted of Dougan Steelforge, Baron-regent Delahr Greymist, Oberon, Nomad, Sir Kyril of Eastwyck, and a member of Westmarche whose name the Raven's Herald was unable to learn. They fought their way down to the twenty-fifth and final level of the maze, battling reptilian creatures of great power. They received aid from the many potions generally found within the maze , which work only within the realm of the maze, but often grant powers that no Tyrran potion can.

Those who completed the maze say that they cannot speak of what the prize they gained at the end was, but that they had been asked by the master of the maze to simply respond to all queries, " Finish the maze, and find out."

LETTER TO THE PEOPLE OF RAVENHOLT

To the People of Ravenholt:

It came to my attention during my trip to the Hero's Rest Inn that several rumors have been spread about me. I wish to make everyone fully aware of the truth of several matters that have bothered me greatly, and since I have a few weeks to think about such things, now is an appropriate time.

Last October when Johan was removed, according to those around me, a bandit or such was captured who said I had taken a "hit" out on Anastasia and Johan. Of course my friends knew that this was crazy and ignored the rumor. Somehow, over the winter, this rumor manifested into me approaching the Lord-regent Sir Gabriel and offering to help him remove Johan for some personal gain.

When I was confronted by several people about this, I was very disturbed. I have sworn oaths both to Johan, and to the title of Baron of Capulus, whomever it may be. My oath to the Baron has priority over my oath to Johan; they were never, and will never be in conflict. I had informed the Lord-regent AFTER Johan's removal of my oath to the title of Baron, and not before.

In my investigation, I have come to believe the Public Notice in the past Raven's Herald, the one that threatens both Anastasia and Johan to have probably been written by the same person spreading these lies about my person. I have resigned my position on LionSun, a team made up of the former court of Capulus, and have spoken with the Lord-regent briefly of my oath to him. I have not been released fro either of my oaths and I am waiting for the perpetrator of these crimes to make his next move.

If you hear from any source of questionable actions by my person, please send them to myself as soon as possible, as I wish to know the origins of the rumor.

                    Sincerely, Silverthorne of the Mystic Wood

PUBLIC NOTICES

Unto the Barony of Cumberland: I would like to put forth my congratulations for your outstanding success this last gathering. You handled yourselves bravely and proudly in adverse situations and I am extremely pleased with your over all performance. I look forward to future challenges by your side. -Baron-regent Delahr Greymist of Cumberland

To Culain of Eastwyck You have proven yourself a true friend once again. I will never forget how you have treated me. Youdefine the meaning of nobility. May the sun always light your path, good dwarf.

To whomever is spreadng the rumors about me: I now lay down the challenge to you to show yourself, and tell me how I have wronged you. Iam a big enough man to admit a mistake, but if you are doing this to attack me or my friends, then we shall meet in battle.

Thanks for the great opportunity of letting me follow and enjoy the company of the Court of Cumberland I had a mighty time..-Suurge

Let it be known that Culain Steelforge, Mastersmith, is in search of any and all shatter resist components and will pay well for them.

Friends, Due to events beyond my control, I find myself having to make this public announcement. While returning to my home, I was drawn into some form of magics near the Soldier's Rest Inn. Events that took place are still a bit unclear, but the end result is a change in my being. Please don't be alarmed; I am well, but I am no longer human. My form is now that of a Mystic Wood Elf. My nature seems to be mostly the same, and I continue to explore my new limits as well as assets. Agasin, I am well..My thanks to those who aided me. -Bosk Wolffe

VALLENTINES

To The One Who Pipes: In silence lies beauty. I will always be your friend. -Anonymous

Nork, We come from worlds apart, but together we are balanced. I feel the same about you now as I did on the nigh we shared the wine. I love you... -Tristemere

My Dearest Nova, The past year has been trying to say the least. The next promises to be more difficult but through it all our love endures. I hope tp be able to find ample time to spend with you. If ever I should neglect you for too long, you know what to wear to grab my attention. Your Loving Husband, Koshi

Cynesra- Come home soon!! You are sorely missed. -Love,Your Sister, Kestryn

Adrian, Never have I had a better battle companion, or a dearer friend. -Willow Treespeaker.

Willow, Best of Luck in all things. Your happiness is important to us. With love, The Brotherhood of the Dragon.

Iian, The warm rains and hot winds that brush against my skin cannot begin to compare with the fire sparked inside me by your caress and by your kiss... With love and friendship eternal, Gaia

Liri- Sisters in battle, sisters in heart. -K

Mei'eh - Though death has drawn you from my side, every path I travel will be illuminated by the love and joy you instilled in me; forever in my heart, forever filling me with vision... -Ivy Rainstorm

Within my heart I feel your warmth; it simmers slow and tender, keeping me happy all the day through. I wanted to say upon this day, "I love you" -from you know who. B.W.

Anastasia, Thank you for being there for me through all the difficulties I have faced. Because of you I have been able to deal wit them better. You have my eternal gratitude and friendship -Your Friend

Ashling, You stole my heart, but I don't think I've ever been happier. Thank you for everything you've given me. -Yours, Jayson Askani

Magenta, Tho' I have not seen you much of late, know that my thoughts stray often to you. Your smile and countenance have carried me through difficulty with the strength of a hundred seasoned knights. I thank you for your belief in me. -D

To Ravenholt- I swore to love you, and so I have. But I cannot love you anymore. May those you still have love you half as well as I did, and serve you better than I could.

Vastin- We have been through light and darkness, blood and fire. We have tasted sweet triumph, and bitter defeat. Our paths have crossed with those of Kings, Icons, and Dragons; the looms of our lives have been woven thick with the thread of destiny. But of all the powers I have ever known, none can compare to the power of our love. -For Eternity, Kestryn

Alora, Forever my kin, though you may find family elsewhere. -Willow Treespeaker

To the Baljar- You all make wonderful companions, and it has been great to spend time with you. Pass the Hooch! -Willow Treespeaker