Political Coup Rocks Shadokhan

Dreven, Shadokhan - Celebrations to commemorate the Battle of Dawn's Early Light on the 27th of Soothcool were violently and unexpectedly interupted by a political coup by the combined forces of various rebel groups, The Blackwolf Mercenary Company, Silver Moon Knights, and rebellious members of the Klockwork Army.

The coup began at the Crosswinds Tavern, where rebel forces quickly seized control of the infamous location and its important landmark: the Northern Portal. Additional forces waited along the roadside and intercepted Klockwork soldiers who attempted to aid their brethren at the tavern.

Unrest and upheaval quickly broke out in nearby Dreven shortly thereafter when the rebel forces took advantage of the chaos that came with the Dawn's Early Light festivities. Klockwork soldiers within Fort Ubolutiin found themselves imprisoned and disarmed, while Klock patrols throughout the city and outside its walls were quickly divided and attacked.

As chaos and confusion reigned throughout the city, Captain Raphael Dolek, formerly of the Klockwork Army, and the Baron Streylan along with a small force entered Tasayad Keep and accepted the surrender of General Yashkara Steelclaw. The details of this significant event remain the subject of much speculation. But when all was said and done, Dolek and Streylan had assumed control of the city.

Reports of deaths and injuries in the wake of this event have been significant, but it is believed they could have been much worse if not for the rapid execution of the coup. Sporadic fighting and unrest continued throughout the city for a few days, but gradually diminished as the rebel forces asserted control of the situation. However, even tendays after the fighting, some residents of Dreven still seemed to be confused as to what had happened and who was in control of their city.

Soon after the coup was over, Raphael Dolek assumed leadership of the city, under the title of Steward of Dreven. Peace and organization have since been established within the city limits and in the immediate surrounds. General Steelclaw remains in custody of the new government, along with countless Klockwork soldiers. It is believed, however, that some unorganized Klockwork forces still remain within Shadokhan. Of even greater concern is the fact that several of the Klock Master's closes advisors, themselves powerful mages, are still unaccounted for.

Regardless, it would appear that the days of the Klockwork Empire have finally come to an end, as suddenly and violently as it began. What this will mean for the citizens of Shadokhan and the rest of the old Empire is still unclear.

Steward Announces a Ball to Be Held at Taysayad

The Steward of Dreven, Raphael Dolek, has announced he will be hosting a Ball on the 23rd of Bitewind, at Taysayad Keep. What is stirring up even more excitement throughout the city, however, is the fact that invitations will not be restricted to those of nobility and influence. Indeed, invitations are being made available to a variety of Dreven men and women, including merchants, business owners, and even farmers from the nearby countryside.

This seems to be in keeping with how the Steward has conducted many of his affairs so far, since assuming the office. In choosing advisors and council members, the Steward has often made a point of selecting men and women from all walks of life, based more on their knowledge and abilities than their political influence or wealth. Whether this policy will help or hurt him in the long run remains to be seen.

As the Ball approaches, there is also increasing speculation as to who may be attending from outside the Dreven area, in particular from other regions. Ambassadors from places such as Luminii and even Arboria have been seen in various places throughout the city, lending credence to the rumors that some very important people indeed may be planning to attend the soiree. Provided, that is, that the portals cooperate.

However much excitement the announcement has caused, there are still those who are busy decrying the fact that the Ball is being held at a time like this. But many in the inner circles of Dreven life see this as a potentially canny move on the part of the Steward, aimed to increase morale at a time in which it is badly needed. Not only has Dreven struggled to recover from a revolution and the lingering uncertainty, but winter has been particularly difficult this year, with heavy snows that are affecting everyone.

The Ball is to begin at Sunset. Invitations must be picked up by no later than the 20th.

With the passing of Yearpass, the local Druid warns of more heavy snowfall before the end of Bitewind. Now is the time to make sure the last to stock up on dried fruits and herb teas to ward off any sickness which may come with the cold and wet weather. Travelers are advised the passes over the mountains have become impassable and will not open again until the end of Fadefrost.

