Features February/March 3001

In this issue:

Kingdom News

Local News

Constable's Blotter

Business/Financial

Offerings for Sale
Jobs for Hire
Trading Company Standings
Commodities

Features

Society Announcements
Obituaries
Writings of the Bards
Puzzles
Cityscapes
Horoscopes

Sports

Pit Fighting Standings
Commentary

FEATURES
Obituaries

This past year has brought much death and despair to Neridia and the toll has gotten so great that we are unable to print all the names of those who have permanently passed on to this pages. However, we do honor them and hope that their memory lives on for eternity with all those who knew and loved them.

Sir Rodrick Clairborne, Royal Knight to His Majesty King Justin Clairborne V and Lord Regent of the District of Winterthorne for nearly six years served the Crown of Neridia faithfully for all of his years until he met his permanent death on the fifteenth of September 3000. Entrusted with the troubled District a number of years ago as a commendation of his exceptional diplomatic skills by the Crown, Sir Rodrick ruled with a firm but fair hand, restoring peace and order to these lands once in turmoil. All who knew him admired his abilities as well as his fortitude in all matters of state and family. He was a mentor and a friend, a benefactor to those in need and a defender of those unable to defend themselves. His memory will live on in perpetuity.

A feast in his honor was held on the same day as his death, attended by friends and colleagues who all spoke deepest praise of his enduring qualities, the impact he had on their lives, and the memories etched on their hearts for all time. Later in the Fall, a memorial service was held at the Ducal Manor House in the Grand Duchy of Clairborne, attended by immediate family and intimate friends only. He is survived by his mother Janice, the Grand Duchess of Clairborne and his only daughter Mayor Leilah Clairborne.

High Swords of Neridia

The Order of the Swords, a group of nobles and commoners alike representing different virtues of the Neridian Chivalric Code all nobles adhere to, stands as one of our greatest defenses the Kingdom has. Though this order holds no noble power, the select few who identify themselves as a Sword of Neridia demonstrate exceptional noble bearing and constantly place themselves between our people and anything that may endanger them. For their unswerving actions defending the Kingdom and protecting the people of Neridia, the High Swords exemplified our ideals and we are proud to claim them as our own.

For their dedication to all things good they represented and ceaseless fight against all that stands in opposition to this, we honor those who have been taken from us before their time…

Sir Damson Rhys Bainbridge, High Sword of Purity is survived by his mother Dame Noele Bainbridge, his father Ulson Rhys, and a sister Squire Lena Bainbridge of the Grand Duchy of Bainbridge.

Sir Thomas Hartwell, High Sword of Duty is survived only by a sister Dame Antoinette Hartwell.

Andrew Jansen, High Sword of Freedom. His memory is survived by those he has helped through the years during a time of their most difficult.

Sir Genedy DeVane, High Sword of Compassion is survived by his father Sir Werth and mother, Dame Alia of the Grand Duchy of DeVane

Captain Gerald Kent-Isley, High Sword of Justice is survived by a wife Samantha and toddler son Gerald Junior of Neridia’s Gate, District of Winterthorne.

Shayna Evans, High Sword of Valor is survived by a twin brother Samuel of Volta in the Kingdom of Evendarr.

Dame Johanna Clairborne, High Sword of Honor is survived by her husband Joshua and their daughters Alexandra and Charity of the Grand Duchy of Clairborne.

Crystal Markovik, High Sword of Honesty is survived by her son Christoph.

Each will be remembered for their heroism as well as their acts of bravery, altruism, and personal sacrifice.

Tanya T’olaquin, an instructor at the Royal Augur’s Guild for over twenty years, permanently died on 25 February 3001 while visiting Neridia’s Gate. Tanya was a skilled augur who devoted many of her years to training students in the art of augury within Neridia. Tanya is best known for her love of augury. During her conjuring, she refused interferences and was known to accept anything that happened as a result of her work. The Guild fondly remembers the times when Tanya remained silenced, blinded, or even paralyzed after an intense vision. While many think that she was stubborn, her friends know that she was true to her art and wished to enjoy all that it offered, even if the result were unpleasant. Tanya died while conjuring a vision within the Common Hall in Neridia’s Gate and is believed to have died as she always wanted. Tanya will be remembered by all who loved her. Her death appears to have been the result of natural causes. Funeral arrangements have been provided by the Royal Augur’s Guild.

