Confessed Murderer Released for Lack of Evidence

Bekka Quartain, one of the newest employees at the Crosswinds Tavern, was taken into custody recently by an off-duty Silver Moon Knight upon confessing to a murder of an unknown attacker two tendays ago. After being questioned, Miss Quartain was arrested and taken to the Dreven City gaols for processing by Junior Knight Derreq Urilion. She was subsequently released for lack of evidence, since she was unable to lead Sir Derreq to the body, or any witnesses that might have seen the incident.

According to sources, Miss Quartain has had a string of memory problems. She was unable to establish how she even arrived in Dreven City, much less where she came from. This amnesia, coupled with the lack of evidence, has led some to believe that the woman may have fabricated the story of the murder, or possibly dreamt the whole event.

Investigations by authorities have also uncovered that Miss Quartain hails from Oceanuus and had been reported missing for some time from her homeland.

In more recent developments, Miss Quartain was found outside the Crosswinds, having fallen victim to a stabbing. Many rushed to her aid, including Sir Derreq, who has been assigned to patrol the Tavern area. Fortunately for Miss Quartain, Vivomancer Iannon Destyranos was also present and acted quickly to save the young woman's life. She required several days of rest and peace, but has recovered enough to return to light duties at the Tavern.

Violence on the Rise in Dreven

Despite the celebratory nature of Tivili, the Crosswinds Tavern and surrounding areas of Dreven have been awash with violence and bloodshed in the past tendays since the end of the festival. Following the brawl between the Courescant brothers over a cycle ago, there had been no further reports of physical disputes within the Tavern. But the peace of the Tavern has been interrupted however, in recent tendays by two altercations.

The first dispute occurred between a Junior Silver Moon Knight, Sir Adrien Locke, and a known Cryomancer, Drayus. Although Drayus appeared in the tavern cloaked, he was quickly identified and revealed by the Lark of Dreven, Bronwyn Belfante. Sir Adrien, responding to the complaint, attempted to arrest the apprentice of the known and wanted criminal mage Freon, and was soon drawn into battle. The struggle was short-lived however, as more Silver Moon Knights arrived to aid the Junior Knight, and Drayus fled the tavern, disappearing into the mist. Sir Adrien suffered no injuries in the altercation.

A few days later another duel occurred outside the Crosswinds Tavern, this one more bloody and tragic than the first. Lady Theelda Leonhardt of Thermador, a Solar Knight from the Rock of Duval, was viciously slain by Sangreebia, a recent winner in the Tivili Games who was on a self-proclaimed mission to the desertlands. Lady Theelda, who had been investigating Sangreebia's claim of ambassadorship, confronted the man with her suspicions that he was a spy from the badlands; Sangreebia then subsequently challenged her into a duel of blades. There is discrepancy regarding who initiated the duel and whether it was intended to be to the death, for friends of Lady Theelda claim that there had been no such agreement and the duel was to be to first blood.

The two faced off just in front of the porch of the Crosswinds Tavern, Sangreebia armed with his magical blade Armistice, presented to him in the Tivili Games. The duel was brought to a sanguinary end however, as Sangreebia thrusted a dagger into Lady Theelda's abdomen, then decapitated her. The duel was witnessed by Jaheed Khalam of Wadi Medani, who was purported to be romantically involved with Lady Theelda. Following her death, Silver Moon Knights soon arrived at the tavern at which point in time the murderer fled the scene. Sangreebia's whereabouts are currently unknown and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Following the extreme amount of bloodshed that has plagued the Tavern of late, as well as the large number of unapprehended criminals, the Magistrate has announced that the presence of Silver Moon Knights in the Crosswinds Tavern will be strengthened, as well as in Dreven as a whole.

New Manager Named for Crosswinds Tavern

Since Landelian de Breyy's untimely passing some cycles ago, the Crosswinds Tavern has been without a manager. On the first of this cycle, Emperor Tumian Dreven I finally announced de Breyy's replacement; Outlander Zharyka Jelahldoran will take over as manager of the Silver Moon Empire's most famous Tavern. Tironwy Fyr was named as her second and will take over the duties of Manager if Miss Jelahldoran is unable to fulfill them.

When asked for comment, Miss Jelahldoran replied "I'm pleased and honored that the Emperor chose me and Tir to manage the Tavern for him." No price changes are going to be effected in the near future, but Miss Jelahldoran did hint that she had some plans for increasing business in the Tavern, including events like the wine tasting held on the first of this cycle.

Tironwy Fyr commented " I think it's great. We've got a good crew, now that I fired the halfling from the kitchen.Between Zee and I, we're sure to clean up the place back to it's former splendor."

Cloosidian Closed

Almost immediately following the Emperor's Ball and Tivili, all contact was lost to Cloosidian. It appears that the Realm of Wind has simply shut down, with its trade having been forcibly ceased by the flight of Killer Shrikes, who began to turn away merchant caravans at the Cloosidian borders without warning or reason.

