Raven’s Herald
March, 599

Ravenholt City Collapses; Undead Wander Ruins

Since early February, scattered reports had been heard of strange lights and sounds coming from the isle of undead, the Necropolis. Those few wintering within the city itself were gearing up for an attack despite old wives' tales of Undead being unable or unwilling to attack in the cold. But none could guess at what the foul Undead had in store for the citizens of our great city: unable to destroy our spirits, they would strike at our homes, our capitol, Ravenholt's heart.

At the stroke of midnight on March ninth, the earth beneath Ravenholt began to tremble and shift. Witnesses describe hearing a "dull moan" or "roar" just before the city collapsed. One visitor to Ravenholt shakily described it: 'it was as if the earth itself were in pain. It was the most terrifying thing I have ever seen: the earth bucked and twisted, then opened wide as if to swallow Ravenholt whole." Ritual casters and those sensitive to such things reported a wave of dark, chaotic energy washing over the capitol seconds before the earthquake, and local dwarves report that the initial damage was caused by the wholesale collapse of layer upon layer of long-forgotten tunnels, sewers and crypts. The wave of magical energy effected more than just the physical structures underneath Ravenholt. Wards were blasted to pieces, the Celestial Circle was severely weakened, and the Earth Circle was destroyed utterly - one of the first things effected by the wave of Chaotic energy.

Stonewood buildings, made of the strongest, most durable substance on Tyrra, were ripped apart as if they were straw and scattered across the field. Destruction of the town was complete and total - not one stone was left standing upon another. And then, the Undead rose. Crawling like ants From beneath the ruins of Ravenholt, undead of all types and strength rose within hours of the destruction of the city and began to wander the town. They did not pursue the people of Ravenholt into the woods, instead seeming to "patrol" the ruins of the town. Several brave adventurers attempted to drive them off, but were instead driven off themselves by the sheer numbers of undead. Thus displaced, the people of Ravenholt were forced to abandon the remains of the capitol city. Amazingly, no deaths have been reported as a result of the tragedy, though many were badly hurt, some requiring Life spells.

Through a twist of luck, many members of the Healer's Guild of Ravenholt were in town at the time of the attack, and their skills are considered to have meant the difference between the life and deaths of these in the town. They gathered up those that were hurt and rushed them off the field and into the woods, though many were hurt themselves and in tears because of the loss of the Circle; one unidentified healer who had been in the Earth Circle when it was destroyed was hysterical for several hours after- wards, because apparently the Circle "screamed" when it went down, causing her much distress. His Grace Duke Roderick Ravenhurst was en route back to Ravenholt from Evendarr when he heard the news; he has set about arranging for shelter and food for those displaced until plans can be made to try to recapture and rebuild the Heart of Ravenholt. He could not be reached for a quote, but a member of his household who wishes to remain nameless confirmed that His Grace is devoting all of his time and energy to this endeavor and hopes to have arranged for a "temporary capitol" to be ready by the time the snows melt in the spring. "He's not going to give up", the contact asserts. "They may tear down our houses, but we must not, WILL not, let them destroy our home".

Creature Defeated In Sercia

A recent gathering in Sercia, Capulus faced a threat from an unusual direction: the ocean. Local merfolk asked gathered adventurers for assistance in dealing with strange and powerful aquatic creatures which were driving them from their realm. These creatures were also faring onto the land itself, proving a threat to the populace.

Two groups of townsfolk went to nearby to investigate signs that might pertain to the creatures. In one cave, they found coded parchments that proved to carry much useful information about the past once they were decoded by Kayla of the Mage's Guild and others. The other group found a terrible creature of great power which seemed to be the driving force behind all of the attacks. The assembled adventurers retreated for a time when the creature proved too strong to fight with the force available. They began gathering information and resources to deal with the threat.

Several seers present began having strange and obscure visions; some of them, including Dougan, Willow, Nomad, Tristemere, LeRoy, Solace, Gellan, Buck, and Alexa, were even somehow transported to a strange pool where they communicated, with a strange being which behaved like an angry child. It was soon discovered that to defeat the creature, which was called a Kalandi, they would need to obtain six crystal butterflies that held the magic of the merfolk which the Kalandi had nearly wiped out long ago. Several groups ventured forth to retrieve them. Many of the groups were coordinated by Jatrina Sartosa; the groups included, among others, parties from Anvil, Stormwatch, and Cumberland, a group organized by Valinger Stormcrow, and a group of inexperienced warriors including Reezel, Balthazar, Rodrick, Stuart, Findrid, and Tyrus of the ARC.