Horoscope for March/April 3001

Prepared by Master Astrologer Zachery Vollari, Guild for Arcane and Alchemical Studies, Astrologers’ Guild of Neridia’s Gate

Phoenix (March 21-April 20): Your insecurities tend to come out at this time of the year, cautious of what the new season will bring with it. They will vanish along with the winter snows but until then, pay heed to your senses and what they tell you. Believe in what you feel, not necessarily what you fear.

Bull (April 21 – May 21): You will be more comfortable working behind the scenes this week, so don’t try to compete with those who desire the center stage. Remember having a private role does not make it any less demanding or less valuable to the greater goal at hand. Use this opportunity to press your goals.

Pegasus (May 22-June 21): With the gift to motivate and inspire people, why waste valuable time on those who prefer to turn a deaf ear to you. Be clear about what you want to achieve and then gather those who can best help you succeed to your side. Great fortune is within reach, don’t let it pass you by.

Serpent (June 22-July 23) With the planetary alignment and where the stars lie, use this time wisely to press issues of great importance to those in positions of power. Those who have the ability and influence to shape policy will be listening to your words so take heed and speak clearly, never losing sight of your ultimate objectives.

Salamander (July 24 – August 23) Planetary activity enables Salamanders to use their charisma and talents to dazzle even their most stalwart of rivals. Use this time to your advantage and promote what you know to be true even though it may not be obvious to those around you. Temper emotion with logical arguments though for best success.

Unicorn (August 24 – September 23) Certain things are best kept to yourself and something you wish to share with a close family member or friend may just fall into this category. Examine your motives and the possible outcome before you pour out your deepest secrets.

Raven (September 24 – October 23): Be warned that though the temptation to take on more than you can may be too enticing to resist, the consequences of being ill-prepared could be dire for you as well as others who travel with you.

Turtle (October 24 – November 22): Be cautious when attempting to cut corners or you may find yourself making expensive mistakes that could cost you dearly. Concentrate on doing a good job at the task at hand and your reward will be tenfold, even if it takes longer than you may like it to.

Dragon (November 23 – December 21): Remarkable celestial influences make these next months one where you can take on even the most challenging of assignments and succeed. But remember, if you are not having fun along the way, all this remarkable energy will be wasted.

Bear (December 22 – January 20): Your journey may not prove to be the smoothest these next months but you are used to it. Any problems or difficulties you encounter are none that you are not able to handle yourself but remember that asking for aid is not a sign of weakness but rather one of wisdom and maturity.

Gryphon (January 21 – February 19): Be honest with your self about the dreams and desires of your heart and you will move closer to accomplishing them. By acknowledging what you want most from life, there may be those who can help you closer than you imagine.

Dolphin (February 20 – March 20): The next months herald the start of what may prove to be an exceptionally profitable time for you, especially if you are prepared to ask the advice of someone you least expect. Don’t think that just because they do not fit the typical mentor type that they cannot help you navigate through what lies ahead.

Society Announcements

Engagements

Alistaire and Monique Holden proudly announce the engagement of their daughter Charisse to Charles Muhn, son of Pierre and Patrice Muhn. The wedding is scheduled for later next year.

Marc and Sarah Lyton announce the wedding of their daughter Misty to Sergeant Mikail Rolands of the Windriders elite force.

Births

Kairyn Welleby Houghton born to Aileen and Joshua Houghton on January 1, 3001 is the couple’s first child.

Chadworth Barker Paiyten born to Sophia Meltan and Evan Paiyten on January 31, 3001 while the couple was vacationing in the Kingdom of Evendarr.

Parker Tastien born to Janna and Emerson Tastien on February 17, 3001, the couple’s second child.

Weddings

Zelene and Torin, of the Dasha Morbihan, were bound in matrimony on the fair afternoon of 16 September. Dame Vallerton performed the brief, but lovely ceremony. A reception was then held in the common hall. The couple was honored with several toasts and presented with gifts.

Master Artist Cassandra Shyrinn married Master Merchant Maxwell Halcam in a private ceremony attended by immediate family and close friends of the bride and groom. The newlyweds will tour Evendarr, Quentari, and the eastern kingdoms of Avalon.

CityScapes — by Riva Tatum, Staff Columnist

The holiday season has passed and nothing heralds the arrival of spring more accurately than the latest fashions parading through Valerheim. Neridia’s Gate got a small sampling this February when the hottest designers arrived for a brief visit to gather supplies needed to put the lines into spring production. Fernando Nash was busy making the rounds on the city’s social circuit. Ordinarily these rounds would have included Leilah Clairborne as one of the first to be seen but it seems that her new duties as our mayor of this wonderful city have begun to cut drastically into this....to the dismay of many, the joy of others. Let us see if that will stop her from wearing Fernando’s latest designs which incorporates pelts of all kinds accentuating the already natural form and fluidity of his designs.

