Lady Aasha tol' me ta show th' books ta ya

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Lady Aasha tol' me ta show th' books ta ya that I kept from th' beginnin' of Dragon's Hearth. I don't know if they be true or not. An' some are BORIN', anyhow.

Good Luck w' th' Undead an' Fire Elementils,
Hank LeRoix
---

LOGBOOK OF MALACHI MARDIS
Commander of the Black Jackal Brigade

CHAPTER VIII – DRAGONS HEARTH

XXX April CLVII, Dragons Hearth, Dragonsbane

Census
Jezebel Mardis
Demetrius Mardis
Ummayyid Kalifa
Sir Parzival Karstark
Ivanos Vistani
Kuroi Sassori
Archer
Rissa Greenbower
Rian
Baron Shade
Sir Nicholas Quinn
Eagle Skycaller of the Land

I. We traveled with Quinn’s expedition to establish an outpost fifty miles from the border of the Duchy of Silver. Jezebel and everyone else recommended me to be the Sheriff of Dragons Hearth (Jez’s name for the town). Jez is starting a Healers Guild, Ummayyid a Wizards Guild, Kuroi a Merchants Guild and Parzival an Adventurers Guild. They’re drafting up the laws and tax schedules.

II. Friday night Ummayyid, Parzival and Ivanos looted a hoard including a Spirit Bottle belonging to Malek, a local Death Knight. Three Fae children invited everyone to a party. We encountered their father, the Old Man of the Forest who also invited us. He also warned us some of the Fae Eggs may have gone bad.

III. Saturnday morning I got up with Dem. He played in the meadow around Rissa’s Tavern. We gathered Fae Eggs. A Fox barbarian summoned us to see their Shaman – he demanded we leave because

I) we unleashed Malek;
II) we invaded their land;
III) we brought Eagle Skycaller with us.

Apparently the Fox are the descendants of the People who did not travel to the Land of the People. Parzival tried to negotiate to no avail. Eagle just made it worse by spell-dueling the Shaman. Eagle fell (celestial always loses to earth) and we had to slay them all. They resurrected at the Crazy Old Elf Lady’s circle. Ummayyid negotiated a cessation if we slew the Death Knight or stole his Spirit Bottle.

IV. Ummayyid summoned a Life Knight, cast a High Horoscope and obligated Parzival to the Life Knight. We followed the Horoscope to where Malek was – Parzival, the Life Knight and I interrupted his Ritual and were Imprisoned by the backlash. Had nightmares while Ummayyid and Eagle tried to rebottle Malek’s spirit. Both bottles shattered.

V. During the Ritual, Kuroi was sent after more components – Jez and Archer ran along. They were ambushed by the Brotherhood of the Blade. Jez resurrected –she was warned by the Crazy Old Elf Lady not to allow any more resurrections. We did get Ummayyid’s component chest back.

VI. We went to the Fae Party before hunting Malek – potions and alchemy, music and dance. Dem had a great time.

VII. The formal backlash caused many corpses to rise as zombies but they were easily slain. The next day, the Baron held court to confirm the laws and guilds. Quinn questioned most of them.

MM

XXI May CLVII, Dragons Hearth, Dragonsbane

Census
Jezebel Mardis
Demetrius Mardis
Sir Parzival Karstark
Ivanos Vistani
Kuroi Sassori
Archer
Rissa Greenbower
Rian
Baron Shade
Lady Emadra Flamestrike
Sir Nicholas Quinn
Duskshroud
Darius Lighthand

I. Spent the last month converting our heavy wagon into a one-room cabin. Still can’t get the water faucet to work. Been fighting Fox Barbarians in groups of two to three.

II. Friday night Baron Shade called the guild masters to discuss threats and events. Sir Nicholas arrived with Lady Flamestrike hours later to run things in the Baron’s absence while he went to see Duchess Silver. Flamestrike’s a researcher in relics and ruins – the Fox once were civilized?! So much for a link to the People of the Land?

III. A messenger came in to Kuroi. She went out with him. He sleep-gassed her with two assistants but I stopped them. Kuroi accompanied them consciously. Rissa, a sellsword and I followed Kuroi. She came back fine. The Brotherhood of the Blade (BOB) is interested in whatever relic she finds or has retrieved. Big surprise.

IV. Saturnday morn Jez, Dem and I got breakfast with the others. Organized a group to go into the closest ruin -- found a trapped door. Without a trap rogue, we had to blow-up the traps. Went into the Portal single-handed. Jez and I wound upon the Fae Plane: I cured her wounds. She riddled with the Fae we found in the clearing. Jez called her “Ruby.” We promised her we’d each do her a favor in the future. “Ruby” rifted us to the Fae Wood and we walked back.

V. Upon our return to town, we found Rian. With her help we entered the ruin and found living silver statues. Took them down without too much trouble. I got Imprisoned and Parzival used me as a shield to push through the traps. Rian cut loose the traps and we grabbed the loot, including a ring of some sort. On the way back out, Jez and Dem fell through the portal; Kuroi went after them. Jez and Dem appeared where Parzival had materialized. Kuroi with a Fae in tow. Kuroi promised her a great party at the Invisible Bard Tavern. Rian and I went to Parzival’s site. Jez and Dem returned with two farmers Hu and Wot.

VI. At the tavern, the Fae distributed Death and Euphoria tainted food. Big fun… everyone went to do their own thing except split treasure. I lost my temper and told them all off. The Fae left. I went with Wot to investigate his prize hog’s theft. Still; it could have been important. Handed it off to Parzival, Ivanos and Archer. Jezebel chewed me out. Big time. I apologized to Kuroi. Ivanos and others found the hog stolen by the Fox Tribe. Parzival had to Life it. Still they got it back – we want the farmers to trust us. I remember Sir Lanalor’s Keep.

VII. Kuroi invited us to picnic dinner with her – she started manifesting a Fae curse: a hard blemish in the middle of her forehead. She was upset.

VIII. Saturnday evening two “emissaries” of Duchess Silver appeared – they asked me, Parzival and Kuroi to meet at her camp. Big lie… they pulled sleep gasses but we took them down. Their lieutenant killed himself with poison and a Contingency Death. Took one prisoner (Gorham). Tortured him but he didn’t know anything of value. Killed him off.

IX. After dark the zombies came out. They were no challenge but drew out a Kilgriv undead hunter. We took him to the site where Ummayyid cast his Formal Magic on Malek. Duskshroud’s investigation was cut short by a scream at the tavern. We ran back but all was well – Kuroi repulsed attempt to kidnap her (again). I flushed the BOB captain and we chased him into Duskshroud who took him down. Gave him to Kuroi for interrogation. He chose death and resurrection. Posted the BOB’s bandannas. They took one of my Miner’s Guild ones.

X. After we slew more zombies (don’t know why yet), Parzival flushed one more BOB. He wanted to meet with me to secure their takeover of Dragons Hearth. Told him they missed their chance when they slew Jez last month. If they acted like mercenaries and approached me during daylight; I’d be reasonable, but I’d burn the town myself rather than give it to them. Let him go without his blades. Afterwards a band of living silver statues attacked and Imprisoned us while searching for the ring we took. They set up guard at the mouth of the ruin.

XI. Finally, Parzival, Kuroi and I went to the Fae Wood with beer, ice cream, fur pelts and gold. Bribed two Fae to remove Kuroi’s single horn -- they gave her a “smooth head” which of course was bald. She owns many wigs already…

XII. Sunday Jez and I slept late while others went back to silver statue ruins. Not sure what happened.
MM

IV June CLVII, Dragons Hearth, Dragonsbane

Census
Jezebel Mardis
Demetrius Mardis
Ummayyid Kalifa
Sir Parzival Karstark
Kuroi Sassori
Baron Shade
Captain Stavos
Maddox of Douglas
Iris the Tavern keeper

I. Friday night Baron Shade called another guild council. Parzival and Ummayyid accused Kuroi of Treason, Murder and Theft. I think she was only guilty of assault: Baron found her guilty of Treason and Murder. He only stripped her of Guild Rank and fined her XV gold. At the end of the council meeting a Fae Riddle rifted in.

II. With the full moon, had to fight werewolves. Fortunately, almost all of us had silver weapons (Jezebel had her dagger ensilvered). Kuroi stayed behind in her Ward. Ummayyid cast a Platform Circle within his Ward, then started the Ritual for a Celestial Circle of Power. It was contested, natch. The Traveller (“I am whole”) appeared during the Ritual. So did Kuroi but by then it was too late to admit her. When the Ritual ended, we returned to the Tavern. Found it trashed and Kuroi mugged by Fox Tribe. The Traveller DFM’d Kuroi’s Ward so she could get her stuff.

III. Saturnday morn I ate breakfast with Kuroi. She received her captaincy from a Bloodguard messenger (Timothy Fitzgerald). Jez solved the Fae Riddle and we looked for a hippogriff in the silver ruins, Tomb of Malek and Fae Woods. We found the Fox Shaman and his fighters. We beat them swiftly – Parzival realized the hippogriff was a picture from the Tavern. Jez saved one of the Fox women to return their “Staff of Memory” and prevent the BOBs from getting it. The Fox tried to rescue her but no luck.

IV. At the Tavern, Jez tried to get the Fox warrior to have their chieftain meet the Baron. She let the Fox go free. During dinner, Demetrius rogued the couch and found II gold. Jez made them into a necklace for him. Some woodsman called “Lizardten” tried to buy silver at I gold for VIII silver. Not sure he wasn’t a werewolf.

V. Ummayyid cast a Damage Aura, Render and Extend on my silver sword. The Traveller showed and added “something” extra. Maddox rode out of town at dusk. We lit a fire and roasted S’mores. Got attacked by chaos and death squires. Faced off against Malek the Chaos/Normal Lord. He’s disappointed we’re not stronger. After he left Ummayyid and Parzival left town, too. Kuroi was the only one doing full damage with her back stabs. He’s got a 12-14 threshold. Bastard!

VI. Kuroi met with the BOB Captain and gave him the spare circle scroll – she still didn’t get into the BOB. I think we’ve given up being “reasonable” with them. After he left we found the corpse of Timothy Fitzgerald with a Black Rose (like the merchant last market day). Jez went to bed and Kuroi warned me Captain Stavos wants to poison the wells of the Fox.

VII. Sunday we ate breakfast together then fought and killed a land shark and barbarians. The rest of today was hot but quiet.
MM

VI June CLVII, Dragons Hearth
Sent XXV Au to Jazon Hobblefett for magic armor suits and mighty slayers.
MM

XIV June CLVII, Dragons Hearth
Been quiet here except for Fox barbarians. Got my XXV Au back. Apparently they used the items in the Land.
MM

XXII July CLVII, Dragons Hearth

Census
Mayor Jezebel Mardis
Demetrius Mardis
Sir Nicholas Quinn
Lady Emadra Flamestrike
Kuroi Sasori
Rissa Greenbower
DeWinter (aka Cedar/Hatake)

I. Jez, Dem and I arrived from patrolling the Dragonway – all quiet. Too quiet: no goblins, kobolds, orcs or ogres. NOTE: That’s what we were hired to fight here.

