Two Knights Die
in Local Clash

A routine patrol through the countryside surrounding Dreven City turned to tragedy when Silver Moon Knights were called upon to restore peace after a fight broke out in the hamlet of Fallon's Cove on the Silverwater. What started out as a sociable gathering in the unexpectedly warm weather outside the Barrel of Bliss tavern transformed into a lethal brawl when locals began airing their discontent over the way regional politics are being handled.

Proprietor Tucker Demby, sporting a black eye and a bloodied bandage around his head, claimed that the discussion was heated but civil until an unidentified pair of travelers proposed that perhaps 'the gnoll' should be invited back, which led to a surprisingly violent protest about Klocks -- and allegedly ex-Klocks. No one is sure who threw the first punch, but the fight was in full swing when the knights arrived. Attempts to break up the battle and take offenders into custody resulted in one of the knights, Sir Aramin Belard, being pulled off his horse and beaten to death. A second knight, Lady Esirel Moore, took a wound to the belly with a scythe. She died some hours later.

Hostilities ended when a fire broke out and the community was forced to work together to keep it from spreading to other buildings. No one is claiming responsibility for setting the blaze, which destroyed part of the Barrel of Bliss as well as burning the house next to it to the ground. One villager was killed and three more critically wounded during the course of the afternoon. Reinforcements were sent for, and a heavily armed contingent of knights arrived to round up miscreants involved in the murders. Townspeople outraged by the incident helped SMK Lieutenant Brandel Crispin identify the troublemakers. Three wagons were needed to transport them to the Dreven gaols, where they await formal charges by the office of the Dreven Magistrate.

Shady Business in Taysáyad

Dreven, Shadokhan - (Moonshare) Southern Oceanussian Ambassador Keoni Taranga has been reported missing. The news apparently came to light when a replacement was requested by the Steward of Dreven. Correspondence with the islands has been understandably unreliable, both when the Mer were in control and in the turmoil-laden cycles since Kili Bashar's coup, but Southern Oceanuusian authorities declare that Taranga was last heard from in mid-Soothcool, when the 'regular' ambassadorial packet was delivered to The Nest. Merchants in both regions have been cooperating independently and apparently without legal sanction, as the trade agreements forged with the Devvol princes (formerly of Southern Oceanuus) are now invalid.

One must wonder how local officials could misplace a six-and-a-half foot Half-lo with exotically colored skin and the stature of a bull. He cuts a somewhat distinctive figure. Even at this late date authorities from the islands are offering a reward for valid information concerning Taranga's questionable disappearance. Hand in hand with this incident are rumors of the steward publicly insulting the Southern Oceanuusian king -- an action that may very well indicate a hostile attitude toward the islands, and perhaps war on the horizon.

New Improvements

Mr. Barry Clancey has been thoroughly overhauling and repairing his carpentry shop on Parker Lane in the River District, putting it in a much better condition and adding very much to its general appearance. There are many other buildings in the District that could be greatly improved in the same manner, or perhaps by doing away with them entirely. A few well-placed torches might not help the buildings, but it would certainly help the looks of the streets upon which they are situated.

Golden Boy

At Golden Lake, the newly appointed Baron Aelo Ralasu has been a very busy man. The City of Golden Lake had grown, fortified by funds from the government. Its people are well fed and the normal winter illness that befell the area were few and far between. He's even built a vivomantic center of Healing to help with those newly coming into their gifts and to increase the herbal lore of the area. As the warmer cycles approach, he has plans to improve trade with other areas.

On the other side, even though the Shadokhan Army has left men behind to watch over and assist the newly appointed baron, he's building up his own small army. Using them to patrol the borders and protect against bandits, the ex-warlord emphatically insists he's loyal to Steward Dolek. He's been seen traveling frequently to Dreven. Well loved by his people, one soldier commented, "As far as anyone can tell, he's been a good boy."

