Swordsman Maimed –
Was it an Accident?

Sandros Aliyed, a swordsman originally from Wadi Medani, suffered a severe injury on the Twentieth of Bitewind during a 'sparring match' at what is being described as a Gentleman’s Club outside of Dreven. Aliyed received a deep gash across his left thigh that bled profusely and might have led to his death, had it not been for a vivomancer in attendance. The vivomancer, who did not give his name, said that Aliyed was quite lucky in that the dangerous blade stroke came just short of unmanning him. 'One more inch and Aliyed would have been very unfortunate indeed.'

The opponent in this match, a woman who answers to the name Renata Mercurio, was quick to claim that the wound was unintentional. Aliyed hastily confirmed this was the case and did not wish for the Dreven Guard to be called, despite the severity of his injury. However, the Gazette has since learned that the two have a past connection which may have led to this incident. A reliable source has informed us that Mercurio has a half-sister who was involved romantically with Sandros Aliyed, but that Aliyed was unfaithful and subsequently left the half-sister alone and with child.

Had Aliyed and Mercurio agreed to a duel to settle the matter? Was it a case of revenge, with Aliyed walking unknowingly into a trap? The truth remains elusive for now.

Aliyed is currently resting. The vivomancer who treated him says that Aliyed will likely have an extensive scar which may interfere with the range of motion for that leg. Mercurio reportedly left Dreven soon after the incident and is rumored to have headed to the coast.

Terror at the Market

The Dreven Gazette has received warning of a great danger facing the populace of Dreven. The Soothsayers of the United Front of Hedgewitches have predicted that a horde of vicious Vorpal Rabbits will plague the Marketplace, starting next Drake Day. Based on the accuracy of their Plague predicitons, we believe that the populace of Dreven should make whatever preparations they can against this latest Terror. Rania Iskramor of the United Front warns, 'They look harmless all right, but if any adults messes with them, they'll be sorry. Those things have great big, pointy teeth! The adults had best step aside and let the children handle this problem. The innocent touch of a child lulls these critters into a harmless slumber.'

The Dreven Gazette has confirmed that the creatures do indeed exist. Johan Ramduk, Dreven's own Animal Control Animancer, told Gazette reporters, 'We're not sure where they came from, but they're definitely heading towards the marketplace. They seen to be particularly hostile when approached by Adults; the only specimens we have in captivity were caught by children.'

The United Front of Hedgewitches is negotiating with Luminii to create a sanctuary for the captured bunnies.

Donations from local patrons fund a contest and future expansion to Dreven University. Interested parties are encouraged to speak to Chancellor Margaret Higgins.

Retired Silver Moon Knight Ellory Telrúnya, age 72, elected as president of Lofton Downs Fishing Club.

Record cold and snowfall lays waste to farm animals in northwestern Shadokhan. Scores of animals die. Total damages as yet unknown.

Recent Murders Connected?

Dreven, Shadokhan- Two recent murders in Dreven were thought to be done by different perpetrators at first glance. Maggie Sutter was found with a cut throat in the River District. No signs of struggles or robbery pointed at a possible disagreement with one of her clients, since the young woman was known to supplement her income with romantic engagements.

Another woman, Mara Del Sol, was found in her Dreven residence, the victim of a stabbing. Her maid discovered the grisly scene of the crime and reported it to the City Guard.

Both crimes were handled as separate murders until yesterday's horrific discovery. Dara Liana, a well-knowing proprietor of dyes and herbs at the Dreven Market was found just half a mile away from the Market place. A quick investigation by the Guard found out Mistress Dara was on her way home after she had visited a few of her fellow Merchants after the Market had closed for the day. Robbery was ruled out, since all her possessions were still found on her body. The guard reported the cause of death was a deep cut across her throat. Apparently the murderer attacked her from behind, since no signs of a struggle could be found. The guard urges any possible witnesses to come forward to help in this investigation. Women are urged to not walk alone after nightfall until this murder is solved.

Agents of the Princes of Xieng Khouang Blamed for Cruel Murder

S'oshan refugees in Port Ethralest found slaughtered in Hovel they called home! According to authorities, robbery was clearly not a motive. The fact that currency and valuables (such as the impoverished victims possessed) were found with the bodies proves that inter-regional politics were at the bottom of this heinous crime.

