Editor's Note

Dear Readers,

In the wake of our tragedy, we at the Dreven Gazette have had a long and arduous task placed before us.The fire rain left us without a base of operations and a new one was built. But in the time between now and then, you, the people of the Empire, have been left without word of your nation. The process of our rebuilding was a long and at times, trying one. But like the rest of the citizens of Dreven, we have risen above our challenges and are now proud to present to you this, the premiere issue of the New Dreven Gazette.

This is all the news you haven't heard for the cycles we have been out of commission. And with our next issue, you will be brought up to date on the most current of news. The wait is over, my fellow Emprans. We hope you are not disappointed.

And remember... Don't blink. You might miss something.

~ Malin Winthrope, Editor in Chief

Dreven Recovers From Fire Rain

Dreven, Shadokhan - On Year Pass Eve last, our fair city was the target for a rain of fire. More than a third of the city, including much of Taysàyad Keep, was devastated by the unnatural disaster. At first, witnesses thought they were viewing a spectacular starfall; until the first "star" hit inside the walls of the city. Some citizens reported seeing the name "Icaruss Khan" written in fire in the sky, and indeed, many believe the Mad Mage to have returned and wreaked this havoc on the city that bears the name of his conqueror. Only time will reveal the truth on that matter, since the Mad Mage has made no further public "appearances" since that fateful night.

Refugees fled the city as soon as the fire rain ceased that night, and on into the next few days, most of them arriving at the Crosswinds Tavern in hopes of finding shelter and help. Employees and patrons alike at the Crosswinds began that night to feed and clothe those they could, as well as send out word of Dreven's disaster to neighboring communities, asking for supplies to help the relief efforts. Some say that even Outlanders answered the call for help, providing food, tents, clothing and other items. One of the most generous donations of all was rumored to come from a land far across the Elbonian Sea, the Khorezim Empire. (see article)

In the aftermath of the fire rain, our Silver Moon Knights returned from their wrongful exile. Riding in from Fort Wantlokin and Fort Klimteg, they began searching the rubble for survivors, as well as cleaning up the streets and setting up relief stations with food and shelter for those who had lost their homes in the disaster.

In the months that have followed, Dreven is being rebuilt, slowly. Our condolences to those who lost family and friends in this tragic time.

War Golems Attack the Crosswinds

Crosswinds Tavern, Shadokhan - The Crosswinds Tavern, already infamous for its dangerous Outlander patrons, is fast gaining a new and deadlier clientele: Icarun War Golems. The third such creature appeared through the North portal a cycle past and proceeded to terrorize the tavern. Eyewitness reports claim that the monster was ultimately drawn out to the lake by the tavern's famed proprietress, Zharyka Jelahldoran, where it exploded, sending a shower of refuse into the murky waters. The explosion left the proprietress unconscious, but uninjured. None of the other patrons suffered major injuries in the evening’s event, though one man had to be fished out of the lake after the fight.

The appearance of the first Golem in the Crosswinds Tavern occurred the night after the infamous Crosswinds Massacre, in which over fifty Imperial soldiers died at the hands of the tavern patrons. The first Golem rampage left a trail of broken doors, glass, furniture and patrons in its wake. There were no casualties reported, but the tavern itself was nearly destroyed before the monster was tricked back into the Northern Portal, where it met its doom.

The second stormed the room less than one cycle later, killing a number of patrons and one new member of the tavern staff before plummeting through the floor and obliterating the wine cellar.

All three Golems are said to have made their appearance through the unpredictable North Portal, determined to wreak havoc on the unsuspecting patrons.In each case, many skilled fighters had braved their lives to stop the savage beasts.

Rumors abound as to the reasons why these deadly fiends have returned to the lands of the Silver Moon Empire and many seem to believe that their return is directly linked to the fire rain on Dreven cycles previous. Some even go so far as to point fingers at the Mad Mage himself, saying that he is sending his creations for the sole purpose of killing the tavern's fair proprietress. Miss Jelahldoran has been as yet unavailable for comment.

There seems to be no talk of additional security at the tavern, though many seem to believe that there will be other Golems and more destruction to come. Anyone wishing to offer the Crosswinds Tavern aid is asked to leave his or her name with one of the tenders. Once again, all carpenters would be especially appreciated at this time.

Double Murder in a Noble House

Courescant Keep, Shadokhan - On the thirteenth day of Warmglow, the Lord and Lady of the noble house of Courescant were found beheaded within their own study, in the Courescant Keep in Shadokhan.

The bloody murders leave only two remaining members with the noble name; the first son of the house, Camerron Courescant, and Mechella Courescant, the widow of the recently deceased second son, Samuel Courescant. It has not been released whether the noble house's extensive fortune will be divided amongst the two. However, Camerron's recent dismissal from the knighthood and his subsequent fallout with the family makes it highly doubtful that he will be named a beneficiary.

The house is of good name and repute, and in close standings with the Emperor Dreven. The Office of the Magistrate states that the Emperor has personally appointed a knight within his Royal Guard to investigate this brutal crime.

