Vol. 13 Number 10

Habitae Diem Gravis

November, 900

Prince Andros Rescued

As reported by Daphne Green

On Friday evening of the October gathering, a mysterious figure in a long, concealing cloak came to the door of the Ravenholt Healer's Guild and requested entrance. Once inside, he revealed himself as King Elenaro, ruler of Quentari, seeking adventurers for an unspecified "favor," or mission. For this mission, which was the result of a vision he had seen, he requested several people by name, such as Kestrel and Scout, and others whom he knew only from his vision, such as Squire Kerchek Mirabad. The chosen participants were requested to gather at the Healer's Guild the next morning, when the stars would be aligned correctly for the mission.

The next morning, King Elenaro came back to the Healer's Guild, accompanied by an elf of his court, and revealed his mission: to find and rescue his grandson, Prince Andros, lost during the war with the Sessuar, missing for three years and, by many, believed dead.

Ever since the Prince's mysterious disappearance during a Sessuar battle, the Seventh Regiment of Skye Guard (commanded by Sir Gerrick Mardigan) had been quietly searching for some trace of his whereabouts and fate. Although his failure to resurrect was viewed by many as proof of his final death, the magical research of King Elenaro had at last revealed traces of energy upon five people who had been closest to Prince Andros when he disappeared. The five individuals, including Sir Gerrick, Zaikar, and Havelock Thornbird, became part of a rescue mission that had been preparing for many months in great secrecy.

Those gathered for this undertaking included Kestrel, Alladon, Dame Quin Tarmeger, Sir Gerrick, Zaikar, Havelock, Scout, Sir Nork, Squire Kerchek Mirabad, and Jenna, among others, for a total of fourteen adventurers. Shortly before noon, His Majesty led the group out of town and prepared to open a gate to the plane where Prince Andros was believed to be, warning the adventurers that he could only hold the gate open for half an hour.

King Elenaro concentrated and opened the gate, and he and his companion stayed behind to keep it open. Entering the gate, the adventurers found themselves in a building with a sequence of fourteen riddles carved into the nearby wall. "A circle was on the floor and a magical barrier blocked further progress," explained Scout. "We determined that by standing in the circle and answering a riddle a person would be transported past the barrier. Unfortunately an answer could only be used once, resulting in the last of the group being slower to pass the barrier as the remaining riddles were progressively more difficult."

Nine adventurers succeeded in passing the barrier. Once on the other side of the barrier, they found themselves on a giant chess board and could only move or fight in the manner of chess pieces. After encountering what was described as "some slight resistance," they managed to cross the chessboard, where they saw Prince Andros, battle weary and exhausted, behind a transparent wall.

Although the adventurers could see no visible foe, Prince Andros was engaged in battle with a Sessuar champion, and had been locked in this struggle for the three years he had been missing. Those of the rescuers who were well known to the Prince attempted to convince him to return with them, but their entreaties were in vain. Finally Zaikar spoke to him, saying "It is time to end this," and when Prince Andros reached out to her she pulled him out of the circle of battle. Once outside the enchanted circle, the Sessuar apparently vanished, and the Prince collapsed.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the magical barrier, those adventurers, including Kestrel, who had not been able to pass through, could hear the sounds of battle but could not see through the barrier. They themselves were not attacked. Suddenly, they heard King Elenaro cry out, the rift closed, and everyone felt a wrenching sensation. Then another rift opened and everyone, on both sides of the barrier, was thrown out of it to find themselves near the Ravenholt tavern.

Almost as soon as the successful party was back in Ravenholt, the Sessuar champion rifted into town with a host of warriors. Prince Andros summoned his sword, Bane, which disappeared from the hands of its current caretaker (Leoric of the Empty Mug) and appeared in the Prince's hands. He then singled out the champion, declaring that this would be the last battle they would fight against each other. "The battle was long and well fought by both parties," said Sir Gerrick, "with Prince Andros using his skill and experience in battle to finally defeat the Sessuar leader."

