Editor's Note

Dear readers,

Welcome to the newest edition of the Dreven Gazette. In these pages, you will find the triumphant return of our favorite gypsy Gossip, an in-depth look into a Society once thought villainous, as well as all the latest, up-to-date news from around the Empire.

It is in that news, my friends, that I have sensed a disturbing pattern: Death is nothing new to the Empire of the Silver Moon. In our time, we have seen famine, two wars, a slew of natural disasters, as well as disasters of a most unnatural nature. One would think, by now, that we would have grown to hold a higher respect for the lives we have been granted. Reading the articles that have found my desk of late, however, I am saddened to say... We have not.

A respected and revered noble family's home, besieged by those who would protect us. The Emperor's Ball; a setting for murder! The sudden assassination of a Solar Knight, a man sworn to the preservation of life and freedom! What is our world becoming, my fellow Emprans?One story in particular pushed me to search through our slowly growing archives, and I have chosen to publish a previously excluded article, written last year, printed side by side with a more recent one. The similarities between the two documented events are shocking, and disturbing.

Be well, citizens. May your families and friends live the long lives these poor souls were denied. Until next time... Don't blink. You might miss something.

~ Malin Winthrope, Editor in Chief

Chaos Born of Panic

(Originally titled Drevenly Bodies. Written a tenday after
the Dreven Fire Rain.)

Dreven, Shadokhan - Walking among the burning buildings of Dreven City is an eye-opener. Charred bodies line the streets and hang from windows in burnt out shells of what used to be shops, homes, hotels.

Icaruss had a roast, may he rot. Never has Dreven seemed so lonely. The landscape is ugly with smoke and stinking piles of rubbish. Whole walls that flew through the air in the explosions lie piled like so many thick playing cards.

Soldiers run about not knowing what to do exactly, but knowing they must do something. To the credit of the local constabulary, there are many groups of civilians and soldiers digging furiously through the rubble, hoping to find the living, but mostly dragging out the dead.

Help from the other regions of Lyran Tal is dribbling into the area of Dreven in the form of Vivomancers from Luminii, and cartloads of food from the other regions. Small, tented infirmaries have been set up, and the healers work night and day.

All over Dreven, there have been reports of the thievery of foodstuffs and bottled wines. Those citizens who have been discovered hoarding by their neighbors have been beaten or worse, and robbed of all they had stashed. One Dan Trowlin was attacked by a group of men and women, identities unknown, as he carried a sack of feed to his chickens one night. He was knocked down and the sack of feed stolen. The chickens are also missing. The pets that survived the fire-bombing are mysteriously disappearing in large numbers. One of the homeowners on Berry Street, an area not so hard hit, reported "Me horse is gone. I think something ate him."

Along with these atrocities, there have been reports of cannibalism and demonic attacks on various people. None of these have been substantiated. However, on a curious note, the Magistrate's office has disclosed the discovery of the bodies of several men found near the Crosswinds Tavern — a circumstance which is odd due to the fact that the tavern lays a safe distance from the city and was not actually affected by the bombing. Beyond the actual discovery, no other information is forthcoming from the authorities, however, there are eyewitness accounts from two citizens who stumbled upon the grisly remains on their way to work in the morning.

Poncee Dalrimple and Leon Snurk reported their horrific find only hours after they chanced upon the carnage. "'Twas terrible. I couldn't hardly look," reported Master Dalrimple. "I thinks there was about nine or so. 'Twas hard to figure, the arms and legs being torn off so."

"Aye, and the heads as well," added Master Snurk. "It were terrible to behold. I never seen such a bloody mess. I and me wife's concerned about them demon cultists hereabouts who probably committed this heinous act."

Snurk refers to alleged "devil marks" carved into the foreheads of several of the victims. There are rumors that the victims are Imperial Soldiers who were sacrificed to an unnamed deity by fanatics in exchange for occult powers, aimed at taking over the city of Dreven.

Poncee Dalrimple further stated that, "Some of them was chewed-on pretty bad, and it looked to me like as their blood had been sucked."

