S'oshan King Visits Taysàyad

Dreven, Shadokhan - Arriving on Soothcool 3 by way of the portal at the Crosswinds Tavern, King Aikiliano Bashar of Southern Oceannuus and Nikolas Allesair were assaulted. On their way to scheduled meetings with the steward, to discuss the raids along Shadokhan's shores, the two paused to refresh themselves at the tavern as the hour was late for arriving at Taysàyad.

Witnesses state that the monarch and his hydromancer - also his step-son - were trading banter with Kiethry Brenshca, daughter of Steward dan Rikash, when the banter went horribly wrong. When it was all over, the King was doused with the contents of two separate drinking vessels and Allesair sported a wound in his arm from Brenshca's blade. One of the 'Winds newest employees, Limele Sulriniel, granddaughter by marriage to SMK Major Willam Lexington, took part in the assault on the Oceannuusian officials. The Crosswinds bouncer, Sera, did nothing to stop the attack, nor was the city guard called out. No arrests have been made thus far.

Bashar and company went on to Taysàyad that night. They then spent several days in meetings with Steward dan Rikash, and the two heads of state were seen attending a demonstration of the army's Marksmen under the direction of Chief Warden Mikkaill Gideonn. Chancellor Denari Ambray and other officials also attended a modest state dinner given for the visiting king.

With the continuing raids along Shadokhan's shores, it is to be hoped that diplomatic ties are being forged and Shadokhanners will soon find relief from the unpredictable pillaging that has focused mostly on products that look suspiciously like supplies for a navy.

Meeting Challenges
Head-On

Unrest continues to plague Shadokhan in the form of warlords, self-made powers unlawfully claiming the title of 'baron,' piracy along the western coast, and outlaws attacking caravans and poorly protected travelers. In a region as large as Shadokhan, where does one begin dealing with such widespread trouble? Steward dan Rikash, who continues to command the Shadokhan Army, meets it head on. The summer and fall of 1276, following his appointment as General, saw him accompanying the army in the routing of warlords and their ilk along the Arborian border. He also established a military presence in that area (which was wildly prone to outlawry), and consolidated forces throughout the region. Troops spread too thin to be effective under General Broder's office were brought together and spent that first winter under dan Rikash's command working and drilling to become a cohesive, formidable army once again.

Spring of 1277 saw a twofold purpose in the Army's movements. The first began with the discovery and destruction of a major group in the northeast claiming to be Klockwork soldiers. Other captured Klocks vehemently deny these allegations and describe the Ardan Valley faction as a splinter group operating under their own principles and initiative, electing their own officers and pursuing their own agenda. Be that as it may, the fertile area they once claimed is now protected by the Shadokhan Army and boasts a unique underground fort. From there General dan Rikash's troops swept southward along the mountains to secure the area west of the Sturrbiths from Kinross to Port Marrwater. More detailed and specific actions were planned against those 'warlords' harboring deep within the mountains themselves. Indeed, this task continues today.

The second portion of his plan began at Port Marrwater and has moved steadily in a wide swath along the coast. It is not pirates we battle here (although there are claims of raids at the hands of Certain Seagoing Folk), but the ubiquitous warlords, as well as things as common as lack of communication, bad roads, long-seated distrust of a central government, and the weather. The task is monumental and astonishingly time consuming.

Worthy of note is dan Rikash's diverse use of the army. They are not just men and women with weapons, but a force for aiding the people and healing our torn land. If it was not evident before the Cataclysm, it should be unquestioned now. Upon his return to Dreven after his abduction, the steward quickly organized relief efforts and sent the army out into the region to give assistance. Under his direction, funds and supplies were - and continue to be - collected.

Steward dan Rikash's skills do not lie with organization alone. He is a frequent participant in military exercises. As a recent example, from the 14th of Fadewarm through the 28th he was actively engaged with the army in pursuing and arresting one Alicene Denorac, a 'lady' warlord lurking along the outer borders of the Houndstooth Hills east of the Aldirin River. She has been notorious for her attacks on vessels trafficking the Aldirin, and for extracting scandalous taxes from her unwilling subjects. Denorac is no longer a problem. Rumored to be skulking in those same Hills is the infamous Klock Captain Vanskelig Dod, who continues to elude capture. One has to wonder how long that would go on if the steward could dedicate himself personally to the pursuit.