On the outskirts of Ethralest, busy city of the great South, four apparently inoffensive men and one woman have been cruelly put to death, and all of the endeavors of investigators dedicated to the unraveling of such harrowing mysteries have been in vain. The butchers have disappeared as completely as though they had been whisked from the face of the earth--or into the sea...

Was it Revenge? Was it a pathological need for control? Everyone knows how firmly the Mer govern the historically unruly islands. There is but one explanation: These poor souls were 'removed' by some highly placed political power on the other side of the water.

The victims were discovered, stone dead, in a small house gone to rack and ruin on the outside borders of our great port city. So reclusive were they that local authorities could not at first even discover their names. The bodies were hewn and hacked violently. Apparently the dead had been raised from their sleep and made a desperate fight for their lives. Furniture was broken and overturned, personal effects scattered, even food spilled across the floor.

Adding to the mystery, several tokens were discovered on the bodies and secreted throughout the hovel. The City Guard theorizes that they were the marks of some secret cult or order, and requests that anyone familiar with a round emblem bearing five stars in an arc please report to the local authorities.

Return of the Hero of Morgaine

Sherakai dan Rikash, Baron Streylan, returned to his home at Streylan Keep on the first of Bitewind after a three-cycle absence. News reached the city shortly after his arrival, but the Keep's gates were closed to all but a few notable visitors, which included none other than Steward Raphael Dolek, Major Will Lexington of the Silver Moon Knights, Streylan's so-called sister Lady Kendra Rulyar, and other close friends and family.

Outsiders were told that the baron had suffered an injury and was ill, and subsequent sightings have given credence to the tale. In spite of enjoying previously astounding good health, Streylan appeared thin to the point of emaciation, pale, and hollow-eyed. This would appear to be a good time for Lady Streylan to apply her much-vaunted cooking skills to fatten him up again.

If there was an actual purpose to Streylan's extended sabbatical, no one--particularly the baron himself--is talking. Speculation runs the gamut from a secret political assignment, to a religious pilgrimage, to some sort of intervention to save the empire from a mysterious evil magical influence--and everything in between.

Judging from the traffic now flowing between the city and Streylan, a goodly portion of the so-called Powers that Be are pleased to have him back again. As of this writing, the baron had only recently returned to duties in the city, and his first action of note was to walk out on a meeting with the Steward himself. In that light, one wonders if it is true that there's trouble in Taysàyad. Only time will tell...

Arts and Entertainment

The Crosswinds Tavern Acting Troup- Parts are currently available for the upcoming Murder Mystery Musical, By Hook or by Crook, written and scored by none other than our favorite bard-turned-playwrite, Xiph Snowmoon. Auditions will be held at The Crosswinds Tavern south of Dreven, on the mornings of Fadefrost 15-17. (Co-writer and producer, Angelique Sadani, located at Angelique's Fine Clothing on Wilder Avenue.)

Stock up on your herbs and teas, we are not out of the woods with snowfall yet. Snow and cold weather will have a good grip on our fair City all the way through Fadefrost and well into Blossombud. Expect a few days with sunshine, just enough to warm up enough to turn snow and ice into mud to cake up your boots.

Announcements

Wedding: On Chillset 24, Tristan Black and Annabeth Legere were united in marriage in the barony of Rainshadow in Balthazor. The ceremony was private due to the failing health of the bride's father.

To share their happiness with their Dreven based friends, the couple had a reception at the Crosswinds on the following day. Two cases of Balthazorian Sangiovese were brought in for the occasion. One case was still unopened and given to Asa to add to the stock at the Crosswinds.

Libraries purchased, books bought or exchanged. Fenster's Limited, Hayward Street. We reap your leafs!

If you cannot read, this advertisement will tell you how to get lessons. Inquire at the accomodations located over Faf the Butcher on Renton Lane.

Free Puppies: 1/2 purebred Wolfhound with matchless pedigree - 1/2 sneaky neighbor dog. Daunton house in Applewood Lane, just off Dearborn Road near the Thornmere Cemetary.

Wanted: Widower with small children requires person to assume housekeeping duties. Must be capable of contributing to growth of family. Leave message at front desk of Trimble's Stationery.

A Look Outside Shadokhan's Borders

Oceanuusians Making Waves

A Symbol Reborn: Good news continues to flow our way from the Land of Sun and Sand. Work continues apace on Aloryn Thar, and the new-and-improved Coral Palace promises to be nothing short of a work of art--a fact that the local Mer population seems to take as a matter of course. As yet unfinished, the structure is already being hailed as "the greatest wonder of the South Seas." Natives of Xieng Khouang as well as their Mer counterparts tout the renovated palace as a metaphoric representation of peace, beauty, and endurance.