Silver Moon Summit

Nearing the end of Earthfreeze this year, General Jinhiol "Hawksbane" Niliahas and Captains Volaraine Shakar and Hadius Pergaeron held a formal gathering of the Silver Moon Knights in the main hall of "Tent City" just outside the walls of Dreven. This meeting was held to determine the course of action following this most recent crisis to strike the Silver Moon Empire. With the current state of Martial Law in the absence of the Emperor, declarations were made concerning policies in effect, and the negation of policies made prior to the disappearance of the Emperor.

Additionally, aid was offered from many unexpected quarters, including the Archmagess of Oceanuus herself announcing the deployment of the Crystal Fleet to bring needed supplies and personnel to Dreven's assistance, and a stranger later discovered to represent the mysterious Khorezim Empire.

A New Nation Reveals Itself!

Crosswinds Tavern, Shadokhan - If the Silver Moon Empire has been experiencing strange moments lately, this one certainly rides high on the list. On the eighth day of Fadefrost, of this year, the people of the SME were introduced to an army of strangers, bearing colors of an Empire other than our own.

First public knowledge of the arrival of these "Khorezim" began on an otherwise quiet night at the notorious Crosswinds Tavern. The evening's calm was broken by the distant sound of bagpipes and the rumble of marching feet. This continued on for some time until the growing noise finally began to attract the attention of curious patrons.

As they filtered out of the tavern, the patrons were met with the sight of thousands of soldiers, some mounted and all dressed in the colors of black, silver and red, marching from the south. They passed the tavern, heading toward the military camps laid out on the plains near Dreven City. Witnesses say one group of cavalry broke away from the main cadre, drawing up before the tavern. An officer then separated from that group to approach one tavern patron in particular, rumored to be one Gheldan Kirash. This patron, witnesses say, was actually clothed in the same uniform colors as the new arrivals.

The officer then proceeded to salute the patron and address him as "Legate-General". Once words were exchanged between the two officers, Kirash - Legate General - turned to the gathered crowd and announced the First and Fifteenth Legions of the Khorezim Empire,declaring that they were there to help rebuild Dreven City.

Reports say that after this encounter at the tavern, the Legate General and the remaining cavalry continued on to a private meeting with the officials of the Silver Moon Knights. While, unfortunately, this meeting was closed to the public, reliable sources say that at least two Arch-Mages were in attendance.

In the wake of their arrival, these Khorezim leave the people buzzing with questions, fears, hopes.

Foremost among these questions is where did they come from?Although they appeared to be marching from the South, reports say that none of the cities South of the tavern had seen or heard any signs of these Khorezim. Rumors say the new arrivals came from an island off the coast, but if that is so, none of the Silver Moon Empire's port cities report having ships loaded with troops landing on our shore. But, what other answer exists? They couldn't have simply appeared from no where…could they?

And what is their true purpose here?It seems unlikely that an Empire unknown to us until now would suddenly choose to reveal themselves for purely altruistic reasons.So, are they truly here as an invasion force? Or, as some whisper, did the Mad Mage himself call them here? Or... Is it possible that they really are good people who only wish to help rebuild our fair city of Dreven, and perhaps, eventually, open up avenues of trade between our two Empires?

In support of this last possibility, there is one piece of information that the public should be interested in. Shortly after the fire siege of Dreven, it was known that large shipments of much needed supplies were left outside the Crosswinds Tavern with no known benefactor aside from an unsigned note and the insignia of a red eagle on black. As it happens, this is the Imperial sigma of the Khorezim Empire.

Our new friend is also our mysterious benefactor.

The Silver Moon Knights seem to trust the Khorezim troops, and have already implemented their assistance in rebuilding the city. Therefore, it seems the citizens of Dreven City can only watch and wait, and hope that we have not opened our arms to our enemies.

The local druid forecasts that evenings will turn cooler as we say goodbye to summer's last days. Some light rainshowers are expected toward the end of the cycle.

Silver Moon Knight Tried for Murder

Dreven, Shadokhan - It began as an attempted arrest for assault on a Silver Moon Knight, but soon erupted into perhaps the biggest civic debacle in recent history. Adrien Locke, a newly-promoted Senior-Knight was publicly accused of murder during the Silver Moon Summit (see sidebar). Following the accusation, the Knight was relieved of his command pending the trial proceedings.

Reports filed on the incident state that the criminal, a known pit-fighter going under the alias of Seneca Evenzrow, had assaulted an off-duty Silver Moon Knight who was drinking at the Crosswinds Tavern. Senior-Knight Locke stepped in to calm the situation, but was unable to prevent continued violence, which ceased abruptly with the death of Evenzrow, and the near-death of Sir Locke due to unknown but purportedly legitimate causes.

