Gazette Gets New Editor!

Dreven - The Dreven Gazette has a new Editor and Lead Reporter. Malek Dent has approximately five years of editing experience, he is joined by his long time partner and investigative reporter, Gabrielle Laine. Dent, a Superman of journalism, and his dogged hard hitting companion bring a wealth of experience to the battered staff of the Gazette.

"We hope to provide a balanced approach to the local news and political scene." Says the bookish Editor.

Joining the pair in the Gazette offices is another investigative reporter, an advice columnist, a star reader, and a Social life correspondent.

Stench of Rebellion Disrupts Shadokhan Countryside

Crosswinds Tavern - In the normally peaceful countryside surrounding Dreven, a foul stench has begun to seep its putrid presence into the everyday lives of the law-abiding and loyal citizens of Shadokhan. Malcontents, intent on slandering the honorable name of Emperor Tumian, have dredged themselves from the sewers to soil the normally tranquil evenings of our hard working neighbors. The normally quiet and solicitous Silver Moon Knights have been forced to resort to force on no less than three occasions in as many tendays. The valiant efforts of these dedicated public servants have undoubtedly saved the lives of countless of our friends and neighbors. 

The recent out break of violence climaxed last week with the death of well loved and respected knight, Adrien Locke, son of a prominent local family, was viciously struck down after winning a duel of honor. The killer has been described as a thin young man, pale complexioned, dark eyes, and going by the alias of Digi. The unknown murderer struck Locke down in front of several witnesses, including several fellow knights. According to witness accounts the killer struck so suddenly, and so well-loved was Locke, that his fellow knights' first thoughts were to aid him rather than pursuing the assailant, thus allowing the villain to escape. The Fort General has placed a reward on the scum, offering twenty gold for information leading to his whereabouts and fifty gold for information leading to his immediate capture.

Rumors indicate that the killing might have been in retaliation to Locke's recent jailing of a Dwarf dissenter, Garton Ironstone. The Knight arrested the drunken dwarf just a week previously on charges of Sedition. The dwarf's brother is also sought by the Knights for questioning in the matter.

Any information in this matter can be taken to your friendly local Silver Moon Knight, or reported to the offices of The Dreven Gazette.

Thefts in Dreven

A rash of thefts has plagued the Dreven area recently. Many folks believe a single thief is responsible. The fellow has left calling cards at all ten of his break-ins, and seems to walk in the shadows at all times.

His last victim was one of our beloved noblemen, Lord Hallan Wittmier. A painting, valued at nearly a hundred gold, was stolen right from under Lord Wittmier's nose. Lord Wittmier believes that this vagrant will continue to harass the good citizens of Dreven unless the Silver Moon Knights receive information from someone.

If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of this man, or even seen someone trying to sell a high priced painting, please contact the local authorities. Lord Hallan Wittmier has offered a reward of 100 gold to any that contribute to the return of his treasured artwork. The painting itself is a magnificent study of a woman in the middle of a beautiful rose garden. Both Lord Wittmier and the Gazette thank all of our fine citizens for any help that can be given.

Welcome Home Party for Acting Troupe

The Smelly Rat, located at the corner of Gravel Road and Cobblestone Avenue, will be hosting a Welcome Home party for the Emperor's Men, the distinguished traveling acting company. A variety of foods, wines and ales will be available for refreshment, as well as some skits performed by the Emperor's Men for your entertainment. If you wish to reserve your spot for this delightful summer event, contact Ren Rosethorn at The Smelly Rat in the next tenday.

ORS Music Festival

The Order of the Rising Sun, Lyran Tal's ONLY known bardiac organization, hosting a week-long festival to encourage and educate the citizens of Dreven City, as well as the outlying areas. 

Events schedule include various musical, dramatic, and educational workshops, free concerts all week long, and even a Dance Competition! The competition will be judged by Astrid Metkergroh, Dreven City's all-time Jig Champion, and Juan Pluckley, owner of The Dancing Thermadorian, located on 5th Street.