Bounty of the Sea: An unusually good fishing run yields returns that are felt on the mainland, providing regular and large quantities of fresh and preserved fish at unbeatable prices. Supplies are available to nearly anyone with the means to transport such goods. Mainlanders are encouraged to take advantage while they can.

Thermador

Correspondent Rhodry Gallump, sent to Wadi Medani to report on lifestyles of the fiery and famous, has been missing in action since 22 Goldfall of last year. Reward offered for any news of his whereabouts or demise.

News from Luminii

No Resolution for the Allied League of Farmers. The Allied League of Farmers in Damansque are still reportedly unable to come to agreement on several key matters, including dues and fund allocation. However, a few members, who did not wish to be named, have indicated to the Gazette that the real conflict has to do with a clash between two opposing groups in the leadership council.

The Archon of Luminii, Keldon Baraeros, has reported "encouraged" the ALF to resolve its differences by the end of Fadefrost, and has appointed a mediator to assist in the process.

Possible Drought? Forecasters in Damansque believe that much of the western portion of Luminii may be facing a particularly dry spring and summer. Though the Forecasters have been wrong in the past, farmers in those areas are concerned, and some of the wealthier landowners outside of Yarmuth have put out the call for hydromancers who are interested in consulting with them on the matter.

The Coast is Clear. The shipping business along Luminii’s coastline continues to benefit from the sharp decline in pirate activity. Port towns previously decimated either because of the war or because of economic hardship have been largely rebuilt and are as busy, if not more so, than before.

Travel by sea is not without risk, however. The Silver Maiden, a ship operated by the Downsend Mercantile, has been missing since late Goldfall of last year and is now believed lost. A substantial reward is being offered by the Downsend Mercantile for any information which may explain the Silver Maiden’s disappearance. Other sporadic attacks and incidents have been reported, and sea-farers are being advised not to let their guard down.

Arborian Rustlings

The latest news from the green Nation hints at a reconciliation between the two major forces in Arboria. The Elven Council and the Dwarven Nation may have once again come to an understanding after the Elven relaxed Trade restrictions and have opened a few controlled border crossings again. News has reached us that the human population in Arboria is worried this may lead to a greater push to remove the human influence out of Arboria.

With the Elven once again reaching out and strengthening bonds to old allies like the Mer and the Seleventi, rumors of a brewing war between Arboria and Balthazor are reaching new heights. We inquired with the Arborian Ambassador in Dreven and she put our fears to rest. In her words, the Council has no intention of escalating the current tensions between the neighboring countries and are just bolstering their own defenses to keep at bay a mysterious sickness that inflicts mostly the fair Elven kind. Arboria is more concerned about renewing old trade relations and healing the wounds the Klockwork Empire had caused to relations with other regions.

Rumors from Balthazor

Wanted: Intrepid and daring journalist needed. Assignment in Balthazor. Rub elbows with Danger and Disaster! Court the movers and the monsters! Generous hazard pay included. Inquire at the offices of the Dreven Gazette.

Cloosidian Update

There is no news available from Cloosidan at this time. Watch this space for more information in the next issue! Or perhaps the one after that...

By Order of the Dreven Magistrate

Assault on Guard- Jozeph Lukas, 27, and Cadfael Ruadhan, 24, were charged for assaulting Wislaw Oldrich, a member of the Dreven City Guard, with intent to murder him. One of the attackers was said to wield a hammer. Oldrich was left in serious but stable condition according to the vivomancer brought to the scene. Both prisoners were fined 1,000 gold. Unable to meet the fine, they will receive public lashings and face an undetermined length of incarceration.