Unexplained Deaths Plague Dreven Area

Dreven, Shadokhan - The passing of Earthfreeze brought not only news from loved ones, but also from the Dreven Guard announcing the discovery of a string of unexplained deaths. While we always expect a few deaths related to the harsh winter weather and out-of-control Earthfreeze festivities, some raised a red flag.

Lord Aimon Buldrick, an elderly noble, was found dead in his bed. The intruder is still at large. He leaves behind a grieving family and a very substantial estate.

Roland Garamond, a Blacksmith, was found in an alley. The cause of death was a slit throat.

Lafayette Ventor, a seamstress employed near the Dreven Market, was found stabbed in her workroom.

It is not clear if the Guard suspected one murderer behind all three deaths since the victims come from all walks of life and did not know each other. The only possible connection could be the coal-like residue found around the wounds. The use of magic has yet to be ruled out.

Voice of the Steward

Enton Harso, former Silver Moon Knight, has accepted the position as Captain of the Dreven City Guard. When the Klocks invaded Dreven, then Sr. Knight Enton refused to switch his loyalties and chose to resign after ten years, vanishing into the country with his family. Now, ten years later and after a long deliberation, he belted on his sword again in defense of Dreven. "Someone has to keep the streets safe from the riffraff that hide in the crevices." Upon his appointment, no less than three of Dreven's criminal organizations have been dissolved due to his efforts.

Your servant,
Steward Raphael Dolek

Murder - On the 10th of Bitefrost, Frodan Kringlewater was found guilty of the Murder of his wife alleged of adultery. He was publically executed by hanging on the 12th day of Bitewind.

Destruction of Property - On the 18th day of Bitefrost, Gregorian Whitewash was found guilty of Destruction of Property in a drunken rampage. He was fined 2 Gold and placed in the stocks for a tenday.

Disaster Strikes at Farm

Greenkeep, Shadokhan - A large farm south of Greenkeep lost its Granary and most of the storage buildings in a horrifying accident just before Yearpass. The sound of the explosion could be heard for miles and rattled windows and shook up the surrounding communities and spurt the quick arrival of aid to the devastated farm. Three men were lost in the fire; one of them may have introduced an open flame in the Granary and by accident set of the explosion. The local Knights have ruled it a very unfortunate accident caused by a careless farm worker, no further investigation would be necessary.

What's Dreven Coming To?

It seems it's no longer healthy to speak ill of anyone at the Crosswinds Tavern unless you're willing to back it up with force, or have on your side of someone who'll kill for you.

A weaponless young boy was murdered in the Crosswinds a cycle ago for daring to tease a dwarf. The dwarf's pet feline dispatched the child right under the observation of the head of our Silver Moon Knights and his lady. The boy's throat was ripped open, his life's blood pouring out onto the tavern floor. Not only did the dwarf and her killer cat go free, but the boy's body is now nowhere to be found. The mess neatly cleaned up.

Did our trustworthy Knight Major dispatch of the body? The dwarven female and her ferocious animal frequently return to the tavern. Perhaps the kitty ate the body? I suppose the Knights can make up the Law as they will. After all, we trust them... don't we?

Questions Abound With String of Highly Organized Break-Ins

Dreven, Shadokhan - A string of high profile, highly organized break-ins has been sweeping across parts of Shadokhan with no seeming connection between the victims. While the exact items that have been stolen has yet to be released by the victims, it is known that these items have little value on any black market, and were likely all stolen for personal reasons.

None of the victims would agree to be interviewed for this piece, but an anonymous source has already stated that all of these break-ins were likely done by the same person or persons, as they method of entry was similar.

"This is clearly the work of professionals, whether it's one person or a group of persons. The skill it took to slip in, remove these items, and slip out without ever being seen would be admirable if it weren't illegal," the source was quoted as saying.

There are currently no leads as to the identity or identities of the perpetrators, but it is known that many of the wealthy in the area are growing worried and hiring extra security for their homes and persons.