Law Books
to Receive Revision

Nearly three-quarters of a century have passed since Cornelius Dreven I was crowned emperor. Prior to that, the legal systems were a hodgepodge of local law, folk law, and Icaran decrees. While Cornelius's laws were instituted in and for Shadokhan, the other six realms also adopted most of the 'new' legal system, though punishment for the listed crimes sometimes varied with the influence of the presiding archmage and the local government.

With another change of government leadership, local voices have appealed to the new Steward of Shadokhan for reforms, stating that the current code is antiquated and oftimes barbaric. In response, dan Rikash has organized a group to address the matter, including some of the greatest legal minds in Shadokhan as well as a section of commoners as varied as merchants, clerks, inkeepers, smiths, and farmers. The inclusion of this second group is meant to aid the lawmakers as they strive for equity and justice, giving a measure of balance to commoner and aristocrat alike. Research is already under way and there has been no shortage of volunteers to fill the places on the council.

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Seleventi Attacks

Dreven City - On Warmgrow the 9th, Steward dan Rikash and his Chief Warden were taking air in the gardens of Taysàyad when they were attacked by an unknown Seleventi. Several soldiers and onlookers died. The Bird, shot by Gideonn, flew away only to crash into one of the towers where it was questioned before it died.

At the same time, the steward's oldest son Dhamiyata was attacked by a second Seleventi. The bird went after him where he was working at a building site and nearly succeeded in carrying him off, but between Dhamiyata's struggling and the quick actions of his companions, he was saved. Not unexpectedly, he received some injuries when he fell out of the sky. The attacking Seleventi was captured by the intrepid builders and turned over to Weaponsmaster Ricoh Gideonn and the Dreven Guard.

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Rash of Murders

Dreven City has suffered an alarming series of murders over the last several cycles. In early Sunshare the body of young Aylbert Winstone was found in a back alley. The youth, a student of Dreven University and the son of a local inkeeper, was found beaten to death in an alley in the River District. Friends claimed he'd been drinking heavily, but no one recalls him having had words with anyone earlier in the night, and he was described as having 'a good disposition.'

Found in his quarters in a boarding house on Tanner Street, a man known as 'A. Colbert' was killed in a manner that the City Guard will only describe as 'hideous.' He was apparently bound when he died, and a serrated knife was used in the attack. The Guard is looking for a man and either a youth or a woman in connection with the crime, which also took place in early Sunshare.

A third death is presumed to have occurred some time during the last of Warmgrow. The body, unidentified thus far, was discovered by a group of boys playing along the northern docks, and had suffered a serious degree of decay. Death is attributed to a blow to the head and drowning. Stained hands indicate he was a dyer.

If anyone has any information pertaining to the aforementioned villainy, it is asked that they please bring it to the attention of the Dreven City Guard.

The Sun Rising Once Again

From the streets, to the pubs, to the opulent homes of Dreven's nobility, Bards and Scribes are being seen wearing the symbol of a lyre sewn proudly into their clothing, or on a badge. It seems that the Order of the Rising Sun has finally returned from their exile. "We have always been here," says one bard who was asked of the symbol he wore during a performance in the Dreven market. "We were just beneath the woodwork."

Having taken refuge in Fort Wantlokin, in a far corner of Luminii, the Order of the Rising Sun has begun to spread through the Luminiian country, and throughout Shadokhan as well. "It's our hope to soon be as prominent in all the regions of the former Empire as we once were," announced Loremaster Bard when asked of the plans of the organization in the future. He explained that the ranks of the Order had to be adjusted to accommodate the new lands and their various leadership. Rather than having a centrally located Liege Lord, they have now divided into groups among the various regions with a Chief Chronicler in each region working directly for the region's leadership, Loremasters located in key areas, and various Keepers, Scribes, and Bards working beneath them. "We still provide news and information to all the lands, in the best interest of the people, and we still only spread the truth wherever we go through our practices."