II. Saturnday night Kuroi and DeWinter recovered Flamestrike’s ring from the BOB captain. DeWinter is Cedar the Hobling Templar/Hatake the Dark Elf rogue in human form, now celestial scholar. Been 1 ½ years since I’ve seen him in Numenando (see V Dec CLV).

III. As they told us the story, the captain of the BOB escorted the so-called ‘Master’ in for the meeting DeWinter asked for. We relocated to the fire pit. The Master made us an offer—I take over as Mayor, Kuroi as sheriff, the tax laws are dropped. We also drop Baron Shade, Sir Quinn from any role in the town-- in exchange for staying out of the BOB’s business and the Master’s sphere of influence. We said we’d think about it and get back to them. The Master also stated he would exterminate the Fox Barbarians. The Master said we were hard to kill—- that impressed him apparently. As designated negotiator, Jez made most of the offer without agreement or disagreeing. The captain of the BOB wanted us dead “just to be sure.” The Master disagreed, so we have some kind of cease-fire for now.

IV. After we finished with the ‘Master’, Lady Flamestrike rushed in with news of a once-per-year Fox Tribe Ritual to leave offerings at a tomb of some ancient Fox warrior. She claimed we’d find some artifact to help us in our war with the Fox. We geared up, and headed for the Fae Woods. On the path there, we met the Fae Old Man of the Forest—-he was pleased we went to test our mettle at the tomb. Jez asked him about the ‘Master’: The Old Man didn’t trust him. The Old Man led us through the Fae Woods to the tomb. He warned us to “not forget the fourth one. They always forget the fourth one.” After he rifted away, we entered a small chamber. We took out three fox-headed golems relatively easily. Kuroi disarmed four major traps. We took coins, many components and a horned helmet. As we left, we heard a series of drum beats. While counting the loot, the warrior’s animated corpse (the Honorable Dead?) demanded the return of the helmet (DeWinter Identified it as a rendered, 1x/day Shield Magic/Poison Shield/Magic Armor plus Spirit Link) or challenged us to prove worthy of using the helmet. I took it outside and fought him. I had to keep the helmet on or I couldn’t hit the warrior. I took his head off and found the helmet was now Spirit Linked to me. Well now, I won’t have to worry about waylays much from now on.

V. After talking a while, Jez and Rissa snoozed—-Kuroi suggested we make a perimeter sweep. We found a light in the Silver men ruins and heard sounds of a battle. We saw a brief outline of a tower, under construction, being attacked. It faded, but we found a wounded Life elemental. It urged us to re-open a portal the Shadow plane. We got Jez and Rissa then went through the Silver men hall to the floor portal. We went down a stairway and fought through Undead to a gate. We assembled a puzzle key and restored the Portal. Kuroi and DeWinter both got magic items from the haul. I hope it was the right side to help.

VI. This morning the Baron’s absence and Quinn’s questioning led to Jez being appointed Mayor of Dragons Hearth formally. (I am VERY proud of her. Someday Dame Jezebel) Pay at III Au per month. Quinn’s giving me II Au to be Sheriff. I’m getting V Au from Baron Shade. We need to make a truce with the Fox Tribe, especially against the BOBs (per Quinn).

VII. Once we finished with the Life elemental => He gave me the ability to track Malek that my sword used to have. I still have my Spirit Mark from the Plane of Death.
MM

XXVI August CLVII, Dragons Hearth

Census
Mayor Jezebel Mardis
Demetrius Mardis
Ummayyid Khalifa
Sir Parzival Karstark
Ivanos and Davious Vistani
Kuroi Sasori
Rissa Greenbower
Sir Nicholas Quinn
Lady Emadra Flamestrike
Umugal the Fox Leader
Selene the Farmer

I. Jez, Dem and I met the Guild masters (Ummayyid and Parzival) Saturnday evening for a town business meeting. Quinn gave Jez the Payroll for us [Deputies need Writs!]. He apparently told Parzival, Ivanos and Ummayyid, Duchess Silver will not claim the town until the Barbarian War is over and Malek is dead. I suspect he meant we’ll only get the support we provide. They took it to mean we can do whatever we want. Jez called town meeting to discuss the “Master’s offer. They ratified Rissa as Merchant Guild mistress. I suppose it could work.

II. Jez cast the Healers Guild Permanent Circle of Power around our Warded cabin. Dem, Jez, me, Kuroi, Ivanos, Parzival and Ummayyid all got invested. Afterward we guarded Ummayyid during a Formal Magic Ritual to invest himself in the Silver men Ruins. Got a lot of gold and Ummayyid can now control the Portal (Rift!).

III. The “Master” showed up with the BOB—Jez extended the truce while we deliberated which side to take. The Old Man of the Wood told Davious we had to join one side—two dark, one light. Davious Rifted (via Ruins) to find the Fox Tribe encampments—not successful. Ivanos and Parzival retrieved him.

IV. Dem, Jez, Rissa, Kuroi and I moved out this morning to intercept the Master’s goblins and troll forces. Rissa healed a young female Fox warrior. She led us to their Leader. After we killed a few trolls, we saved him. We may yet find a truce with the Fox -- we’ll see. Galt and Kuroi took Deputy Sheriff positions.

V. Jez is managing town well as Mayor. Dem growing up fast. I just have to keep them both alive. I suspect Davious is a vampire. I’ll stake him if he shows a fang, but so far he has been more helpful than Parzival.

VI. Lady Rhainne sent me a message. She’s eliminated my “Life Debt” with the Vornae Queen of Stratos. I don’t know what that took. I probably owe her big time. Made XXX Au from shipping an Atlas to a Wizard in Galerus.
MM

XVI September CLVII, Dragons Hearth

Census
Mayor Jezebel Mardis
Demetrius Mardis
Ummayyid Khalifa
Sir Nicholas Quinn
‘Sir’ Parzival Karstark
Ivanos Vistani
Kuroi Sasori
Rissa Greenbower
Archer
Bob the Farmer

I. Jez, Dem and I got delayed at the glassblower in Dragons End—he still has orders of Jez to fill. Returned to find town quiet and tavern deserted. Parzival rifted in—he needed our help upon the Shadow Plane. We three followed him to the tenth floor of a tower. Ummayyid, Archer, Ivanos, Kuroi and Parzival had fought up Malek’s Tower. We fought up eleven more floors through zombies, skeletons, Greater Undead, Vampires and four-legged brains. Got up to the XXI floor. Took a portal back to the tavern—hopefully we can retake the floor. The XXII floor was full of liches with maybe an arch-liche.

II. We put Dem to bed. Parzival, Ivanos, and Ummayyid performed a Spirit Forge to boost Kuroi’s assassin skills. Jez and I fought a scout party of orcs. They were well paid (better than BOBs) by the Master. Kuroi now seems a bit quieter.

III. Jez buffed me up before going to bed. Ivanos led Parzival, Ummayyid, Kuroi and me to another part of the Shadow Plane. We fought up a road, took the gate and assaulted a keep. Inside we captured a throne room—Ivanos and Ummayyid found a way into a secret stairwell. We slew many more tainted shadows. I took down their shadow lord. Not as tough as I expected. The fortress began to collapse before we could search the top levels but it paid very well. Ivanos shadow melded us out. He got some kind of shadow power out of the deal. Now Ummayyid, Parzival and Ivanos have some kind of transform. And I think Kuroi wants one too.

IV. Told Ummayyid about the letters I received from BJB Captain Darrian Wolffe and BJB Commander Zydale Casalier -- Commander Rowena died permanently last April in battle with dark dwarves. Darrian also stated she’s returned to Starlens Crossing as a death knight of the Undead Council to protect the young Jackals at the Jackals Den. Zydale took command of the Izendorn Detachment. Darrian may retire from the mercenary profession. He says the weight of the work has gotten to him. I’m not surprised. Ummayyid is okay with this. Jez was saddened by the loss.

V. Ummayyid left by night for another of his wanderings. The rest of us slew some BOBs who refused to surrender. Two claimed parley in an attempt to recover the BOB Flag Parzival took in battle on Friday. We escorted them to a new meeting spot east of town in the fields. The BOB Captain showed himself. We got close enough to hear him say Kuroi was the favored of the Master. He expected Kuroi to betray us to the Master or oppose us openly—not taking our side. Kuroi got him to pick up a nearly cursed, very heavy, not Rendered, Spirit-Linked shield. The Captain webbed her, paralyzed her thrice and cut her throat. We got to her in time and slew all the BOBs except the BOB Captain.

VI. Upon our return, Sir Nicholas Quinn arrived at the Invisible Bard Tavern. I filled him in on happenings and he delivered the Payroll. He got his eye back due to Parzival’s Healing Transform. Nicholas suggested we search the local area for a blueprint of Malek’s Tower for a short cut. He suggested I was neglecting my duties. Parzival kept insulting him—Nicholas proposed charging him with “Mocking a Noble.”

VII. Sunday we felt a pulsing wrongness during the breakfast hour. Kuroi and I scouted the roads, fields and Fae Wood entrance but found nothing. After an hour, it ceased. I fear someone (or thing) completed a Formal Magic Ritual. Next Market Day, I plan to conduct a deep scouting raid. Nicholas claimed the Master’s forces are busy mopping up the Fox Tribe and beginning to take on Malek. I’ll have to investigate. On the plus side, no one left Kuroi any corpses with black roses.

VIII. The town is getting restless about the laws especially the Tax Code, legality of slavery and chaos-casting, etc. Me, I’d like to drop the whole ‘mockery of a noble’—libel and slander are one thing but I’ve never liked the whole “Noble” privileges. I’ve told everyone they need to propose changes to Jez.

IX. Jezebel finally installed a Potion Workshop at the Healers Guild. Still we’re pretty flush with coin.
MM

Missions to do
I. Research Malek’s Tower
II. Scout the Fae Woods and Far Fields
III. Revisit Southern Woods

VII October CLVII, Dragons Hearth:

Census
Jezebel Mardis
Demetrius Mardis
Ummayyid Khalifa
Sir Parzival Karstark
Sir Nicholas Quinn
Captain Stravous
Ivanos Vistani
Cassandra Deveraux
Ellie the Bartender
Archer
Sakasa Toushiro, aka Twitch

I. Jez, Dem and I met up with Cassandra, a very young MWE alchemist rogue, with Parzival, Ivanos, Archer and Ummayyid newly returned from Dragons End. Malek shifted his tower from the Shadow Plane to the center of Dragons End. It killed everyone and caused undead to rise as far as Dragons Hearth. No word if Lady Flamestrike survived or not.

II. Friday night Ummayyid cast formals to make an ice blade for Parzival. Parzival cast a Spirit Forge on Ummayyid. Stravous returned with horses for all. We rode to Dragons End to attack the undead city – got as far as the Library (the Scroll Room). Ran into the “Bandaged Man.” We hit him hard. Parzival and I jumped his escape Rift. Wound up on top of Malek’s Tower. He still doesn’t think we’re a threat yet. Parzival and I escaped (or were let go). Met others at edge of town and returned home. Finally got to bed at 4:00.