Changes in Dreven Council

Dreven, Shadokahn - While Council member Bliss Lovejoy-Gideonn is still on indefinite leave at an undisclosed location, the Dreven Council has suffered yet another set-back. Advisor Kendra Rulyar parted ways with Taysáyad very abruptly. The Gazette tried to reach her for comments, but was stopped from entering Stoneheart Keep. Her second in command, Kilmek Bashir, was overheard commenting about a sudden personal problem that caused her to focus her attention on her family. Other sources in Dreven state that the Steward was no longer satisfied with her performance and willingness to work for the Council, and claim that Rulyar's disagreement over the situation with the Golden Lake Barony may have played a part in his decision.

Looking for a devoted, exotic, cuddly, intelligent, well-groomed mate? I'm a 24 year old half-dwarf female looking for you! If you know how to cook, have a stable career, and like ice-fishing, inquire at The Beard Fairy I'm waiting!

Fine Feather Bed: Older widowed farmer seeks younger, energetic woman to marry. Well-to-do. Seven children.

Palm Readings: Want to know your future? Need answers to things no one understands? Madame Selene can help you see the future. This is no parlor trick. Serious customers only.

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 its end.

Arts and Entertainment

In spite of all the violent and criminal activities going on in and around the city, there are a few high points the citizens of Dreven should make an effort to see. Songstress Lily Bola is performing at the Blue Drake Inn every night but Hawk. Her smooth and dreamy voice will take you to another world!

The Battling Wyvern is playing host to Bega and Treasa Aehgain, dancing sisters from Wadi Medani. With their swirling silks and 'come hither' looks, they are truly a sight to behold. If you are one of the lucky ones (depending on how your wife sees things), you'll be picked out of the audience for personal lesson in how to shimmy Therm-style.

The illustrious University of Dreven is hosting an art show featuring works by talented students. Some of the pieces are for sale, proceeds to benefit the school.

The intrepid Crosswinds Tavern Acting Troupe continues its tradition of amateur theater with the playFirst Impressions, and announces the upcoming production of The Art of Manliness, a comedy dedicated to uncovering the lost art of being a man. Some roles are still available. If interested, contact Bub Jones at Barnbuckle Bakery in Cobblestone Lane.

House Fire

The Dreven residence of Arnaud and Ana deBeau recently burned down, presumably with the two of them inside as neither has been located since the incident. Nobody is sure what caused the fire, but there were reports by witnesses of a suspicious figure near the home right around the time of the blaze. Authorities are asking that anybody with information regarding the suspicious person or the status of the deBeaus to please contact them.

Close Call

Fadefrost 4, Day of the Wolf - It's rumored that an assassination attempt was recently made on Ranger Tristan Black in the woods not far from the Crosswinds Tavern. The assailant's identity and motive for the attack are currently unknown. The victim was able to make his way to the tavern, where two women--Kirin and Maighdlin--are said to have tended to the Ranger, who suffered a wound to the shoulder. The injury was said to have borne the traces of both Pyromantic and Necromantic magics. No other information is available at this time.

Page 2

A Look Outside Shadokhan's Borders

Rumors from Balthazor

Etrauch City Under New Rule, But By Whom? There is a new chapter in the intrigue and mystery surrounding the lives of the Lord Mayor Othas Craxmullen, and his son Aidin.

Those keeping track of events in Etrauch City will remember that it was over a year ago when Lord Mayor Othas Craxmullen first introduced his son Aidin to Balthazor society. There was little in the way of explanation as to where Aidin had been, or why his father had bestowed recognition on him only lately, but Aidin soon became an integral fixture in Etrauch society, appearing at formal events and gatherings, sometimes in his father's place.