As for the other regions, Loremaster Bard said that the Order of the Rising Sun has spoken with Archmage Tequin about the future of the organization in Arboria. "He is an old, stubborn elf, whose ears are far too pointed, as well as his nose - straight up in the air. He thinks he can simply outlive us and we will go away, but he is wrong." The Loremaster also noted that, due to the unfortunate events caused by the magic cataclysm of last winter, it has been difficult to arrange meetings with the leaders of the other regions. "But we are still there, in those lands, just not under the same provisions provided by the leadership that we have been fortunate enough to make arrangements with."

The provisions spoken of are a chosen location for the Order to gather and conduct business, an amount of funds, and protection physically, politically and legally from harm, imprisonment and other impediments when residing within Luminii or Shadokhan.

The Order of Dreven has named the Imperial Library as their central location. Functions of the Order are overseen by Chief Chronicler Sophia Ravenswood, Loremaster Orson Bard in Dreven, and Loremaster Horatio Sayer in the Barony of Golden Lake.

Gideonn Shop Burns

In the cycles since Sunshare when a fire engulfed Gideonn's Fine Cabinetry, Joinery and Luthier Shop, the burned out site of the shop has been cleaned up and new construction begun under the watchful eye of the healed Chief's dedicated journeyman, Mathurin Kerbouchard. The day of the fire, the damage to the shop was extensive and Carpenter's Apprentice Philip Addler perished in the partial collapse of the building. Chief Warden Mikkaill Gideonn took serious injury when he went into the building to attempt to save Addler. Warden mages Donel Hyde and Lee Blanchford assisted local shop owners and citizens in smothering the blaze, containing it to Gideonn's and the roof of the shop next door. Steward dan Rikash was seen covered in soot and comforting Chief Gideonn in the alley next to the shop by the body of young Addler. His arrival was recalled by some as simulaneous with a bright flash of light.

Weaponsmaster Ricoh Gideonn was present as well and was seen entering the burning building as was Steward dan Rikash. The Weaponsmaster left the scene, shortly after attemptng to save the fatally injured boy, possibly in search of arsonists. Some witnesses reported seeing flaming arrows just before the shop fire began. The Steward's personal vivomancer tended both to the boy and the Chief Warden at the scene.

The culprits have not yet been apprehended, but neighboring shop keeps, and citizenry of Dreven have been assisting in both the clean up and the rebuild with no signs of fear for retaliation. Chief Gideonn was seen entering the site for the first time on 2 Soothcool, having been mostly absent since the fire according to locals who have been lending their aid to the project. Carpenter's Apprentice Alan Staunton returned that same day to resume his apprenticeship bringing with him his father, Alan Staunton Sr., and two uncles, Rodney and James Staunton, to assist in the work.

Tragic Death

It is with great sorrow that the Dreven Gazette announces the untimely death of our beloved Remus Vlad, editor of the 'Social Serendipity' section for the last three years. Traveling north along the Silverwater, he was disastrously struck by a runaway melon cart and knocked into the river. His traveling companion was also struck and unable to get to Vlad in time to help him. Swept away by the rushing waters, his body was not recovered.

In Brief

Boy lost overnight in the forests outside of Vaille found again after concerted effort by townspeople.

A particularly productive turnip harvest in the Owl's Nob area inspires a Turnip Festival. Festivities included dunking for turnips, turnip pie baking contests, and a prize for the biggest turnip.

Dendry Hill celebrates the 101st birthing day of Willa Marreys, who still works in the Dendry Municipal College library.

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Rumors from Balthazor

An earthquake hit the central region of Balthazor on 28 Meridian, 1278 leaving over a thousand dead or unaccounted for in Middleland and hundreds likewise in Shadowplain. Barons Ludwig and Wismueller are missing and presumed dead. The Regent, Kamal Dreven, sent his troops, company after company of Malcoven Guardsmen, and hundreds of peasant workers from the surrounding Baronies to erect post and wire fences well back from the edge of the newly formed chasm that runs north to south through what were the baronies of Middleland and Shadowplain in an effort to restrain the curious and the grief-stricken. A geomantic spokesman for the Regent said that aftershocks were certainly still possible.

