Dreven Remembers

Dreven, Fadewarm 19th - All of Dreven turned out for the Funeral procession of our Master and took this chance to say their final goodbyes. People of all ranks and stations lined the streets as the solemn parade made its way towards the city's center.

The casket, a tasteful dull-grey masterpiece, showed of wonderful decorations of twisted weaves and delicate crafted flowers, and a carefully placed glass panel allowed the Dreven citizens a final glimpse of the angelic face lost to us forever. Chief Fjornson of the Dwarven Nation had spared no expense for the Masters final resting place.

Many of Dreven's finest protectors, lead by our own General Yashkara Steelclaw, guided the casket down the streets. Never before had we seen so many of our Soldiers in their finest as they performed their last duty to their former Master and stood by the casket's side. They reported proudly this night, even the incredible creatures called Pendulum walked step in step with the rest of the soldiers.

General Steelclaw delivered a moving speech. It honored the Master's gifts, the enduring peace, and order we have enjoyed in Dreven for years. She reminded us of the lawlessness which ruled the land under the former Emperor, how the dreadful Triad had ruthlessly exploited our citizens under his rule and contributed to the sorrows of the past.

We are to honor the Master's wishes, live in peace, respect your neighbors and their property, and honor our Laws. Gentle words to comfort and guild us through the trialing times to come...

Bab's Gossip

by Bab L. Ling

Babs is back with some new and interesting events spoken of around our fair city!

While the funeral of our glorious leader was a sorrowful event, a few couples found the time to make other connections. While some tossed down love tokens from the trees, Lady Emaline managed to toss herself down, and into the arms of a local farmer, known only as Judd. It seems this pairing wasn't happily received by her father, Lord Marchant Lioll, who has sent men out to return her to the safety of his happy home. I suppose since the boy wasn't up to Lord Lioll's standards, she dropped down to his, which was more to her liking. The happy couple hasn't been found yet.

Meanwhile, the earth shook for another couple at the funeral. Captain Dolek, after denouncing his marriage to Miss Lovejoy, found his next young female playing hard to get. Chasing her through the streets of Dreven, she managed to vanish on him. That's two that got away, Captain. Perhaps you should rethink your strategy.

Many a lonely heart will be crying in their beds alone, as more young soldiers are sent away from Dreven on patrols. Madeline Greyhome won't be one of them though. She's been seen with not less than four different men since her lover has left. One has to wonder. How many coins exchange hands?

With Soothcool's arrival, the local Druid predicts the first rainstorms of the changing season and cold nights. It is time to bring in the last of the wheat harvest before heavy rains will do damage to the crops. Look for a few more mild days at the end of the cycle.

Unrest Disgraces Klockmaster's Memorial

We, the Dreven Gazette staff, would like to voice our protest and outrage about the sudden outbreak of violence that disgraced the Master's Memorial service.

Three Elven dared to dishonor the casket by unashamedly attacking the honor guard and General Steelclaw. With use of some unholy magic, they managed to advance to the coffin and dared pry it open. The battle-hardened General handled the situation very gracefully and remained level-headed even under these horrible circumstances.

Eyewitnesses swear the trio of thugs was successful in their attempt to disgrace the memory of the Dreven Master and steal the newly made mask from within the coffin.

With Chief Fjornson's and Captain Dolek's quick response to the attack, the trio of Pilferers retreated into the shadows where they and all their kin belong.

The speedy response from the present Army prevented a widespread panic amongst the mourners and disbursed the gathered masses in an orderly fashion to safer streets. We credit the training and peace-loving Soldiers and Officers of the Klockwork Army with suppressing the start of a riot and continued safety of our citizens.

Crosswind Tavern Turned Into Ghost Heaven?

Once again something shady haunts the notorious Drinking hole. In the past mostly only the staff was spooked by pots and pans flying in the kitchen, and bottles mysteriously moving behind the counters. These ghosts have taken a more direct way of showing themselves. Or perhaps it is on ghost showing himself to the patrons and the tavern guards. On the night of 26th of Fadewarm the "Ghost" stormed the commons of the Tavern and attacked the wooden floor with a standard. The guards report they could not make out the face of the intruder and by the time they could react, the culprit had fled into the dark of the night where he had come from. The colors on the banner in question are not of any known company or the outlawed Knights. Since no further attempts to compromise the security of the Tavern were made, the guards assure us this had to be a juvenile prank of some adolescent drunk person.