But events took a suspicious turn a short time later when Othas Craxmullen fell unexpectedly ill. One of his last acts while conscious was to turn over the Mayoral duties to his son, on what he believed would be a temporary basis. City officials initially questioned the decision, as well as the strange timing of the illness, but soon faced intense pressure to drop the subject. Some speculate that it was support from the mysterious Kamal -- otherwise known as the Lotus -- which helped to fortify Aidin's position, and protect him from being ousted. Certainly, in later cycles, Aidin did prove to be one of Kamal's strongest allies, lending the support of Etrauch City to every decision Kamal made.

As of the writing of this report, Othas Craxmullen has still not regained consciousness, and Aidin retains control of Etrauch City. But the story does not end there, for in recent cycles, word began to quietly circulate in the city that Aidin Craxmullen had developed a fondness for the good life, devoting his days to wining and dining, and enjoying the company of various women of the court. Complaints surfaced that city issues were being ignored, and even that Etrauch no longer had a voice of its own in Balthazor affairs. As was the case the first time around, the rumors were quickly silenced. But their effects lingered, and matters did not improve.

That is, until Kamal himself -- now claiming the name of Dreven ? made a personal visit to Aidin Craxmullen. Immediately after Kamal's departure, a flurry of orders came down to the City Guard and other city officials, from the office of Aidin Craxmullen. Craxmullen has even been seen since, rising at early hours to inspect the guard. The city, and its Mayor, seem awake once again, and very much busy. But to what end? Perhaps time will tell.

Thermador

Hot Winds - Rumor has it that the new leader of Luminii is courting a much younger woman - the Archmagess of Thermador. A liaison from Luminii has been seen frequenting Graystone quite often of late. Could it be a marriage of regions will be announced soon?

Cloosidian Update

Since the birds still have ruffled feathers, once again we cannot offer any news.

Oceanuusians Making Waves

King Aikiliano Bashar has had his work cut out for him in returning Southern Oceanuus to its previous state--only better. The deaths of several barons during the Mer takeover left positions to be filled and some islands without official leadership or representation. Rebel activity aimed against the smaller islands forced a few names to the top of the list, and Bashar has wasted little time installing them as part of his administration.

In the midst of settling some of those appointments, previous supporter and alleged friend Peka Ohime was uncovered as a traitor--an event that has Bashar looking twice at those in leadership positions. Shortly after Ohime's attempt to blackmail Bashar using the king's daughter (Ohime's granddaughter) as a pawn, fire was set to the Nest, which served as Bashar's home and the center of the Xieng Khouang government. Rumors claim that Bashar's infant daughter was again involved, this time as the target of an unsuccessful kidnapping. Damage to the Nest was so extensive that the building was subsequently torn down, and a new one is being erected in its place.

Violence against the king has not been limited to blackmail, kidnapping, and fire. At least six attempts on Bashar's life have been made in the six cycles since he reclaimed his throne, two of which came close to success. It is no surprise that security, under the sharp and demanding eye of General Ashoken d'Allessair, has increased substantially. Word has it that the general also recently toured some of the Big Island's new defensive fortifications, scheduled to be finished by the end of winter.

Trouble from rebels based in the Seven Sisters continued to plague the newly restored government. The Sisters were nominally under the control of 'southern' Mer (hangers on from the twins' short-lived regime) until Earthfreeze, when the Crimson King and General d'Allessair grew impatient with lost S'oshan ships and lives and Mer excuses. The newly organized S'oshan Army was fielded for the first time to reclaim the archipelago. Two out of the five islands offered resistance, and the principal leader of the rebels was executed. Actual Mer involvment in rebel activities has been infrequent. Whether this is due to the fact that the Devvol twins remain in Bashar's custody, or that the Northern Oceanuusian monarchy has forbidden aggressions remains uncertain.

Arborian Rustlings

Trade - An increase of Arborian wares has flooded the borders not only into Shadokhan but also into other regions. With the new patrolling warships along the Arborian borders more wares were moved out of the Elven Nation than ever before. Security has been extended to make sure caravans are not attacked on Shadokhan or Luminii trade routes. Rumor has it Arboria has hired help based out of the Shadokhan region. Could it be the Silver Moon Knights or even that Baron Streylan has a hand in the increase of armed guards on this side of the border?