Imperial Officers would not comment upon the possibility of the deceased being members of their troops. It is likely that plenty of evidence was found by the myriad soldiers tramping and stomping about the crime scene after they were summoned by the two good citizens of Dreven.

All local authorities refuse interviews to date. The Imperial Guardsmen who were questioned merely made significant hand gestures and stolidly remained silent on the subject, with the exception of one Corporal whose remarks are not fit for print.

With these bodies and more strung from one end of Dreven to the other since the fire bombing, it is hard to imagine finding a corpse (or corpses) worthy of more than passing notice. One's attention might be drawn, however, to yet another bizarre string of apparent murders. To date, the bodies of three wealthy and influential men have been found slaughtered in their homes. The staff of the Gazette has linked these deaths together by their apparent similarities — although the local authorities refuse to comment. The three deaths were neatly accomplished with professional efficiency, which leads one to believe that the killings were hired out. Might Dreven may be faced with a new Mystery Assassin? Unlike the savage butchery near the Crosswinds, there was apparently no excess blood at the scenes and no sign of struggle on any of the three occasions. The valuable possessions of the notable victims were stacked at their feet, and — on two occasions — the bodies of their retainers were arranged neatly nearby. In what first appeared as a note of carelessness, a handful of coins was scattered over each tableau.

The names of these individuals are being withheld, pending further investigation, but the authorities seem to have little to go on. No witnesses have been left alive. Nothing seems to tie these apparently random acts of violence together, aside from social position. None of the victims were related. None of them knew each other. Each came from a different part of the city.

Do we wait and see who is next? Dreven authorities won't say. One might ask if this, too, is more work from the alleged demon cultists. Or have we a serial killer on the loose? And then, again, is this perhaps yet another device in the Mad Mage's diabolical attempt to overthrow our fair city?

Massacre Among the Trees

Shadokhan Forest, Shadokhan - The woods surrounding Dreven City have once again proven unsafe. Five days before the start of Earthfreeze, the bodies of fifteen men were found mutilated in a clearing deep within the forest. The bodies were discovered late in the afternoon by a search-party that was initiated when the dead men had not returned from a camping trip three days prior. One witness was quoted, saying that they "could smell the death before actually finding it."

Bodies were littered throughout the clearing in various stages of mutilation. Some sported multiple cuts and slashes. Others had only a single killing blow, missing limbs and large swaths of skin; one was even found sloppily beheaded! Furthermore, some of them displayed more abrasions and fractures than actual broken skin. At first, it was suspected by authorities that the men had fallen victim to a bandit attack, but further investigation of the site led to the current theory that the apparent campers were attacked by (and attacking) a single adversary. It should be noted that "camping" did not seem to be the only activity taking place before their untimely demise. The skins of many types of animals, newly acquired and numbering over two hundred, were found in neat, waist-high piles around the campsite.

This incident and others like it (though nonfatal) bear a close resemblance to a number of incidents that occurred last winter, both before and after the Dreven Fire Rain. Both incidents bear similar circumstances -- mass killings, unnaturally mutilated bodies, terrorized citizens. They share the same setting of the Shadokhan Forest, and these incidents keep to a common timeframe -- Winter. All these factors have contributed to the growing theory that either a demonic creature or demon occultists -- or both -- are practicing their dark arts within our forests. Considering last year's similarly disturbing incidents, the theory is almost indisputable.

The close proximity of all of these events to the infamous Crosswinds Tavern, a known stomping ground for violent Outlanders, has not been overlooked and is described as being taken into "serious consideration" as the authorities work to solve these murders. The Magistrate's Office has confirmed that a group of trackers and guardsmen has already been dispatched into the woods to find the killer(s?) and bring them to justice.

Assassin and Knight Found Dead

Dreven, Shadokhan - On a cloudless winter's eve in Chillset, it was reported that the Solar Knight and Royal Guardsman, Cravideous Saerndakk, was attacked by an unknown assassin in the alleyways of Dreven City, and subsequently died from the wounds suffered in the attack.It is rumored that the entire encounter was written in a report by the wounded hands of Sir Saerndakk before he bled to death. Captain Hadius Pergaeron confirmed the death of the Solar Knight, but would not release any further information regarding the apparent murder.