Bab's Gossip

by Bab L. Ling

The Festival of Dawn's Light had many interesting changes. However, none as odd as what happened at Lord Darsom's masquerade ball. It seems the recently divorced noble spent the evening flirting heavily with a sultry feline, who returned it with equal vigor. Both, however, were stunned when the unmasking took place and found out the object of his desires were none other than his ex-wife, Margerette. We wish the happy couple better luck the second time around!

In addition, speaking of flirting... It seems one of our newly appointed advisors, Kendra Rulyar, can't make up her mind which male to flirt with. It's rumored that she's up to one for each day of the tenday. Neither race nor rank appears to be an obstacle, as long as it is male. Even that has come into question as of late. One wonders what she 'advises' the new Steward about. Being an Elf, this shameless behavior should come as no surprise to our readers. 'Circumspect' isn't in the Elvish language

More new faces at Baron Streylan's farm. With the recent arrival of twins to the baron and baroness, adding to the dozen or so already present, one might assume horses aren't the only thing they breed in large quantities. It seems Taysayad's new Weaponsmaster has a well practiced sword.

Donations Requested

The Rosewood Orphanage respectfully requests donations from any able and willing to give. The Orphanage will accept donations in any form, particularly: money, food, clothes, shoes, blankets, soap, medical supplies, toys, and books.

Severe Storms Savage Shadokhan

Local druid Barney Leatherleaf might have been stoned if stones could be found beneath the veritable mountain of snow that has fallen on our fair city and the surrounding area. More than a tenday after taking the brunt of the unannounced storm, Dreven residents nabbed the apparently unsuspecting charlatan outside his home in Mulberry Street and dragged him to the city's Main Square, where he was clapped in the stocks and summarily pelted with a weapon that was not in short supply: snowballs.

The 23rd of Chillset brought the first of a winter storm the like of which has not been seen in this part of Shadokhan since the winter of 1256. No less than three feet of snow buried the city and surrounding countryside, with reports of depths reaching five feet along the northern benches of Mount Cillian and drifted snowbanks elsewhere in the area topping door frames.

Responsibility for loss of life, limb, livestock and lodgings is being laid at the druid's feet. "We should have been warned!" claimed Ethel Mottel, standing in the wreckage of the lean-to that previously housed her now-frozen cow. "Any druid worth his salt shoulda been able to predict such a disaster! How am I going to get through this terrible winter without my Nelly?"

Neighbor Willard Purdie staunchly supported Mrs. Mottel's stand, reporting the total loss of his entire flock of chickens as well as the tragic death of the family dog. His eleven children clustered in a disconsolate knot behind him, crying openly. On the bright side, there's nothing like a good, quick freeze to preserve meat stuffs for future consumption.

Sadly, the mounting reports of deaths are not limited to livestock. Coupled with the fatally frigid temperatures typical of Earthfreeze, tragedy roams Dreven's streets like a ravenous mongrel. Some of the more prominent members of our community lost in the catastrophe were Randall Pulsipher (author of the famed "Chronicles of Waltham the Wise"), Judge Emmett Strock, Peggy 'Twinkles' Moon (alewife at the Smelly Rat), and Lotta Foo (aunt of the legendary Madame Foo). Sympathies from those of us on the Gazette staff go out to the families of those who have lost their lives.

Not everyone, however, was adversely affected by the storm. Businessman Ned Jolley proclaims that sales on snowshoes have never been so high.

Crime Report

A home near Taysayad was burglarized on first Goldfall. The thieves seemed to have gotten away with several prized pieces of jewelry. Anyone with information on the crime should notify the Magistrates office.

Several shops in the Merchant District were vandalized by what is believed to be Klockwork sympathizers. The magistrate is currently questioning several known Klockwork supporters.

There were three separate boat fires in the River District, officials currently will make no comment, but many in the area believe it to be related to the Pirate Nations.