Diplomats and Tivili - Dreven is getting the cold shoulder. While Archmage Tequin has taken a pleasure tour of Luminii, Shadokhan has had few important visitors from Arboria in the last several cycles. It looks like the Steward of Dreven also did not make it on the invite list for the Elven Tivili, while once again Baron Streylan and his family have received personal attention from Cennebrae. Could it be something is being covered up? Why did Ambassador Elenari Tuurchi left Dreven so suddenly? Has the Steward offended the Elf and caused an unfortunate diplomatic incident? We all know how fickle the Elven can be. Add to this the rumors about Tuurchi's attachment to missing Southern Oceanus Ambassador and one wonders if she was really recalled to Cennebrae or if something unfortunate happened to the pink Elf. Maybe only the friendship between the Archmage and the Baron is saving Shadokhan from disaster.

News from Luminii

Turmoil in Luminii? - Reports have reached Dreven that relations between Desleben and Damansque are growing increasingly strained.

Our readers will perhaps remember that as of last year Keldon Baraeros, leader of the Republic, and Julia Galyn, Archmagess of Vivomancy, had established a peaceful ? though perhaps not cordial ? relationship. But doubts were raised when a mercenary leader and his army began wreaking havoc in the eastern part of the region, and worse yet, claiming to serve Julia Galyn in a bid for Luminii leadership. The situation seemed to grow more serious when Baraeros dispatched soldiers to Desleben this past autumn. Were they for protection, as a representative for the Starpetal Throne claimed? Or did Baraeros really believe that Julia Galyn was harboring treasonous thoughts, and thus should be watched?

Whatever the truth, the Gazette spoke to a number of officials in Luminii recently, and all of them downplayed the possibility of civil war. One official, who asked not to be named, did warn us that: "It is dangerous to make assumptions. Something is clearly going on here, but I do not believe things are what they seem."

Heavy Snows Prove Dangerous for Travelers - A caravan making an ill-advised trip by road from Dalton to the town of Clare on the Upper Sevrenne has not arrived as scheduled, and heavy snows may be to blame. There has been an unusual amount of snowfall this winter throughout the northern and mountainous areas of Luminii, making travel by land arduous in some areas, if not outright impossible.

The Mayor of Clare, in a letter to the Mayor of Dalton, wrote the following: "We remain optimistic that the caravan has only been delayed by the weather, and that nothing truly unfortunate has happened. We now hope for milder weather to melt the snows so that we can safely send out a party to search for them. Once we hear anything at all, we will write to you immediately, and we trust you will do the same."

Shortly after writing the letter, the Mayor remembered that with the snows blocking the road there was no way to actually deliver the missive to Dalton. Reportedly, he was in ill humor the rest of the day.

Reward Offered

Four Dale horses (two bays, one black, and one chestnut) were stolen from the livery stable in Vaille during the night on the second of Bitewind. The thieves were not seen, but tracks in the area have led local authorities to believe the theft was committed by two men, and that they may have been traveling west. Any information leading to the recovery of the horses or to the arrest of the thieves will be rewarded.

Missing

- Sulman Dirred, known street vendor, missing since Earthfreeze.
- Felease, last name unknown. Reported missing by her Landlady over a tenday ago. Last known employment as Barmaid with the Wild Boar Tavern.

Please contact the Dreven Guard with any information.

Birth Announcement

Avraham Lave is proud to announce his eagle Companion and it's feathered mate became the proud parents of a clutch of two eggs. The proud Human parent can be congratulated at the Crosswind Tavern. All, feathered and human alike, are looking forward to hatching of the lively chicks.

For Sale

Small goat herd. 14 head. Well-behaved. See Gregor Findlekind, one mile west of Dreven City. South side of road. Yellow house.

