Heart of Ravenholt Nearly Ready for Repopulation

Today, a festival air surrounds around the heart of the city of Ravenholt. The rotting corpses of the Necropolis' monsters are long since burned or buried, and the Ducal army continues to patrol the land daily and kill off any stray remnants of the Necropolis' forces, of which there are less and less with each passing day. When off patrol, the members of the Ducal Armies have all pitched in to rebuild the structures of Ravenholt, each taking up their old trades or learning new ones in order to clear away any remnant of the horrors that were visited upon the land.

The soldiers in the Ducal Army are currently serving His Grace in ways that they had not dared to dream of less than four months ago, when they lived day to day under the black shroud of the Necropolis' foul magics. Rather than warriors and healers, today they act as stone carvers, farmers and carpenters - clearing brush and stones from the fields where their brethren fell, rebuilding new structures from the ruins of the old, finding sources of clean water far from where the bloated bodies of Undead once stank. It is a time of healing not only for the land, which saw untold horrors visited upon it, but also for the soldiers and Nobles which defended the land. As they clear away the debris of war, they clear also their consciences and minds, and are reminded of what it is the fought and fell for.

The peaceful scene today is centuries, it seems, from the terror and destruction which reigned less than six months ago. Today, Ducal colors snap and wave in a warm breeze no longer rank with the smell of death and necromancy, and the newly-constructed walls ring with the voices of soldiers happy to be alive, and filled with joy at the prospect of bringing life back into the heart of their Duchy. It is reported that His Grace is extremely pleased at the giant strides the Armies have made in recreating the seat of His power, and has declared His intention to personally welcome the populace of Ravenholt back into the heart of the capitol city on the first weekend of September, with a Gathering featuring celebrations, feasts, and the reforging of His Noble Bonds to the Land. All Citizens, Adventurers and Visitors are invited to attend.

Third Town In Cumberland Massacred

The Necropolis' grisly pattern of destruction through Cumberland continued once more this month: at one half-hour after the stroke of noon on Saturday, August 12, 600, the peaceful village of Falconsrest in eastern Cumberland was overrun with a veritable army of Trolls, lead by Greater minions of the Necropolis in a blind fury of destruction. The leader of the group was once again identified by resurrecting citizens as the Death Knight Anaroth, purportedly the general of the Necropolis' hordes. Also familiar was the face of the red-haired Greater Vampire by his side, supposedly known as Iri, which some say is the sister of the Death Knight. The two walked bold-faced in the sunlight, apparently completely unaffected by its rays, and ordered their minions forward with the chilling, mysterious words, "Let no living thing escape - let a sea of living blood pay for the destruction of our home and family!".

As in the prior attacks upon the innocent citizens of Cumberland, the assembled horde poured through the town, slaughtering every living thing and burning or tearing apart all things which make life possible - houses, stables, stores of grain, et cetera. And, as before, the creatures chose one unfortunate citizen to remain alive, to tell their tale. For reasons known only to itself, the Death Knight Anaroth chose the elderly head of the local Healer's Guild, one Meg Bonesetter, to remain barely alive to pass on its insane demands to the Nobles of Cumberland. The Raven's Herald is extremely lucky to have had the chance to speak with her after her ensuing rescue and lengthy conversation with His Grace, Duke Roderick Ravenhurst.

According to Meg, when it became apparent that she was to remain alive, she attempted to engage the creatures in conversation (please note: in His wisdom, His Grace, Duke Roderick Ravenhurst has since cleared Meg of the automatic charge of Necromancy that her consorting with the Undead mandated, citing extenuating circumstances). While begging for her life and the lives of those around her, she inquired as to why this was being done - why her, why the innocent peoples of Falconsrest, why the Barony of Cumberland. Meg reported that the monster seemed almost pleased to be asked, and paused to speak with her at great length while its minions continued to slaughter her friends and family without mercy.

Meg describes the creature as having been "eerily calm" as it described to her a horrific circumstance: the Undead claimed that it had living family in Cumberland - a mother, a father, and a young sister. According to the monster, when the Nobles of Cumberland discovered the existence of its family, they destroyed its family lands, leaving nothing but burned buildings and salted lands, and stole away its family. Apparently the creature called for the release of its family, who were innocent of its crimes, and only after its demands were dismissed did it turn on the innocent peoples of Cumberland for vengeance, to force the Nobles to release them.

The creature informed her that Falconsrest was to be the last town to suffer its wrath - according to Meg, it stated, in part, "…I have repaid Cumberland, innocent blood for innocent blood, for my family: one town cut down for every member of my family that the Nobles of Cumberland killed. Now, I will come after Cumberland itself - its armies and its Nobles. The Nobles of Cumberland could have saved their people, merely by returning to me what was mine. By destroying my family, they have destroyed themselves."

Meg then went on to express her opinion of any person, Noble or otherwise, that would harm innocents in order to get back at anyone, be they Undead or not. However, since her statements might ostensibly be misconstrued as Treason or Mockery, they will not be printed here.

Unicorn’s Blood Flowers Continue to Die Off

Many Local Alchemists' Guilds within the lands of Ravenholt are reporting that the "Unicorn's Blood" flowers, a primary component used in making Harm Undead Gas poisons, are continuing their rapid decline. As reported before, the cultivated stocks of the small white flowers with a red center have been withering away since the Barbarian Bell was rung on May 27, 600. Local rumor states that the flowers are partly magical in nature, only growing naturally where a Unicorn has shed blood or died (depending on the version of the rumor), which seems to be borne out by the fact that these flowers usually grow in small, uneven, pool-like formations. Some Alchemists have suggested that something in the ringing of the Bell has disrupted the magics which permit these flowers life, and has caused any growing in anything but their native soil to die. Wild stocks of these flowers have been proven to be unaffected by whatever is ailing their cultivated flowers, but as there are few wild patches of the flowers, these primary components are becoming rarer and rarer, and fewer are being seen in the marketplaces (and those that are seen are now commanding higher prices).