Word has also been heard that Cole Voss, newly minted baron of Stonetimber, is moving his own troops into Shadowplain in order to assist the refugees. Reports have come in from Malcoven Guardsmen that Voss's intentions may not be wholly philanthropic, as those coming out of the disaster are finding themselves relieved of some of what they managed to salvage. No confrontations have been reported as yet between Voss's men and the Regent's soldiers.

In the wake of the 1277 Chillset cataclysm which hit Balthazor hard, this new disaster raises the question of whether or not the land of Necromancers will look to neighboring regions for assistance. The relationship between Steward dan Rikash of Shadokhan and Regent Dreven of Balthazor has been difficult, stemming from implications of Malcoven Guardsmen in the attack and kidnapping of dan Rikash just last year, to the death of a Balthazorian messenger in Shadokhan discovered earlier this year. The Regent has shown support for the Steward in his winter 1278 ban of trade with the Northern Mer, suspected in collusion with Ethan Swann for Steward dan Rikash's kidnapping. It remains to be seen just what help might be asked of Shadokhan and her already strained people from a region in a desperate situation. Chancellor Ambray was not available for comment, but the Steward's secretary, Tomas Ainvar, was overheard to say that the Steward would do whatever was reasonably possible to help our neighbors to the north.

Ilda Mennth, Balthazorian Ambassador to Dreven and Baroness Sturrbith, is quoted as saying, "Steward dan Rikash is a man who has earned the respect of many for being generous and fair. I am confident that if Regent Dreven comes to him to ask for aid, aid is what Balthazor will receive. I've had no word myself from the Regent who, as you know, is recently recovered from an attack on his life by persons yet unidentified." When asked about her own Barony in the Sturrbith mountains, the Ambassador had this to say: "Sturrbith stands unaffected by the quake and we are assisting the Malcoven Guard in every effort to find homes in Balthazor for all those suffering survivors of this dire disaster." The Ambassador also said, "Neither the people of Balthazor nor our elf neighbors to the west need worry about a sudden surge of undead. The Regent has ordered all recovered bodies to be burned."

A source inside Arboria indicates that Arboria will not tolerate any influx of undead or any envoys from Balthazor crossing their guarded borders. He also said that Archmage Tequin Shaldolf-Sundew will not entertain requests from Balthazor for aid without a treatise to assure the Council that no act of war will be made on assisting convoys. The elf further maintained that any refugees who wander across the border will be met with force of arms.

The Word From Cloosidian

There is still little news from the mountain land. The Seleventi have become, if it is possible, more insular and tight-beaked than ever before. Even the humans scratching out a living in the lower altitudes are taciturn and grim. The cataclysmic events of last year seem to have changed more than the landscape. There are rumors of a Dreven or twenty climbing and descending the mountains in search of Seleventi allies. The city uncovered by the magically induced drainage of great lake of Cremen's Peak is slowly being covered by water once again.

Some hardy sorts have tried to plumb the depths of the strange ruins and uncover its secrets, but what they've found or if they've returned, no one knows.

Rumors of hundres of volcanos riddling the mountains of Cloosidian are rife, but only one new active one has been confirmed.

News from Thermador

What was once Greystone, also known as the pyromantic school in Wadi Medani, still lies in ruins. It looks as if the archmagess has grown very comfortable in her new lavish living quarters - a mansion in the heart of the City. Perhaps she has no desire to rebuild the school. After all, who wants a bunch of whining, sniveling kids running around their home all the time? Certainly not someone as young and good looking as Versaisna Tandiri. I heard that even the San Giamonicos are looking at capitalizing on the youth and beauty of the pyromantic leader by marrying off their son Listan to her. This would be a good coup for them; how many regions would that give them political influence over then? While it's anyone's guess whether or not the archmagess will entertain Listan's advances, his gift of Badlands creatures would be enough to make any lady swoon, wouldn't it? After all, who wouldn't want their very own Giant, two trolls, and a wolf? This reporter would love it - for dinner. Forget redcow, give me wine-braised Badlands wolf!