Page 3

by Remus Vlad

While winter may have a firm grip on the land and most of us freeze off a few toes and noses in the bitter cold, some hot and juicy news floats around to keep us warm. So curl up by the fire and warm your fingers while you read the latest and most important news in the region.

Something Old and Something New

Just in time for the Festival of Yearpass, a long lost face recently reappeared. Duncan Mallory returned to Dreven after going to parts unknown for a few cycles. While Mrs. Mallory, who was rumored to have been pregnant at the time of her disappearance, is nowhere in sight, it seems that the infant that came back with Duncan is the toast of Mallory Manor! Is the child Duncan calls Hope really his daughter, and why is the mother missing? Does Cate's absence mean that Duncan is on the market again? Will he return to his roguish ways, or settle into the role of parent? Parenting is a hard job. Ask Asa, the proprietor of the Crosswinds. (So many scandalous and fascinating tidbits from that place!)

Girl Gone Wild

Asa's rather plain-faced daughter buys so many dresses! Does she lead a secret life? Who is she trying to impress? Delivery after delivery arrived for her, particularly in the days before Yearpass. One wonders how her father can afford it. Business must be booming... (Has anyone noticed a hike in prices to cover extracurricular expenses?) In spite of what is apparently an extensive new wardrobe, we've yet to see the girl in anything more than drab, workaday clothes. Though it's probably not practical to wear her finery while she's swinging the spoon in her father?s greasy kitchen, you'd think someone might catch her sneaking out the back door to tryst with some lucky young man. We'll be keeping an eye out to see who will have Abby on his arm as a pretty accessory for the upcoming Spring Festival. But you know it's all about...

Accessories, Accessories...

Cait McGill has taken up residence somewhere in Xieng Khouang. It seems she has also begun her term of office as the Balthazorian Ambassador to S'osha. This leads minds to wonder just how close she managed to get to the Pirate King while being bounced all over creation! When asked her reaction to Bashar's recent arm decoration making goo-goo eyes at him, Cait said, "The gossips in Dreven will hush about me." It's hard to say if Cait has her eye on the king or on the handsome Joss Kiersaark, in whose company she was also seen before her return to the sunny beaches. She shouldn't count her shells before they are in her basket. She may be in for a surprise, because a few Ladies are betting on the same horse. She should keep up with the Gossip just to learn ?.

Who is in the Running?

Silver Moon Knight Joss Kiersaark makes frequent trips to Dreven, to the delight of a gaggle of local maidens. One wonders who will pay his bill for all the Yearpass presents he will need to purchase if he keeps up this rotation of Ladies. Has the Knight finally found a way to get past his shyness, or has it just been an act all this time to lure the fair Maidens to his side? Somebody should tell the man to share just a little. His list is growing longer and he has been spotted spending time with Cait McGill and Kiran Fand, among others - several others. What is truly surprising is that he would try to charm the main squeeze of his Superior. To make sure it would not rouse suspicion, he quickly attached himself to Nisi Brenshca, the charming Bella, and, out of all people, Maeve the Elf. All in the same night! The rumors about the legendary stamina of the Silver Knights must be true. This man truly has our admiration. This brings me to how much class some people are lacking?

Put Your Foot in Your Mouth

Maybe our Steward should take some lessons from his dear daughter. Why, the young lass has more success with charming foreign visitors than her father. The Crosswinds Tavern may be a very casual place to do business, but it was painful to watch the Steward converse with Kili Bashar. The quick-thinking staff of the Crosswinds kept the Pirate King's drinks flowing in hopes he might overlook a rather rude reception from Dreven's political leader.