III. Saturnday morning Jez took Finn out so I slept in. At lunch, Sallie Mae (Farmer Sam’s wife) arrived to tell of massive goblin raid on her farm and fields (she’d been burying their gold). They massacred a bunch of babies—they resurrected somewhere. I killed dozens of very well paid goblins (plus ogres and I-II trolls). Ummayyid, Jez and Finn all helped later.

IV. Troy, Governor of Farmers Market, met with Jez to set up trade rights. In return I’m responsible for their security. Seem like good folk – not BOBs.

V. Kuroi Sasori confessed to several murders (some her family) while in Numenando. Parzival claims she’s in an insane asylum. Don’t expect to see her again if the Numenando Council of Ministers is as bad as Parzival claims. He also claimed King Evar Asp II is leading another civil war. I should have killed him myself.

VI. Resolved to have Jez Spirit Forge me. Cassandra, Sakasa and I searched the fields and collected Formal Magic components. Jez performed a Spirit Forge on me. Ummayyid made Jez a Rendered pouch with Ward and Imprison spells in it. I gave him L gold and about X components to re-stock.

VII. Ivanos was out shadow-walking and Parzival spoke to Order elementals. They drafted a good plan to capture the Bandaged Man. We all fought into Dragons End—got to the foot of the Tower. The Bandaged Man appeared. Ummayyid got him with an Imprison and Rifted him to the Plane of Order with his ruins. The rest of us fought our way out of town.

VIII. Parzival got a message from the Order Plane. We went to the Plane of Fire to collect Essence of Flame. Fought through lesser to a lake of fire. Slew a two-headed lake monster with Parzival’s ice blade. Took the essence back to the order camp. Returned to Dragons Hearth.

IX. Friday night the others caught and interrogated a local BOB called Farmer Sam. They learned of a Saturnday midnight meeting with the BOB Captain. While they prepared to ambush it, I heard a Fae voice state ”If you would know your fate you can seek it.” I went to the Fae Wood by myself. Found a Fae Lady fortune-teller. She gave me a box—inside was a bag holding a deck of Tarot cards. I shuffled and cut it. It was the Two of Pentacles. She said I’d acquire a little riches that would come in handy. With that, she faded. Upon returning to the tavern I began losing hearing in my right ear. Ivanos looked at it and pulled out a silver piece—from Asbury. Hope it’s lucky.

X. At midnight Parzival and Ivanos sat outside the Fae Wood gate with Sakasa, Cassandra and me hidden in the tree line. Parzival and Ivanos won the brief fight. They slew three BOBs and Slept the BOB Captain. We dragged him back—Parzival DFM’ed his Spirit-Linked magic sword and his shield (the same heavy Rendered one). After it succeeded I executed him.

XI. Sunday morning Sir Nicholas Quinn approached me to press charges against Parzival and Ivanos for Assault (on a Noble). Asked them to stand before the Mayor—they came willingly. Cassandra confessed to sleep-gassing Nicholas so I took her in too. Jez heard their testimony: Nicholas, drunk and belligerent, insulted Ummayyid, so Parzival Silenced him and Ivanos Slept him. Ellie the Barkeep intervened and got sleep-gassed by Cassandra. Ivanos tossed Nicholas out of the Tavern. When Parzival tried to Awaken him; he dissipated. Jez fined Cassandra II Au, Ivanos X Au, Parzival XXV Au. Now I have to keep Municipal Records. Could be worse: it’s much better than Licinius!

XII. Next Gather will be elections on Dragonsbanian membership, mayor and sheriff positions.
MM

V November CLVII, Ash Grove

Census
Jezebel Mardis
Demetrius Mardis
Ummayyid Khalifa
Ivanos Vistani
Sakasa Toushiro
Balthamel Hanford
Wolfgar
Atira the Gorbe
Simone
ShadowWolf
Nightfire
Praetor Vincent
Patch the Wild Elf
Pandora
Knight Therrick Doyil

I. Jez, Dem and I journeyed around Dragons End (Undead have fortified the town) to deal with the exodus by the healers from Ash Grove. Had to fight into town through Spirits. We met Knight Therrick Doyil, the de facto Castilian of the town.

II. Met up with Vincent and Patch the Wild Elf at the Resort. Got Dem settled down and explored the local forest after the “Ghost Lamps” lit. Found a Fear Elemental and many scared locals. Rescued a little girl and an armless logger. At the local Amphitheater found remains of a fading Portal.

III. Returned to the Boarding House. Met Hanford and company. The barbarians are okay, but he’s…? Returned to the Portal site with the Anilarians. Patch cast a Lore Cantrip. Malek appeared but the others did not press an attack. We returned to the Casino – Simone runs a good place.

IV. Dem got us up early. He and I looked for trouble (Dem calls goblinoids “monkeys”) but found nada. At lunch Ummayyid and Ivanos arrived. They ran off to perform Formal Magic Rituals with Hanford and Patch. Rest of us fought the creeping purple mist.

V. Afterwards, Pandora held an Auction—magic swords, a few magic items, and a necromantic flower all sold. After that, I sold out of maps. Took orders for Full Atlases for Vincent and Patch (paid up front); Ummayyid, too. Auction busted up by Dream Elementals. Mabel burst in. Her husband Arnold Michael went berserk. We stopped him from becoming a Horror.

VI. After dinner, Ummayyid and Ivanos departed. Hanford and company skipped out. We were left to DFM the Portal. The group put together a decent plan but we didn’t last five minutes in combat. Patch made a deal with the Dream Lord to move the Portal to Dragons End. At least we got out alive. Put Dem to bed.

VII. Malek showed up at the Casino to threaten Patch to return the Dream Portal or watch Ash Grove burn. It didn’t happen. I went to bed early. Jez stayed up and gambled. Been a while since we hit a good Casino.
MM

III December CLVII, Dragons Hearth
Therrick sent me notice that Ummayyid Khalifa is Permanently Dead while attempting a Spirit Resurrection at Varos. Typical Jackal mission— Foolish. Of course Jezebel and I will attempt a Spirit Retrieval— Jez has enough Formal Magic skill now and I have the Mark of Death. Therrick claims to know a Formalist skilled and crazy enough to try…
MM

VII December CLVII, Dragons Hearth
I. Apparently Parzival got Lady D’Nieceio out of Dragonsbane. Don’t ask me how. I guess he finally learned guile.

II. When Ivanos gives us the right Omen, we’re going to try to retrieve Ummayyid. Wish I could have for Melusa Tomovich—but she was lost on the Plane of Nightmares. I’m not exactly welcome there.
MM

XXI January CLVIII, Ash Grove

I. Lady Aedea D’Nieceio sent us word the time was right to retrieve Ummayyid Khalifa’s Spirit. She was wrong…

II. We met her in the “Crystal Caves” of Ash Grove, along with two Grassrunners and a Vulture from the People of the Land, and about six new adventurers. And Davrous Vistani the Vampire. Aedea cast an Investiture for Jezebel, Stone the Grassrunner and Davrous in the Crystals she researched. They opened Portals to the… “Graveyards of Legendary Cosmology”. We went to the Biata Homelodge before the “Long Road” of MWE Lore. Went through past scenes of Ummayyid’s life. Got to the “Long Road” and found Ummayyid. He told us he made his Pact with Death and was content—he told us to make a copy and help that “NUmmayyid”.

III. Jez, Stone, Aedea, Davrous and I cast simultaneous Spirit Farewell, Forge, Link and Resurrection (Jez’s Idea). It worked-kinda-we got a rough doppelganger (like Sanreith) of Ummayyid. Only time will tell if he can be a Black Jackal. Finn likes Ummayyid Mk.ll, so there is a chance.
MM

XVI February CLVIII, Dragons Hearth
Ummayyid’s double, chose a name, GGQ. He is questioning his role in life—still won’t come to Dragons Hearth.
MM

XXIX March CLVIII, Ash Grove
Fox survivors are regrouping. There are more new young adventurers in town every day. Ivanos and Parzival sent notice they’ve left Dragon’s Hearth. That’s two more Guild masters gone.
MM

I April CLVIII, Dragons Hearth
Heard a nasty rumor Sakasa brought a Liche into town to fight the Master and it stole a kid. No townsfolk are missing children, though. Fox barbarians are warming to the young adventurers, but not us. Is it time to move on again?
MM

XX April CLVIII, Wolf Canyon

Census
Jezebel Mardis
Demetrius Mardis
Sakasa Toushiro, aka Twitch
Taint
Lady Rhainne
Captain Ramsey the Barcat
Tribune Cutter
Kepri
Donovan
Oshii

I. Put out announcements for the mayoral election at the Invisible Bard Tavern. Bartolo has the Tavern and Inn under construction, so we moved it to Wolf Canyon. Met Twitch (Sakasa) and Taint at the Canyon Station. Jez Warded the cabin. Four of Malek’s Undead stated Malek planned to burn Ash Grove but we could live if we swore fealty. Jez told them to crumble. Twitch and Taint took down the two Spectres and I went toe-to-toe with the Lesser Death Knight. Went down once but Jez Lifed me. Took the Death Knight down with my Blade Fury as Lady Rhainne, Ramsey, Cutter, et al arrived.

II. Guarded their place while they put up a Greater Ward. Spent hours getting caught up. Met Lady Rhainne’s retinue. The local tavern spouted flame. Later a local woodsman came in and burst into ash after being waylaid (he attacked first). We had a loose elemental node.

III. Saturnday Cutter woke us to patrol Malek’s lines. He’d spoken with a local militiawoman who reported black humanoids in the woods: Death Elementals? Black Orcs? Shadow Beings? Darkness Elementals? Twitch and Taint were gone. A couple came in, one with flame and one with ice spirit marks. Had to kill them both to spare them any more pain.

IV. Geared up to enter the woods with whole troop. Fought Death Elementals on path. Found a whole farm outpost dead with black Spirit Marks. Jez and Cutter went back for Formal Magic Components—we fought minor Death Elementals until Jez Destroyed Formal Magic on the corpses. They all dissipated. Returned to Wolf Canyon Tavern.

V. At luncheon, a Life Knight appeared—Malek made alliances with Death, Fire, Chaos and enslaved Life Elementals. We’d weakened them by destroying the Death Marked corpses. He said Malek’s spirit was bottled in five objects present at Ummayyid’s ritual a year ago. Twitch told me Shark the Liche took an urn with him to the Land of the People that was a Spirit Bottle. He also described an eye amulet that Shark identified as a necromantic Spirit Bottle that had been cast into a fire and then vanished. The Life Knight described a Banshee whose bones were being enslaved by Malek. If we took them out of his reach (Dragons Hearth) and she would turn on him. The Life Knight stated he’d return before dark.

VI. A militiawoman showed up and told us of a farm outpost smoking, all male residents dead, and all women and children missing. Ten of us geared up. We destroyed about a dozen fresh Zombies and found a five-year old girl survivor. We took down a thug and captured a youth, Aleck. We left them Pinned by Jez with Jez and Demetrius. I hated that idea. We fought through a band of brigands to a bridge. Jez got a Charmed thug to get into their camp. We fought them down and rescued the farm’s women. Took ‘em back to the farm town and reunited Ellie Mae with Abby, her “Ma.” Oshii took Ziggy the thug to be interrogated. Jez tried Aleck at the Tavern but found him not guilty and released him. During the outlaw battle, I suffered a bad left calf leg injury. Hobbled back with Jez and Dem.