On a related note, there was another body in the aforementioned alleyways in Dreven City on the same eve of Chillset, found by the Dreven Watch and reported to the Magistrate. It is believed that this second casualty of the night was actually the assassin in question that had attacked the Solar Knight. The unnamed man died of a fatal knife wound to his chest.It was also reported by the watchman that there was a note harvested from the body, which implicated an organization called the Triumvirate. Despite the name, there is no known link at this time, between this organization and the Triad.

The Magistrate and the Silver Moon Knights would only state that investigations are under way.

Kitchen Woes

Crosswinds Tavern, Shadokhan - As if there wasn't enough speculation about strange happenings at the Crosswinds, it appears that the tavern's kitchen may be haunted by a ghost who subjects unwelcome visitors to a barrage of pots and pans! One longtime frequenter of the tavern confessed that she had heard of the attacks before, but did not know of their origin. When asked about the tavern's ghost, Asa, one of the tavern's main keepers, said only, "There ain't no ghost," adding that anyone who ventured into the kitchen uninvited deserved a pot over the head. Though no one claims to have actually seen the ghost, strangers are advised to wait for a tender and avoid the kitchen for their own safety.

Weapons Available

After the vicious quake that shook Cloosidian over a year ago, Mirilar Arms: Weapon Makers and Repairs is proud to announce our Grand Reopening! Place your orders now on our limited-supply Honor Blades of the Silver Moon Empire, a commemorative collection of showcase replicas designed and forged by owner, Kadien Mirilar, himself. Each of these seven finely crafted swords represents a different region of our great empire, ending with a masterful recreation of the Emperor's own Dawn's Embrace. This is a collection no proud citizen should be without.

Mirilar Arms, providing only the highest quality of weapons to Fort's Wantlokin and Ubolutiin for the past two decades. Located 12 miles east of the border of Cloosidian and Shadokhan, in the town of Nestleridge.

Obituaries

Dyffyd Ian Wren, Elvish bard and poet, by accidental death.Author of many songs and poems, Wren traveled through Arboria for many years as an independent performer. It is unknown whether any family survives him. He never married. To date, no services have been announced.

Weddings

Gentlepersons,
We are pleased to announce the marriage of Vivomancer, Baron Robin Raynaldo Madrona of Luminii to Lady Linnet Ianthe Saint Alban, of Rhy'Din. This is the first wedding for both Robin and Linnet, and they have vowed to remain together for all of their days.

The first marriage ceremony was held after hours at the Crosswinds Tavern, before one witness. The second ceremony for the family, was held at Saint Alban Manor, with Robin's adopted son, Carnas and Linnet's young brother, Morgan and Aunt Helloise in attendance.

Imperial Announcement

Let it be known that local resident Delwin Simmons has done a great service for the Crown, the Emperor, Taysàyad Keep, and the Empire in its totality. The restoration of the ancient blade Holman's Fury, lost during a period of great internal strife in Shadokhan, has been returned to us by the hand of this man, and as gratitude for his bravery, resourcefulness, and selflessness, it is the decision of Emperor Tumian Dreven I to elevate him to the landed nobility. Lord Simmons, as he shall now be known, will hold sway over Mulready Tower and its environs; may he restore that honorable spire to its former glory. The Empire thanks you, Lord Simmons!

The local druid indicates that the next tenday or so will continue to be cold, with some snowfall expected throughout the month of Fadefrost. Snow will change to cold rain as the month nears it's end.

Dear gypsy,

Is it true that our Leige-Lord Tumian Dreven and the Arch-Magess of Luminii, Annabella Morningstar, are no longer "an item"? Is the Emperor back on the open market?

Sincerely,
Salivating

Dear Salivating,

I would invest in more drool cloths for the rumors are true! Our returned Emperor Dreven's last encounter with the Arch-Magess of Vivomancy -- at the Crosswinds Tavern, mentioned in my last issue -- was one of emotional distance and jilted spirit.