Oceanuusians
Making Waves

Missing since the Cataclysm of last winter, Nikolas Allessair, son of Queen Consort Ashoken, returned to the islands on the 19th of Fadewarm. While his mother and King Aikiliano, who took the young man under his wing during the reclamation of his throne, were overjoyed to see him, Archmagess Miri Bayani is reported to have taken to her bed. Protesting such a pathetic response, those close to her claim the archmagess had already set aside time for study and meditation, and there was no need to make a fuss over the return of a moderately skilled hydromantic student, though she is of course pleased to hear of his safe return.

The Royals have more good news to share. It seems that King Kili and his wife Ashoken are expecting another child! While the monarchs made no official announcement, the word has quickly spread. Neither of the pair are denying the news and the Council of Barons is more than happy to confirm. Celebrations of the pregnancy have already begun.

Spiders have been making their way north from the Loesan Plateau by the millions! The Liahokare atiti (Moonbeam spider) is white with irridescent blue markings on its abdomen and the silk of the web shines with blue sparkles. For a spider, they are pretty, but beware of the bite that causes hallucinations, a susceptibility to persuasion, and turns the whites of the eyes an eerie shade of blue. Whole villages have been overrun by the spry spinners and there is concern about their sudden rapid increase in population. Mothers watch out for your babies!

Arborian Rustlings

Could the elves be any more irresolute? Last cycle they were closing the borders, this cycle they're open. Last season they were withdrawing from the insane antics of the other six realms, this season they're sending new ambassadors and reaffirming trade.

Wait... Trade? What trade? Is that what you call the trickle of goods making its way now and then down the Cracked Pass? Or, oh! Maybe the pirates have absconded with all the Arborian produce! Gasp! Have you heard the rumor that good ol' Tihr A'Lahn, Archmage Tequin's favorite admiral of the high seas, has joined forces with pirates from Freetown all the way to Villisport? Wouldn't it be something if the pirates took over the Arborian Council and stuffed those pompous points into a closet?

In the meantime, the Prophet of Namtar'Kur seems to have quieted down after his initial elf-alarming activities. It's quite possible that he's keeping busy with the ever-ready undead that the Caedal Marshes seem to produce. Rice and cranberry production seem to be up in the area surrounding the Marshes. Toss in a few nuts (No, not the elves, although... Well, you be the judge.) and you'll have yourself a tasty accompaniment for your poached venison.

News from Luminii

Correspondent to Luminii wanted. Please apply at the offices of the Dreven Gazette.

Not seen in Dreven since 1260 but back at last is Desert Rogue - A traditional Thermadorian tale of a rascal and his lively cohort. The Rogue will be played by Boran McMillian, who has charmed us in the past in such roles as Devon in Shields and Swords and Brawkilakitus the Raven in Glitters. Playing the part of Camilla, the Rogue's accomplice and occasional thorn-in-the-side, is newcomer Carina Wynnydd. Since Desert Rogue calls for several Thermadorian dances in the context of the play, Miss Wynnydd is perfect for the role of Camilla. She can act, too. If you haven't seen her dancing at the Anolinde Tavern, you are depriving yourself.

Showing in the three story Dreven Theatre: Moonshare 8, 9, 10; 18, 19, 20; 28, 29 and 30

~Admission is 1sp~

Harvest Ball announced at Hawthorn House - 10 Moonshare, 1278.

In honor of the Rebel's Rout and of the Festival of Dawn's Early Light, Nathaniel Carter, Lord Hawthorne, invites all of Dreven to attend a masquerade ball. Half-lo Jugglers from Ethralest, Thermish Dancers, musicians from Arboria, Shadokhan and even Balthazor will be on hand to enjoy the revels. Come one and all.

Dreven University announces evening performances by local singing group, Carried Away in the east gardens at sunset, weather permitting. The concerts are scheduled from now until the 10th of Moonshare on Fox, Wolf, and Dolphin, Eagle, and Drake Days.

