Vinoricco Reclaimed!

Vinoricco, Luminii - In the bitter wasteland that was all that remained of Vinoricco, a group of warriors and strangers came together to heed Emperor Tumian Dreven's call to liberate the town from the ravenous Hive.

Meeting heavy resistance by the bugs from both the air and ground, to many's suprise and dismay, the creatures were armed with strange weapons: glowing-hot spears and javelins. What was worse, the Hive proved resistant to our own fire-attacks!

Among those brave souls who stood at the Emperor's side were rumored to be the infamous overseer of the Crosswinds Tavern, Zharyka Jelahldoran, and the elf Kendra Rulyar, also not unknown to the Gazette's pages. Both are rumored to have survived a previous encounter with the Hive.

Reports say that villagers were found in Vinoricco, horrifically altered! Worse, when our brave warriors came upon the Hive's nest, they found more villagers enslaved and used as living incubators to the creatures' broods! A fate worse than death!

The Emperor and his men fought bravely, and brought down both the Hive's "queen" and her ferocious protectors!Vinoricco has been rescued, thanks to the incredible skill and drive of the Silver Moon Empire!

During a sweep of the surrounding towns, one area was found completely cleaned out. The scouts and mantis Hive in one spot were eradicated by what appears to have been blades.Their remains were scattered, making it seem that the hunters killed them off one by one. A farmer in the area reported seeing one hunter working on his own with a pair of strangely shaped swords. The witness will not elaborate further since he was trying to hide from the marauding Hive. There is no doubt that more people will be coming into the area to rout out the remaining bugs.

There are strange rumors coming from Nostrum, where most of the wounded from Vinoricco's liberation were sent. Healers have gossiped about a pair of survivors found near the Town Center. One of them, a young man, had been in a deep sleep since arriving, awakening a tenday or so after. The Vivomancers seemed to have difficulty in treating his heavy injuries and acid burns. During the time he was sleeping, though, the wounds and burns seemed to heal on their own!

Upon waking up, the young man seemed a bit out of sorts. Apparently the horrors of Vinoricco were too much for him at the time, leaving him with mental scars.With careful steps he is making progress to a recovery. His companion has kept herself hidden away as much as possible. She had dragged him out of the mess in the town center to be brought to Nostrum to be healed. The young woman has kept herself covered up in a borrowed robe, occasionally showing up to assist the healers with a surprising knowledge of herbs and their usage. She has politely declined the aid of the Vivomancers, instead preferring to treat herself as she continues to keep her friend company.

Nostrum Haunted?

The Nostrum, Luminii - Something stranger still has been occurring in and around Nostrum! People have reported ghostly noises and phantoms spotted mostly at night. All attempts to locate the source have failed. The apparitions aren't necessarily horrific; from reports they have a great amount of variety, from strange music and chants to phantoms dressed in archaic fashions! Others have noticed the 'ghosts' talking amongst themselves. The most frequent sighting is that of a small boy with features that no one can quite describe. Of the more frightening appearances have been of battle scenes and a darkly-clad man in what can only be assumed to be assassin's garb. His most noticeable feature is a carved wooden mask bearing the image of a fanged demon with two horns. With a bloodstained sword he walks the halls appearing and vanishing at random. Other sightings have been of villagers walking about as if they were dead, their stomachs writhing. Yet with each witnessed horror, they seem to be balanced out by the appearance of a beautiful girl dressed in a simple white robe.Her hair and eye color have varied slightly according reports, as has her age.. ranging from barely into adolescence to young adult. It is noted that the horrific sights and sounds have started to occur at a steadily decreasing rate. The investigation into the matter will continue until it is solved.. or the 'hauntings' stop.

Captain Goes Missing

Balthazor - Captain Th'Dath So'Koch has dissappered from Balthazor, gentle readers! Rumor has it that he met with a man at the eastern border of Thermador and has not been seen beyond that! Rumors are circulating, speaking of a promotion he received, but as yet he's not even been spotted within Balthazor's borders!Where is So'Koch then, and who is it who has promoted him?

