Murderer Sought

Dreven, Shadokhan - In a horrific continuation of the theme of the past several months, three men were the subject of a vicious attack in the vicinity of the Gloating Goat Tavern. An off-duty knight, one Damius Aarndel, happened upon the scene of carnage while the perpetrator was, according to him, 'still feeding'. Caught in the act, Aarndel said that the killer growled at him like some wild animal, knocked him down, and ran off into the night. Aarndel's arm and jaw were broken and he was in considerable pain when he was questioned by local authorities. The only description he was able to provide was that of a man who appeared to be tall and had eyes that glowed like a demon's.

The three men that were killed apparently fought back, as their weapons were still in their hands when they died. One of those hands was found on the opposite side of the alley. The owner apparently died from massive trauma to his face. The other two seem to have died of excessive blood loss, due to the violent extraction of their throats. Weapons and valuables were left untouched. Only one of the bodies was identified: that of Farley Underwood.

Necromancer Kills in Dreven

Dreven, Shadokhan - Alas! Another murder has stricken Dreven, gentle readers! From the evidence gathered by the Silver Moon Knights, it has been determined that the poor soul was killed by a Necromancer of practised skill! Four tendays ago, a man was found dead in an alleyway in the late midnight hour, his flesh appearing to have rotted rapidly away! The poor woman who found the body is currently staying with friends and is said to still be in quite a bit of shock from the sight of the man's rotted corpse.

It is unknown why, but Shadokhan's Ambassador from Balthazor has taken a interest in the matter and was the one to suggest Necromantic powers connected with the murder. The Ambassador appeared a bit angered, one Knight reported. As to the Ambassador's interest in this matter...it is, as yet, unknown.

Return of a Giant

Crosswinds Tavern, Shadokhan - After over a cycle of being among the missing, the famed Tavern's resident giant and bartender returned from what most called certain death. And if you ask this reporter, there was no better time for Adrahm Brine to return to the Crosswinds Tavern then when he did. On the night of seven-foot gentle giant's return, the Crosswinds Tavern was once again attacked by what reports have labeled "The Hive"!These horrifying creatures once again found their way into the drinking establishment and began threatening the faithful patrons that were inside! Along with a newcomer, reportedly from the Badlands, no less, Adrahm joined in the fight and was able to vanquish four of the seven creatures.  With the increasing presence of some unsavory customers at the Crosswinds, this reporter is glad to have his large, smiling face back.

Has the Sea Wolf Returned?

Northern Oceanuus - The past two months, have been a horrid time for any merchant vessel set sailing in Northern Oceanuus. Survivors of apparent Pirate attacks claim their ships to have been surrounded in an amost sudden mist or fog. Moments later, their precious ships would be rammed by a large vessel! In most accounts, the Merchant vessels have been sunk and the remaining crews set off in small rowboats. Interesting, though, is the fact that lives are spared in these Pirate attacks! Those who lay down their weapons and surrender their arms have been spared during these strategic sea attacks.

The Pirates themselves, from survivor accounts, have been said to appear both human and elvish in look. Tall and small in their heights and lead by a gray-bearded man wearing strange clothing and a set of gold rings to his left ear. One surviving sailor of a merchant vessel out of Balthazor said he heard the captain of the attacking vessel being refered to as "The Sea Wolf" by his shipmates. There was rumor of such a man nearly 10 years ago ravaging the seas of both Northern and Southern Oceanuus. Has The Sea Wolf returned to his trade?

The Pirate ship's name was given to that of a Silver Moon Knight, and said to be labeled the "Journey's End". There is strong rumor among those who have met with this ship that possibly one on-board her possesses the fine art of Hydromancy. This is, however, still only set in rumor.

Would-be Despot Dies in Barn Fire

Crosswinds Tavern, Shadokhan - One of the darkest designs in Lyran Tal history has been uncovered and stopped. The supposedly faithful valet of Marcel Desgarden, one Chiron by name, has shed his mask and is now exposed as the murderous villain responsible for the downfall of two prominent figures in Cloosidian thus far! Reports have it that his sights were set on Desgarden and, through him, the Arch-Magess Annabella Morningstar.

Rebecca Wyn, one of Desgarden's household staff, suspected Chiron ever since his hiring four years back. While he won the trust of Desgarden and the submission of the household staff, Wyn silently observed, looking for a chance to expose the criminal. It emerged during Desgarden's trip to Dreven from Luminii; Wyn discovered a letter written to one "SinJee" that revealed a scandal in the works.

Luminii inhabitants may be familiar with rumors of a love affair between Morningstar and Desgarden; these are false, as Wyn's discovery (and other letters) revealed: "Marcel Desgarden and Annabella Morningstar are passionately engaged in a heated affair that will send all of Luminii into disarray. They just don't know it yet. No one does... Ah, there's nothing quite so beautiful as the fall of the secure." After Chiron's death, more letters were discovered, describing in detail the downfall of the Bracknell and Crowne estates in Cloosidian as a result of calculated manipulation. Chiron always worked from the inside out in achieving power.