Action Against Lord Arroway- On the 20th of Chillset of last year, Mr. Reginald Baines, renter of a 30-acre property owned by Lord Fhasys Arroway, successfully sued his lordship for damages incurred last spring by wild game overrunning the property. So numerous were the game upon the land that his carrots were eaten up as soon as they sprouted. Crops of oats, cabbages and turnips were similarly destroyed. Mr. Baines set traps and hired a hunter to protect his investments, only to discover that Mr. Noring Gellentara of Brimley Hall just down the road owned the lease to hunting rights. When no redress was offered, either through Mr. Gellentara or through Lord Arroway's agent, Mr. Baines sued Lord Arroway for breach of contract and for the cost of damages. Arroway was fined in the amount of 113 gold.

by Remus Vlad

Knights on the Move

As the cold weather settled over Dreven, many moved closer to the fire with their sweethearts. Some even went looking for sweethearts to share the long and cold winter nights. Our newly promoted Major Will Lexington has caused quite the stir since his return from the Summit in Luminii. Rumors of lavender-scented letters and baskets full of goodies are running rampant throughout the ranks of the Knights here in Dreven. Just who is the mysterious woman behind all this? One only has to go as far as the Crosswinds Tavern to find Kirin Fand, a woman from unknown lands, who has set her mind on winning the Major's heart. I wonder how far her gifts and flattery will go? So far, the Major has been scarce, and the kisses few and far between. It could be his duty that keeps the Knight away from his admirer, or maybe he has cold feet and would rather stay inside the Fort. Or did it have to do with the Yearpass Dinner party he attended? We heard through the grapevine that the food was late and served cold. This surely would put anybody into a less than amorous mood.

Knight Joss Kiersaark is still an Eligible Bachelor! Ladies, what are you waiting for? Snatch him up quick, and someone may be in line for a beautiful Spring Wedding (during the right time of the year!). While he still appears to enjoy the frequent company of the lovely Huntress Ysanne Solaste, rumor has it he was seen leaving his favorite Tavern with two other women on his arm, and we know of yet another young Lady who has cried her eyes out over him. For such a stoic and polite young man, he's certainly collecting quite the trail of Mrs. Kiersaark want-to-bes!

Spring is in the Air!

Not if you look outside of the window! Why is it suddenly in fashion to get married in the worst time of the year? We have to congratulate two couples. Tristan Black and Annabeth Legere tied the knot, they do make a lovely couple. Duncan Mallory and Cate Elphinston were also wed, right after Yearpass.The last couple's sudden marriage came as a surprise, and makes one wonder why the sudden rush? Did our dear Cate drink too much of the infamous Dreven water? Will we hear the pitter patter of little feet by the end of summer?

After many cycles living on her farm as somewhat of a hermit, Cait McGill is out and about again. She's been seen in the company of a handsome fellow named Evan, reputed to be a hired hand hailing from Luminii, and employed at the McGill Farm. Is there more to things than meets the eye?

Fretting Faery or Vexing Vixen?

Kirin Fand claims to be a faery princess, but what is she, really? Some say that she is, in fact, a princess or exiled nobility from some distant realm, but others say that is merely a ploy to garner the attention of males looking to marry into a large fortune. If that is the case, one must wonder what she and Baron Streylan, a wealthy and very married man, discuss when the tavern is nearly empty. If Asa knows, he's not talking. Both deny a romantic attachment to each other, but a rather sly Kirin isn't shy about the suggestion of the possibility of underhanded dealings. If it's shared passion being discussed, they are more likely to be swapping horse stories or equine pedigrees and not kisses as some might like to believe! Could that be more boring?

The lady, a term perhaps used loosely, has been seen in the company of several members of the eligible male population since she came to Shadokhan. She has been a lap ornament a time or two. She has openly kissed several men, including Connor McGill, the recently married Tristan Black, and local artist Avraham Lave. Lave has consistently disapproved of public displays of affection; this seems to apply only when he's not the one being kissed! Woodsman Loren Silentstrider has also been known to partake of faery kisses (He seems partial to women with pointed ears!). And speaking of pointed ears, Kirin somehow has managed to lock lips with the leader of Arboria's Elvenblades and Xiph Snowmoon, our darling Elven bard. Seems she is a firm believer in variety being the spice of life!

Just a few cycles ago, Cristian Kadec, who tends bar at the Crosswinds, had announced his betrothal to the notorious flirt. After the engagement was broken, Kirin was often seen in the company of Duncan Mallory. That is until he fell for the last Vixen of the Cycle, Cate Elphinston, to whom he is now married. Did the faery do a bit of matchmaking or did Mallory get shoved aside in favor of other possible suitors?