Of further note to this story is the appearence of a man going by the name of Ch'Kokk Do'Bas, seen recently in Shadokhan and Luminii. According to witnesses, this man was heard commenting on the missing. Th'Dath So'Koch. Currently wanted for questioning, a patron of the mountain-pass town Morgaine spoke of this light-to-gray haired man, armed with a sword and bow. Do'Bas is rumored to sport a drooping, gray-white mustache and have a sharp gaze. If you encounter him, be sure to let the local authorities know! Do'Bas has not been seen in at least a tenday in Shadokhan nor that of Luminii.

A New Face in the Tavern

Crosswinds Tavern, Shadokhan - A new face has shown up to start tending at the Crosswinds tavern...though to be perfectly honest, none have seen his face yet! A man calling himself Kage started not long ago with a job tending the bar and helping out around the tavern. He seems to have a fair knowledge of herbs and roots, using them to help the occasional sick or injured patron. He's a bit of a strange sort, covered head-to-toe in a robe or cloak with a scarf about his face. Despite his appearance, he's been quite polite yet warm to those he encounters. Many wonder just what he looks like under all that concealment. That he came from Balthozar is enough to feed the rumor mills, though he admits to being well-traveled about the Silver Moon Empire. So far, at least, he hasn't proven to be trouble!

Mystery Marauder?

Dreven, Shadokhan - The body of an unidentified Dreven resident was discovered in a back alley after the night of the new moon.There were no marks upon him, and so magic is suspected -- likely necromancy, yet surprisingly, no traces of it were detected! Upon further inspection, the man was also found to be barely alive! He is currently under the care of Vivomancers until he recovers, though at this point it seems highly unlikely. Rumor has it that someone was leaving the area not long before the discovery; a witness claims that she saw a young woman murmuring something about feeling cold. Fearing for her life, the bystander wasn't able to get a clear look at the suspect in the darkness. All she will say is that the woman had very light hair... almost white or silver.

Murder Reigns!

Dreven, Shadokhan - One of the city's ugly myths has reared its loathsome head yet again! Perhaps, gentle readers, you may recall a rash of murders in our fair municipality nigh onto a year ago. The shocking butchery struck high and low, from Dreven's cream to her spoilt milk; from nobility to the meanest wretch in the street! Although the means of death differed from scene to scene, in each instance, the body was neatly arranged and one coin left on the victim's forehead. In each case, this coin was the only currency left in the vicinity of the crime, though several of the victims were quite well-to-do and some coinage in their abode was bound to exist.

Such were the circumstances in the latest atrocity. One Paul Dolorosa was found murdered in his room of the posh Golden Eagle Inn. He was beaten, stabbed, and ultimately shot with what is assumed to be a crossbow bolt. The bolt was not recovered at the scene. All easily portable valuables were taken, and the serial killer's signature was left on the deceased's forehead — a plain copper coin. A mockery of the merchant's standing and wealth!

The victim's steward, one Korban of Oceanuus, had apparently been killed with a single shot to the back. Again, the weapon was not recovered and again, a coin decorated his forehead. A silver this time, mind you!

When questioned, the hotel clerk claimed to have witnessed two armed people running up the stairs — a thus-far unidentified man and woman. The room in which Dolorosa was discovered was ransacked and burned; damage estimates are still being calculated.

In addition, a man by the name of Theagenes Tobble was discovered beaten and unconscious outside the hotel. There were no witnesses, and Tobble declared that it was too dark to identify his single assailant beyond the man's 'unholy demon eyes'. Is there a connection between these deaths and those discovered near the Gloating Goat Tavern? Beware, fair citizens, of the Demons that haunt Dreven!

Murders Linked?

Dreven, Shadokhan - Are the string of murders over the past months related? Recent murders left two men dead naked, yet with their coin, leading authorities to conclude these deaths could be linked to previous murders in Shadokhan, Balthazor and Oceanuus. A dagger has been the apparent weapon used in each case. The most recent murders are curious, as the men were left naked upon their very own beds.

According to reports, neither man was with wife, nor seemed to be in a business which would call death to their doors. Is it possible there is a serial killer on the loose upon the lands? Furthermore, the gender of this mystery culprit is still a mystery! The Silver Moon Knights have posted a reward for any information in aiding them with this case.