Bountiful Harvest Bakers

Honey Cakes 6 for a Copper
- - -
Barley Loaves
Apple and Peach Pies
Buy one, get the 2nd for half price
- - -
South side of Bleeker Street

Appointments

His Excellency Steward dan Rikash has been pleased to appoint Joh'nn Smit to the position of Assistant Minister of Health. Joh'nn will be surveying the hospitals in Dreven and the surrounding countryside and making recommendations. Chief Warden Mikkaill Gideonn has been appointed to oversee the Taysàyad Guard in addition to the Wardens.

Unsung Hero

Did anyone else notice Liam dan Sherakai saving the day outside the Double Axe in Dreven? We did! Avidly taking in the performance of young Carina Wynnydd, the steward's second son sat through the dance - which was hotter than the Quintak, by the way - amid a crowd that had the Axe bursting at the seams. When the performance was over, and all the bows taken, the handsome young Streylan heir was nearly lost in the press of admirers who wanted to speak to the young artist. The crowd dispersed as Wynnydd sought another egress from the inn, but a scuffle broke out in the alley beside the Double Axe as she tried to exit a side door. Grabbed by a much too enthusiastic patron, Wynnwydd said something - witnesses were too far away to hear, and the man hit her hard enough to knock her down. Who knows how far things might have gone if young Streylan hadn't been there! Unknowing or uncaring of her rescuer, Wynnydd ran from the scene, crying, terrified, blouse torn and clothes askew - not waiting even to see who it was who rescued her when she escaped into the night. We'd sure remember those green eyes if they saved us...

Artist Missing

Well renowned artist Masavlan Herlo vanished on 1 Soothcool. He was last seen at the Genna Art Festival the day before. He never made his dinner engagement the next evening. His family denies any knowledge about his present whereabouts, though they don't expect to see him any time soon as all his belongings have also vanished. It's generally believed that he packed up and ran for his life after showing off a rather unflattering portrait of the Steward at the festival. No comments were received from the Steward's Wardens.

Practice of Mixed Magic - On the 13th of Meridian three men claiming to be in the employ of Barton B. Bagsby were found guilty of using kronomancy. They were publicly executed by hanging on that same day, and the bodies summarily burned.

Wanted - For the practice of kronomancy and for collaborating with kronomancers, Barton B. Bagsby, proprietor of the Dreven Balloon Works. Mr. Bagsby claims to be in possession of a traveling device which alters time. He may also hold other, similar apparatuses. The public is urged to use extreme caution when dealing with this villain and seek the aid of authorities.

Assault - On the 11th of Sunshare, Liam Streylan was found guilty of assault and received 10 lashes. His opponents in the brawl, led by one Jasper Morely and including Ewardom Geary, Gabrys Linton, and Amarth Freyn, were also found guilty. Three of the group received 10 lashes each, while Amarth Freyn's family paid a fine of 200 gold pieces.

Attempted Robbery - On the 10th of Meridian, Lloyd Bean and Medan Hearthside were given two tendays in the gaols for the attempted assault and failed robbery of Darius el Aren and April Brell. Smithy Siengen was instrumental in apprehending the brigands and el Aren pressed charges for the assault which left him limping for a tenday.

Rooms for Rent

At Courage Cottage nestled into the foot of the Sturrbith Mountains. Located a short ride from Marrford with easy access to the mines, millwheel, and foundries. Short term and long term rooms available, meals are included.