Once the butterflies were retrieved, they were collected by Baron-Regent Gabriel of Capulus, who also made sure that all available information was distributed to the gathered adventurers. Finally, Adrian of Stormwatch performed a Vision song to determine what needed to be done with the butterflies. It was discovered that the Kalandi had to be cut down, and then the six butterflies had to be placed on it by six ritual casters. The assembled warriors ventured forth to its lair to give battle to the creature and all its aquatic minions. The creature was cut down by a number of powerful fighters, including Garth of Anvil, Squire Nork, Baron-Regents Gabriel and Delahr, and Alexa. The ritual casters quickly assembled and placed the butterflies upon it; the chosen ritual casters were Dougan of Anvil; Nomad; Tristemere, Chastity, and Borax of Stormwatch; and Dulcinea of Cumberland.

Kinslayer Captured

On Saturday of the recent gathering in Sercia, word came to the Broken Mug Inn that a Mystic Wood Elf known as the Kinslayer had been seen in the area. He was known to be in an abandoned build- ing close by and was apparently acting upon his hatred for his own kind by summoning a variant of Pantherghast against them. A small force was rapidly organized to track down and stop the mad- man, consisting mainly of Mystic Wood Elves. Searching through the buildings rapidly, they soon found the Kinslayer, where he was using his own body as a component in the ritual to summon this beast. As the ritual was already in progress, all of those gathered stepped outside save for Nomad, who waited for the rest to exit and then hurled spells at the Kinslayer and the ritual caster to backlash the ritual.

The backlash turned the caster to dust and charred the scroll to unusability. Unfortunately, as the others entered the building, a creature like to a Pantherghast rose from the fallen body of the Kinslayer and rapidly exited the building to seek open ground. Most of the assembled pursued, while a few stayed to guard the captured Kinslayer. The beast was run down in the open ground, where it was Cursed by Nomad and then destroyed by a single powerful blow from the blade of Garth of Anvil. After a few trials, it was discovered that only a Mystic Wood Elf could deliver it an effective killing blow. Following this, the body dissipated.

The Kinslayer was brought back to Baron-Regent Gabriel by Squire Nork, members of Cumberland, and the assembled Mystics. Coellad Arija of Anvil, as caster of the binding magics upon him, was given the role of guard. The Baron-Regent, after listening to the charges against the Kinslayer, to the wishes of the Mystic Wood Elves present, and also to the Kinslayer's story of his motivations, sentenced him to three deaths. As there was no Obliterate scroll present, the Baron-Regent executed him once and pronounced a command for his capture should he been found again in Capulus, so that he might be brought in for the remaining executions. Baron-Regent Delahr of Cumberland has offered his services as a mediator should the Kinslayer surviving his sentence and wish to attempt to reconcile his differences with the other denizens of the Mystic Wood. Jatrina Sartosa also made arrangements with the Kinslayer for him to speak with the well-known Mystic Shatter to be brought forward to the Mystic Wood Council of Elders to set the matter to rights. Some sources have reported that according to the Kinslayer, two more Mystic Wood-Elf Pantherghasts remain at large. Citizens are advised to watch out for these creatures.

Lizardmen Test New Adventurers

At a gathering in Sercia early this March, a Shaman of the Lizardmen came to the Broken Mug Inn, seeking those who had yet to prove themselves with much battle experience. A small group of adventurers including Bryan Andrews, Reezel, Findrid, Balthazar the Sarr, Rodrick, Stuart Axegrinder, and a few others whose names the Raven's Herald was unable to discover were chosen for the mission. The Lizardman chose Shaman Kainon Andrews to assist the untried warriors by offering them healing, but instructed him not to interfere in the battle.

The adventurers eagerly accepted the offer and went forth to battle whatever challenges lay ahead. The Lizardman escorted them to an area that was dark and eerie looking. The adventurers strode forth with confidence into a cave that was soon surrounded by undead. The group noticed that there were pieces of paper scattered about the cave floor, and they began collecting them. When one of the adventurers approached a sarcophagus that was in the corner, a creature arose and spoke to them, inquiring as to why the adventurers had come. After a bit of parlay, a fight ensued, and the undead were dispatched, with the warriors proving to be victorious. The lizardman spoke to the adventurers and marked them as worthy slavlar, (non- lizardmen) The adventurers returned to the Inn for a hearty drink after their first true show of strength.

Lizards Kidnapped

Early this month in Garson's Bridge, the merchant company known as the Three Ravens destroyed the subterranean homes of a ;mall race of lizard-people known by some as the Children of Annabella. As many as 50 of these Lizard people have been abducted by the Merchants, who acted in league with a powerful undead being believed to be the deathlord known as Perryn. Current whereabouts of the merchants as well as he fates of their captives are unknown.

Highlanders!
By Harold MacDonald

There is a valley just north of the city of Hadran, Volta, where the two rivers empty into the Crystal Lake. This is the space allotted for our ancestral homelands, as granted by Duke Adrick of Volta through King Mykel Endarr of Evendarr. I have seen it! Although the outskirts of the valley are now beaten bare by many footsteps, hoof prints and wagon wheels, the expanse is wondrous! The lower Frostpeak Mountains on the North, East and West create an air of majesty as one approaches the interior. Many, if not most, who have come have traveled first back to their own places of origin, many to the north, like myself, many to the west, to take with them pieces of their own original homelands. Many have taken pockets full, pails full, even (though I only saw one) wagons full of the land of their forefathers to venerate this new land with some of the old!