Crime Continues in Shadokhan

Dreven, Shadokhan - The crime wave that has plagued Dreven continues. Last cycle, a group of four bandits waylaid a carriage en route to Dreven City. Madelyne Price, the occupant of the carriage, was traveling to Dreven from Luminii on family business. Three men and one woman, who have been described as "unwashed thugs," attacked the carriage approximately 500 yards from the Crosswinds Tavern.

Fortunately, Garne Saerndakk and Silver Moon Knight Shaelen Ashura came upon the bandits in the midst of the attack and were able to prevent completion of the crime. In the course of the scuffle, the woman robber, presently unidentified, was killed. One of the robbers, identified as Griffin "Griff" Ports escaped, and two of the bandits, Laurence "Lunk" Masters and Stephen "Shorty" Park, were held for questioning.& At this time, it is unclear whether the robbers were working for a criminal organization or merely petty thieves.

Richard West, Mistress Price's elderly manservant, suffered a concussion and broken leg during the attack. He has since returned to Luminii. Knight Ashura and Saerndakk escorted Mistress Price to the Crosswinds Tavern, where she now resides indefinitely.

Wedding

Mirium DeVertio San Giamonico
and
Olaf San Giamonico

proudly announce
the wedding of their eldest son
Orazio San Giamonico
to
Lalchi Dahi

daughter of Daschi and Jaiper Dahi, Son of the Quintak.

The wedding will be a quiet affair attended by family and friends at the Giamonico Lumtaliza Estate in Luminii.

Birth Announcement

The Giamonico family is proud to welcome it's newest addition. Olaf San Giamonico and his wife Mirium are proud parents of a new baby girl, Lexandra San Giamonico born on the fourth of Fadefrost!

Shipwrights & Metal Workers Needed

The Highwall Trading Consortium in Highwall, Thermador, is looking for shipwrights and metal workers to take on the task of building a fleet of ships for the consortium. A total of six ships will be built under this contract. The consortium requires Master Workers and references for this endeavor. All inquires pertaining to this contract should be sent to the offices of the Highwall Trading Consortium, to the attention of Peregrin Eth Torios. Replies will be issued in one cycle.

Peregrin Eth Torios
Highwall Trading Consortium

Wanted: Weaponsmiths

Worthy Smiths of the fine art of metal. Must be skilled in the forging of daggers, axes, polearms, swords and shields. Experience desired. Quality will be paid for at a more than fair price.

Send all inquires to:
Ambassador Mordred Anubis
Taysàyad Keep, Dreven.

The local druid predicts continued warmer weather as Spring arrives. Rainshowers will continue into the next cycle.

Trading Company
Moves to Dreven

Dreven, Shadokhan - Amid little fanfare, another trading company has set up an office in Dreven City. While these sorts of businesses start up all the time, there is a slight difference with this one. A family owned business that's been around in one form or another for over a thousand years, Xiaoqi Imports and Exports has maintained a low profile and independence from the quickly expanding UMA. While competition has hampered it slightly, rumor has it that the company has established a method to stay in business. A visit to the office and nearby shop has shown that they have access to a variety of goods, from the rare to the mundane. These range from books, artwork and curiosities to all sorts of foodstuffs, medicine and cloth. Time will tell if it survives.

What Adventures Await?

Morgaine, Shadokhan - Recently, both that of Man and Elf were seen growing in number in the trading town of Morgaine, upon the mountain pass from Shadokhan to Luminii. Though eyewitness counts are not certain, it is rumored that at least one- to two-hundred men and elves gathered just outside the trading town none too long ago. Before dawn, they had set out eastward into Luminii and disappeared from sight! A fur trader spoke of them, describing their departing sounds as a storm of thunder moving into the wind. For what purpose has this large group set off into Luminii? Who has called them into gathering? In the past year, a few groups have set out to try their luck in the horrid wastes of the Badlands. Have these brave Men and Elves set out to do the same? Or is there a deeper design to their quick ride East?

