Raven's Herald
July, 600
Aftermath of Artifact Destruction Felt Throughout Ravenholt
The forces of Ravenholt heaved a great sigh of relief Sunday morning, May 28, 600, as a shock wave of magical energy, released by the ringing (and subsequent destruction) of a Barbarian Artifact in the shape of a Bell, swept over part of the Duchy of Ravenholt, destroying Lesser Undead and apparently harming and somehow banishing or repelling Greater Undead. The exact nature of the magic is still unknown to the Raven's Herald, and the peoples of Ravenholt are still discovering the width and breadth of the Artifacts effects. The first, most immediate change to Ravenholt was the destruction of the Undead which prowled the ruins of Ravenholt until Saturday night Eyewitness accounts are sketchy, but all agree that after the Artifact was activated, all Lesser Undead within the immediate area were killed outright -the distance this effect covered is still being investigated, but early reports put the area of effect within one-half to three-quarters of a mile around the spot where the Bell was rung. It has been suggested that this effect would have covered the entirety of the Duchy if the Bell had been rung in the proper spot in the center of Ravenholt, but all who were present have stated that this was a physical impossibility at the time. Reports have also been confirmed that Greater Undead within the range of the Bell were also harmed by its powers, but were not destroyed outright - they instead appeared to have taken a great deal of damage, and all fled the area as quickly as they could, reportedly hotly pursued by the peoples of Ravenholt. Many suggested that the Greater Undead were actually forced to flee, rather than fleeing in fear; however, this has yet to be determined. Ducal forces report that they have moved forward to secure the remains of the capitol city, and clear out whatever minions of the Necropolis or opportunistic monsters have moved in during the fighting. Reportedly, one of the biggest challenges facing the Ducal forces is the removal of the bodies left behind by the battles in Ravenholt. Eyewitness statements from the front report that the Lake Ardynn is currently choked with the decaying bodies of Undead Lizardmen, which were apparently killed off by the forces released by the ringing of the Barbarian Bell. Their already-fetid corpses are beginning to swell, decompose and stink in the strengthening sunlight, and Ducal forces are attempting to fish them out and burn them as quickly as possible, before the Lake itself becomes permanently despoiled. It is hard, dirty work, and in recognition of those who have taken on this duty to serve the betterment and health of the Duchy, His Grace, Duke Roderick Ravenhurst has set aside a sizable sum of gold as bonuses for those who are aiding in this work.
Local Healer's Guilds, too, have been extremely busy following the ringing of the Barbarian Bell: their Undead forms mercifully destroyed, the spirits of those who had been turned into Undead by the Necropolis have been inundating the local Healer's Guilds over the last few days. The spirits of hundreds of farmers, merchants and adventurers have been flocking to earth circles all over Ravenholt, causing many Guilds to staff 24-hour shifts of Invested members, simply to start the resurrection processes of spirits clamoring to rejoin the ranks of the living. It is a time of great joy for many, sadness tinged with relief for others, as families are finally notified as to the fate of missing kinfolk. Any whose friends or family have been missing for some time are encouraged to contact their local Healer's Guild for a list of the permanently dead: a list too long, and too in flux, for the Raven's Herald to print.
One of the more subtle, but still very important, changes to the physical appearance of Ravenholt is that the miasma of darkness, which has been hanging over the capitol of Ravenholt since the Chaos explosion, is slowly dissipating. This is a cause for celebration for many of the Ducal forces stationed within and around Ravenholt, as many have not seen sunlight since they began this tour of duty, and with the threat of Undead attack no longer standing at 24 hours a day, many soldiers are being permitted leave to visit their families for a brief period of time.
The plants and trees within the city are also now beginning to grow and bloom with renewed vigor, but strangely, some plants seem to have been negatively effected by the forces released by the ringing of the Barbarian Bell. Local Alchemists report that a primary component used in making Harm Undead Gas poisons, a small white flower with a red center known locally as "Unicorn's Blood" flowers, seem to be dying off. Local rumor states that the flowers only grow naturally where a Unicorn has shed blood or died (depending on the version of the rumor), which seems to be borne out the fact that these flowers usually grow in small, uneven, pool-like formations. Until this week, these hardy flowers were easily found or cultivated; however, many Alchemists have been reporting that their cultivated stocks seem to be withering away at a rapid rate following the ringing of the Bell on Saturday night. The wild stocks seem to as yet be unaffected, but many Alchemists are concerned that the loss of cultivated stocks will mean a decrease in the availability of the Harm Undead Gas poison.