The trial was set up as a military tribunal with a panel of judges to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. The panel included the famed Captains Volaraine Shakar of Wantlokin and Hadius Pergaeron of Klimteg, and Sir Aubrey Hollingsford as the Panel Speaker. Standing as advocate for the accused was Solar Knight Cravideous Saerndakk of Wantlokin. By order of the General, the trial was opened to the public for reasons unknown to this reporter, though speculations have been made as to a political motive.

The first witness was the accuser herself. One Gibora Strongheart set the tone for ridiculousness as she firmly and confidently vilified the accused, and made the deceased appear to be an innocent victim of brutal and intentional murder by calculating and tyrannical lawmen.

Next up in this circus of justice was called the accused himself. Locke, when directed to give an account, confessed to killing the deceased but maintained that it still was not a case of murder. Following witnesses confirmed that the death appeared accidental, and that the accused did all he could to prevent injury and fatality. One final and bizarre witness, an armored outlander by the name of Dirsek, concluded the fiasco by asserting that Locke was not even responsible for the deceased's death, seemingly much to the confusion of Sir Locke.

When the advocate, Sir Saerndakk, stepped up to give his summation, the finale was played out. The panel speaker called into question the entire trial by bringing to light certain transgressions on the part of the advocate himself, insinuating that the Solar Knight was somehow the true criminal in this case. After a shouting match which ended with Sir Locke advising his advocate to composure after a sentence of three days imprisonment for contempt of court, the trial was finally adjourned so that the judges could confer on the evidence presented.

After three days in conference, the verdict was announced. Senior-Knight Adrien Locke, though guilty perhaps of poor judgment, was acquitted of the crime of murder, an oddly anticlimactic end to such an outrageous affair.

One final note on the trial's conclusion remains, however. When Sir Locke was released from the Ubolutiin gaols, he was taken into custody by a bevy of knights wearing the insignia of the Solar Order. This mysterious escort was reported to have set out due east, possibly into Luminii, though no one questioned seemed willing or able to
comment on this curious denouement.

Congratulations!

We here at Emil's Fishery would like to be the first to welcome Emperor Tumian Dreven back to Dreven, the greatest city in the empire! Your strength and dignity in these times of crisis are a welcome sight, and though we missed your presence during our most trying and needy moment, we here at Emil's are certain that whatever endeavor you decided to take at that particular moment in time was just as - if not moreso - necessary. Glory to Dreven!

To celebrate, Emil's Fishery is pleased to offer, for one week only (and in your sovereign name), half off on all stone fish, lumpys, whiskerfish, and marbletails. Emil's is also pleased to announce a "purchase one - get his brother free" offer on all backpaddle trout caught fresh from the river. (Limit two per customer, as our two primary docks were destroyed by the rain of fire and stone).

May Tumian Dreven reign for all centuries! Welcome back, liege!

The previous article was a paid advertisement by Emil's Fishery. Remember, Emil's Fishery, located off the ninth dock and Bleacker St., is open ten days a week. Coin and trade only.

Donations Requested

The Rosewood Orphanage respectfully requests donations from any able and willing to give to the influx of needy children who have been filling the Orphanage since the Demon War, and now the fire siege of Dreven. The Orphanage will accept donations in any form, particularly: money, food, clothes, shoes, blankets, soap, medical supplies, toys, books.

Editorial

Silver Moon Empire: Rising From The Ashes

By Malin Winthrope, Editor-in-chief

There is a tale from the Outlands. A legend passed on the wind by the strangers of worlds unknown to us. A legend I was told one night, by one such stranger, as I nursed a drink in a tavern not far from the building in which I now sit.

The legend speaks of a Phoenix, a glorious bird of red and gold plumage that would live for centuries. This bird was said to be a protector; the keeper of all that is good and right in the land. When the Phoenix could feel its end nearing, it would build itself a nest to be used, of all things, as a funeral pyre. The aged Phoenix would be consumed by the flames of the dawning sun and burned to ashes... And from those ashes, a new Phoenix would arise, its feathers bright and proud, full ready to continue the good work of its predecessor.

We citizens of the Empire have been victimized in a way none could have foreseen. Our lands were soured, our waters poisoned, our own capitol city devastated by fire from above. We've seen our neighbors... Our families, fall in the murderous wake of a returned nightmare from Yesteryear. Our very livelihood has been threatened. Our peace of mind.

Yet, we persevere.

A madman has made his bid to instill terror in our hearts. To make us afraid to lead our lives as proud citizens of a proud nation. He has declared his arrival in a rage of fire and brimstone and thereby declared war on our lands. He has tried to cow us.

But we have not fallen.

The flags of Silver Moon still billow high and true. A symbol of our unity.

In my eyes, we are much like that great bird of myth. We stand as a symbol of what is righteous and good in the world. We are the protectors of truth and goodwill.

And though we did not build our nest, we are rising from the ashes. Adversity has made us stronger as a people and as an Empire.

The Empire of the Silver Moon has faced its darkest day. And we have risen above it.

May our valor conquer all foes, and may our Emperor lead us into a new era of prosperity and peace.