VII. Rested and put Dem to bed. Strapped the armor back on and met Jez at the bar. We marched up to the farm post the Life Knight identified. Took out Zombies, Spectres, Death Squires and finally got the Banshee down. Oshii and Donovan got her bones before she even attacked. I shoulda been a rogue. Took a sword Spirit Bottle back to Wolf Canyon.

VIII. Jez set up for a DFM inside Rhainne’s Greater Ward. Rhainne Imprisoned adventurers to form a wall around Jez. As she started her Ritual, Malek knocked and asked us to stop, hand over the sword and Banshee bones. We told him to go away—he set waves of Spectres on us. I fought yo-yo fashion with Rhainne’s troop, Taint and Twitch. Finally killed Malek. I took his helmet. His breastplate is also a Spirit Bottle. His five Spirit Bottles are:

Katana – DFMed by Jez
Helmet – we’ve got it [LATER DFMed BY JEZ AT LOGOPOLIS]
Breastplate – Spirit Linked to him
Eye Pendant – location unknown
Urn – Shark the Liche took it where?

We can’t DFM the helmet until tonight IF we can get the components. It’s been a good day except Jez spent way too much time with Cutter. All last night. I need to spend more time with her.
MM

XXIV April CLVIII, Dragons Hearth

I. We returned to Dragons Hearth and left the Banshee bones behind for Twitch and Taint to deal with. Twitch is the new Sheriff and Taint is the new Mayor.

II. I started converting our cabin back into a wagon. We’re heading back to the Empire to DFM Malek’s helmet. We’ve done what we can here, it’s time to return to Galerus. Jez need to invest others into her Circle of Power.
MM
---
A Debate on Formal Magic and Elements

Formal Magics are bad. Evil even. Lady Tia

Most certainly spoken to the wrong MDE, Lady Tia. Ummayid Khalifa

It wasn't meant to offend, Ummayid, but I hold fast to my words. How would you know my thoughts on the subject if I did not speak up? Lady Tia

Likewise, most certainly. Formal Magics are my best vehicle for exploring and changing the universe. Ummayid Khalifa

The very casting of formal magics destroys Tyrra. It is not the same destruction you see in casting of chaos magics, but similar. I suppose if that was the end result you hoped for then the act would not be considered evil, so I can see your point. Seeing that this is not the average thought, however, I'm willing to stick with it still being evil. My opinion, of course.
Lady Tia Willis

Of course, Balthamel Hanford, I do not presume to speak for them. I am simply reporting the stance of the kingdom, as I know it, to assist you in understanding the local stance. Lady Tia Willis, you make an interesting, and in my experience, unprecedented argument. I have never encountered this idea in my studies, nor seen any evidence to support it. If I may be so bold as to inquire, on what do you base your opinion?
Ummayid Khalifa

I base this fact off of my years of experience and seeing it firsthand. It would be easy to explain away for those who don't wish to see it. Who wants to think that a force so powerful could have a downside, yes? It's easier to blame these things on other forces so we can continue to harness the raw energies for our own personal use.
This is not a localized phenomenon either, for I have seen it happen in every land I have visited. If you would like Ummayid, we can talk about this is more detail. I have no objection to a friendly discussion. Lady Tia

Lady Tia,
I love friendly discussions, especially about magic. I believe, however, that I already see a major fallacy at the root of your argument. You seem to conflate wielding of power with evil. Or, even the power itself.

Using Chaos, as things now stand, can be logically traced to evil, since it pulls Void into the world. Pulling Void into the world has been reproducibly demonstrated to irreparably destroy Tyrra. Active participation in the destruction of existence for any reason is impossible to justify.

In this case, I agree with Sheriff Malachi Mardis that the power to wield Chaos is not inherently evil. I, and anyone else capable of casting Earth magics also can call Chaos should we choose. However, I disagree with him about the use of the power not being inherently evil, since no matter what ends the magic is deployed to pursue, it will always do more harm than any good it could conceivably do. Well, I suppose on the other hand, that calling Chaos might be used to fight something that will certainly bring more Void into the world than the Chaos you call would, but it is difficult to imagine a situation when there are not more suitable alternatives.

Formal Magic sometimes does cause problems, but rarely is the damage irreparable or long term. It is also not certain, unless the caster so intends. The danger is no greater than with any other sort of power, such as that of Nobles or that of the sword or that of other forms of magic.

Any action you take can have negative as well as positive repercussions. But if ethical people are unwilling to take action for fear of causing accidental damage incidental to the good that we do, that leaves only the unethical to act. I shouldn't have to point out why that sort of irresponsible inaction leaves ethical people nearly as responsible as those whom we should be fighting.

Please don't mistake my disagreement with your opinion with disrespect for either your intelligence or your person. I simply wish to present my argument.
Ummayid Khalifa

I am not so vain as to think another cannot hold a different opinion, Ummayid. By all means, if you can prove me wrong, then I look forward to hearing your views. I just hope that you, in turn, would take into consideration my thoughts as well. Yes?

You misunderstand me. I do understand the nature of magic more then most give me credit for. One cannot go through as much traveling and adventure as I have and not learn a thing or two.

With that in mind, let me rephrase my earlier statement. It is the actual 'casting' of the Formal magic that does Tyrra harm, not the end result. So a +3 weapon is not inherently bad and would fall into the argument the sheriff has presented. It is the creation of that item that causes the destruction of Tyrra. I have not yet found the cause, but I am in study now.
Tia

Lady Tia,
Thank you for the clarification. I see that your posture is related not to an ethical contention, but to an observed phenomenon of backlash (not in the technical sense of the word). I will need more information to better evaluate your stance. "Evil" is not the word I would choose, but "trouble." And that formal magic is trouble is something that I can heartily agree with, and perhaps provide you with my own observations to corroborate your claim.
Ummayid Khalifa

Good People
I also enjoy a healthy debate. I'm no scholar, but I've read many texts by experts in this field. I've heard the argument that Chaos "pulls" Void into the material plane of Tyrra, however, I don't buy it. Void is by definition the absence of anything. While matter and energy can be destroyed, causing Void, casting Chaos (defined as calling upon chaos to cause wounds for example) accelerates entropy or the natural decay of things into their elemental forces.

In our travels, Jezebel & I have crossed 2/3 of Avalon. I've seen Chaos Portals so powerful they dwarfed any Master Wizards ability to cast chaos magic like the ocean dwarfs a bucket. We've seen flame and darkness forces that also credibly threaten to consume Tyrra. All such forces are incredibly dangerous. However, we...WE must choose to either wield them responsibly or recklessly, knowing others may pay the price. Chaos casting is legal in plenty of other cities and kingdoms. In some places, it's only illegal due to its deliberate misuse, not because of some cosmic damage to the material plane.

Which brings me to my final point -- the Law. The Law of Dragons Hearth, in accordance with the Kingdom of Dragonsbane, permits Chaos Magic for use so long as it violates no other Law. Chaos casting for self-defense is legal. Chaos casting to raise dead or murder is illegal. Necromancy has proved to be too much trouble in the Kingdom. This is not my opinion, this is the Law of Dragons Hearth, ratified by the Guildmasters in April 607. Guildmaster Khalifa's quote was quite correct.

And yes Master Hanford, I've seen as much evil done by Earth casters (especially in service to the Crimson Praetorian) as by Chaos casters. Lady Mayor Jezebel may amend or alter the Laws of Dragons Hearth at a Town Meeting but some resident must propose the change and justify it.

Malachi Gaius Mardis, Black Jackal Brigade
Sheriff of Dragons Hearth

Void is more than the absence of anything. The concept of a void as you might speak of theoretical nothingness and the Void of Corruption which lies outside of existence are two different issues. Void has a will to destroy, and the power to consume existence, as evidenced by the cataclysms of the Elemental Wars. During the most recent of those Wars and due to the direct intervention of the forces of Time, Void was mostly contained, or better to say, excluded from the existing universe. It was purged completely from all of the Elements, especially from the Elemental Plane of Death, where it had taken up a strong position. All of the Elements, that is, save for Chaos. The touch of Void is stronger or weaker there by the whimsy of the Element itself, but it is always present. I do not presume to know this first hand, but cite the research of Archwizard Janos Rigley of Neridia. He and a large cabal of similarly powerful have determined beyond reasonable doubt both the corruption which results from the implementation of Chaos magics and the consequences of that corruption. With respect, I submit to you that doubting the results of this study requires a great deal of faith in something other than Reason.

Your observation that there are sources of corruption far greater than what one individual could normally wield, is of course, correct. However, I humbly submit that the conclusion that you draw that one individual's evocation of corruption therefore does not matter is mistaken. Over the course of Time, as the ages pass, nothing new is being created. Therefore, unless the tide of corruption is not only stemmed, but stopped entirely, Tyrra, and all of the Elemental planes of which she is constructed, and perhaps existence beyond that which we have no means of perceiving, are doomed to corruption and annihilation.
Ummayid Khalifa

This is the most commonly accepted version of the nature of the elements and many scholars have given up their lives to discover this information. I feel that this information as well as my personal theories as stated above provide sufficient evidence that the casting of "Chaos" magics is inherently destructive and that their use should be examined carefully.
Balthamel Hanford

Good Sheriff Mardis,

Thank you for your response, and I want to preface the following statement by saying I have the utmost respect for you and what you are attempting to accomplish in the town of Dragon's Hearth. I also want to reiterate that you have my support in those endeavors and if there is anything I can do to make your quest more easily accomplished, you need not do more than ask.

That said I disagree with what you have said nearly point for point. First, Void is not the absence of everything. What you are describing is Vacuum. Void is an element which destroys other elements especially Tyrra. It is my belief that the names of Earth and Chaos are misnomers put into place by those who first discovered healing magics. I believe that the term "earth" is synonymous with soil or the very land of Tyrra and that "chaos" is synonymous with void and that the people who first discovered the power of healing merely misnamed the element.

The following paragraph is purely my opinion and unlike the rest of this treatise I cannot back up my opinions with hard facts or the research of many other scholars. I believe that "Void" is in fact the Element opposing "Tyrra". You will notice that all elements other than Tyrra have opposing elements (IE fire and water, light and dark, order and chaos) and that Tyrra and Void are not present in the commonly accepted cosmology. We know that Tyrra exists because of our presence on that plane. It is my belief that the reason we cannot travel to the plane of Void is that our very being is diametrically opposed to the plane and that we would be destroyed utterly beyond the ability of magics to protect us if we even attempted such folly.

On the subject of disbelief that chaos pulls Void into Tyrra. There is substantial evidence that this is the case. As an anecdote, you will notice that around "adventuring" towns that there are frequently elementals, elemental portals and nodes such as you described in your statement. Yet these nodes much less frequently pop up in rural communities or even the great cities of most nations. Do you think it is coincidence that adventurers are the first to call upon chaos in their time of need? The presence of excessive void in these areas is what causes these dangerous phenomenons.