Send inquiries to Eilanna Darcie at Courage Cottage, Marrford

Tendresses Anything
But Tender

The Crosswinds Tavern outside of the city garners an unreasonable amount of attention. Such notoriety can only be explained by the presence of the Nexus Portal within the premises because, while the establishment does offer an interesting and diverse selection of drinks, the food is bland, the rooms are expensive, and the help is questionable - particularly the female variety. Vellys Marsh is not a pleasant woman on a good day, and she sullenly, reluctantly serves anyone she takes a dislike to - which seems to cover nearly everyone that walks through the door and doubles if there's a unifom involved. Nisi Brenscha can take a sudden fit of pique and turn it into unexpected violence; she throws things at patrons or beats them with a broom. Following in her footsteps, the newest and youngest member of the Female Furies, Limele Sulriniel, also throws things - even if visiting dignitaries happen to be in her line of fire. It wasn't very long ago that Reena Valoran was fired for thievery. The 'Winds' owner is clearly and compulsively attracted to harridans. Business might really pick up if he stuck with the less temperamental male barkeeps. Dare, Xiph, and the newcomer Lawry are quick with drinks and smiles. Contrary to their feminine counterparts, they appear to actually like their jobs!

Page 3

Horse Thieves Hooked

Riding southeast of the city, a patrol of Silver Moon Knights led by Major Lexington surprised a gang of horse thieves. The inevitable scuffle was brief and resulted in the arrest of five men and a woman. One of the thieves, Ander Mott, faces the loss of a hand, while the others are scheduled to be branded and imprisoned. Eleven horses were recovered. Two of the knights, including the Major, received minor injuries. The owner(s) of a mark portraying a burning brand are requested to inquire at Fort Ubolutiin to claim their animals.

Fadewarm Fire

On 26th of Fadewarm, a fire started in an abandoned warehouse in the center of River District. Due to the slow response, several adjacent buildings were also set aflame before it was finally brought under control. No deaths occurred, though several injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still unknown, though it's believed it was not an accident.

The local Druid predicts cooling temperatures, especially in the evenings throughout Soothcool as we enjoy the last days of summer. Moderate rainfall will increase towards the end of the cycle with increasing likelihood of snow by the end of Goldfall.

Seeking Armed Escort

Guards wanted to defend regular caravan traveling between Midford and Tatham. Experience required. Good pay. Room and board provided for singles between trips, which are handled on the basis of rotating crews. Inquire at the offices of Kent and Kent Trading Company, Dearborn Street.

Wanted

Your gently-used clothing. Are your wardrobes overstuffed? Are there items in your bureaus that you never use? The Ladies' Aid Society is collecting garments for misplaced and suffering persons of the empire. Help us fight the crime of lost and broken homes. Donations accepted at the home of Lady Sulanne Worter in Hensel Street. No poor unfortunates turned away.

Geos Wanted!

Geomancers wanted for comfortable, undemanding jobs in the sunny islands of Southern Oceanuus. Information available at Prince of Pau! Trading, Inc. Points need not apply.

Making History

Two years ago we thought pretty Mik Gideonn and stylish Xiph Silvermoon were planning a wedding - their own! Turns out Xiphras has a thing - a very annoying thing - for Riane bas Lann, daughter of Gideonn's twin brother Ricoh. When Riane is in the tavern while Xiph is tending bar, he can't seem to get drink orders straight. What has the lovely red-head got up her sleeves (besides weapons)?

He's a Lover and a Fighter...

And the Chief Wenchman, er... Warden? After wooing Sonja Cabri, Kiethry Brenscha, and doing who-knows-what with Xiph, the well-dressed 'half-hand' half-elf was seen just recently locking lips with none other than Steward dan Rikash's other wayward daughter, Shahdi Athan who reappeared via the Tavern's Nothern Portal from places unknown, bristling with weapons like a porcupine! What will husband Pol say?

Really Warm Welcomes

Speaking of Steward's daughters, Kiethry Brenshca sure has a way with men! After disappearing for cycles, she's back in Dreven to greet foreign officials! The King Aikiliano 'Scar Face' Bashar and handsome - still single - Nikolas Allesair were enthusiastically met by she who is affectionately known as 'Kee' and one of the 'Winds newest employees, Limele Sulriniel. The young ladies managed to drench the king with two separate drinks, and Miss Brenshca was kind enough to open a vein in young Allesair's arm. With hospitality like that, it is a wonder Shadokhan isn't at war.