Specialists will be on-hand to handle any question or concern you may have about your instrument, and repair booths will be set up for your convience. 

Lady Metkergroh had this to say: "I think what the Order is doing is a great service to the citizens of Lyran Tal, and the people would be fools to pass up such a culturally-enriched event."

Admission is free, but charges may apply to selected workshops. If you wish to enter the Dance Competition, please contact Troubadour Andrew Hinder at the Order of the Rising Sun in the next week. Merchants may contact Loremaster Belfante for space availability. Cart rentals available. 

Eagle Courier Service Expanding

Eagle Courier Service is presently seeking sponsorship. The Service has been in business for nearly six years, and with it's recent growth, is in need of sponsorship.

More riders are needed as well. Any who wish to help sponsor or apply for work with the Eagle Courier Service, please leave a message with the Manager of the Crosswinds Tavern. 

Thank you for your support.
Rodric Teriwyn
Eagle Courier Service

For the next few cycles, we will be seeing increased heat, with alot of afternoon thunderstorms. So, keep those little kiddies close to the house when dinner time is approaching. Also, for those of you traveling these next few cycles, make sure to bring along enough water for both you and your horses, and pack light. Just a friendly reminder to get everyone home safe.

Page 2

Letter to the Editor

Point: Has Emperor Dreven Lost His Ability?

By Anonymous

Has Emperor Dreven lost his ability to rule? Has he fallen from his once high stature? Is the newly forming rebellion even making him somewhat worried? Why hasn't he done anything to re-open the borders of Cloosidian?

These are just a few questions that have been on the lips of many of Lyran Tal's citizens. Our beloved Emperor Dreven, and I use that term loosely, has fallen from the good graces of many that deal with him. His recent talks with many of the Ambassadors, seem to have been a waste of time. I've also received reports that many of Dreven's discussions of late have been invaded by small fits of insane laughter. Often times, he's been heard muttering random phrases, while he sits listening during these meetings. Those close to Emperor Dreven have declined to be interviewed. Now, you must ask yourself, what is it that these people fear will be said in those interviews? All of this has led many to believe that new leadership is soon needed for Lyran Tal. If so, who will rise to the forefront, and lead Lyran Tal to its once prestigious stature?

Another question that has been presented, is the loyalty of the Silver Moon Knights to Emperor Dreven. The question is not if they are loyal, but to what extremes will these knights follow him? Now, many of the Silver Moon Knights are valiant warriors, with strong heads on their shoulders. But what I am concerned about, is the extremists that will follow ANY order handed down by Emperor Dreven. These orders could not be in the better interest for the greater good. So, will these loyal followers shrug off their responsibilities to Dreven, and start thinking for themselves? I, for one, doubt it. My recent visits to the Crosswinds Tavern, have done nothing but give validity to my concerns. Case in point, a newly arrived dwarf from Arboria, was arrested a few nights ago, by one of the off duty Silver Moon Knights. Now, the reasons that have been handed to me were very suspicious. That knight, Sir Adrien Locke, was on leave, and said that the dwarf, in a drunken stupor, began making remarks about Emperor Dreven's inability to rule. So, is that to say that with this article, I will be arrested? I dare to believe that would be the case. I think that many of the Silver Moon Knights are beginning to overstep their bounds, and arrest anyone with ill will towards Emperor Dreven. This only solidifies my belief that the Silver Moon Knights are blind sheep, following their shepherd.

So, let the staff at the Dreven Gazette know how you feel. Vote on this question: "Has Emperor Dreven lost his ability to rule? Yes or No?" Please send in your answers to the Dreven Gazette. They will collect and hold the results for me so that I may report them for you in the next issue.

Editor's Notes: The Author of this column wishes to remain nameless. This paper will honor those wishes and will not reveal the name of the Author to any who inquire.

The Editor and Staff of this publication neither condone nor support the ideas presented in the above article. It was printed as a warning to the loyal citizens of Dreven that not all your neighbors are as supportive as they seem. Forewarned is forearmed. Long Live Emperor Tumian!