While the Prince and the Sessuar champion were fighting, bands of Sessuar began to rift in and attack at random places throughout the town, such as the Healer's Guild and the Capulus manor house, but the town mobilized to defeat these forces wherever they appeared.

King Elenaro said later that he was the victim of a surprise magical attack, possibly by some magical creature attracted by the gate; he lost concentration for a moment and the gate closed. It is not known how the other gate opened to release the adventurers and Prince Andros, but it has been speculated that the sword Bane, sensing the approach of its first wielder, might have opened it.

Public Notices

The Raven's Herald is hiring reporters and regular columnists. We pay a few silver for a good lead and up to five gold for finished well-edited work. If you are interested, please send a missive to Holly Castleton, editor-in-chief.

My admiration and respect to all who stood with Cumberland during the fight to destroy the Liche. Although the site of the battle was changed abruptly, leaving us in an overexposed position, we all stood strong and fought against overwhelming odds. Along with the Court of Cumberland and the Cumberland Rangers stood The ARC, and we were often reinforced by Martigan and the other former court of Cumberland. We paid heavily, especially Krieger and Voltreg, but we acheived our goal against the Necropolis. To all who fought, who died, who stayed, my humble thanks.

- Sir Alan Moonwind, Baron-Regent of Cumberland.

Hightown Rag

So, Eastwyck has a leader... The valiant and ever glinting Sir Nork has taken command of the forces. And not a moment too soon. I thought there were going to be riots in the street. What a lovely team they're shaping up to be. There's the Treason-committing commoner Perdu, now. How'd he sneak by? And why the heck is he still there? Westmarch is shaping up! They apparently took on the gypsy pantherghast and pummeled it to death with the help of their heroic and droolable gypsy Kalyn. They nearly got decimated in the fight against the Three (Oops, two), but who didn't? They seem to be keeping better track of their Stone Elf, too.

Capulus arrived at the gathering in force, and it's a darn good thing they did. Rumor had been that they had been sucked away to another plane, but I think the man who told me that was taking alchemicals. Anyway, they got themselves into the fray Saturday night and took some serious beatings. They also fixed Sir Nork, although details on that are sketchy. Something about a bear, a lion, Tristamere, and a circle. That gives me the shivers.

Cumberland seems to be shaping up pretty nice too. They used to be pretty small, but now they're expanding to include some Rangers. Are those the Rangers of the Mystic Wood, or are those other Rangers? I'm confused. Anyway, they all seem to be doing well-though rumor has it they were on the unfortunate end of a flattening by a certain liche.

And now the other nobles... The Duke was around, but got a cold. He's sure looking pale, isn't he... How... strange. Dame Saket is doing her Vicountal Knight thing, which we're not really sure about yet, but whatever it is, she's doing it with authority. Sir Antro, fang free for six months, has returned to his post as Knight of Magics after training Westmarch a new Baron.. And Dame Quin seems to be lying low, running through town with other notable women, sprinting here and there with obvious evil intent. More on her in the Lowtown bit.

Lowdown on Lowtown

Bane. Such a huge sword for such a new team. I only hope Xerina doesn't possess them all to destroy Ravenholt. Although, I think Bane was pretty well wielded by Sir Nork too, when LeeOrick passed it off him to fight the liches. I heard the short one had eyes the size of dinner platters.

So, I have a question. Are we missing the scroll of Permanence? Or what? The circles are dropping and rising like it was 590! Three circles up and popped in three days? Seriously though, they had their hands full with translations, circles exploding, and body parts being hauled up from the fight to be Lifed. Guys, I know it's practical, but that is really gross.

Over in the Mages Guild, things seem to be calming down. The Chaos Tree seems to have ceased it's vile tainting of the land, but I theorize that it has possessed prominent townsfolk such as well known necromancer Dame Quin and her nefarious minion Willow Treespeaker. From there it will conquer Tyrra.

The Dark Monkey, as some have taken to calling him, has made no new appearances in the land of people reading too many evil texts. Although whether the former Innkeep Ulrik is himself is in question. Perhaps those marks are but charcoal to cover up the deeper conspiracy of scribes, mystics, and celestial casters trying to rule the world.