Reports have reached the Raven's Herald that the Ducal forces established around Ravenholt proper have been experiencing significant problems with an unusual number of Giant Spiders in the area. Giant Spiders themselves are not usually very tough physically, but are considered deadly because of their poisonous bite and their ability to use their webs as offensive attacks, ensnaring unwary passerby before they have a chance to escape. Giant Spiders are usually quite aggressive, and have been known to travel in packs, but until now they were usually found in small groups, well spread apart from one another, with only as many living in an area as the prey can support. However, a total of six separate squadrons of Ducal Army forces have recently failed to report for duty, and two members of these squadrons have resurrected with reports of large numbers of Giant Spiders acting in wholly unnatural ways. They reported that the Giant Spiders were using what appear to be complex military tactics, such as dividing the Ducal forces into small sections through the use of terrain and traps, and that the goal of the Spiders seemed to be capture, rather than killing for food. Strangest of all, once the Ducal forces were captured, they were held like captives, instead of being rolled into webs and killed. The captured scouts told an amazing tale of actually being carried about gently by the Spiders, being fed and given water at regular intervals, and protected from other monsters that approached the areas where they were being held.
The two scouts died, unfortunately, before they could ascertain the fate of their captured brethren. Following what little the Ducal scouts could remember of their capture, a "nest" of sorts was recently found. The nest was abandoned, but its size and contents has many Ducal officials concerned. Eyewitness reports tell of a quarter-mile area of the Eastwyck forest festooned with the remains of large spider webs, and the desiccated corpses of animals and humanoids, each drained of all life and bodily fluids, hanging like perverted leaves from the massive trunks of the trees. In the center of this area was what appeared to be a rough shelter like a humanoid would make, with a bed, writing-table and pen, several books, and humanoid foodstuffs.
Whomever or whatever this individual was, he or she apparently had no fear of the Spiders, and many are concerned that this humanoid may be responsible for the Spider's renewed attacks, great numbers, and apparent singularity of purpose, perhaps though some means of control. If the concerns of the Ducal forces are proven true, and these beasts are now under some form of control or guidance, they could make for a formidable army indeed.
Heard, "get a team and a tabard." one too many times? Tired of defending the innocent for no credit and no coin? Are you frustrated with being shut out of the greater matters of Ravenholt, matters that concern OUR future as much as any one else's? Given up on being recognized for your actions and ability?
Seize the respect and reward that is due you! Join the Ducal army!
The Ducal Army will not only provide you with a stipend, extensive expert training at no cost to yourself, and the finest of equipment, but in the Ducal army you will also be an integral part of the defense of Ravenholt, personally involved in the planning defense strategies and investigating threats to the Crown.
In the Ducal Army you will have a cause greater than just killing wandering creatures and searching their pockets for spare change: you will be a Soldier, charged with the highest duty: To defend Ravenholt and serve his Grace Duke Roderick Ravenhurst! Loyal soldiers who dedicate themselves to his Grace's service will find unlimited adventure and advancement within the ranks of His Army! Want to know more? Contact any member of the Company of the Grey Raven, Stationed just ten minutes outside Ravenholt!
For the last few months, sailors in the area of Monster Island off the coast of Capulus have noted something strange about the mists about the island - they have been growing steadily thicker, and have taken on a yellowish tinge. Within the last three weeks, the mists have thickened to the point at which the bulk of the island itself cannot be seen, merely a thin strip of rocks or shoreline, no more than five feet in diameter in any location. The Baron Gabriel Wolvestride, upon teaming of this strange effect immediately ordered troops to investigate. Their experiences matched those of the few sailors who had braved the mists before that time: all that walked into the mist found themselves exiting the mists less than two feet from where they entered within a few steps, although all swore that they had set one foot in front of the other, in a straight line. The Lord Baron assures the Raven's Herald that this effect is being closely monitored and investigated.
In a terrifying repeat of the attack on Ayren's Crossing in central Cumberland last month, on Tuesday, May 30, 600, one minute after the hour of midnight, a brutal attack was launched on the estate of Valdis Keep in Cumberland.