Festival of Dawn's Early Light

Soothcool 30 - Come to the Festival of Dawn's Early Light! The Revelry begins at midnight with a bonfire in the Main Square. Torchlit parades will wind through the city streets, returning to the square for dancing, plays, performances, and contests. Come in costume or come as you are! Bring your own "pot" for the feast! (Tables for the feasts will be contributed and set up by businesses along Gloeckner Road in the 'pub district' south of the Square.) Join the celebration!

Tent Town

Dreven - Shortly before the Klockmaster's Funeral Procession on the 19th of Fadewarm, people traveling from the countryside began setting up a small community of tents in the open fields east of Dreven, and yet another smaller encampment on the banks of the Silverwater. Since then, these "tent villages" have continued to grow as arrivals keep trickling into the capitol city.

What is inspiring this relocation? Rumors abound. Stories include the obvious wish to attend the funeral, increased bandit activity, crop failure, Rebels and outlaw Silver Moon Knights allying in their war against the Klock Regime, and the desire for simple country folk to witness the appointment of a new Emperor. A curious air of festivity can be found in these camps, and while the occasional flare of enthusiasm or tempers has resulted in a few arrests, the new "residents" have caused little more trouble than the obvious occupation of cultivated farm land.

Following the example of Lord Neville Peabody, several charitably-minded lords and merchants have contributed the coin to cover the loss suffered by the farmers. A number of various Ladies' Societies have risen to the occasion, organizing food drives and setting up soup kitchens to feed the city's guests. In a show of appreciation, these good people have put together several forms of entertainment, including music, dancing and games. In this time of uncertainty, it is heart-warming indeed to see Shadokhan's peoples striving so cooperatively for peace.

Dendry Hill Holds Its First Pear Festival

With the favorable weather, this summer the people of Dendry Hill found themselves with an abundance of Pears. The Major, clever Flen Archer, quickly turned this opportunity in a fundraiser for the local Library. For one weekend, the streets of Dendry Hill were lined with garlands. Local musicians played until the wee hours of the morning and everybody came out to enjoy the contest for the best Pear cake. A special Pear flavored Yadka is still available in special artisan glass bottles crafted by Dendry Hill's finest and available for sale at the Dreven Market.

Dreven University

Autumn reopens the doors of our illustrious university on a new term -- one with fewer enrollments than usual. Political unrest and financial insecurity are labeled as the culprits behind the lower number of registrations. It is rumored that several of the professors have been let go. Tentative plans to expand the student dormitories have had to be set aside in light of this sudden lack decrease.

Chancellor Margaret Higgins points out that the decrease in the number of students is not completely without advantage. Smaller classes mean that professors will be able to give more individual attention to students. The Chancellor also reports that a few generous endowments have eased whatever possible financial strain the University might otherwise have faced. University, students, and city offer grateful appreciation for the foresight and goodness of these anonymous donors.

Madman of Kleftian Taking His Lashes

by Maarkos DelYanth

Dreven, 25 Fadewarm - For the third straight day, Captain Tharius, the disgraced hero of Balthazor was brought to the public square to receive more lashes for his crimes in Luminii.

One is left to wonder about this man and what could be in his mind, as they watch him led to the platform. For the first two days of his five days of punishment, he was greeted by jeers and curses. Today, however, the curses became rotting fruits, vegetables, and more than a few stones.

It is not in the slightest bit possible to feel sympathy for this man, who by all reports left a trail of dead on his flight south through Luminii. Overshadowing whatever he might have done in Balthazor are the reports of entire villages simply scrubbed from the land by the Mad Captain and his army.

What could have driven him from such heights as he had before his reassignment, to such atrocities as he ordered his men to enact on their flight from Thermador into Luminii and southward to Luminii's coastline?

With that being said, it is hard not to have some maddening measure of admiration for this monster parading as a man. He has been brought to the town square each day in a cart. Each day he sits up straight and says nothing as insults and not disgusting objects are hurled on to him. It is clear that each blow, each bump of the cart, causes him great pain, yet he walks to the platform each day and places himself in place for his lashes beyond human measures of endurance and will.

Yet with each stripe the honorable Captain Dolek lays on Tharius, opening his already wounded back, one can hear names whispered by the displaced of Luminii in Dreven. They draw little consolation for their loved ones murdered by the dog they watch taking his lashes; however, they do seem to take some bit of glee in seeing his pain.

Many this reporter has spoken to, say that once his lashes are done his head should be taken. Who can argue with their need for revenge on this monster? Hundreds lay dead in the ground thanks to his orders, independent of the high command of the Klockwork Army. He disgraced the army and should not fall under its protection.