Angeline, the hottest new designer to come out of House Carlyle, introduced her first independent line which met critical acclaim earlier this year. Deemed the must have accessory this year, her collections showcasing teeth have sold out within minutes as the social elite strive to have what others want.

The Grand Duke of Versante, Daniel along with his youngest son Squire Jarryd created quite a stir upon their visit to the city. As so many others, they both found the Foreign Quarter most intriguing and spent some time there meeting visitors from across Avalon. Possessing a commanding presence both on the battlefield and in the drawing room, both Versantes conversed easily with people from all walks of life.

While I am sure that the dusty tomes of the Guild’s library hold fascination for some, surely it was obviously only a simple coincidence that at the same time our Guildmistress has buried her nose in research, the Grand Duke has taken this opportunity to catch up on his reading.

Reading is obviously not on our new Mayor’s mind these most recent days of Spring. Though she loves to play matchmaker, perhaps she has found some interesting men to think about making one of her own. Some old families in town are aghast at those among the choices. It appears that they cannot decide which is worse...a human from another land, an ambassador from a uncivilized people, a convicted criminal, or a non-human from central Avalon. I suppose only time will tell….

The new ownership of The Gate has sparked promise that we will once again be publishing regularly and I will use this opportunity to ensure that not one single moment of the romance that intoxicates the spring air will not go unnoticed. And yes, don’t you worry none, I do promise to share…..everything.

Tea Party Confidential

Last June, many visitors to Neridia’s Gate held a “tea party” late in the evening after most had retired for the night. The event was touted as the first official party of the Mischief Maker’s Guild, a recently chartered Guild of Neridia.

While the details of the actual party happenings remain sketchy, it is known that one of the most notable guests at the party was Leilah Clairborne, the new Mayor of Neridia’s Gate with Guildmistress Elana Fasier as Leilah’s trusted chaperone. Sources do say that she did more than her fair share, in fact, with Leilah’s intoxication. Members of the Siren’s Fury were also in attendance.

Fine food and drink were plentiful, with specially added ingredients to make the party one of note. One of the favorite delicacies of the party for Victor Roshenko and our Leilah was whipped cream, for apparently it is even more delectable when shared intimately by two. As any good hostesses would, Guildmistress Elayne of the Mischief Makers’ Guild and Mayor Leilah involved all their guests in a wide variety of party games, the sign of any good affair. They included the use of party favors, both unusual and unexpected and it is rumored that all in attendance came away as winners.

The exciting and most unusual party did finally come to an end. Everyone left sober and unharmed, although physical injury is not always as damaging as one’s fine reputation. However, it does remain to be true, if you are looking for a fun time, Neridia’s Gate hosts some of the most notable parties that you are bound to enjoy yourself at.

Writings of the Bards

Leilah Clairborne hosted a love poetry contest at this year’s Nerid’s Day celebration. She hoped that the poetry would warm our hearts during the cold winter months. There were several entries in the contest. Only the poems submitted in writing are presented here. Regretfully, the printed copy of the poem by Balynthalis was misplaced. The third prize, a dinner with the Mayor, was awarded to Bram Ranwell for his sincere yet flirtatious poem. The second prize, magical components and money, was awarded to Daenerys Sjhon for her personal and touching account of love. The first place prize, a bracelet, was awarded to Fujiwara Michiko for her explanation of true love. Most of the poems were well received and entertaining for all.

Entry by Fujiwara Michiko,

winner of the First Place prize

In the lands of Draelonde, most marriages are arranged. Thus, love is an emotion that is largely ignored for the greater well-being of others. Thus, I knew little but the description I was taught when I learned the common tongue. For the most part, I had seen that rote learning as sufficient. However, in November of 600 (3000 N.R.), it was proven otherwise. It may seem strange that a dark elf should wish to enter a contest of poetry, on the subject of love. However, my lack of understanding almost cost me my life, and thus, I have dedicated part of this winter to understand this unfamiliar emotion to a greater extent.

Love is as a rogue, stealing hearts in the night.

It is as a shade, barely even a thought.

It can make a person strong with might,

With it, darkness can become as light.

Two separates into a whole, love can hold,

Beautiful like metal, finely wrought.

