Important Message from the Lord General of the Silver Moon Knights!   

Citizens of Dreven, and the outlying regions,

Any information concerning the Mad Mage Icaruss, the Hive, or any unusual occurrences involving the so-dubbed "Northern Portal" located in the Crosswinds Tavern is to be reported to a representative of the Silver Moon Knights. Depending on the quantity and accuracy of the information, a reward will be assessed. To report this information, inquire at Fort Ubolutiin for Lieutenant Captain Julien Zyas, or Lieutenant Captain Liam Fortuna, General Staff.

Also, skilled alchemists are requested to present themselves at Fort Ubolutiin. Completion of a formula capable of negating the acidic effects of Hive excretions will be well rewarded. Samples of Hive acid will be provided to qualified alchemists.

signed,

Jinhiol "Hawksbane" Niliahas

Another Noble Murdered!

Dreven, Shadokhan- Gentle readers, we wish there was happier news to share! The mysterious person known only as RWD has again written us! The "helpers of the unwealthy" seem to be at it again! This time, the body of one Andro Morenhelt was found, his throat evenly cut from one side straight to the other! The lack of clues to be found are disturbing to everyone, most of all to the Silver Moon Knights.

The letter we received reads as follows:

Dear Citizens of Dreven,
It seems my last letter went unheeded, as the nobles continue their ways. It is because of this that we have had to prove our statements and promises were not empty. We will not let these atrocities of human decency go unpunished! There will be our time...and those with the safety of three will fall at our hands. No Longer will we allow the three to rule our streets...help the nobles continue on their path to rid the world of those that they feel are below them. Soon my brothers....soon....we will rise above.

RWD

Again, we urge you to take extra care, gentle readers! The Gazette will keep you updated as we uncover more news!

Balthazor Dispatches Ambassador to Shadokhan

Dreven, Shadokhan - That's right folks, you've heard it confirmed here first! An Ambassador from Balthazor (isn't this a first?) has recently arrived in Shadokhan at the famed Crosswinds Tavern. Rumor is, that this Necromancing Ambassador will be taking up room part-time at Taysayad Keep in Dreven.

It has come to our attention that Ambassador Mordred Anubis has secured a decent home at the edge of the capital city of Dreven, when seeking time alone from proceedings and meetings at the Emperor's Keep. Our newest Ambassador to touch Shadokhan was dispatched last week sometime by none other then Irmaa Vep herself! A second Necromancer has been spotted not only at Taysàyad Keep, but also at the famous Crosswinds Tavern and is rumored to be the Ambassador's personal bodyguard; the strange woman appears to hold naught a desire except for the Ambassador's well being.

Ambassador Anubis has been spotted at the Crosswinds Tavern in the company of a female Elf; the name Kylara was heard spoken in regard to this mysterious woman. It is rumored that the Elven woman is a Ranger, but this as yet has not been confirmed. The woman was mentioned to be Anubis' guide and escort from Balthazor to Shadokhan and yet, the Ambassador is said to have bought a pair of gold rings upon his arrival to the capital of Dreven. Is there more here then meets the eye?

On a side note to this evolving story, a black panther has been reported around the wooded area of the Crosswinds Tavern. Is the arrival of this panther a coincidence of the arrival of the Ambassador from Balthazor? Are the two linked in some way?

Massacre in Arboria!

Arboria - Weeks-old remains of seven men were recently discovered on an abandoned trail in the wilds of Arboria. Four of these unfortunates were elven, and three human.The condition of the remains makes it difficult to identify the deceased, but an investigation is underway. It is apparent that these poor souls met their end by blade.  However, one of the human males was found lying in large puddle of dried blood, yet with no wounds. There will be more news as the Gazette uncovers it!

The UMA - Friend or Foe?