Trendsetting

Handsome young Nikolas Allessair, missing for nearly a year, returned in fashion through the Crosswinds Northern Portal - or should we say without fashion! Niko was naked as the day he was born! Kiethry and Limele (Is there a pattern here?) were on hand for his return and were less offended by his nudity than the men in the 'Winds that night! Kee even kissed the lost hydro and planned to helpfully shove him through the portal on his way home. Fortunately, healer's assistant Darius el Aren showed up and took responsibility for the younger man.

Picky Missy

Finicky Miss Amorina Stoneheart ditched longtime sweetheart Tieryan Call in favor of one of the San Giamonico scions, Ioloas. Or did she? In spite of landing herself a catch that shows every promise of being wealthy, powerful, romantic, and attractive, wasn't long after San G's return to Shadokhan that Ami was seen cozying up to Call again. "She loves me, she loves me not..."

Scary Missus

A tempest seems to have landed right on the Lovejoy-Gideonn farm, Stormchaser. The mister's been straying and the missus is mad! While the identity of the Other Woman remains vague, Bliss's very vocal plans to do away with her are not. Ricoh hasn't done a stint in the hanging cage yet, but he might want to remember that what's good for the gander is better for the goose!

Breeding Woes

Lady Duessin Hunt has a stable full of horses destined to be great racers if only she could convince the Steward to lend his marvelous stallions to her brood mares. And it's no secret that the lady wants Kai's stud services as well as those of his stallions. Stand in line, woman! Just because you're young and lovely and recently widowed doesn't mean you can slip in ahead of the rest of us! And you can't play both sides of the throne, either. Steward or Chief Warden, not both, thank you very much!

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.

Looking for a responsible woman to care for an elderly matron several days a ten-day. Must be dependable, responsible and able to do heavy lifting. Serious inquiries at Maddigan's next to Gerald's Smithy on Candlebury Street, Dreven.

Puppies for sale: Half hound, half sneaky neighbor's dog.

Situation wanted: Young lady with housekeeping and cooking experience seeks elderly gentleman to look after. Make inquiries to Miss Violet Harris on Light St.

The Gazette Apologizes...

... for misinformation inadvertently printed in our previous issue. The Arts and Entertainment section mistakenly declared that the Dreven Theater had been operating since 1259. In truth, the grand and popular building was not completed until spring of 1261.

Faery Delights Bakery

Two free berry tarts with the purchase of a fruit pie until the end of Moonshare!

Look for us in Market Street

Letter to the Editor

To The Editor,

I write to express my concern for the people of Dreven, and all the rest of the lands of Shadokahn, and even the old empire. I regret to say that our people seem to be a forgetful sort. Never before has magic been the rule of our lands, until it was forced upon us by the Klockwork. Now it seems we have forgotten what happened to our great realm after that rule, and traded one mage for another!

We rose up against the forces of the Klockwork, and the magic that poisoned our land. Do you forget the people that mysteriously vanished through out the lands? Some were never found. The creatures that attacked innocent people and herds that are the lively hood of farmers? The drake that could have ravaged Dreven, and the food shortages that followed the baffling changes in the ocean currents and the weather? This is what magic does to our lands.

And now, under the rule of yet another mage we see that history repeats itself. Only just over a cycle after our honorable General became Steward magic erupted causing even more havoc than before. Once again we lost innocent people to the forces of the portal, including respectable knights. Strange creatures are still harassing towns and livestock in Golden Lake. And what of the village of Greenkeep, and the mysterious happenings of their forest? The look on the faces of those victims is enough to make any man shake in his breeches. And that is only in Shadokahn! Our neighbors have suffered much more fearsome fates, the lands forever changed! Once again our land has been poisoned by the rule of magic.

I have been quiet for too long, and now as the end of my life nears I must be heard. Our General did his job well, protecting our lands from intruders and even from those within our borders that sought their own good and not the good of the people. But let us not fall to the rule of another mage! If the rule of magic continues to infect our lands it will be the end of us, or perhaps of all the nations of Hyathis! Who can say how long until more horrifying events will occur if we do not purge ourselves of this poison.

A Solemn Citizen of Dreven
C. Driscole

(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.)


All the News of Lyran Tal		09/11/1278