Unlike the attack on Ayren's Crossing, which seemed to many to be a random bout of destruction by a small force of Trolls lead by a Death Knight, the attack on Valdis Keep was a calculated strike by heavily armed Undead and Trolls. According to eyewitnesses after resurrection, the attack was lead by the Death Knight known as Anaroth, a well known minion of the Necropolis. He had with him two other Death knights, one of which appeared to be somehow mutated or insect-like, and a female Greater Vampire. This group of horrors lead a charge of over one hundred various forms of Undead, as well as a contingent of nearly twenty spell-casting Trolls. The Undead and Monstrous horde quickly overran the defenses of the Keep the Greater Vampire enslaved the guards to lower the drawbridge and pour molten lead upon the Keep's own troops, while the Death Knights smashed through doors and gates with inhuman strength. Like the attack on Ayren's Crossing, the horde sought out every living thing within the Keep, no matter how insignificant, servant, child, chicken, dog anything that breathed and bled was killed outright. The lord of the Keep, the Viscount Larister Greentree, Viscount of Magics of the Duchy of Ravenholt, was hunted down through the halls of the keep by Anaroth himself. He alone was left alive, but barely. When Ducal forces arrived to repel the attack, they found the Viscount literally hanging from the gates of the Keep, impaled through the shoulders and hips upon broken blades, a blood stained note driven into his chest with a dagger. With the help of a contingent of Sarr Warriors stationed nearby (remnants of forces remaining from the Sessuar Wars), the Ducal forces were able to clear out the remaining Undead and Trolls, but they were too late to save any inhabitant of the Keep, and the Greater Undead themselves were long gone. The Viscount has been taken into custody by the Ducal forces, and the contents of the note itself are not known to the Raven's Herald at the time, but we have been assured that His Grace, the Duke Roderick Ravenhurst, has taken a personal interest in the matter.
My dear editor,
In these trying days, it's nice to have a bit of hope to spread around. The tale of my encounter with one of the Three is below, and I feel it would serve to bolster the confidence of the people in our struggle to rid Ravenholt of the menace in the lake if you could publish this in the next issue of the Raven's Herald.
When the creatures attacked the tavern, I thought they had just made a bad judgment call. Not only was I there, but Sir Nork and about a dozen other competent townsfolk as well. As it happens, the bad judgment call was ours.
Moments later, I found myself paralyzed only feet from Sir Nork, who was also paralyzed. I watched in horror as the creatures continued to rain blows upon Sir Nork and then form a Magical Gate and take him away. Just then I saw the air shimmer around me as I felt myself being Gated as well. When the blinding lights of the Gate had faded and my vision cleared, I found myself in a large power circle with Baron Gabriel Wolfstride, Sir Nork, Squire Culain of Eastwyck, Magenta of the Baljar Tribe, Brogan Dracalor of the Order of the Scorpion, and Corwyn of the Mage's Guild. Baron Gabriel and I remained standing, still paralyzed, as we watched our companions die from their wounds. Then the situation seemed to worsen, as the tallest of The Three entered the circle and began to cast Arcane magics upon those that had bled to death.
First Life, then Imprison and then when all had been brought back, it began formal transforming magics upon three of the fallen. It thought to taunt Baron Gabriel and moved towards him to remove the paralyzing effect upon his body. What it didn't know was that the Baron was already free from the toxic effect the creatures venom had upon him, and he rained blow after blow of magical damage upon the Liche, finally exhausting the effects of the Enchanted Blade spells upon his spirit. The Lich continued his attempts to "just talk", and the Baron refused. A short battle ensued, the result of which was Baron Gabriel was Arcanely Imprisoned.
The vile creature then turned his attention towards me. "This one I do not know... but the colors are familiar ...... it hissed in my ear, then turned my head to face him and chuck led upon seeing the badge of honor I wear. The Order of the White Raven, one of those who struck at Sakalid 8 years ago to recover the spirit bottle of the late Duke Basil Ravenhurst. "I see. And I suppose, should I release you, you will try the same thing. Go ahead." And he removed the toxins from my body.
I did what I had to do. As I struck the Lich to no avail, he phased through my weapon strikes. I had one more Enchanted Blade, but I knew the creature would simply phase my blow. My goal was simple, just get one blow through and disrupt the formal magics it was casting. My companions and I would die, perhaps, but we would die on our terms and with luck, take the beast with us. It laughed, asking me if I was quite finished. After I cast three Healing spells at it, the creature cast an Arcane spell at me, and I crumpled to the floor, asleep.
When I awoke, it was by the hand of Squire Culain who had apparently 'lit up' the room with a volley of dispel Magic spells when the Lich attempted to toy with him. Baron Delahr attempted to backlash the Liche's formal magics by killing one of those whom the Lich was performing his spells upon and seeing no disruption, ordered Squire Culain to Life the victim. Our companions began to fall one-by-one and within minutes only myself and Squire Culain remained able to do battle. As the Squire cast a Repel or Shun spell at the Lich to keep him away from us, I prepared to strike with my final Enchanted Blade. Just as the creature began to re-solidify its form after phasing Squire Culain’s spell, I landed a blow that shook the creature to it's corrupted core.