The two have not been seen together since, and may tongues within the Keep say that our Emperor has turned all of his thoughts and heart, to the state of the nation at hand. He has been heard to say that he has no time to spare for anything else.

Well, Annabella Morningstar's loss is our gain ladies! You can bet Tumian Dreven I will be on my top list as the most Eligible Bachelor until a ring is placed upon his finger!

Speaking of which...

Dear gypsy,

Being a young, handsome lord of great wealth and influence -- though excluded from your "Top Ten Bachelors" list - I am curious whether or not you are going to put together a "Top Ten Bachelorettes" list. Before choosing a potential bride with which to share my two keeps, one summer home, four carriages and a hunting falcon with, I would indeed like to know who you think is the most attractive.

Sincerely,
(Name withheld by gypsy)

Dear good, wealthy, and eligible lord,

To formulate such a list, with all sincerity and honesty that is due to someone in my position, would do grave injustice to the ladies of Shadokhan, for it would be an unfair yet rightfully deserved advantage that would fall upon myself. Such a few would actually deserve a place on the list, and in painting this regrettable picture of comparison between the extraordinary and the homely, I could dash the hopes of well-meaning maidens for a Chosen ceremony in spring.

Nay, I say to you good lord.I would not do such disservice to the sisters of my sex.

But if you would like a private discussion, do seek out my counsel and I would be happy to entertain your interests.

Page 2

Bloodbath within the Noble Halls

It seems that Shadokhan attracts all sorts of fiends and murderers! Many cycles past, it was found that the noble house of Courescant had suffered a detrimental loss to their bloodline, when they lost their second -- and believed to be only noble and honorable -- son to a tragedy. Then while mourning for the loss of their second son, the Lord and Lady Courescant were murdered within their own Keep, just outside of Dreven.

I would swear the house and blood of Courescants are now and forever cursed, for even before a cycle passed following the death of the Lord Alexander and Lady Withea Courescant, the deserted keep saw a bloodbath once more.

The events followed in the wake of a note left upon the Tavern door as well as around the Dreven City, stating the demands of a former and obviously disgruntled Imperial soldier, Baudouin Sebourc, once a bodyguard to Michanek Pen'darric. Sebourc and his band of mercenaries -- or "dishonorably discharged" Imperial Guards, I should say -- were demanding to see the Emperor, and had taken many hostages from an ambushed caravan to press his point. I guess once a raider, always a raider.

Well, it seemed the deserted Courescant Keep that sits upon a cliff just to the north of Dreven was chosen as their hideout. But in picking the former murder scene, the group of ex-Imperials had found -- to their surprise -- a few more hostages. In addition to the passengers of the overtaken caravan, and the small number of Silver Moon Knights that were accompanying it, Sebourc and company arrived upon the deserted keep to find it was being visited by Mechella d'Virte (the most recently made Lady of Courescant), a lieutenant of the Royal Guard, and a lord who kept hidden his true name.

For three days they were kept within the Keep. The impending threat of execution hung over the head of each hostage, should the ex-Imperial's demands to personally speak with the Emperor not be met. But upon the third day, a squadron of Royal Guards seized and rushed the once noble Keep, the end result yielding many dead Imperials and a few wounded Royal Guardsmen.

Amongst the ranks of the Royal Guards (or "Palace Guards" now -- which is it?) were Captain Meria Ondias who led the charge, a Solar Knight, Cravideous Saerndakk, and an outlander elf Lyryk "Dragon Son" who worked in conjunction with the squadron of Guards.

All the hostages were recovered unharmed.It seems this Baudouin Sebourc either was a man of all talk and no heart ... or this newly formed "Palace Guard" has more skill than I give them credit for.

Since the bloodbath and utter defeat of the Imperial uprising, there have been more speakers who champion the cause of those misguided, disgruntled (and doomed) mercenaries. It seems these raiders and looters suddenly found a patriotic spirit and want an honorable position under the Emperor! So then the loot of Dreven City's innocents was not enough to fatten their pockets?They must add a badge of honor to the number of citizens they persecuted?