Bad Business,
Broken Bottles

Vinoricco, Luminii - Alas, gentle reader, it is not only the innocent citizens of Vinoricco who suffer but the most wealthy as well throughout the Empire who have succumbed to the vile infestation of those horrible creatures known only as the Hive. I speak not of death and devastation, as these things affect each man equally when they come to pass. No, no, I speak of beverages.

Beverages. But not just any beverages. I speak of drinks that lure the sipper into a state of complete and utter ease, such drinks that delight the palate and bring pleasant dreams upon passing into a drunken stupor. And when I speak of drinks and dire circumstances, the most dire of circumstances for all those who praise the fruit of the vine in all its most glorious forms is the violent destruction of Vinoricco.

It is widely known that the three Vinorrico vineyards of the Knowlyns, the Vinumspirates and the San Santiangios produce by far the greatest amount of Luminii's magnificent wine supply. What is known by few except the most elite wine connoisseurs is that the jewel of an already beautiful city, Petite Syrah, is produced there as well. It is a uniquely spicy wine with the taste of blackberries and a faint flavor of tannin, a combination much more pleasing than the description can intimate, I am sure. Even among the most wealthy of palates it is a delicacy, and a noble's alcoholism might have in fact been measured by the glass in older days.

The drink is prized, though, not for its unique taste but because of its rarity. Bottled only once a year to both assure the choicest fruits of the crop and to prevent over harvesting, five lone cases go out each year, no more than a bottle to prospective buyers.

Unfortunately for those in the upper crust, this year, every single one of those much sought after cases has been lost. Whether or not the Hive actually enjoy the taste of the berry, one thing is definite: little is left of a city once the Mad Mage has turned his attentions on it, and with the help of an army of man-eating creatures and, I am sure, his favorite walking stick -- if you find me personally, I have an interesting story for you -- nary a bottle will be found.

So, for those prudent enough, sober enough, or self-controlled enough to have a bottle of the Petite, I bid your either pop the cork now or share with a friend. The price of those bottles will surely elevate with no end in sight.

On the 30th day of Fadefrost, Garne Saerndakk was found guilty of assault against Ereledan Ashura. He received ten public lashing in the main town square on the 5th of Blossombud.

Bed of Violence

It is with great conflict that I report the tale of Garne Saerndakk's latest turn of events.

Ereledan Ashura, an Aeromancer and former Cloosidian Ambassador to Shadokhan, as well as a good acquaintance of mine, has accused Garne Saerndakk, a former Silver Moon Knight and the son of a prominent noble, of assault!

How could this be? Two of the more handsome bachelors in the city of Shadokhan, and they dare risk their fair forms assaulting each other? Possibly risking marring their attractive frames? Fear not ladies, the wounds were superficial at best, and Ambassador Ashura has recovered fully, from what I hear.

But the tale goes on. It seems that the source of the argument was over Ereledan's sister, Shaelen Ashura, another former Silver Moon Knight, being found in a rather indiscreet affair with Lord Saerndakk. When her twin brother, Ereledan, discovered the torrid - and undoubtedly physically violent, from what rumors I hear of the warrior woman Shaelen - affair, angry words were had between he and Garne Saerndakk. Ereledan was next seen at the Magistrate's office sporting bruises and welts upon his fair skin.

Garne Saerndakk has been arrested since, spending many a night in the gaol. For some reason, the Magistrate has delayed administering the punishment - public lashing - stating that further investigation is underway regarding Garne's mysterious past with the Silver Moon Knights and his unexplained departure.But as I pen this article, Garne Saerndakk is set for public lashing on the morrow.

I, for one, would promptly petition Garne's release, for I would not want to see another fair man touched by scars or wounds ... but then again, if rumors be true, Garne Saerndakk surrendered to the Magistrate with a full confession of the assault. He seems to be bravely accepting his lot for risking an affair with a warrior woman, mayhap even proudly admitting it so.

One must lay in the bed one makes, mm?

Letter to the Editor

To the readers of the Gazette --

'Ware your houses! Leave on the torches and lamps! For in the darkness it comes, the Kiree, the shadow that rends flesh into blood. I have seen it walking in the shape of a man.

It took my sister! It has taken many, unremarked by the Knights, leaving nothing but entrails twisted into strange shapes.

The Kiree of old has awakened!

~ name unknown