While I agree with you that all elements are innately dangerous because they are fundamentally different than our own plane of existence. I don't believe that any individual can be counted on to use them responsibly. Many people, especially those whose personality draws them to a career in adventuring, have a tendency to follow the easiest path or the path that generates for them personally the most power without a thought to the effects it has on the world around them. You mention that Chaos is legal in many cities and nations across Avalon; I ask you this, since slavery is legal in many lands does that make it the moral and ethical thing to do? I know of lands where it is illegal to be a furry race or where it is illegal for commoners to own property and they live in abject poverty while the nobles own everything and live in luxury. There are even lands in Zephyr where women have no Legal rights even to their own bodies. Do any of these things seem right and ethical to you? Do you wish to allow these things in Dragons Hearth because they are legal elsewhere? I know you to be a good man so cannot imagine you answering yes.

I will not debate you on the subject of the law. I firmly believe that the laws of a land shape the actions of the people and form a framework for the development of a society. You obviously wish a society where the casting of Chaos is allowed but Necromancy is not. You believe that undead are harmful to your society but not Chaos. That said, why do you think that undead are evil? Why is it that when a rational intelligent being chooses to become undead he changes into something more evil? This sometimes takes years or decades sometimes days or weeks but it always happens. It seems the obvious reason for this is the taint of void upon the very Chaos magic cast upon their spirit.

Also, good Sheriff, I did not ask if you had seen evil done by those who are "pure earth" casters. I asked if it was your belief and that of Lady Jezebel, mayor of the town and head of the Healer's guild that Earth casting was as inherently evil as the casting of Chaos. I know that any man may be evil. I also know though it appears that you have not yet come to realize this that every time you cast Chaos you open your spirit to a bit of void and this void corrupts who you are and what you believe.

I look forward to hearing your response to this discussion.
Balthamel Hanford

One quick note the Balthamel's interesting explanation: Generally Tyrra is considered to be a confluence and conjunction of the twelve Elements, not an Element itself. That being said, his likeness of the Void to and Elemental opposition to Tyrra is very close and only inaccurate on the semantic level. Void naturally destroys all that is, which includes the Twelve Elements we know, much in the same way that Fire destroys Ice. The first small difference is that this sort of destruction is not annihilation, more of a taking apart and returning to the Home Plane. The other is that Ice also destroys Fire.
Ummayid Khalifa

Again Merchant Khalifa is expressing the most common view held by scholars. I am one of a few who consider Tyrra to be an elemental plane. I base this on the presence of all elements except for the opposing element on each of the elemental planes I have visited. For example, on the plane of Fire there are lighter and darker parts, there is earth to fuel the fire and air for it to breathe, and if you have ever spoken with a sentient elemental you likely know that they both dream and understand reason. It is my belief that each elemental plane naturally aligns itself with the elements from the other groups. Again using the example of the Elemental plane of Fire. Fire seems to orient towards light, chaos, death and to a lesser extent dream. Fire radiates light, breaks down objects, is fatal to most life and its path and is free form flowing from one form to another as if in a dream.

To further clarify, according to my theory there are not 12 elements but 16 and the additional elements are Tyrra, void, ether (the space in and around Tyrra and I would assume void) and astral ( the space surrounding Tyrra and the substance which holds up the stars).

If anyone has any other ideas I would love to hear them.
Balthamel Hanford

This theory is problematic, though, in that Void can exist on Tyrra. I'll bet more than a few of us have seen Void "Elementals" running about. Added to the fact that if you stripped away each of the 12 Elements from Tyrra, there would be nothing left. In other words, Tyrra is nothing in itself, but a place where these 12 Elemental Planes find confluence.

Void is better likened to the opposite of Existence. In many ways, it opposes Time, since Time only has meaning where there is substance. This is why Time, which normally does not directly interfere with events on Tyrra, but is rather perceived as a constant force, fought against and banished Void from most of the 12 Elemental Planes.
Ummayid Khalifa

True void elementals would not fit in well with my theory. I am also not sure that removing the 12 elements from Tyrra would leave nothing. I know there societies in Tyrra that believe in the 7 elements the 4 celestial elements, wood, yin and yang (yin being something like goodness and yang badness). Perhaps, one of these is the true Tyrran element.

Also, I know several people from here have traveled to Galerus. There are creatures here which I believe have a connection to the ethereal plane. They are called Gnashers. They seem to be able to consume anything in near endless quantities. My belief is that their "stomachs" are in fact extra planar most likely ethereal. Also, what do you call the space through which you travel when spirit walking? This has always seemed to me to be Astral space?

I am also very interested in your views on time. Do you consider time to be an elemental plane? After giving it much thought, I believe it may be possible that in fact time is true elemental Tyrra. I have not fully formulated this theory and would like input upon it.

Finally good merchant, how do you categorize all of "planes" to which people travel but are not amongst the 12 accepted planes. I personally have traveled to the plane of undead, the plane of judgment(I have also been to the plane of order and this was not it) and once the plane of plains. I understand that conventional wisdom says these are "planar bubbles" but I for some reason cannot readily accept this description. While I understand that each plane is infinite in scope and therefore a portion of that plane making up a bubble could also be infinite. These planes seem to be distinct in nature and as different from the "true" elements as those elements are from each other.

My two active theories on this are 1) these "elemental planes" are in fact alternative branches on the river of time and 2) that they are in some way internal to the traveler such perhaps related in some way to the Dream plane.

Thank you for taking the time to engage in these discussions.
Balthamel Hanford

Balthamel Hanford,
I enjoy these discussions. Time is not an Element, but like Void, a force outside the Elements. Something like a medium in which they move while dictating their behavior while at the same time exerting an influence. You could speak of both as "meta-elements" if you wish, as long as that doesn't cause confusion. Time also exists elsewhere beyond the planes, but in the absence of Existence would be meaningless.

Gnashers are horrors, creatures of Dream, particularly of Nightmare. The theory is that their stomachs are extradimensional, that is that something like an inter-planar portal pulls their food somewhere else, likely the Plane of Dream. I am not foolish enough to let one eat me to find out, however. They are not creatures of Tyrra and not subject to the rules of this reality.

The Graveyard Planes are something else. Planes of Spirit, something more unlike are reality than most to which we can travel, and I have little information more than that. My friend Culloden speaks of a Graveyard plane where the dead are involved in an eternal war to hold back the Void. Perhaps some of you could provide me with more information on these.

So-called bubble planes are confluences like Tyrra, but are in many cases made up of fewer of the 12 Elements. Sometimes 2 of these confluences are made of the same Elements but either different proportions of the Elements or even a different configuration of the Elements creates different results. Theoretically, if there are more than the 12 Elements in Existence, we would not be able to access the Planes of these Elements or their confluences, even if the confluences partially consisted of Elements of Tyrra.

If these confluences were on alternate branches of the river of time, as you say, I do not believe you would be able to access them without traveling on that river. And Chronomancy is bad.

I have no evidence to corroborate your theory of the Astral, however, I do know that the stars both reflect and influence the contingencies of Tyrra. They are, in essence a mirror of reality, but with part of the real world caught on either side. My opinion is that "Celestial" magic is a misnomer.
Ummayid Khalifa

Thanks again for your response.

I am not sure where to begin in discussing your most recent contribution to our on going discussion. So I will, after commenting on the subject of Gnashers, ask a series of questions so that I may better understand your beliefs on this subject. I will close with more on my beliefs on the astral and ethereal planes.

On the subject of Gnashers, I also have elected not to allow them to consume me although I have considered doing so while Imprisoned so that I may study their inner workings. The difficulty is containing the Gnasher and having someone external to the creature to aid in your escape if necessary. What evidence do you have that Gnashers come from the plane of dreams and how are they getting to Tyrra?

First, how are void and time opposing elements? If time can exist albeit without meaning out side of existence and void is the lack of existence, I fail to see how they are opposites. Yet if they are not opposites why would time rise up to vanquish void? Also, how did time do this? Wouldn't any meaning with or without existence given to time come primarily from the plane of reason? How does the existence of time as a constant force like void fit in with time not flowing consistently on all the elemental planes?

Are you describing what I have traditionally called "minor" planes as Graveyard planes? For example the plane of Judgment, would that be a Graveyard plane or do those just apply to the planes that house permanently dead spirits which is how I had always heard graveyard planes described.

Your discussion of bubble planes intrigues me. I have always believed as I stated much earlier that all planes are made up of the 14 planes that are not their opposite. So a "bubble plane" would be made up of less than these 14 elements? How common are these planes? Why can we not access these planes? I understand that no reliable method has yet been found but I find in exceedingly arrogant to believe that we have discovered everything possible in respect to the elements.

Finally, why do you believe Chronomancy is bad. I have never studied that particular branch of magic in any way so cannot comment intelligently on it. Is it because you equate Time with Void as two "meta-elements"?

On the subject of the astral plane, imagine it like the surface of a pond. You can look upon it and see the reflection of the landscape surrounding the pond such as the reflection of events on Tyrra. Yet the substance of the pond is different than the substance of the air. I believe it is the same way with the Astral plane as the space surrounding Tyrra. It like the air is different fundamentally from the adjacent plane and because of this difference it reflects the world of Tyrra.

While the astral plane is massive in scope I believe the ethereal plane to be minute in scope. I believe matter to be like wood infested with termites but on a much smaller scale. All matter has infinitely small spaces which are in fact ethereal in nature and when we die and our spirit is traveling to a circle it passes through these spaces which allow it to pass through barriers like walls or circles of power. Ethereal energy is also in fact the glue that holds matter together and is the reason you are pulled back to the ground when you jump instead of simply flying off into the cosmos.

I look forward to your response,
Balthamel Hanford

Balthamel Hanford,

The Horrors are all creatures of Dream. The Gnashers are just minor Horrors. They are the threat that in Galerus haunts many of the old Theran ruins, and sometimes escape to the surface. If you wish to contain a Gnasher to study it, I suggest you begin with Meo or Ramses about their Gnasher cans. I suggest you end with a Sleep spell.

Void and Time are neither Elements nor opposing. They have in common that they are beyond the elements, hence the "meta-". I am sorry to have confused you. They are forces that in one case pull apart existence and in the other guides it and shapes it. Time rose, not to vanquish Void, for that is impossible, but to banish it. It did so, presumably because had Void succeeded in the destruction of all that was, Time would have become meaningless. Not in the sense of Reason, but more that it would "have nothing to do." judgment would be a confluence, as would the Elemental Plane of Apples, as would a Plane of War, or of Judgment, or of Storm. The Wall, the Hunt, the Halls of Reason would all be Graveyards where spirits reside after leaving this world.

The Elemental Plane of Fire is not made up of the other 10 Elements, though those other 10 non-hostile Elements may be present in trace there. The Elemental Plane of Fire is the source of all Fire Element and is not a confluence. Any other Element present there is only incidental and cannot have lasting impact. In fact, theoretically, nothing can have lasting impact on a Primary Elemental Plane by its very nature, because it is primary and monolithic.