A house fire claimed the life of a young girl in the Merchant District. The magistrate asks for the help of any Pyromancers in Dreven, as the father of the child believes it to be arson.

The daylight robberies in the Market Square were solved on 20 Goldfall with the apprehension of a group of young toughs after a woman's purse and a merchant's until were taken within moments of each other. Proceedings against the youths are set to begin middle of Bitewind.

A strange pattern in recent murders has the local Guard puzzled. Half a dozen men, all in the prime of life, have been found dead in or near the River District. The Guard suspects the murders to be the work of one or the same subjects since all of them have lost their life due to a single slash to the neck. Please contact your Guard with any information to solve these mysterious murders.

Mooncalling Festival
Gains Popularity

Dreven - Once again, the date of the darkest night has come and gone and this year without much of the destruction last year's had. The night had a much friendlier feel to it this year; people shared sweets and song in Dreven's streets, and in the town of Marrford the major event organized a new game for children to play. Dried apple rings were strung up high and the kids tried to catch as many as possible using only their mouths, holding their hands behind their backs. An adult was on hand to make sure even the little ones were sure to catch a few treats and lowered the lines according to their heights. The local hotspot for ghostly encounters proved once again to be the infamous Crosswinds Tavern. Besides skirts being lifted, a sword floating in midair and a ghostly wedding proposal, one 'visitation' particularly stood out. Asa, the proprietor of the tavern, claims one of his loyal customers, a outlander named Avraham Lave, was possibly possessed by the ghost of his mother and started to scare the rest of the patrons. One wonders if this is true, or if Asa just holds a grudge for the same man who had managed to smuggle a rather large bird into the commons of the tavern causing quite a stir.

Voice of the Steward

Thanks to the Dreven Gazette and its staff, this section will be reserved to keep the people of Shadokhan and all the gazette readers up to date on how things are going without the usual hype we've come to expect from our governments. My name is Raphael Dolek. I'm an ex-captain of the Klockwork regime, ex-Rebel leader and, at present, the new Steward of Dreven. At my side is a council of advisors to help govern for our citizens. They are Bliss Lovejoy, Captain Celes Dunhold, Sir Gordon Taneth, Lady Kendra Rulyar, Randolph Willougby, Reed Thay, and Baron Sherakai dan Rikash. Our city, and Shadokhan in general, was hard hit in the fight to remove the insanity of the Klockwork Master and her council. Limited foods and damaged structures top the list of major concerns of our people. My heartfelt appreciation goes to Lady Kendra Rulyar and Lady Nisi Brenshca on organizing an auction which drew in over 800 gold to be used to aid in the repair the damage done to Dreven during this crisis. Open trade is encouraged and negotiations have begun with other regions to provide supplies, including food staples, until winter has passed and we can support ourselves again.Ê Both Luminii and Balthazor have been highly receptive to this so far. While certain exotic food items might be rare, I don't anticipate any food shortages. It is no longer against the law to worship the goddess, Nostrella. Acts done by both rebel and klock forces prior to the change in government, with a few exceptions, are pardoned. Any persons commiting illegal acts from here on will be arrested. Tharius, ex-captain of the klockwork regime, has been banished from Shadokhan.

~Raphael Dolek,
Steward of Dreven

Shadokhan Coast
Still a Deathtrap?

Nearly a cycle ago, several by the shores of Shadokhan had seen a ship sailing with three others. Suddenly a mist rolled in, fog seemingly around one of the trailing ships. The waters were said to shift, as if the waves had reversed course somehow and then the ship started to show signs of distress. It was hard to make out due to their distance from shore, but men were moving about frantically on deck of the trailing third vessel and then it seemed to sink rather quickly into the depths of the waters. Not a single crewman was seen come up from the would be watery grave. Is there some beast at work in our waters? Or are the Hydromancers to blame?

Dreven City Guard

Over the course of the next three ten-days you fine citizens will notice the collections of various guards in the city undergoing a change. The disparate factions that were responsible for the liberation of our beloved city will be withdrawn and the new Dreven City Guard will be installed. Each patrol will be clad in grey uniforms with white sashes around their waists. Soon badges shall be issued to each to validate guard units.