Whether it was worn-down, or whether it had become complacent, I may never know. But either way, my weapon struck home and I was thrown across the Power Circle as the magical energies that were bound within the Lich were ripped from it in three strands of glowing light that led to each of the three people being transformed.
As the creature collapsed and began to beg it's siblings for rescue, I drove my sword into its chest, seeking to terminate its existence. As the magical energies swirled around the room, slamming me back and forth, I continued driving my sword into the Liche’s chest. Suddenly my limbs withered and I fell to the ground, just as the Lich vanished. Those of us still alive found themselves in much the same predicament. Only the quick thinking of Sir Nork and Squire Culain (and the presence of a magical restorative acorn), allowed us to re-establish ourselves as a fighting force again.
Not long after that, the Dwarven Pantherghast stormed into the circle, paralyzing me and Obliterating Squire Culain. When the dust had cleared, only Brogan and Magenta were left standing.
The Pantherghast gave Magenta a feral grin and told her to run even as it wished her a happy birthday. As the two of them cleared the boundaries of the Power Circle, I realized that the rest of us might be able to walk out as well. Seeing no more Dwarves, the Pantherghast left the confines of the Circle and moments later its paralyzing effects on me faded.
I began dragging unconscious and paralyzed people out of the cave. I returned for a final search of the area, knowing what the Liches can do with personal belongings, and when I emerged found a rescue party picking up the pieces of our party.
Penned
the 30th day of the 6th month, in the year 600.
Thomas
Pelgar
Order
of the White Raven
Order
of the Companions
Be it known we have lost a Friend and Hero of Evendarr -
Born 10/564 - Died 6/600
Served as Ensign in the Lancers unit of the Royal Army. -591 Squired to Count Malignar. - 592
Knighted to Prince Basil Ravenhurst. -592
Adopted by Prince Basil Ravenhurst as Sister, attained rank of Countess
Our Sister in Arms will be missed. Notification of services will be posted at a future date
Thorge Cyclos, Age 27:
In the early morning hours of June 17th, Thorge Cyclos, warrior of The Grey Ravens and friend to all, suffered his final death at the claws of the Human-Hunting Pantherghast.
Thorge's career was a colorful one. He served under the Barons Vallen and Pelgar of Westmarch where he was Baron Pelgar's squire. He then proceeded with his brother Jordreth to the Court of Capulus, then led by Vandal Ravensblood. He served with Capulus through the Baronies of Alaric and Johan, where he was appointed Knighthood of Dunharrow in the spring of 598. Recently, he had served admirably with Lieutenant Archer's Grey Ravens Army Company, a unit currently serving with pride and distinction in Ravenholt against the Undead Armies of the Necropolis. He has faced the Brood, Husk of Altyrra, Tarlov, Sakalid, and many others from Ravenholt's Rogue Gallery of Villains. One of the last, great Celestial Templars, he will be sorely missed by all.
Thorge Cyclos is survived by his brother, Jordreth Cyclos. He was buried in a private ceremony on the 21st of June. There will be a memorial service held in his honor on Saturday, July 29th at 6:00 pm.
I wanted to thank all the people that have assisted the Mage’s Guild in acquiring or giving components to assist the Duchy at the, past two gatherings the Guild is still in ,need of components and is willing to buy them at reasonable prices. Please come, to the Mage’s Guild hall at the next gathering if you are interested in selling components. Components that the Mage’s Guild purchases, are for use by the Duchy and are not used for personal use or gain by any Guild member
Thank
You again for your assistance
Keyla,
Guildmistress, Ravenholt Mages Guild
Be
it known that Bosk Wolff is seeking those who would join him in the aid and
protection of his freehold called Twin Star located between the twin peaks of
the Goblintooth Pass as well as patrolling the borders of Ravenholt as
instructed by His Grace the Duke. All Persons Interested should contact Bosk
Wolff a the next gathering or use the most available means.
-Bosk
Wolff
Dear Brother,
Happy Birthday.
-Jordy
PS. I'll get them all for you.
Thorge,
Walk the Road well. We'll miss you.
-Nomad
Jordy,
We'll hold 'em down, you kick ‘em.
Nomad & Company