That list of potential suitors--or is it merely short-term lovers?--is currently headed up by none other than the commanding officer of Fort Ubolutiin, Major Will Lexington, but one has to wonder how long his interest in the Exotic Flirt will last. Is it true that he's been courting an island girl that's several years his junior? That would certainly explain why he's been spending so much time away from Dreven recently, wouldn't it? And while Miss Fand professes to enjoy Sir Will's company to the point of gushing over it, will the announcement of Lexington's apparent amorous adventures send the faery princess rushing into the bard's arms for comfort? Or is she considering the self proclaimed bastard of a Dreven, Tieryan Call, for her next paramour?

Getting Warmer... Warmer... Hot!

Even our Nisi Brenshca has done some thawing. The lovely teacher at Streylan has indeed a kind and soft heart. After her horrible heartbreak over Connor McGill, she has shown us she can truly act unselfishly and will do her best to heal the broken-hearted. She did her best to cheer up Finn Ryodan, she is a wonderful conversationalist, after all. Finn Ryodan, you better take heart and seek out her company. Women like her are few and far between! She certainly has the healing touch: a kiss shared with the moody and always brooding Baron Westin Knowles managed to brighten that man's dark countenance. Even the Balthazorian Ambassador, Soledaad Rourke, has noticed the Thermadorian Baron. She made a bold move on the man, much to the shock of unsuspecting witnesses. Showing a startling lack of diplomacy, she brashly offered the astounded Knowles the exhilarating, unprecedented opportunity of fathering her child. Not a word about marriage, mind you. The fiery baron somehow managed to keep his cool, but he's remained in the focus of the public eye.

Another incident sure to fire imaginations and speculation was the very heated kiss Baron Knowles shared with the popular bard, Xiph Snowmoon. Witnesses said sparks flew that night in the Crosswinds. Who can blame the Baron? Our Elven Bard has a flattering and flirtatious way about him that some find difficult to resist. But perhaps the elf has ulterior motives. Perhaps the kissing game is just a way for Snowmoon to audition parts for his upcoming new play? Rumor has it that more than a few girls--who had only minor parts in the last play--are falling all over the colorful Elf, offering kisses and other, more substantial bribes to gain the female lead. You are all too late, my dames. I will have it this time, since I do look wonderfully smashing in a wig!

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

Citizens of Dreven,

There's an invasion in Dreven, and Shadokhan itself. I'm not talking about the Ashmaker, or even the Klockwork regime. No. This is subtler than that. I'm referring to the influx of outlanders who've insinuated themselves into positions of power. Coming from 'beyond,' they're now in a position to affect and even control our lives, to destroy us and our way of life if they so please. They take jobs from those of us who were born and raised here in our fair lands.

Brom Stoneheart, the man in charge of one of the most well known mercenary bands, the Black Wolf Company, is an outlander. Many years ago, he transported an entire army from what ever place he originated. Where's that army now? Are they the blades behind his company? He claims he's a trader, which gives him access to a far range of resources. Where do these resources, our resources go? I personally have witnessed him tossing a bag of gold just to buy drinks at a tavern, and that was not the first, nor the last time he had. For a man who states he's well versed in economics, shouldn't he know not to flood the economy with money? Perhaps he does.

Kirin Fand, an elf who is not an elf. Another warrior, she's been overheard saying she's lived forever. And who is this eternal creature who spouts gibberish in public, displaying wanton sexuality with any man or woman with recklessness, then vanishes as she pleases? She's managed to work her way into Captain of the Guard Celes Dunhold's confidence. And while she's wormed her way into the City Guard for information, she's also making her way through the Silver Moon Knights, setting her sights on our own Major Willam Lexington. While his integrity isn't in question, she's very determined. Love? What could a creature like that know of love? I spy a spy.

And the worst of them is Baron Sherakai dan Rikash. Though obviously not human, he's managed to infiltrate not just the nobility, but the highest level of our government as the Steward's chief advisor. Whispering in the man's ear, Baron Streylan is quickly becoming the power behind the throne. And if Steward Dolek becomes inconvenient he'll simply be replaced by the Baron. The worst of it all is, the Steward is not only allowing him and other outlanders free access, but welcoming them. Would it surprise you that all three of them are well acquainted with each other?

Not all outlanders have been subtle. Recently one raped and murdered a dozen of our young women before disappearing, supposedly killed. Now another stalks our beloved city streets? Where are the city guards? Where are the Silver Moon Knights? Where's our government's protection? Where are the infamous Black Wolves? In the hands of those very outlanders. Our lives, and our livelihoods, are in deep, deep trouble.

~Natala Phule