On a private note, I would like to thank you all for your support in this turbulent time, and we hope to serve and protect you all during this new era.

~ Captain Celes Dunhold
Commander of the Dreven City Guard.

A Look Outside Shadokhan's Borders

By Master Zentern Baum

Arboria Rules With an Iron Fist

With the arrival of Silver Moon Knights in Dreven came horrifying news out of Arboria. While the Arborian Council allowed the Silver Moon Knights safe passage across the border to Cloosidian, they were also forced to evacuate the small town of Gaimaille in a matter of days and make sure no human was left behind because their safety would no longer be guaranteed by the Council. Most carried as much as they could on their backs just to get away in time while they still had the protection of the Knights. Most material things and lifelong memories had to be left behind in fear of the Elven lashing out on anybody left behind. We are still trying to find out if everybody has made it safely across Cloosidian into Shadokhan; even the Knights could not give us exact numbers yet. Our hearts go out to the people who still have family and friends trapped behind the Arborian Border; we will inform about the status of other human settlements the moment we can manage to get news. The newly appointed Ambassador from Arboria, Elenari Tuurchi, has so far refused to answer any questions and declined our requests for an interview.

Cloosidian

No news available at this time...

What is Stirring in Balthazor?

Increase in Patrols has been seen along the Southern border of Balthazor recently. Thirty to forty-five warriors on horseback have been noticed traveling just inside the marked border of Balthazor, stopping only briefly to rest their horses before moving on once again. It is unknown if the patrol is sent directing from Malcoven, or if somebody else could be behind it. Rumors have if they are simply inspecting the border maybe noting how easy it would be to cross it on a future date.

However, these are not the only rumors flying in the streets of Dreven. Some say a deal is in the works, which would bring rice and fish from Balthazor directly into Dreven for the upcoming winter. If the rumor were true, what would Dreven be asked to give in return for the food? Is this some plot, or merely an honest offering? Time will tell no doubt, what such dealings turn into.

Thermador

No news available at this time...

Oceanuus, the Isles of Mayhem

The southern islands have developed a reputation for rumor and chaos, but little else. The fact remains that there is little in the way of reliable information coming from Southern Oceanuus. In the midst of scattered raiding parties, however, a few small fishing vessels landed, bringing native immigrants to the area of Port Ethralest. The stories they bear vary drastically, and this reporter could not -- in good faith -- give an account of any of them. There are tales of fiery explosions, walls of water, fantastic creatures and divine intervention. One can only hope that the Gazette's S'oshan correspondent Feki Anoha'ana has not met with an untimely end, and will some day return to us with a first-had account of happenings in Pirate Territory!

The Region of Luminii - A Republic?

Luminii, the agricultural center of the old Empire, has sent out formal announcements in recent tendays to declare that an independent government has been established there. In a gathering that began at the summer solstice, representatives from across the region gathered together to establish a rule of the land, and to appoint leadership for the region.

Keldon Baraeros, former member of the Union of Mercantile Authority and considered to be one of the wealthiest men in the land, was appointed to the position of Archon in this new Republic. Members of his supporting council include Anara Midiere the Archmagess of Vivomancy, Antoni Demasio of the powerful and influential Demasio family in Damansque , Geran Setalin and Eltanathen Derigo Selduth of the UMA, and Nadiya Galyn, current leader of the Allied League of Farmers. Also listed are Marcos Danin, Ilsa Ballantine, Cole Terrick, Victor Ventfero, and Dona Locori.

Those who have kept a close eye on this process from the beginning are reporting that the council seems to have been very carefully chosen, with representatives from the nobility, merchants and farmers alike, and even an instructor from the famed law school at Yarmuth. But the presence of two UMA members, as well as Keldon Baraeros's former UMA membership, has not gone unnoticed, and is raising some concerns that the UMA might indeed wield a great amount of power with this new government.