Folly I say!A tiger does not change one's stripes even if revealed ... and I say these Imperials have been revealed for their nature and cannot change their ways. This last fiasco was but a testament to their inherent brutality.

It is interesting to note the former leader of the Imperials, Michanek Pen'darric, could not be reached for comment for he has been assigned -- or exiled, depending on who you ask -- to a secret mission in a distant land. However, a little birdie told me I should ask another Pen'darric ...one who took an active part during this whole hostage fiasco.Unfortunately when reached for comment, she was not so forthcoming with even her surname, or much else.

Something tells me this isn't the last we hear or see of Imperials ... nor the Pen'darric family. The only sure thing in all of this? The curse that hangs over the house of Courescant is real.

Masque and Mystery

This autumn marked the first ever Masked Ball thrown by the Emperor himself, Tumian Dreven I. While it was hosted by the Imperial Liege to mark the new beginning to his return and rule amidst the grand white walls of the rebuilt Taysàyad (as well to show off the splendor that was restored within it, perhaps) methinks the Emperor and his council also held some dubious purpose, mixed with some fair irony, in making this celebration one of masque and mystery.

With the ever-looming threat of the Mad Mage on the horizon -- many say that he may even walk amongst us, although it is usually from the mouths of the demented and ailing -- the first son of Dreven hosted a party beneath his own roof, inviting guests to enter his home and to hide their identities! I would be mighty suspicious of a party thrown by lambs, where wolves were welcomed to wear a disguise of wool. I would think a crazy megalomaniac such as the Mad Mage would find such an invitation irresistible.

But ... mayhap the celebration proved me wrong. Not that there weren't incidences. There were. Three murders in fact -- two Silver Moon Knights and one Oceanuusian merchant -- just at the gates of the Keep, but nothing near as destructive in magnitude as the Fire Rain that descended last winter.

If I had known the celebration would be mostly enjoyable, I would have attended!

But alas, no famous sightings were to be had. None saw the Emperor at his own ball, and only one member of the Circle of Six, Irmaa Vep, made a public appearance. The Pale One deigned not to wear a mask and was rumored to have pouted through most of the celebration, frustrated that she was not greeted personally by the Imperial Host.

There were other interesting guests however, and one could only speculate who laid in wait behind the mask. One of most notable attendance was a dancer of tanned skin, dancing about scantily clad in silk ribbons, with her own band no less. I say someone stole my trademark! And woman after my own heart, this dancing guest even dared to bump hips with the Queen of Necromancy herself.

Less lovely than the maiden of scant ribbons were two Red Cows that came to the Ball, as well as a pair of Redcaps. Certainly, these nobles had either a wicked sense of humor or just plain poor taste. Now I know why the Emperor did not attend himself. 'Twas the stench of cows.

But up until the abrupt ending of the Ball when the guests were promptly ordered out of Taysàyad (after the discovery of the three bodies at the gate -- see below) the ball was an immense success, with lords and ladies dancing with who-knows-who beneath the moonlight and shower of ribbons.

Who knows what will come of those unknown rendezvous?

Murder at the Masque

Despite the festive nature of the Masque, tragedy and darkness still reached into the heart of our nation. Two Silver Moon Knights and a seemingly innocent merchant's son from Oceanuus were found dead, apparently sucked dry of their very breath at the main gates of Taysàyad Keep.

Investigators suspect a hand of necromancy in this, for certainly no notable wounds were found on the pale and dried husks of bodies. Rumor states that the dead Silver Moon Knights had not even drawn their swords, which leads to suspect that they did not see the attack coming.

One of the dead, the son of an Oceanuusian merchant named Sirocco Zonda, throws another mystery in to the mix. His link to the Silver Moon Knights is unknown, and there is no apparent motive for this man's death. But since he was a guest at the Ball, and is remembered by a few, however vaguely, it is said that the Magistrate is using him as a starting point of this murder investigation.