Elements that flow from the 12 Primary Elemental Planes flow together in some places. If fewer than 12 Elements are present here, you have a Limited Plane, a Confluence, usually what seems to us to be Conceptual. When all 12 are present to us, the result is usually familiar, usually a Material Plane. Both Confluences and Material Planes are available in abundance, and both can be accessed with the proper preparation, as long as all of the Elements resident there are familiar to us. The Existence of Elements beyond the 12 is purely theoretical, and likely will forever be theoretical, since we would have no way to interact with or even perceive Elements beyond the 12. Likewise any Confluence partially or fully consistent of Elements beyond the 12.

Chronomancy is bad because it opens huge gaping holes in reality and in Time, allowing Void in and chaos to reign. I hesitate to call it evil, but the one time I saw major use of it was enough to convince me that Time is best left to its own Lords. I in no way equate Time and Void. They are two very different and non-diametric forces.

As I say, the heavens both reflect and interact with Tyrra. This is an aspect of Tyrra that I have not explored. Honestly, perhaps obviously, my primary interest is in the Planes, not aspects of our own. Likewise your theory of the Ethereal. On what research do you base your theory?
Ummayid Khalifa

Gentlemen
Primus: I once again state this is my own opinion based on the evidence I've seen across my travels. Your disagreement and debate is both welcome and understood to be an intellectual discourse. I look forward to a venue where we can continue this discussion in person.

Secundus: That said, I am Galerusian and our University of the Logopolis endorses the twelve Elemental planes described by Archwizard Rigley of Neredia. While his treatise is both comprehensive and fits the empirical evidence of most parts of the continent of Avalon, it fails to address some of the planar bubbles I've seen. I do describe them as bubbles as they not only combined three elemental aspects (fire/light/life or dark/death/water or order/earth/reason or air/dream/chaos) but they had finite borders in time and space. You can tell me they do not exist, but I do remember them and still bear the scars. Balthamel, call it Void or Vacuum, it is still the absence of matter and energy. As far as Ethereal or Astral planes, they may exist -- I've never heard nor experienced them. Tyrra is a mix of the twelve elements. Most importantly, there have been multiple versions of Tyrra -- some very different from our own, some very similar. This is not mere conjecture, this is what I personally experienced in Galerus.

Tertius: I postulate the works of Sir Gabriel Truesilver may be closer to the truth. His treatise states there are only six elemental planes (fire, water, earth, air, order, chaos) and all other apparent planes are blends. More importantly, Sir Gabriel states it is the beliefs of the local residents who truly shape the material plane of Tyrra. Therefore, if the locals believe in elemental Void, it will exist for them, perhaps only in their town or nation. I have interviewed enough witnesses to state I believe Sir Gabriel's claim to have logically argued with a Void Elemental that it could not possibly exist, thus resulting in its removal from the cosmos.

Quadrus: Unlike you both, I have been consumed by a Gnasher while awake and conscious. Fortunately I was cut loose and given a Life spell in time. While I do believe them to be Dream shards (of a Nightmarish nature), their stomachs are just as mortal as anyone's. I have seen them travel from an elemental tear or portal into this plane of existence. It might be possible they come from some other part of Tyrra.

Quintus: Balthamel, I do believe slavery to be a just and moral punishment for crimes committed as well as the first step towards rehabilitation of the criminal. As far as chaos casting goes, I can take it or leave it but the Guildmasters of this town desired to make it legal. As a former Centurion of Galerus, I have always had to enforce laws I did not personally agree with. But I didn't get a vote. The laws of most Kingdoms are much worse in my opinion.

Sextus: Balthamel, in my experience, planar imbalances (unsummoned portals, free-roaming elemental shards or icons, etc) are far more common in rural rather than inhabited areas. I suspect the elemental imbalances are more promptly dealt with in populated areas. By the way, I'm not sure what you mean by "adventuring" towns -- all Galerusian cities have a quarter for those seeking glory and gold, but so does the countryside. Even in Evendarr, I've not seen a town made up solely of "adventurers". At any rate, I've seen whole tribes of chaos casting barbarians -- they had far fewer chaos nodes or portals than exist in my homeland.

Septus: Balthamel, I must repeat my original premise: neither earth nor chaos magic is evil or good. Good and Evil are in the intent and accomplishment of the individual performing the deed. One can cast chaos, even necromancy, to save the lives of others. One can cast earth magic to prolong the suffering and torment of an innocent victim. Again, these are not hypothetical case studies but my opinions based upon my travels and travails.

Octus and Finalus: Ummayid, I have seen so called "Time Elementals" take an active hand in the Duchy of Blackstone, however, their goals and objectives were difficult to understand. They had a mortal champion who did seek to oppose chaos and darkness.
Malachi

How do you identify a creature as a horror and not as something else? I agree with you that all Horrors are creatures of Dream but my brief experience with Gnashers made them seem effectively Tyrran except for the stomach. The one I slew contained 7 whole cows in its guts while the creature itself was not quite so large as a single cow itself.

I am sorry for being so dense but I am more confused than I was at the start now. Are you claiming Time and Void are sentient forces and Time vanquished Void to avoid perpetual boredom? I hope you will spend greater time educating me on your impression of these forces.

Thank you I understand what you are saying. This seems somewhat similar to the Evanarrian treastiece that I have read on the subject.

I admit I fundamentally disagree with you here. Again using the elemental plane of fire as that is the only plane I have visited more than twice. Fire even elemental fire generates light and that light is of a flickering nature containing both light and dark. Look at the nature of fire on Tyrra. It cannot exist without air to breathe or earth to burn. When Fire moves it follows a chaotic almost random pattern yet it also follows some rules such as burning up not down. I can see aspects of all other elements in Fire.

This is a very interesting theory. I will stick with my theory that we will eventually "discover" other true elements as well as methods for interacting with those it may not be in our lifetimes but I believe it will happen.

How or why does Chronomancy do this? I have never heard of a hole being ripped in the elemental plane of fire by casting a flame bolt or dragons breath.

My theories on the elements are based primarily on my own research over the last several years. The 12 element theory to me seems forced and does not quite fit all the available evidence. I have been formulating my own theory and enjoy any input from learned individuals.
Balthamel Hanford

Sheriff Mardis,

I apologize for not properly addressing your post at this time. Unfortunately, your message deserves a proper response and I am currently short on the time needed to do it justice. Rest assured that I respect your opinion and will be responding as soon as I am able.
Balthamel Hanford

Again I apologize for the delay in responding to your very interesting post. I hope you find my response equally interesting. Thank you for clarifying. For the record my theories are also my personal opinions from experience, study and discussions like this one.

I have never been to Neridia but I do understand that the 12 elements is the commonly accepted view both in Galerus and Evandarr. I also have seen elemental bubbles and unusual planes that seem to contain all 12 elements but are not Tyrra. I agree than any existence with finite borders cannot truly be called a plane. I am also firmly of the belief that it is the highest form of arrogance to believe that we know all there is to know about the elements and their relationship with Tyrra.

My point, on the subject of vacuum, was not to dispute the existence of nothingness in and around Tyrra. My point is that there are two totally separate substances we are discussing. Vacuum is the absence of other elements, Void is an element which Destroys Tyrra and apparently all other elements. I believe the reason you believe Chaos magics to be tolerable is a confusion of these substances. This is the difference between a golem that stands awaiting an order and one that is actively smashing the buildings in town.

On the subject of the Ethereal and Astral planes, I suspect that you have in fact experienced them but due to their similarity to the plane of Tyrra or because of the circumstances you may not have been aware that is what you have been experiencing.

I am intrigued by your statement about multiple versions of Tyrra. Can you please tell me more? This is something I have not personally experienced so have no understanding even on the most basic level of which you speak.

At the risk of offending either you or Sir Truesilver, I find this theory utterly ridiculous. I think much more likely that people shape their conceptions of what they see into what they know. If someone who didn't believe in the element of Darkness could confuse a Darkness elemental with a Chaos elemental thereby confirming his belief. I also suspect that the "Void" elemental of whom you speak returned to his own plane of his own volition rather than as a result of Sir Truesilver's words. Either that or it was a dream elemental masquerading as a Void elemental and was defeated by an excess of reason.

Can you tell more about the Gnasher's stomach? If their stomach is mortal how do they hold objects larger than themselves? Why do you believe them to be Dream shards? Did you investigate the portal? Can you describe it?

I understand the need to enforce the laws that you do not personally agree with. My initial point was that just because a law exists in other lands doesn't make it right or just and that your choice of laws should be based on what is right not what the laws are in other lands.

While I agree that a node in a major city would be taken care of quickly. I was more referring to the dozens if not hundreds of small towns in most nations. There is no way to deny that many of these towns contain a larger numbers of adventurers than others. There is also no way to dispute that adventuring types, especially the gifted, cast far more spells than average people. Even a tribe of barbarians is probably more spread out than a town and unless a large number of their members are gifted they would not cast the volume of chaos that adventurers do.

Here you are parroting the old argument that the end justifies the means. The problem with this argument is that once you accept an excuse for doing something unethical inevitably lesser excuses will become acceptable. What about sacrificing an orphan to save a town? What about to save an special individual? Or a unicorn? The answers many people put to these questions are different and if the end justifies the means all these questions need to be addressed. I believe that this attitude undermines the moral authority of anyone who truly follows such a "flexible" moral code.

Elementals taking an active hand in the government of even a part of Tyrra cannot bode well for the plane as a whole.
Balthamel

That made my head hurt.
Lady Tia

I apologize Lady Tia for any injury inflicted upon you. I am simply wishing to understand the cosmology of our universe and to educate other on the same subject.

Fare well,
Balthamel Hanford

No injury Balthamel, and I jest. It was just a lot...
I'm open to discussion on the topic should we ever be in the same place at the same time.
Lady Tia Willis

Thank you Lady Tia for setting my mind at ease. As I have nothing but the utmost respect for the nobles of Drakemyre and for the Willis clan in general, I shall look forward to the discussion. Also, should you be so kind as to provide me with adequate advance notice, I will make an effort to be where you are so that we may facilitate the discussion.
Balthamel Hanford
---
August 27, 607 ER
Konichiwa Sheriff Mardis, my Kyoushoukoku, my ally and dear friend.

I had time to think last night while imprisoned, about the current situation in Dragon's Hearth. I strongly believe that we need a town militia to support the Sheriff and Deputies. While I would enjoy being in a well-known mercenary group such as The Black Jackals—I truly feel that I need to pave my own way. I am a member of The Bloodguard and I need to make the best of that situation, be patient and strong, and not give up. I also have a strong desire to restore The Bloodguard to its original strength that was known in Stonereach--but keep with Tusk's new teachings that payment is not just coin and that some jobs are worth taking regardless of compensation. I was raised in a culture of service, and I think that Dragon's Hearth is crying out for a foil for The Brotherhood of The Blade. The Bloodguard are sometimes called, "Mercenaries with Heart", concerned with the greater good and not the greater coin pouch and so are as opposite as could be from The Brotherhood.

When I am able to recruit members for The Bloodguard, I would like to discuss with you a contract for the town militia.

That concludes the business portion of this letter. Please officially share the rest with Jezebel, also a dear Kyoushoukoku.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I just realized, when I had to relight my candle just now because it had burned all the way down, that this letter ended up being longer than I intended! I do not know how Dark Shroud thought I was kidding when I said that I am forthcoming with the things that interest or trouble me.