It's possible that Raf Dolek may have been too distracted to notice how much he had offended the Pirate King. Clearly, the delight of feeding tidbits to his new (and very young) romantic interest, Eilanna Darcy, was more engaging than any consideration of future relations with the islanders, be it trade or conflict. The lovely Eilanna must have completely chased away the memory that the Pirates have spent years looting and raiding our shores. Dolek's treatment of their king was hardly aimed at finding a way to ensure that the southerners don't return to their habits as soon as things quiet down on their home front. We all should thank the stars that the infamous warlord Aelo Ralasu was wooed by our new General Streylan. Maybe it was this inability to communicate on the Steward's part that caused Ralasu's 'uprising' in the first place, as well as unknown others. Whatever the steward's attributes, a silver tongue is not among them. Speaking of silver?.

Keep An Eye On Your Valuables!

Good help can be hard to find, and you only have to go to the Crosswinds Tavern to see what I mean. Not only did Barmaid Reena have her fingers in the till, she is also after Major Will Lexington! She should be careful and not dabble in dangerous waters with the Knight. Her fingers could get burned--or at least smashed in the door--the minute Kirin Fand hears of her wanton ways. Did Reena just play shy to distract all her patrons from her thieving ways? Where has her sweetheart Evan Lassiter gone? Did he catch on to her act and run as fast as he could? We've lost count of how often Reena has been fired, rehired, or tossed in the bar towel. Is she blackmailing the proprietor? Is she a secret relative from the wrong side of the sheets? It's that, or Asa has a soft heart for anything young and sweet, even if they're...

Not So Innocent

Reena isn't the only dangerous Barmaid in the infamous Crosswinds. Don?t try your luck with innocent-looking Meiling. Not only will you never get what you have ordered, but this one doesn't even know how to count change. Last we heard she managed to charge the Pirate King a full Gold for a goblet of Suba Wine. Did she really get her new tea set as a gift, or did she manage to hide a few coins from Asa to buy it herself? Maybe she is trying to attract a mate since breeding is once again in season. At least if you are into Horses?

Will the Wild Mare Finally Settle Down?

Speaking of Kirin Fand, the woman has reportedly purchased property outside Dreven. Construction on a new home is to begin sometime in the spring. Talk is that Kirin plans to give a little friendly competition to Baron Streylan in the horse breeding business. Betting pools to guess the correct birthing day of Kirin's forthcoming arrival have begun! One of the local bookies is also taking odds on the child's gender and the possibility of twins. The latter is rumored to make Sir Will turn pale! (Mention it when you see him. Watch the mighty major tremble!) Perhaps there are also pools for whether or not the new father will survive the event without passing out! Attempts to corner the major for his comments have been unsuccessful, but while we are talking about strong personalities, has anyone seen...

The New Power Couple?

Why the Pirate King enjoys the Crosswind Tavern as his new watering hole makes me wonder about him and the company he keeps. Is he trying to get away from prying eyes back home? Why is Ashoken d'Allessair always by his side? Did she finally find a strong shoulder she likes to cuddle up against? (Do sharks have shoulders?) For sure we do not believe a word about all those late night meetings being strictly business. Maybe the seamstress Angelique has fallen out of d'Allessair's favor and she is looking for something a bit more challenging--which would explain the strange talk between the couple and the Elf Kendra Rulyar. That one has been just downright snaky since she and the Steward broke up. Who in their right mind would talk about reptiles, going underground and storming the castle? To the Pirate King, no less! If I did not know better, I'd think that Elf is starting to fall back into her old habits. While Treason would be bad  for her head, maybe she will finally get out more and give us some more juicy gossip. Rumor has it the fire in the relationship between her and the Therm Baron has gone out already and she is looking for another Rebellion to heat things up. If she's so attracted to toothy and dangerous things, maybe she ought to see for herself what's so interesting about the Pirate King's shoulders, or maybe she should take another look around. Has anybody noticed the new arrivals in Dreven?