When asked why his lashes would not be enough one woman said, "He ain't got any regrets about what he did to Luminii." She told me with great anger: "When the Captain there asked if he had any words, the monster says he was taking the beating for failing to save Walsh. No one regret about any life he took."

If he survives the severe beating, it will be a wonder to see if his fall from grace will continue. It is hard to see how another massacre is just within his reach. This leads one to wonder, how long will General Steelclaw tolerate his remaining alive and in her army?

A Look Outside Shadokhan's Borders

By Master Zentern Baum

Arboria

Once again, something stirs in the deep green forest of Arboria. As we come to expect from our "neighbors" in the north, it is nothing good. While the mighty Elven Nation hides behind closed borders, news now is that they use their so-called Elite Warriors, the Elven Blades, to kidnap one of our Nobles, the Baron Streylan, in the middle of the night. This should tell us about the true state of things deep inside of Arboria, they must be near desperation to hold together the once so mighty nation if their Archmage would go so low as considering kidnapping as the best choice to establish any diplomatic contact with our Nobles and our protectors. Things may be dire behind this green curtain of theirs. On the other hand, did they think one of our best could be convinced by the show of force to forget his convictions and side with a region who has done nothing but ignore us for so long? All of us here at the Gazette are happy to report that Baron Streylan has safely returned from his ordeal. So far, he has refused an interview with us, but we understand under the circumstances he and his family need to recover from this madness the Elves have inflicted on him. Best wishes to all of the Streylan Family.

Cloosidian

This lofty cold and breezy region had not caused us any worries in the last few years. One could say the only thing we here in Dreven may have missed about Cloosidian was the lack of imported sweet water and we do sorely miss the Cert Sirah, but all of us can do without the squeaking of its feathery, aloof inhabitants. It is shocking to report these mangy birds have been sheltering a real threat for Shadokhan. Finally, the truth of their secrets is revealed! Cloosidian has sheltered Silver Moon Knights and is now unleashing the murderous Knights into our borders! Take heart people of Shadokhan, General Steelclaw has send one of her finest Captains to make sure none will survive to step a foot into our lands.

Luminii

Luminii once again is full of Rebel rumors. The latest reports coming from across the border speak of the Rebels' claim of setting up a new ruling body for the region. This mock council will only terrorize Luminii's citizens once again. Fears are spreading like wild fire that these Rebels will try to enforce their new laws at sword point. We keep our brothers and sisters trapped under this new "regime" in our hearts and promise we will soon again march as one to free them from the oppressors.

Balthazor

Shadokhan and Balthazor are enjoying once again a small Trade agreement between the two nations. A small shipment of Balthazorian goods have arrived in Dreven with the promise of more in the future. This may signal the beginning of a peaceful understanding between the two nations and a bright ray of hope for all of Shadokhan. One is left to wonder if this signals an end to the fear of invading hordes of undead and carries the seeds of continuous support from Balthazor should we need an ally in the future. Look to the Gazette to keep you up to date on more developments.

Thermador

Rumors of recent unrest in this hot and dangerous countryside are over-reactions of a few souls who must have lost their minds under the hot sun in Thermador. We have found proof that this is just another ugly tittle-tattle to unsettle our minds here in Shadokhan. His Grace, the Archmage of Thermador, was spotted amongst the masses that came to mourn the passing of our Klockmaster. He himself showed his last respects to our fallen Master, this gesture ensures us Thermador has not turned Traitor on our nation as many of the other cowardly regions have done.

Oceanuus

News from the islands is, as usual, a mixed bag. After sparing no cost in repeatedly, viciously attacking villages and ports along our southern coastline, one wonders if one is really safe in one's bed at night or if the Southern Barbarians will indeed set their sites upon our fair city. There have been no further reports of attacks since Ethralest fell, but is this merely a ploy to get us to relax our vigilance? Contrarily, the Pirates' fishing fleets have enjoyed a bountiful harvest and the cheeky devils have no qualms about peddling their goods up and down the very coast they ruined!

Missing

Substantial reward offered for the return of family dog. Four hands high by about five hands long. Black and white, long hair with fanciful ponytail tied up in lovely pink ribbon. Tail arches over back dramatically. Pink pearled collar sports exquisite imported bells. Answers to the name of "Pookie." If you have information on this dearly beloved pet, please contact Mrs. Millicent Pettigrew in Poppy Lane.