I believe that I will be given my promotion to Captain here soon so that I can properly take care of setting up a Bloodguard Outpost in Dragon's Hearth. On the subject of friendship and not Sheriff's business--I am worried that Parzival will see this as a "power hungry move" since I seem to be drawing titles and positions to me like a magnet. (I was indeed jesting when I asked how I could get a title like Jezebel's--that is far too long for a serviceable geisha living on The Surface.) Once in Numenando I was able to wiggle out the information from Ivanos that Parzival believed I was power hungry because I was trying to take such an active role in the town (you recall my good intentions that night that we argued over the fire, for example). In Numenando I felt that I had found a home, a place where I could make my own name, become my own person, a place that my sisters and I could retreat to in order to live our dream of being our own mistresses but still servicing. I tried there to do much what I am doing now, talking to merchants and farmers, wanting to teach people how to read and write, getting townsfolk involved in civic projects. I suppose that because of that involvement…Parzival saw me as power hungry. Perhaps it is a cultural difference, for in fact where am from that is a selfless act of service. I was not able to help the people of Briarwood--I would like to do here what I could not then. Do you think that I am motivated by wrong? I see a need, and I go to service it. The next question I think I can answer for myself, Why do I worry so much what he thinks? I believe it is because he is very influential, especially as the Adventurer's Guildmaster, and like you said---he's been talking quite a bit more, and saying less. I do not want to gain a bad reputation from his loud way that holds sway. Also, he is a dear friend in my mind, and it saddens me greatly that he might think this.

Do I need to give away more elixirs and gas globes? More donations? My money is low and soon to be non-existent...(I was saving up quite a bit of money to buy out my sister’s contract from the house, you remember me telling you about that but…I have used up all that I was saving in order to help others get started in the town. Yes, time is of the essence in terms of my ability to return home to buy out my sister’s contract so that she is not sold off into the unknown like my other sister so I am begging Fate that she will still be there when I up that money again. I will just have to work even harder to help get Dragon’s Hearth up and running so that I can see a return on my investment. You probably think that I was foolish, spending everything that I had to set up workshops for people and things like that. But I wanted to help and I had to--Dragon's Hearth is where our home will be---I have to help this town get up and running...or she and I will have no where to go. So without Dragon’s Hearth, it would be better for her to be sold off to someone who can hopefully care for her. I am trying, and offering assistance wherever I can, but I know that my service will soon be out and I will be taking loans for myself. I do not want to be like The Baron who makes promises that he cannot keep---I am Vornae raised, my honor is my life, my word is my soul. I believe that the only way for me to balance the scales here is to have more input to equal my charitable output.

…Do you have anyone who freelances for/with The Black Jackals? I am never one that wants “to make a quick coin”, but my scales are greatly tipped, and I would be dishonored if someone came to collect and I did not have enough. I am going to spend some time in Dragon’s End these next two weeks promoting The Merchant’s Guild and Dragon’s Hearth, so I will try to do some business for some coin, but if you hear of something on your end and there is an option for freelance work, know that I would be interested.

I apologize for such a long letter to you and Jezebel. But you two are dearest friends and I can trust you—whereas I am wary now of Parzival, Ivanos and this new companion of theirs, Archer. Archer is very quiet…and is often watching me. I suppose that it is hypocritical for me to say that I do not know how to deal with Parzival because he is so different from what I remember. At least I freely admit that I was playing a role, a role that is sometimes fun to slip into (and slightly happens subconsciously when I am around Parzival and Ivanos…and the frequency of this frivolous role was increased by the Fae magic of the horn) to ease the tension of burden, honor, service, and formality.

I think through my words that I write to you. It is so quiet after a market day when ‘the boys’ leave here to go off and fight in some war or another they are fighting in and when the few merchants leave. And then it is mostly just The Baron and I and paperwork.

Speaking of Baron Shade (a quick amusing side note before I turn in for the night), you should see his tattoos sometime. Dragons everywhere. And a very nice full back piece of a dragon that he is waiting to have filled in. Perhaps when he moves up from Baron, as a milestone marker…he does not talk very much socially, he is bogged by bureaucracy

Gussuri oyasumi, sleep tight, and thank you, Jezebel and Malachi, for your understanding and assistance this past market day. Nanitozo, please, tell Demetrius an exciting bedtime story of the two lovely rogues who were so engrossed in discussion of trap workshops while looking at said disarmed traps…that they were ambushed by a horde of the most vile Death Lords, waylaid and relieved of every single last bit of their gold and goods.

Kuroi Sasori
---
August 16, 607Sheriff Mardis of Dragons Hearth

Thank you. I shall seek out Duron Saxon and give him the gold as soon as I am able. Also, I received a rather disturbing message from someone in your lands earlier today. I am including a copy in this correspondence since I believe this individual was trying to "shake me down" with threats as well as actively discouraging trade within your town and kingdom. Since you are the sheriff of the town I believe this falls under Your jurisdiction, if not I ask that you see this message to the hands of the responsible party.

Fare Well,
Balthamel Hanford

Greetings Mr. Balthamel Hanford,

My Master regrets not replying to your letters but he has been somewhat busy trying to clean up the messes that the citizens of Dragon's Hearth are constantly making. I wouldn't worry about the barbarians if you travel here. We should have them completely wiped out long before you arrive. That business with the Death Knight might take a little longer.

If you wish to do business in Dragon's Hearth then it is wise of you to contact us. For a mere five percent of the business dealings you do here The Brotherhood of the Blade will guarantee you safe passage through our lands and protection of your business interests. If that arrangement is not to you liking then I suggest you stay home as you will not be welcome here. Good day and safe travels.

The Captain
Brotherhood of the Blade
Servant of my Master.

This message came in response to an inquiry about dealing with Barbarian threats to the interests of Galerus in lands other than yours and a query about the necessary elements for the further economic development of Dragon's Hearth. Strange that "The Captain" works for "The Master"

Balthamel Hanford
---
Correspondence from Therrick Dorril, Knight of Ash Grove

October, 607

To the Brave Adventurers of Dragon’s Hearth:

Greetings and well wishes! I have heard tales of your deeds and tenacity in the frontier from an old associate of mine--especially your progress against Malek and his undead hordes. I send you this invitation to visit Ash Grove in the next few weeks for some rest and relaxation and to be my personal guests.

Ash Grove is a premier resort town in the Kingdom of Dragon’s Bane, but the holiday season is over for this year and The Nobles have returned to their proper courts, so it will be more laid back. There is much to see and do in Ash Grove--some of the most popular sights to see and places to visit would be the hunting grounds, the gardens, the auction house, the various schools in town, the theatre, the gaming house and parlor.

If you have any special requests or questions, I will address them. I look forward to seeing you in Ash Grove! I hope you will join me.
Knight Therrick Dorril
Ash Grove

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Reason: The Wall
To: Dragon's Hearth and the Surrounding Villages
From: Knight Therrick Dorril, Ash Grove

There is a large wall being erected by Dragon's Bane. At this point it is mostly wood framing, but construction is occurring rapidly and with determination. I have been sent a missive in regards to travel between Ash Grove and Dragon's Bane. It is..."not advised at this, or any near future time". Ash Grove and Dragon's Hearth are just two of the small hamlets, villages, outposts, that make up the handful of areas that are on.. "the other side" of the wall. I have been informed that this is "in the best interests of The Kingdom" for "The Protection of His Good and Right King and The Crown".

If anyone from these towns outside of "the wall" has problems procuring provisions from Dragon's Bane--come to us in Ash Grove. We still have a large stockpile from this year's holiday season, and I will not see anyone go hungry or without tools or supplies with "the best interests of The Kingdom" in mind.

Knight Therrick Dorril
Ash Grove

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PEOPLE'S PROCLIMATION, ASH GROVE
Attention citizens and visitors of Ash Grove:
In accordance to a community discussion this evening, there is a change of structure in Ash Grove. One lone messenger from a representative force that I sent into Dragon's Bane had returned this afternoon. The rest, he reported, had tried to make their way past the wall after repeated warnings. The last warning was their final one, and they were slaughtered just outside the gate. The guards were said to have been yelling about "the safety of The Crown and Kingdom." Based off of the extensive community and council meetings that were had tonight, and the conversations between towns in the past weeks since the construction of The Wall...

I, Therrick Dorril, renounce my title of Knight of The Crown of Dragon's Bane.

I, Therrick Dorril, Declare Ash Grove to be a free and independent state, separate from the commerce and government of Dragon's Bane. With the given support of the people of Ash Grove, we break free.
We have been abandoned by their rule, and we will take up our own mantle.
Therrick Dorril
Ash Grove

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Balthamel Hanford,

Sir or Lady, I really do not usually care for titles. I was a "Knight of The Crown", so I generally sign my letters that way. Besides, "Dame" never has the same....resonance.

We are not building the wall, Balthamel. We are on the "other" side of the wall that Dragon's Bane proper is building. We get to watch it go up as we go about our daily business. I have heard some rumors of a "blast zone" that originated near Dragon's Hearth last month, but I have not gotten any confirmation on that. I was hoping that some of the adventurers could shed a little light on that for me.

Knight Therrick Dorril
Ash Grove

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Like I said, things have changed very much since I was a Knight in the King's Guard. Power does something to someone...

Bartollo, my dear friend, has exaggerated just a bit. An elderly gentleman went out to pick up walnuts that had fallen in the forest during a walk and did not return. His wife came to me, telling me that at first she wasn't worried, because he likes to go for walks in the fall and sometimes sit under a tree and rest. But hours and hours went by and he did not return. We set out looking for him and when we finally found him, he was muttering and wandering the woods, covered in what looked like sores. When we approached him he ran away from us, and ended up tripping over a tree branch and falling into convulsions.

We brought him back to town, and his wife took him home. Like I said, we do not have any healers left in town. But by giving him some light curing potions that I have in my personal stock (...which is sorely lacking this time of year), we were able to get rid of the sores on his body. Now he lies unconscious still, in their home.

So yes, a serious situation for one of my town's folk, but it's not like the town is being over-run with undead or anything.

Who can I hope to see at my table and at The Auction House this weekend?

Knight Therrick Dorril
Ash Grove

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Brave Adventurers, I thank you for visiting us in Ash Grove.

Balthamel the Provider, Aatira the Quick, Night-Fire the Hearth, Shadow-Wolf the Strong, Patch the Cunning, Vincent the Vigilant, Malachi the Militant, Jezebel the Kind, Twitch the Energetic, Taint the Adept, Ummayid the Wise, Ivanos the Witty:

You are always welcome to visit, do business in, or to take up residence in Ash Grove. The nobles have contracts with me for their summer homes. Some contracts are up, and since I cannot get word to Dragon's Bane to see if the nobles want to renew them, the houses will need caretakers, and I think I know just some hardworking adventurers that could keep an eye on them.

I am looking forward to your help and assistance. Hopefully I will be able to provide the resources if you can provide the expertise.