The various appointments made were not without surprises. Many expected Orazio San Giamonico to take a prominent role in the new government, particularly after his spearheading of the rebellion. But it is reported that San Giamonico did not even attend the initial gathering, instead preferring to remain on his estate. Some traditionalists are also taking issue with the fact that for the first time in many years, an Archmage is not leading the land. After years of difficult relations between Luminii and her vivomancers, however, some are not surprised by this change. Either way, it is hoped that having Midiere on the council will help the Republic to continue to resolve any remaining tensions or issues.

Among the first decisions of the new Republic was to seek to resume trade with its neighbors, and envoys have already begun to visit Dreven. Wines from the Luminii region are beginning to appear more prominently in shops and taverns in Shadokhan at a reduced price, to celebrate the new government.

• Village of Meren Crossings in central Shadokhan overrun by outlaws. Villagers hand over pitchforks and flee.

• Baron Streylan appointed as Weaponsmaster for the Steward.

• Arboria sends ambassador Elenari Tuurchi to Dreven.

• Financial Mogul and Premier of the UMA Geran Setalin hosts private party for visiting diplomats and dignitaries.

• Steward Dolek appeals to the masses by visiting orphanages and people on the street. Plans are in motion for meetings with local farmers and merchants as well as representatives from other regions.

Betrothals

Lord Bertram and Lady Joanna Valoran announce the betrothal of their youngest daughter, Darina, to Lord Percy Windom, eldest son and heir to the Windom estates. The Valorans also wish to announce the betrothal of their son, Jair, to local famed artist, Anyel Mist. Both weddings are to be held in the spring. Good luck to the happy couples.

Births

17 Chillset - The Streylan family is pleased to welcome its newest additions, twin daughters. Baron Sherkai dan Rikash and his wife Danisia are proud parents of twin baby girls, Kanya and Talia.

14 Bitewind - It is with great pride and pleasure that Mr. Dhamiyata Sadani and his wife Angelique announce the birth of their son, Tristan Jh'terin Sadani. Mr. Sadani is the son of Baron Streylan and currently attends University while he serves an apprenticeship with local builder and architect, Manser Owens. Mrs. Sadani is well known as the proprietress of "Angelique's Fine Clothing" on Wilder Avenue. Parents and child are all doing well.

A Familiar Face Hails From Balthazor

There was a time when the people of Dreven considered themselves lucky to catch a glimpse of Lord Mordred Anubis departing his manor on the outskirts of our City of Dreven. Most times one would swear he only ventured out in the shadows and away from the unseen eye. It would seem change is in the air and maybe it has to do with the latest rumor Lord Anubis is once again to become Ambassador to Dreven. The past two tendays he could be spotted walking throughout the city even in bright day hours. Most of our citizens are still unsure of what to make of the very tall and dark skinned Elf. He seems, however making friends amongst the very young of us. Often he can be found sitting with a small horde of children eager to listen to his stories about his past travels and his homeland. It came also to our attention how he would slide coins into the hands of the children before he went to continue his walks, one may question the youngsters, and they would only say he told them to be mindful and help feed their families with the coins given. Does this known Necromancer have a weakness for children and their well-being or would one listen to other stories of him just wanting to fatten them up and whisk them away by cover of darkness. Something is indeed in the air. Our resident Dark Elf has also taken it up on himself to help the shops of Dreven back on their feet. He been caught browsing in more than a few jewelry shops in the Market area, maybe looking for presents. One shopkeeper informed us he had purchased necklaces and bracelets for his daughters in the past, maybe the extended family will be joining him soon since his new ambassadorial duties should keep him busy here in Dreven. In related news, guards from the Anubis manor brought two dozen freshly baked pies to one of the Dreven orphanage for Mooncalling festivities, once we inquired further it was noted the Dark Lord had also surprised the orphanage with a hefty coin donation. Does this prove we should consider and rethink the old tales about Balthazor and its Ambassador, or is really a new wind blowing in Dreven and it is cheering up even our most unusual citizens?