Things That Go Bump in the Night

Should we shudder with pleasure, or run screaming into the Night? Dark-eyed beauty Passeador di Noche has started to make her rounds in Dreven. Rumor has it she replaced Soledaad Rourke as the Balthazorian Ambassador to Dreven. Looks like the two have a few things in common: both tend to pay much more attention to the Dreven ladies than the men, and both have horrible taste in their choice of drinks. The only man seen claiming the Dark Lady's attention was a very interesting fellow. The tall man--tall as an Arborian Tree--goes by the name of 'Seneca,' and is very closed-mouthed. Maybe she was interested in his rather impressive 'weapons'? We will be keeping an eye out for this one, everybody loves a new face.

Sour As Lemons

Life at Stoneheart Keep must be getting harder. Now that Brom Stoneheart and Adron Ta'al have once again run off into the countryside to find anything or anybody to put up with their moods, the daughter of Stoneheart Keep Ami Stoneheart is starting to leave a sour tastes in everybody's mouth. After her stormy and very short affair with the handsome Niko Allessair, she promptly turned her attentions to Pol Athan. Not satisfied with his wares (or was it the other way around?), she promptly landed Connor McGill as an escort home. I wonder how her so-called bodyguard from the Black Wolf Company feels about all this? We've caught them exchanging a few whispers in the dark before. The young woman has high- tailed out of Dreven in a hurry. Was it for her own protection, or was it to keep from causing her father any more embarrassment? As if he doesn't do a fine job of that himself...

Disclaimer: The statements and opinions of our gossip columnist are those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect those of The Dreven Gazette staff, the printers, advertisers, or other persons or businesses named herein.

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor, and also to the People of Dreven,

For years, there has been all manner of romantic, idealistic speculation that one day a Dreven might return to the seat of the old Silver Moon Empire and reunite its lands under one banner at last. Though nothing ever came of it, and a Dreven has not held the throne since 1269, hope yet remains in the hearts of some.

Now comes news from Balthazor that a man named Kamal, known also as The Lotus, claims that he is a Dreven. More specifically, the offspring of Cornelius Dreven the Second, and Irmaa Vep. Would that the claim could be cast aside as unlikely or ridiculous -- certainly others have sworn to be of Dreven lineage before, and Kamal is not likely to be the last. But in this case there are those who have come forward to verify the truth.

What does this mean for the rest of us? Must I remind our readers of Balthazor's dark history, of the infamous deeds of its Archmagess Vep? Should I spell out the dangers that await us if her offspring comes from Malcoven to seek the throne?

I appeal, therefore, to our leaders. To the Steward and his General. To the Archon of Luminii. To those that hold authority across Shadokhan. Do not discount this potential threat. Be on your guard!

Respectfully,

Gerardo Xavon
Professor of Military Law
Holdensward School of Law
Yarmuth, Luminii

(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.)

From the Editor

Blood runs through Dreven's streets, as evidenced in this very issue of the Gazette. Are our police forces that inept, or is there a darker story behind these tragedies? The face of the Captain of the so-called Dreven Guard keeps changing. Is it any wonder the Guard can't keep up with the current crime rate within the city walls? The problem doesn't stop, though, at the borders of fair Dreven. The local company of Silver Moon Knights, given the charge of keeping the peace in the surrounding area, are denied the numbers needed to accomplish such a task. The generals of the army, both old and new, are kept more than busy trying to quell outbreaks of violence throughout the entire region -- outbreaks that are looking more and more like they are carefully, subtly planned to stretch the army as thin as possible. It is almost as if someone has the foresight to organize ahead of time. Is this method sounding at all familiar? Just because the wearing of Klock insignia has been outlawed does not mean you can change the hearts and thoughts of dedicated followers. Did Steelclaw really leave our borders, or was she given the freedom to contact the remains of the Kronomancers? In truth, is there really a way to tell if all the Kronomancers have been killed or not? Nobody knows their exact numbers, and by now they may have had the chance to recruit new blood into their ranks. Watch your step, people, lest you be led like a lamb to the slaughter.