In the works:
1. Send messengers to the group still outside of Dragon's End and bring 'em home.
2. Regroup forces and get them started training more specifically.
3. Look into rock quarries for stone walls.
4. Write up new laws for the Free State of Ash Grove.
5. Continue correspondences with the neighboring towns.
6. Fire up the production rates with The Forge, The Scroll Workshop that is being built, The Alchemy Workshop to get all of you and the militia outfitted.

My people are wanting to go back to Dragon's End, when they are better trained, outfitted and the time is right. I will need a commander at that time to lead them. I ask you, Malachi Mardis, to be this commander.

I also need updated maps, of the town and the surrounding area.

I want a Healer's Guild ASAP and some of the locals will be interested in learning more. Almost everyone is trained in the basics of first aid, healing arts, and reading and writing here in town. It is very important to me.

Unfortunately, I will probably not be able to contact the scholar that cast my earth circle, because they are in Dragon's Bane and I will not risk another group of messengers to The Wall.

If any of you need anything or have any suggestions, please let me know. I would like the input from you, as well as my people, on the new laws, etc.
Thank you again,
Therrick Dorril

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Visitors of Ash Grove—
I hope you will be coming to visit again soon. Unfortunately, I will not be able to see you until Saturday night. I am traveling around the towns that are interested in joining The Free State of Ash Grove, or whatever it will be named in the future.
I have a few favors to ask while I am gone.

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Jezebel—
Since you are Mayor of Dragon's Hearth, would you mind taking an administrative role in town while I am gone? I know there are citizens that are interested in The Healer's Guild and starting to work on The Ash Grove Cantrip Tomes. If you are interested, I wish to place you in charge in my stead for domestic town issues until I return. Let me know if you are interested or if you need anything from me to accomplish this.

Also, I might be interested in a Spirit Forge to scholar...though that will feel so odd...so that I can invest others in The Circle. I'll do whatever I need to for Ash Grove. I will probably be able to provide you with the scroll and components for this if you are willing to cast it for me.

Malachi—
All of the troops are reassembled in Ash Grove. They either resurrected or made it out of Dragon's End and have come home to regroup. I am working to get them re-outfitted and to have them trained to work better together, since they are from Dragon's Bane, Ash Grove and the surrounding towns. If you are interested in taking a leadership role with this--I would greatly appreciate it, since I am more skilled at leading small expeditions and frankly, I won't be able to go out with the troops. If you are interested--they are at your disposal.

Ummayid—
I am still looking into the stone quarries in the south. The declining temperatures have made travel a little more difficult, so messengers are slower than usual, and are more cautious of the terrain and undead. I have not heard from you in a while and am hoping things are well.

Ivanos—
Paper work and accounting is piling up. If you are still interested in the assistant accountant position, let me know.

Other friends and travelers—
I hope you come visit Ash Grove. If you need anything to make your stay more comfortable, do not hesitate to ask.

As far as lodging—
There are many summer homes of the nobles that need "caretakers" this time of the year since they are usually left empty. The nobles took their stewards with them when they went back to Dragon's Bane. So, look for comfort at least in lodging.
News around town—
Malek has been popping in here and there to shake his fist and be a general bully. But he's gone as quickly as he shows up, and I have not personally seen him.

In Arms,
Therrick Dorril
Ash Grove

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Malachi Mardis—
I appreciate this greatly. I will send one of my commanders to find you and to escort you to the camp sometime after you arrive.

In Arms,
Therrick Dorril
Ash Grove
---
MUNICIPAL BOOK OF DRAGONS HEARTH

Current Laws of Dragons Hearth
As Established April 607 ER

LOW CRIMES
Punishments include but are not limited to: fines, time in the stocks, public ridicule, spirit marks, lashes.

A Knight may preside over, but a Lord is preferred.

• Theft: Taking possession of a subject of the Kingdom. (A “subject” is defined as one who has presented themselves to and been acknowledged by a Noble.)

• Assault: Active aggression against a subject. (Physical and/or magical.)

• Arson: Setting fire to a subject’s personal property.

• Contempt/Mocking a Noble: Slander of, mocking, etc. of a Noble.

• Owning a business without a proper writ.

• Owning a slave that is not a criminal (proper writ is needed).

• Tax Evasion: Taxes are to be collected on Market Day or when a new subject is acknowledged. (Note: As of the formation of Dragons Hearth, there will be no taxes for the first six months.)

• cheating at a game of gambling.

HIGH CRIMES
Punishments include but are not limited to: large fines, imprisonments of two plus months, death, banishment, consensual servitude, spirit marks.

A Baron may preside over, but a court is preferred.

• Treason: Acts of subversion or aggression against the Kingdom.

• Murder: Killing a subject of the Kingdom. (Note: Self-defense is not murder.)

• Necromancy: Raising, aiding, or consorting with undead. (Note: Chaos magic is at this time allowed but may be subject to licensing and or taxation.)

• Assault on a Noble

• Committing Three Low Crimes: After two low crimes the presiding Noble can choose to try the third as a high crime.

PAST FINES AND SENTENCES

June 2, 607
Guildmasters Sir Parzival Karstark and Ummayid Khalifa accused Guildmistress Kuroi Sasori of Treason, Murder and Theft. Baron Shade found her guilty of Treason and Murder, stripped her of Guild Rank and fined her 15 gold.

October 7, 607
Sir Nicholas Quinn accused Sir Parzival Karstark and Ivanos Vistani of Assault on a Noble. During their arrest, Cassandra Deveraux confessed to sleep-gassing sir Nicholas Quinn. Mayor Jezebel Mardis found all three guilty and fined Cassandra 2 gold, Vistani 10 gold and Karstark 25 Gold.

Municipal GOVERNMENT OF Dragons Hearth
as of June 607

MAYOR-Runs Guild Council Meetings, Decides court proceedings, negotiates diplomatic treaties and bargains for municipal contracts, removes/replaces Guildmasters as needed.

SHERIFF—Enforces laws, makes arrests. Deputies as Needed.

GUILD COUNCIL—Heads of Adventurer’s, Healer’s, Wizard’s and Merchant’s Guilds.

APRIL 607 Tax and Fee Information in Dragons Hearth

*Note: There will be no general taxes from April 607 to October 607 by The Grace of Our Baron in order to encourage settlers to come to Dragons Hearth.

There will be taxes (or other fees) on specific items such as:

-Private circles of power

-Circle investitures outside of guild membership

-A residency tax of five silver the second month of living in Dragons Hearth for not joining one of the four established guilds.

-A three silver tax or license for the right to walk around Dragons Hearth unarmed.

-Special per-market-day writs of business.

-A one silver per wagon travel tax for traveling merchants.

Past Proclamations of Dragons Hearth
APRIL 607 Town Meeting in Dragons Hearth of Dragonsbane

Attendance: Ummayid Khalifa, Jezebel Mardis, Malachi Mardis, Demetrius Mardis, Archer, Parzival Karstark, Ivanos Vistani, Shining Eagle Skycaller, Kuroi Sasori, Baron, Sir Nicholas Quinn

Notes: Sheriff introduced, Malachi Mardis Guild Masters and Mistresses introduced: Healer’s Guild—Jezebel Mardis, Wizard’s Guild—Ummayid Khalifa, Adventurer’s Guild—Parzival Karstark, Merchant’s Guild—Kuroi Sasori

Important local to Dragons Hearth (being a frontier town) Law—there is a three silver monthly charge to be unarmed (ages fourteen and older), that is a monthly fee.

The Healer’s Guild is currently Accepting and Encouraging membership and sees the creation of an Earth Circle as a priority. A ten gold bounty was offered for a permanent Earth Circle scroll.

The Earth Circle that is on top of the hill should be avoided at all costs as to not strain relations any more than necessary with the local Fox Tribe.

Taxes and fees were reviewed.
Current threats/issues discussed: Malek the Death Knight/Other Creation, The Fox Tribe, Goblins (“The Master”), The Murdering, Assaulting and Stealing Brotherhood of The Blade

~All information scribed by Kuroi Sasori, Merchant's Guildmistress and Owner of The Bikou Bara Tea Room, April 607

May 18, 607
Attention subjects of Dragon's Hearth of Dragonsbane:
**Mind altering alchemical substances including but not limited to: hallucinoids, enslavements, forget-it-wells, forget-me-nots, dominates...are now illegal in The Western Duchy of the Kingdom of Dragonsbane.**
Having one of these substances is a Low Crime. Using one of these substances is a High Crime. If you have any of these substances from before this law was passed--you need to dispose of it safely and quickly. Do Not Use Them on anyone, because that is not a safe disposal And Is A High Crime.

(NOTE: proclamation not enacted by Mayor of Dragons Hearth)

May 19, 607
Baron Shade Announced the arrival of Lady Emadra Flamestrike to run things in the Baron’s absence while he went to see Duchess Silver.
(proclamation not enacted by Mayor of Dragons Hearth)

May 23, 607
By Order of Her Grace Duchess Sylvana Winter

Established on this Day May 23rd 607

By the power of King Neverfire the 8th
I, Baron Shade, declare the following

The local barbarian tribe known as the Fox have declared open war upon the subjects of Dragons Hearth. We have attempted all routes of peace only to be met with steel and savagery. We shall not allow subjects to be harmed.

Until a declaration of surrender is given the barbarians of the Fox Tribe are at war with Dragons Hearth. No quarter is to be given to them. Any attempts to aid or assist them can be considered as treason. This declaration is in effect immediately until at such time they have surrendered and seek peace.

In the Service of Dragonsbane,
Baron Shade
Vassal to Count Falios
Vassal to Duchess Winter
Vassal to King Neverfire

(Proclamation above overruled by verbal cease fire with Fox Tribe Leader by Mayor Jezebel Mardis, June 607)

June 2, 607
Guildmistress Jezebel Mardis made emissary of Baron Shade to deal with diplomatic matters in his absence.

June 23, 607
Let it be known to all that Guild-mistress Jezebel has been named Mayor of Dragons Hearth. As mayor, she has the authority to coordinate, create, or disband the various town guilds. She also has the authority to name new guild-masters or guild-mistresses or dismiss them if they are not running their guilds properly.

Mayor Jezebel will serve as the voice of Dragon's Hearth in any and all negotiations with outside groups. She will also be responsible for bringing town issues before Baron Shade and Duchess Silver. If you have something that needs the attention of Dragon's Bane then bring it to the Mayor.

Finally, Mayor Jezebel will be responsible for the creation of and enforcement of local town laws. She has the authority to approve new town laws, dismiss old or obsolete town laws, enforce town laws and determine punishments for those who violate the town laws. Sheriff Malachi will now be working directly for Mayor Jezebel in this capacity. For the more serious offenses the Mayor will bring these matters directly to Baron Shade or Myself. It should also be known that every member of the town guard will be paid a stipend of one gold for every month of service. For more information contact Sheriff Malachi.

I expect that everyone who resides within the town of Dragon's Hearth give Mayor Jezebel the loyalty and support she deserves.

Sir Nicholas Quinn
Knight of DragonsBane
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That was quite a fascinating read. The Mardis' are an amazing family, and I can only hope to meet them some day. The history of Dragon's Hearth is rich, and that motivates me even further in the fight to protect it.

Humbled,
Aasha Cathmoore