Mayhap another guest lured this man out of the ball to the gates? He was reported not to be intoxicated, so why would he leave the Ball prematurely? Indeed, if the murderer had attended the festivities, it was an evening of masque and treachery.

Princess Returned ... Princess Chosen?

This is the latest and absolute juiciest gossip! There are rumors of wedding preparations within Taysàyad Keep! The nearly forgotten and rarely seen Aslin Dreven, the older sister to our Emperor-Liege, is speculated to be betrothed! As was her lot in life before her public unveiling and introduction at Tivili two years ago, Aslin's recent affairs have also been kept out of the public eye since her disappearance sometime before the Fire Rain. It seems that the royal family wants this affair to remain private, for they have forgone the historical tradition of announcing their engagement during the annual celebration of Tivili.

There had been rumors of grim occurrences upon the Princess' person -- sprouting from her prolonged and unexplained absence -- which had been effectively dispelled since the Masque, for many palace servants say that they have laid their eyes upon her beautiful countenance again! Rumors abound that she attended the Masque with a companion, but from whence and with whom remains a mystery. Neither Aslin nor her mystery consort revealed themselves until after the end of the Masque, and only then to a very select few.

For those readers who may recall, Aslin Dreven was once known amongst these gossip pages, over two years ago, as tenderess Aslin of the Crosswinds Tavern. At the infamous tavern she served drinks like a commoner, all the while working for the crown gathering vital information about the going-ons within the empire! But it was also at the Crosswinds that she had been speculated to have quite a few lovers ... an impressive and distinguished list that included a rogue, a healer, and a warrior, amongst others! So who was granted the honor of making the Princess of Dreven his very own betrothed?

These are unconfirmed rumors folks ... but more than one source has told me that the preparations are being made for a ceremony to be held in some undisclosed location in Arboria. A beautiful dress, hand-woven by a realm-renowned seamstress, as well as a few cherished family heirlooms had been seen being transported away in guarded caravans bound for Arboria.

All things pointing to the land of elves ... I think I have a pretty good idea of who her "betrothed" may be! Or should I say, Chosen ... the elvish saying for betrothed?

Unfortunately for us common folk, this also means the security for this affair will be tighter than Irmaa Vep's brassiere. I guess we will have to wait for the blushing bride to return from her honeymoon to get any more juicy details ... especially if they might concern the bedroom habits of a certain elfin warrior!

But fear not, ladies! While one former eligible bachelor may soon be off the market, the Emperor still remains unattached!(see the letter on page one) There are but a few tendays left before the arrival of Tivili! Can one of you make our Emperor your own Chosen?

With that my good readers, I shall let more rumors fly come spring. Until then, keep warm and safe!

~Brynnalia Cal'e, gypsy extraordinaire

Page 3

Editorial

Inside the Black Branch:
Are They Really the Villains We Pictured?

By Moreas "the Skull" Antale

In search of newsworthy tales, I recently visited the Crosswinds Tavern -- and was rewarded with more than I'd bargained for!Immediately upon stepping foot inside, I was accosted by a man wearing smoked glasses and claiming to be a Black Branch Knight. With glib tongue and the help of a few concerned Drevenites, I managed to calm the fellow, one Niccolo Pishenko du Payenne, enough to get the exclusive interview that follows!

Dreven Gazette: Can you please, in full, state the purpose of the Black Branch Knights?

Niccolo Pishenko du Payenne: To destroy that which is undead.

DG: That's it?

NPdP: There is more. To protect the living populace of Balthazor and beyond.

DG: Now that sounds knightly.

NPdP: We are not concerned with sounding "knightly." We are concerned with preserving the natural order of life and death.

DG: Why this animosity toward the undead?I mean, truly, you can't honestly blame them for their state, can you?

NPdP: Those undead that are evil are destroyed for the good of the world.Those undead that are not evil are destroyed so that their spirit will be freed to where it must go.

DG: What if they don't want their spirit freed?

NPdP: Then they are most unfortunate. We have but one treaty.

DG: Oh? And what treaty is that?