Equinox seems to have straightened the whole bat-charming thing out, which is good, but I'm wondering why one of their mystics is sporting a diamond over his eye. Obviously he is a secret member of the Paladins of the Rose-only they have that sort of complex fashion-using the tattoo as a secret symbol for their uprising.

Until next time...

Summary of the Laws of Ravenholt as Excerpted from the Writings
of the Lady Seneschal Rhyanna Endarr

Low Crimes: Low Crimes usually consist of damage or theft of property or assault, and are therefore punishable by fining or incarceration. Multiple or repeat offenses may be punishable by confiscation of the individual's possessions, or by death.

Arson: Destruction of another's property by fire.

Assault: Placing someone in fear of harm, seriously threatening another person, or causing harm to a person or their property. These threats may be physical or magical threats.

Bribery: Obtaining favors, money, or other property by force, intimidation, or illegal means.

Conspiracy: Planning to commit a crime, aiding a criminal (a person in the commission of a crime), obstructing the investigation of a crime, or obstructing the course of dictated punishment of a criminal (i.e. setting a criminal free from incarceration, delivering a Life spell to one sentenced to a death, etc.) is conspiracy. In matters involving nobility, this will become Treason. In matters involving Undead, the charge will be Necromancy.

Contempt: The willful disrespect of a noble or public official, or the willful disobedience of an order given by them. Please know that His Highness Prince Kevynn Blackfox has passed a law requiring that all nobles be addressed by their proper titles.

Forgery: Producing or planting of false documents or money for the purpose of deceit.

Theft: Stealing or destruction of another's goods by any means. Tax evasion is theft.

Public Disorder: Anyone found to be acting in an abnormal or irrational manner (i.e. babbling nonsensical statements, walking about unclothed, speaking or acting in a manner unlike themselves, etc.) must be brought to the Mage's Guild immediately for Celestial Identification, and if necessary, detained there until the madness has passed. If no external cause can be found for the disorderly behavior, a fine of no less than one gold shall be extracted, and paid to the Mage's Guild by the afflicted person, whether in cash, material goods, or guard duty for 1 hour.

According to Evendarr Law, common folk may not engage in "Honor Combat" without the sponsorship of a noble. Any common folk engaging in "honor combat" without a noble sponsor present will be charged with Contempt, as well as any crimes committed (such as Assault or Murder). If anyone is harmed other than the two parties engaging in the "honor combat" the person who caused the harm will be charged with the appropriate crime.

High Crimes: High Crimes are punishable by confiscation of goods and by death. Obliteration and banishment may be ordered for multiple or repeat offenses.

Kidnapping: Taking or constraining a person with unlawful force.

Murder: Taking of another's life, even if a Life spell is administered.

Necromancy: Casting of a necromantic spell (any spell with the word "Chaos" in the incantation) or ritual is Necromancy, as is the creation or knowing possession of any necromantic item (any item created through necromancy or one that produces a necromantic effect) or creature, consorting or conspiring with Undead. If one is forced to consort with Undead under extenuating circumstances, this consorting, and the circumstances must be reported to the Duke or Duchess immediately for any future plea of leniency to be considered.

Pretending to a Noble Title: A commoner who seeks to convince another that he or she has a noble title is guilty of this crime. It is unlawful to present oneself as a "former noble". You may not represent yourself to the monster races (such as Goblins, Orges, Trolls, etc.) as a noble.

Slavery: Forced servitude, the buying or selling of another to enforce servitude. This can be through the use of Charm spells, Dominate poisons, Enslavement poisons, Euphoria poisons, Love poisons, as well as by physical or implied threats. No one may own slaves in Ravenholt, monster or not. The possession and use of the elixir commonly known as Euphoria is always illegal.

Treason: Attempting to overthrow the lawful government of the land by means of force or trickery. This crime may be punishable by death and confiscation of all worldly goods. In the matter of High Treason (the attempt to overthrow the Duchy, Principality or Monarchy), Obliteration is mandated, and may be to the final death. Banishment after Obliteration is an option.