Rumors are running rampant. Some speculate that this unforeseen action was in direct consequence to the Emperor's Ambassadorial Proclamation, which seemingly was targeted at the Realm of the Seleventi, for their infamous secrecy and mystery. Others in the royal court have gone further to speculate that a coup for power was successfully attempted, and that the current Arch-Mage, Klackatonakin, was thrown from his seat of power and has gone into hiding. All of these claims have yet to be proven.

Only one real fact is known, that the Aeromantic Council has disbanded. One merchant, by the name of Slid Gann has tried to use the Nexus portal in the Crosswinds to gain entry to the ever-reclusive Realm of Wind, but the boastful merchant has not been seen since he stepped into the Northern Door, few tendays ago.

Although no official word has been released by either the Emperor's Council nor the Order of the Rising Sun, it is obvious that intruders and visitors are not welcomed in the land of the Aeromancers, and all plans regarding a trip to Cloosidian either through traditional or magical means, should be indefinitely postponed.

Reward For Head Of A Bear!

The local branch of the Allied League of Farmers is offering a reward of 25 gold pieces to whomever brings in the head of a rabid bear which has been wreaking havoc in the farming community outside Dreven City. A rabid bear is a very rare and frightening phenomenon, and very difficult to stop, says the local member of the ALF, Tarean Pador. Wounds won't even slow it down; only death will stop it.

The bear was first discovered a tenday ago, when it mauled a local woodcutter, though it seemed that luck was with the man, who survived the encounter with one eye less than he had before. Since then those who live on the outskirts of the city, especially farmers, have been alerted to the creature's presence. One farmer claims he has lost important livestock to the creature and two employees who were hunting it, and his family and workers now live in fear.

"If this continues," Pador adds, "we will up the reward, if we must." The ALF member says the coin offered is worth it, in light of the income lost in livestock and possibly more lives of the workers, if the rabid creature continues unabated.

The local druid forecasts that scattered rainshowers are still in store, although the humidity and warmth will begin to rise with each coming day, with the arrival of summer on the near horizon.

From Assassin to Loremaster

Rhia Dreamsinger has taken the plunge again. She is sporting a new collection of impressive rocks on her finger, compliments of the Loremaster, Aeolus "Arrow" Corindu. It is rumored that he proposed to Rhia in the Emperor's gardens during the Tivili Ball. One has to wonder why they did not declare each other as their Chosen before the Emperor as per tradition ... but that is speculation for another day.

But the two have already been spotted having their first lover's quarrel at the Crosswinds Tavern. Some patrons state that the latest bout of argument began with a crumpled note that the retired jeweler presented to her fiance. Although the contents of this note are known only to few, including the Lark of Dreven, many whisper of the infamous Dagger of Dreven as the sender. And the tides of emotions are on the rise whenever the Assassin is mentioned around Rhia Dreamsinger, for she was seen running in tears from the distraught bard.

Only a few days ago, Rhia appeared unaccompanied at the Ventfero Vineyards' wine-tasting party with a bandage around her neck. One may wonder if a love note isn't the only souvenir she received from her jilted ex-fiance. The ex-jeweler would not comment.

Despite the turmoil and yet another wound upon the bride-to-be, the wedding plans are under way, evidenced by the ring still shining upon her finger. The date of the ceremony, however, remains a well-kept secret. With the Loremaster of Cloosidian being locked out of his own domain, the couple should be seen more frequently at the Crosswinds Tavern where they are staying.

But with all the misfortunes that have rained on the ex-jeweler's love life, I will be keeping my eyes on the donation box for a certain ring sometime soon.

Broken Engagement

Lady Luck just isn't being kind to Lady Grace Ryan. Earlier this tenday, in common room of the Crosswinds Tavern, Baron-General Westin Knowles broke off his engagement to Lady Ryan. His excuse? Lack of time, since he's being appointed as one of the Thermadoran ambassadors, as well as spending time training his army.

More likely, his decision was precipitated by her drunken behavior of late (see the last issue of the Dreven Gazette) or perhaps the Baron-General doesn't like the fact that Lady Ryan's been seen spending quite a bit of time in the company of the roguish Cheshire Tjellon?

Either way, surely the Baron-General could have picked somewhere more private to dump the Lady.

In Remembrance
of a Solar Knight

A few tendays ago, on 4/29/1258 Solar Knight Lady Theelda Leonhardt was killed on the grounds of the Crosswinds Tavern. She lost her head in a battle to a man by the name of Sangreebia, now a wanted fugitive.

Lady Leonhardt was part of the Salahira Clan of Thermador, an eighth child to her father, Matuk Sala'hira, the Patriarch of the clan. In her youth, she was said to be one of the best Fire Dancers of all the tribes. Later in life she pursued knighthood, and has earned much honor in the ranks of the Silver Moon Knights. Lieutenant Captain Guy Leonhardt was her husband, dying honorably defending Taysayad Keep during the war.