NPdP: There is a colony of winnowed undead in Dulciner, in Luminii. We do not cause them any harm so long as they remain in Dulciner.

DG: Hmm. I see.Now, for the record, who founded the Order, and when?

NPdP: The Black Branch was founded three-hundred years ago by Hildebrande de Lorraine.

DG: And who leads you now? The Lord Keeper, I believe you called him?

NPdP: Lord Keeper Lad Partaene, Baron of Padrical. As well as, unofficially, Lady Arya Lannister Partaene, Baroness of Padrical.

DG: Thank you.

At this point, I began to remember my own experiences in Balthazor, and in that area in particular. I remember the natives of that Barony as not being among the friendliest, and this man's cold demeanor suggested that I remembered correctly.

DG: Tell me about yourself.

NPdP: (suspiciously) Why?

DG: Why, because that's what you do when you are interviewed, of course.

NPdP: I am a member of the Payenne family. This is my fourth year as a Knight of the Black Branch.I spend much of my time breeding Padrical Blacks, our prized horses.

DG: Hmm. Any personal experiences to relate to our readers?

NPdP: Only one of importance. I lost my eyesight when battling a Lich. She sought to dominate one of the noble families of Balthazor. I managed to destroy the abomination despite my blindness.

DG: You are blind?

NPdP:Yes.

I admit to being surprised by this admission. I had been erroneously thinking that his smoked spectacles were a fashion statement!

DG: Well, what have you to say about the various rumors?

NPdP: They are false and unfounded, malicious attempts on the part of the witch Irmaa Vep to harm our order on a political level.

DG: Hm. So the tales of dark rituals, blood-drinking and the consumption of babies are, shall we say, exaggerated?

NPdP: Yes. They are exaggerated.

DG: Alright, fair enough.

NPdP: We have but two rituals. Our yearly feast which takes place in the coldest time of winter.And...our mourning ritual in which, once every year, we mourn all those who have been lost.

DG: It is good to mourn the lost.

NPdP: Yes.

I began once again to suspect a certain backhandedness to his answers, as a reflection of his Order's prejudice against the undead. I decided to put my suspicions to the test by putting forward the next question.

DG: So, what did you think of the brief period of sunlight experienced in Balthazor awhile back?

NPdP: It was refreshing, though it harmed the blossoms that the people of Padrical use to produce their Lotus Wine. This year's wine will be a very bad year.

DG: I imagine so. Has your order done anything in response to the more recent tragedy here in Dreven?

NPdP: The order has maintained its traditional stance of remaining uninvolved in matters not concerning the undead, though individual knights have acted outside of the order to give aid.

DG: Hm. A rather narrow-minded stance, isn't it? I mean, undead aren't all there is to life.

NPdP: It is what the order is devoted to.It is our holy stance, as it were.Individual knights may do as they desire, though the order will not provide support for any affairs outside of its tenets.

DG: Alright, I can accept that. What about the not-so-recent change in the Order's law about marriage? What did you think of that?

NPdP: I am a moderate. I feel that given the strict conditions under which the law was changed it will not adversely affect the order. I also expect to see a growth in our numbers with the next generation, as knights need not retire now to have families. I am neither in favor nor against the change.

DG: You say you are a moderate? What about those who are not so moderate? What other opinions exist within your Order?

NPdP: There are many who believed that it was invitation to lust and hedonism. They have thus far been proven wrong. Though many still believe that Lord Keeper Partaene's recent actions, such as his marriage with the Silver Moon Knight Arya Lannister, are detrimental to our order and contrary to its cause.

DG: Hmm. That will almost do it. One last question, though.

NPdP: Make it quick.

DG: Is there anything you would like to say to our readers?

NPdP: Keep your eyes open.

DG: Well, thank you very much, Sir Payenne. I'm sure the Gazette will be happy to print your views and statements.

After wishing him a good evening, I returned to the Gazette offices. Despite the obvious hostility with which he regarded me, I found myself respecting this gruff, blind Knight. Mind you, it's the sort of respect which doesn't include meeting him alone in a dark alley.