All citizens and visitors are protected by these laws, and required to obey them. Invaders of this land are not protected by these laws. You may not be arrested for committing the following against a monster, an invader or their property: Arson, Assault, Theft, or Murder.

There are certain laws which may never be violated, regardless of the victim. These are: Kidnapping, Slavery, and Necromancy.

Circles of Power with any duration exceeding that of Battle Magic must be granted by the Duke or Duchess, and the "owner" of the Circle must be able to produce a writ to that effect. Ungranted Circles of Power are prohibited, and shall be considered a crime of Treason.

Similarly, anyone looting the defenders of the town while the town is in threat will be considered guilty of Conspiracy to the crimes committed by that threat. This is likely Conspiracy to Treason as a minimum, and will result in severe punishment.

Obituaries

Voltreg, Son of Voran

To a great warrior and loyal friend,

To my friend, whose path has been long and difficult. No one could look upon your trials through life and be jealous. The pains that you've suffered through the years would make tales no one would believe were true. Many years before you entered the lands of Ravenholt, you met the love of your life and you were able to share that love in marriage. Sadness struck home when she and your first born died during childbirth. You were there to see her last breath and to send her on her path beyond. For many years you mourned their deaths. After years of guilt and anger, you were able to continue on with your life. Shortly after leaving camp for the first time in four years, you and your blood kin encountered a group of Nimani slavers in the mountains of Volta. The slavers ambushed the group, killing your father and taking your siblings as slaves. You were separated from them, and sent to a gladiatorial arena, where you were enslaved, and made to battle other slaves. Months, even years went by, and all you knew was fighting. Then one day you were freed by Wild Elves who raided the Nimani slave caravan. Following a friend, Ryker, to Ravenholt, you made this your new home, awaiting word from your family. You did not wait patiently however. After making friends and getting settled, you began plans to return to Niman to save your siblings. Though many empty promises and false hopes were told to you, never did you give up trying. You shared your strength with everyone around you, teaching as much as you learned.

As the years went by, you made more and more friends in Ravenholt. You accepted many wayward wanderers as your family, and looked after them to keep them safe. Your family was always the most important possession to you, and you always let them know that. No one would ever question your honor, for your word was truth itself. No one would ever challenge your loyalty, because they knew you would fight to the end. All too often I watched you fight overwhelming odds, just to defend those you loved, knowing full well that you would perish on the field of battle. I would say that every traveler citizen, and noble of Ravenholt has felt the great loss of your passing. Now you have made the ultimate sacrifice, so that you can always watch over us, your family.

- A Friend

How Will Ravenholt Fare?

In response to the changes caused by the apparent destruction of at least one member of the hideous enemy known commonly as the "Triumvirate," Ravenholt's seers have been asked to cast portents for the land and its peoples for the upcoming months. The casting of cards presents a land balanced at the cusp of great change, with great risk set before:

"Ravenholt yet hides mysterious corners of itself, even from those who know and love these lands. Even now it hoards secret treasures. Buried here is ultimate prosperity, yet opposing elements (for good or evil) show acts of obfuscation. Trickery from within. Heresey. A project or adventure abandoned or cut short, perhaps because of the departure or disappearance of necessary colleagues, partners, and friends.

Events coming to pass draw forth the card of the Tower. Comeuppance. Setback. Disaster. Arrogance of pride cast down by Fate. Unforeseen events. Calamity. Possible futures bring star-crossed, soured, illicit, blind or foolish responses should nothing change, yet change brings forth slander and suspicion.

Uncertainties evolve, as with difficulties overcome. Favorable agreement, perhaps as citizens unite in common action. Reconciliation. A new beginning. Renewal of trust. It is unknown if there must be a bestowal of forgiveness.

The youthful and less experienced bring to light a meditative nature. They are capable of deep loyalty and conscientious work towards a stronger Ravenholt, if guided by suitable hands, creating a welcome balance of opposites.

Ultimately, there will return a time for those who are accomplished, graceful and gracious. The arts and sciences must be studied and re-learned in full before there shall be a true wedding of intelligence, creativity, and power once again in Ravenholt, hard fought for, upon the land."