Dreven, Shadokhan - A private investigation is being conducted into the theft of saddles from A&D Saddlery. It is suspected that the UMA may be trying to pressure this profitable business into joining them by using less than scrupulous methods! Thus far, the UMA is the only suspect in this crime; the Silver Moon Knights have not yet been called to serve final justice, though if these thefts continue, they shall be called upon.

Illnesses of Nobles Worry Vivomancers!

Dreven, Shadokhan - On the 13th of Soothcool, 1260 Lady Penelope Marchand died of an unknown illness. Healers were called in, but the illness was too far gone for them to do anything but comfort the lady in her last hours of life. One young Vivomancer the Gazette spoke with paled when questioned about how the lady died; it was revealed that the woman was bleeding from her eyes and nose. The young healer said they'd been seeing this same type of illness within the noble community within the past few weeks. It is feared there may be an epidemic spreading among the elite community. The strange thing is that it doesn't seem to affect those who are not of nobility. This reporter suspects there may be magic or foul play afoot.  When questioned, the Silver Moon Knights would not make any comment on this strange illness.<

The Gazette will keep you informed of new developments as they are discovered.<

Increase of Thefts in Dreven!

Dreven, Shadokhan - In recent weeks there's rumored to have been an increase in thefts from the nobles of Dreven. Apparently the individual or group of culprits have managed to sneak through the tightest security and escape without being noticed! Few have made public complaints, as it is rumored that most of the stolen money or goods were to be considered 'dirty' or the actual amount of currency taken was insignificant. This is strange, considering the trouble went through to secure the items. Is this a challenge to the nobles or a thrill-seeker in action? Only time well tell.

To the staff of the Dreven Gazette,

I have been a subscriber to your productions since the very first issue was released some years ago, and I have followed the news of Shadokhan and other regions with great interest. However, this is the first time I have felt a need to correspond with you, and make a correction.

I am a blacksmith by trade, as well as somewhat of a scholar. The unlearned may believe that blacksmiths work with anything in steel, but this is not so; A blacksmith is a skilled laborer capable of creating a good many implements, from a plow, to the common work dagger. However, what a blacksmith is not is a weaponsmith, or an armorsmith. This is a wholly separate craft, with an entirely different set of training requirements.

The reason I bring this up is based on a notice in the most recent issue of the Gazette (Soothcool, 1260). Someone requests an expert blacksmith, then goes on to describe the workings of a weaponsmith. This distresses me due to my specific interests in the craft, and I would be greatly appreciative if you would post this note in the manner of a correction.

Thom Fanduril, Blacksmith

Great Harvest Bakery

Honey Wheat Bread
buy one get one free

Peach Pies
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The Straight And Narrow

Crossbows and Ballistas
If you need a little extra security on
the top of your castle or keep, come
see Gloisur RedForge.
Over a hundred years of experience
making crossbows and ballistas.

Located on Cobblestone Lane next to
Barnbuckle Bakery

On the 10th day of Soothcool, Lodan Emersol was found guilty of Theft of Lord Jennmark's coin purse in the Merchant's Tents. Lodan Emersol, a lad of seventeen winters, was branded on his right hand on the 11th day of Soothcool.

On the 21st day of Soothcool, Gelhan Cubiale was found guilty of False Accusation, claiming that his wife of five winters has been unfaithful and committing adultery with the local smith. No evidence was found to support the accusation, and furthermore it was found that Gelhan Cubiale was attempting to hide his distant redcap heritage that was found evident in his new babe born tendays afore. Gelhan Cubiale received 20 lashings in the main square in Dreven City on the 25th day of Soothcool.

On the 30th day of Soothcool, Lady Leren Innobah was found guilty of Low Murder, when she accidentally ran over and killed Jenoah Fasbert, a farmer of fifty-five winters, with her horse and wagon.  She was fined 100 gold to be paid to the family for their loss.

The local druid predicts chilly weather as Goldfall begins in a few days. We may even see some light snow flurries toward the end of the cycle.

The Gypsy will be back in the next issue.