Many rival clans, even some clans still continuing blood feuds, have taken oaths of armistice to start anew in this venture. The Clan Leaders have called a special amnesty for alienated highlanders, or those who would stay away because of monetary difficulties. All claims to servants or debts are freed. This was decided unanimously by all attending chieftains. I would encourage any of our ilk to travel there at their earliest convenience, as land is being cordoned off by the representative size of the families and clans. Even if it is not your intention to take up new residence there, come to secure for your clan, family, and self a piece of this new community. If any man or woman reading or hearing this feel that particular grasp on his or her heart, the beckoning of something long buried perhaps, please come to talk with me, send me a letter, or visit the place for yourself under my aegis and think long and hard about starting a new chapter in your life with people like yourself.

It may be a difficult choice, and if you do not decide this is the place for you at this time, receive our blessing of peace, and our charge to you to spread word of this place. We also happily accept visitors and travelers through that country, so please come, learn, laugh, and gift us with your presence and blessings.

Merchant's Faire

House Avaro is happy to announce the second coming of the Ravenholt Merchant's Faire! We will be offering strange and exotic goods from across the Kingdom of Evendarr and Beyond - Including fine weapons, potent elixirs, magical tomes, powerful reagents and exquisite tuners, not to mention many more unusual and unique goods - too many to recount in this fine publication! Our pavilions will be opened for business upon the 17th of April, and all are welcome.

We will also be hosting booths for local merchants to add to our already fine selection - contact us prior to the Faire and a prominent showplace for your wares will be assured for but a minimal fee. For those of you who have spent a long sea- son watching unused goods and equipment collect rust and decay in your lockers and storehouses, House Avaro merchants are always willing to buy virtually any worn-but-functional equipment you no longer need - all for a fair price or barter.

While our days are spent driving hard bargains and dealing in the finest merchandise, our evenings are spent in revelry and delight. This year, House Avaro will be hosting festive evenings of revel in your local taverns. We will be judging a contest of entertainment with some of our finest goods as the prize for worthy entrants, while gambling tables and refreshments will also be available throughout the evening to any who wish to join our festivities! Bring your formal wear, for an outside patron has requested to host a ball at our Faire on the eve of Saturday the 17th. As a final pinnacle to this grand faire, we will be holding an open auction where some of the rarest and most elegantly crafted items of equipment you have ever seen shall be held up to be claimed by the highest bidder - don't miss out on this opportunity, for you will never find such finely crafted items anywhere else in these lands! We hope to see you there - Be it as seller, buyer or simply one who delights in the finer sights and smells of culture - all are welcome to House Avaro's Merchant Faire! (House Avaro supports your local guilds and employment. Any seeking a fair day's wages should contact faire officials on the evening of Friday the 16th or in the early hours of Saturday the 17th - check your local tavern for our postings!) (Local Merchants interested in dealing their wares at our Faire are most welcome - please contact House Avaro at least one week prior to the Faire to make proper arrangements.)

Public Notices

Let it be known that on behalf of the Court of Eastwyck I would like to take this opportunity to thank Shaman Kainon Andrews for his unflagging devotion to the safety of the Barony of Eastwyck. Numerous times he has aided the Court, always selflessly and for the betterment of everyone. On many occasions we have lacked the time and opportunity to properly thank him. Let this proclamation remedy that fact .
-Culain Steelforge
On Behalf of the Court of Eastwyck

To those whom refer to themselves as the White Rose, I appreciate your kind words and generous gifts. I look forward to meeting you in the future. Safe journeys to you all.
Bryan Andrews

Silverthorn, I read your letter, and it is truly amazing. Of course you are wrong. My strife is not with you, but with the others. If you wish to interfere, then of course I can include you, but I do not believe you want to get involved ... Anastasia, I bid you safe journeys, and always watch your backs. Just a reminder, I am watching.

The Funeral Parlor has a put a posting of all burial and funeral costs up on its door, come and look. It is better to pre- register for your Funeral, you don't want family and friends having to pay and deal with it in a time of sorrow. Also, you want it to be done right!
Remlin K'Thal Tokagowa Morsuidur

To Squire Solace, Nothing warms my spirit like your smile on a cold winter night. It brings more light into my life than that of the rising sun. The sound of your soothing voice challenges even the morning calls of the dove. Your beauty is unmatched by all Tyrran sights and makes my heart flutter in excitement and anticipation for the next time our paths may cross. Ever know this and stride with the utmost of confidence, for whenever you may need me, I will always be there.

Wanted: Ritual components of all varieties, specifically the rare components called Greater Water Elemental and Lesser Water Elemental. Also wanted are any manner of true elemental essence.
Contact Darius Brisbane.