Lady Knight Leonhardt's funeral was held on 5/6/1258. Captain Lann Dubhas, commander of the Rock of Duval in Thermador, spoke over her, relaying one of many heroic deeds Leonhardt was known for, honoring her in death. Leonhardt's brother Dianon Sala'hira was also present to speak about his sister. Lady Knight Theelda Leonhardt's Great Passing was witnessed by many friends and family, who honored her with the much love and respect. The ranks of the Silver Moon Knights shall sorely miss her.

Rest in peace, Sir Knight.

Birth Announcement

On the evening of 1258/5/6, twin boys were born to Tironwy and Lyris Fyr. Mother and babes are doing fine, and no names have yet been bestowed.

Gold To Be Had!

Ladies and gentlemen of Dreven City, I have an opportunity for you all. I have decided to start a bakery, and I am searching for a name to adorn the front door; and therein lies the contest. I will take contributions from the citizens of Dreven City to come up with a name for my business. The person that comes up with the chosen name, will recieve fifty gold pieces. All submissions must be in by this time next week, contact the Gazette if you cannot contact me. I thank all of you for your participation, and I am looking forward to seeing your entries.

~Hank Thanosin.

Page 2

Editorial

Point: The Outlander Initiative

By Fetis Hob

The trial of Zharyka Jelahldoran, the Crosswinds Tavern's most controversial bartender, served as an eye-opener for much of Dreven's general populace where the existence of Outlanders was concerned. Before, the presence of these foreign beings had been known - and relatively accepted - by the bulk of Lyran Tal. Indeed, the Nexus gate that the infamous tavern harbors has long been a source of economical boon to Dreven City. The people who have the power to travel the Nexus usually also have enough wealth to keep Dreven City's coffers fat and happy.

Not to deny the city its due profits, but I have the feeling that Shadokhan's merchant guilds would just as soon look the other way, where any infraction of the law at the Crosswinds is concerned. And the greatest irony is this: Dreven City's tax collector can't even touch the place. The Crosswinds Tavern is owned by the crown, not the city, and is a tax-free entity - no wonder the dirty place is so popular. That the city so readily turns a blind eye to the goings-on's within speaks volumes of the business brought to Dreven, daily, from many of these "travelers from beyond."

But that still does not answer the question, "who are they?" These Outlanders might be benign merchants or curious sightseers… but do we really know? On a (thankfully rare) personal visit, I witnessed, among other things, a talking cat, a green-skin man who immolated himself for pleasure, and what appeared to be a very troublesome miniature drake. I also encountered a child who claimed to be the progeny of a deity. Not overtly violent… but threatening, at least, in theory.

On another night I bore witness to a duel turned terminal - the loser (a woman) had her head removed from her shoulders. Most certainly violent. Granted, the participants in that little altercation were locals... but still, this is the clientele the Crosswinds attracts? And I've been told that most of the Outlanders are a peaceful lot; more confused than cruel. Yet, if these Outlanders are peaceful... what happens when something not so peaceful decides to wander in through the Nexus gate?

Nothing better illustrates the threat to Lyran Tal by Outlanders than the recent Demonwar. Thousands of innocents lost their lives because outside forces were allowed to seep into our relatively naïve world and run amok in a wholly unmolested manner. What hope has an honest, hard-working farmer from Luminii, or a decent, law-abiding forester from Arboria against the threat of sudden invasion by an army of creatures that can fly, breathe fire and snap trees like twigs? None. Best to hope your death is a quick one, and that you did not forget Nostrella in your prayers.

The supposed "Sanctuary to All" mantra sung by the tavern has, in my view, continued to attract an unsavory clientele to the place, and the unspoken rule of "What happens at the Crosswinds is the problem of the Crosswinds" can no longer hold merit.

Because of that unspoken rule, one man will live out the remainder of his days horribly disfigured - that is if he is even still alive. The disturbingly convenient disappearance of Jelahldoran's victim, Jorn Dagar, still leaves many questions unanswered. And yes, I know the rhetoric on Dagar, and to call any man as large and surly as he a "victim" seems to stretch the limits of the imagination. But consider what we know: Jorn Dagar was an oafish thug, hardly armed for a battle of wits - much less a psionic battle against an Outlander sorceress.

Jorn Dagar was no saint… but neither was he a murderer. Does drunken violence beget murder? Apparently it does, at the Crosswinds Tavern.

And with that in mind, the Outlander Initiative has come into effect. And it would be naïve for me to believe that outlawing Outlander magic outside of designated Nexus gate areas (such as the Crosswinds) will put an end to the threats we face. It would not have even protected Jorn Dagar. What it has done, however, is shown me (and other concerned citizens like me) that the Emperor is ready and willing to take an active stance against an obvious threat to his people, and I applaud him wholeheartedly for that.

I know this is but a baby step… but it is a baby step in the right direction.

Lyran Tal cannot sit idly by and wait for another Demonwar to happen. I, for one, will not sleep peacefully until every Nexus gate is gone. But until that time, I will trust in the Emperor, and in the bold new direction he has decided to travel. A strong Emperor equates to a strong realm. The Emperor should speak for the people… and the people have spoken.