The day evidence was brought to Desgarden, Chiron went missing. Reports placed him at the Crosswinds Tavern at that time, before he snapped. One Talia Hawk comments: "I did not know the man. He seemed distressed about something. Kept raving about the Emperor." After this time, he vanished into the forest, returning the next night to threaten the life of Sharnsay Brenshca. By her own words, "He had murder in his eyes. I thought he would kill me on the spot! All I did was walk out the tavern door!" During these two nights in the tavern, he repeatedly made overtures threatening the life of the Emperor, leaving little doubt that he had his sights set on his downfall, perhaps to take his place! Desgarden's forces employed Shay Graystone, and with her help set to tracking down the suspected villain.

A group of Desgarden's men encountered him in the forest outside of the Crosswinds Tavern on the 4th of Chillset, with Graystone, Guillame Vaerden (the man placed in charge of Chiron's capture), and his men not too far off. Of the five men that encountered him, two were killed, the other three knocked unconscious. Chiron mounted his horse and shot off into the forest; Graystone, Vaerden, and his men were in hot pursuit.

Chiron was seen slipping into an abandoned barn on the forest's outskirts; Vaerden's men entered in search of him. After a while, Graystone as well entered the barn. Having no luck in finding the man, Graystone persuaded the band to smoke him out. The barn was set ablaze, and surrounded by the group. Chiron never came out, and is presumed dead. A body was discovered after the barn burnt down, but the remains were too charred to be identified. After an official statement from Vaerden, it has been announced that the corpse is, indeed, that of the manipulative Chiron. His death was not intended, but, as Vaerden said: "...we had to ensure the end of murder, slander, and theft from Chiron. His death was the only way to secure this."

In the initial fight with Vaerden's men, a stack of letters was dropped. These notes provided more than enough evidence to convict Chiron beyond a doubt. They will be made public by the end of the month, and sold at most printshops.

In times when the Mad Mage is assumed to be the sole antagonist of Lyran Tal, it's both eye-opening and unnerving to see that others still have sights set on controlling Lyran Tal, and would have the audacity to attempt to slander such noble figures as Arch-Magess Morningstar and Marcel Desgarden.

Reprieve from Goblin Raids

The Borderlands, Luminii - Strange perhaps, but not without it's welcome comes the news of fewer raids into the borderlands of Luminii in past months! It would seem that the large terrifying raids of Goblins that had taken place several months ago have all but stopped for a time.

Could it be they've grown tired of taking advantage of Luminii's farm lands and livestock? Doubtful, this reporter believes. Whatever has taken place is, of course, a welcome respite; yet one has to wonder. Where are the hordes of Goblins and what are they up to?

Obituary

Dreven, Shadokhan -- Eliolas Legondel passed away on the 7th of Elder, 1260. His life was forcibly taken by an assassin known only as the Black Ranger.

Born in Cannebrae, Arboria, he was the son of Cithran and Miolia Legondel. He had been a resident of Dreven, Shadokhan since Elder of 1259. Eliolas Legondel was a member of the Black Wolf Company since Ash 1260 and was valued by his comrades as a man of honor and his skills as an Archer.

He is survived by his parents and betrothed Kendra Rulyar, as well as his friends and companions from the Black Wolf Company.

Nurse Needed

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Scope of responsibilities for this position include:

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Full time compensation and EXCELLENT benefits.

Send application by scroll to the Ferilla Estate on Melantha Road in Dreven.

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SlamHammer Forge
GRAND OPENING!

Bitewind 2, 1261

Master Weaponsmith Glaive SlamHammer, formerly of Dvarnia's Hold, has set up shop in Dreven City. Daggers, Swords, Axes, Warhammers... you name it!

Special 25% discount to first 10 customers.

The local druid predicts continued cold weather as the new year begins. Expect the usual snowstorms during Earthfreeze, but Yearpass should dawn cold and clear.

The Gypsy will be back in the next issue.

Letter to the Editor

To whom it may concern ~

As a concerned citizen I feel it is my duty to point out the sudden rise of secret societies in Dreven. First, this talk about a Milk Goat and how it embodies the Ideals of the "secret circle" of the high and mighty in Dreven. What is this world coming to? Calling a goat an ethereal creature with supernatural insides? I think the honorable Sir Bleak is just trying to make a few coins on the misery of others!

This wary citizen has also noticed another secret society amongst us. The cult of the Black Wolf. Rumor has it one Brom Stoneheart, the self appointed leader of this band of misfits, has helped the late Sir Derriq Urillion in the capture of a wanted killer. I do not believe for one minute that our noble Silver Moon Knights have to ask these Black Wolves for assistance in any of their investigations.

Furthermore, Brom Stoneheart has been seen in the company of a young elf named Kendra; this is the same young lady who was amongst the group of seven who escaped from the Icaran Tower! Coincidence? I think not!

Something smells fishy about the Wolves in Dreven.

Signed,
One concerned Citizen in Dreven.