Vicountess Grey Announces Aid For Victims of War

Her Excellency, Viscountess Tamera Grey, Viscountess of the Armies of the Duchy of Ravenholt, has announced that several steps being taken for the alleviation of the suffering caused by the war against the forces of the Necropolis.

·        Her Excellency has announced the creation of a new Orphanage, currently being constructed on the outskirts of Ravenholt, on the Westmarch border. The Orphanage will be dedicated to the surviving children orphaned by the wars that Ravenholt has suffered. Although the Orphanage is to be sponsored by the Ravenholt military, any and all donations will be accepted, be they of material goods, services or coin. Please contact the Ducal HouseHold for more information.

·      On the afternoon of September 2, 600, the Armies of Ravenholt are sponsoring a Bake Sale. Many tempting sweets and confections will be offered for sale, and the proceeds of the sale will be used for the relocation of displaced Ravenholt families to northern Cumberland and Capulus.

·       On the evening of September 2, 600, an auction sponsored by the Armies of Ravenholt will take place in the capitol city of Ravenholt in the Tavern. Items to be sold will include rare production components, Formal Ritual Magic Scrolls and components, as well as weapons and armor of surpassing strength and durability. All are invited to attend, as all proceeds of the auction will be used as compensation for the families of those that have permanently died in the War against the Necropolis.

Her Excellency stated that there are several more plans in the works for other methods of aid for victims of the Necropolis War, which will be announced in due time.

Small Group Of Wandering Undead Have Authorities Puzzled

Some local Ravenholt guard are reporting a small group of Undead, apparently not controlled by the Necropolis, have been harassing Adventurers and small towns around Ravenholt. Althrough many believed that there were no Undead in the Ravenholt area which were not directly controlled by the Necropolis, but this small group does not seem, as of yet, to be serving them. From the scattered reports that exist, the Raven's Herald has learned that the group of seven Undead is composed of two corporeal Greater Undead, one male and one female, and five other Undead which are reportedly Spectral in nature. This small but strange group of Undead are wandering from town to town in the areas outside of Ravenholt, apparently looking for something or someone.

Some reports have the group appearing in public areas and demanding that a map be returned to them, whereas others report being ambushed soon after the sun has set, being attacked until near-unconscious, and then questioned about either spirits, some sort of music, or a flute that the group is apparently are searching for. In the case of the group appearing in a public area, within minutes of demanding the map they will usually turn on whomever is nearby and attack them, and no matter how many times they are killed, they seem to pop up somewhere else nearby after less than an hour. In the case of small groups being attacked and questioned, all witnesses that the Raven's Herald spoke to report that they were released after being questioned - none were killed. The bizarre behavior of this group of uncontrolled Undead has many local officials concerned, and they have asked that anyone with more information regarding the nature of these Undead come forward.

Hightown Rag

 So where did Dame Quin go? The Mage's Guild was populated by gypsies and mystics this gathering! What is the world coming to?

Cumberland is still staying  with the Healer's Guild, which is apparently helping to keep the guild secure and defended. Obviously Cumberland has an interest in Guilds. So why did Meg Bonesetter (see Third Town in Cumberland Sacked) find herself and her town slaughtered?

Capulus made an impressive  showing at the last gathering,  although apparently someone  was thumbing one's nose at someone else, because there seems to be some animosity brewing.

Eastwyck has been voted the Barony with the Least Common Sense. According to reports they have been spitting on Ducal tabards and causing visions and explosions. And to top it all off, after nearly getting a noted Mythical Creature killed they almost got whacked by her brother.

Westmarch Oh my! There's a court of Westinarch? Amazing! Even if it is represented solely by two people at opening ceremonies. Oh well, they're trying. Apparently the youthful team of the Brotherhood of the Dragon has ascended to this gossip column, and become the body of Westrnarch. We'll see how that goes.

Lowdown on Lowtown

Ok, what's with the skull-headed tree thingy in the mage's guild? It's nunored that it's taking the lesser-experienced mernbers of the town on a mission into itself to do some thing we still haven't been able to ascertain. Maybe the Mage's Gad is trying to breed a new form of necromantic tree. THAT explains why Dame Quin is missing! She's trying to cover her evil tracks!

Well, much to the relief of the local gossips, the Healer's Guild debacle is finally over! It appears to have been taken over by Ember Jongleur, a mystic who has only recently emerged from her library in Kestrel's harem to be the new Guildmistress. Rumor has it that she was also once a member of the Dragon and the Pawn, or rather, the Paladins of the Rose! Is this a ploy by the Paladins to get their underground spies into places of import?

The Baljar are extinct, it seems. But perhaps it's only a matter of time until their traveling circuit brings them back ... And speaking of coming back, it seems like the Company of the Silver Rose is dissolving. The charmed aunt must've been very angry. Until next month!

Public Notices

Marina, Thank you for your hospitality and rekindling our friendship.I thank you for you rassistance in my times of need. I will send news to you by bird. I hope you will show me the way so my bird may find you quickly. I have need for your craft and will pay for it.
           Best Regards, Thumper H. Kahn
           Glavom Ducal Court, Duchy of Elysia

Guardians of the Star are now seeking members to join their ranks. If you feel a calling to Protect, Contact Bosk Wolff

Reward for Information regarding the whereabouts and safety of the warrior Cadoc and his lady Anwyn, of the Dasha Morbihan. Please send word to Ajahana Sheylan, care of the Healers Guild of Neridia's Gate.