It has the power to leave one cold,

Yet it can burn with a heat that passes untold.

It is unique, a creature of unspoken emotion.

Something that cannot be sold nor bought.

Like nothing that can be created through a potion,

It is as small as a mite, yet as large as an ocean.

This thing named Love, it is not a man or a beast.

It is not a skill to be learned nor taught.

Like a memory, it will strike when expected the least,

And even after it dies, it can hold on long after it is deceased.

In the name of Love, can we be considered blameless?

This mythical beast that cannot be defined nor caught,

Welcomed to a heart, yet its fickle ways are hardly painless.

It seems that even though we call it Love, it is truly nameless.

Entry by the Sessuar Ambassador

A Good Man is Hard to Find

Ask any woman that you meet in any town, or any street

Whether fair of face and kind of heart

A noble’s wife, or tavern tart

Week-willed, foolish or strong of mind

She’ll say a good man is hard to find.

I once knew a true gentleman, a perfect human specimen

Strong, handsome, dark and tall – with charm enough to woo us all.

But soon after we began our tryst, I realized his vapidness

And while he had a handsome grin, I quickly grew quite tired of him.

His courtly ways were but an act, to cover up the brains he lacked

So when he came to visit me, I slipped a potion in his tea

A brew so sweet he failed to taste, the deadly vial that leaves no trace

And our fair friend I’m pleased to say, remained quite handsome as he passed away.

It caused me pain I must admit, and I was frightened for a bit

But a lady spares no expense when she wants to hide the evidence

A few gold pieces go quite far toward forgetting where the bodies are

And tongues never wag on those who fear there’s room for far more bodies here

The others have no tales to tell, through happenstance or forget-it-well

Though I am guilty no one knows

So my poem I’ll quickly close.

To the ladies I advise, be humble daughters and loving wives

Be patient and bide your time. Then follow the guidance of my rhyme

To the menfolk one and all, be you handsome, short or tall

Though your actions be commendable, you are nonetheless expendable

So don’t believe the girls you meet in any town or on any street

A good man is not hard to find – they come along all the time.

Entry by Daenerys Sjhon,

winner of the Second-Place Prize

Shattered peace and horrors call

Taking home and love from all

Moving through the once safe trees

Running to unknown destines

They escaped the killing flood

Weapon of a people that know no war

To hold their hope forever more

In the hands of the assassin that took their lands

Beyond the reach of their leader’s hands

The price paid in their blood

Driven to shelter on foreign ground

Away from the places that they were bound

Into a life that is filled with remorse

Awaiting the day they return to their course

And reclaim the home of their heart

Burdened by fears of the battles past

Wanting his homeland returned at last

Sinking in grief he will not reveal

Never allowing his spirit to heal

Forever placing him apart

Following the steps of another’s path

Barely containing the fire of her wrath

Finding a cause that will not let her go

Afraid of emotions she does not want to know

Taking up her blade in defense

Warriors’ eyes filled with distaste

To push them after what they have faced

Struggling on, they place their belief

And on she fights, without relief

To pay that old offense.

Stumbling across a remnant of the past

A small bit of rest at the very last

To see a furture she tries to deny

To hear from his lips the fervent reply

That he was never there

Watching the pain he takes as his due

Wishing that she had the answers he knew

Wondering how long he could live this way

Learning more of him every day

Her heart begins to care

Daring the danger she had not understood

To find the answers she knew she would

She forced herself to continue through

Pushing on even after she knew

There was nothing left living

A stranger to take her to the safety outside

The cause of the pain she will have to hide

A shake of his head made her feel like a child

Her actions thoughtless and more than just wild

One more who will not be forgiving

A future, no longer out-of-reach

A hope that slowly builds in each

A love that bridged over the pain and loss

To stand side by side whatever they cross

Is the promise they have made

Each day closer, strongly tied

Standing together, side by side

She stands, the warrior maiden

He stands, with shoulders laden

With the prices they have paid

Entry by Bram Ranwell,

winner of the Third Place Prize

The winter wilderness cannot compare

To the beauty held within her hair.

The Varykites march line by line

Stopped only by a rapture they cannot define.

Our infantry marches flags unfurled

Spirits raised by the beauty of her curls.

The armies meet, swords raised

Fighting for a beauty praised.

Smoke clears, the day is done

Through her magnificence we have won.

Entry from Ambassador Raidin

When I’m knee-deep in my enemy’s blood

I stop and smile and think of love

When my sword cuts through his side

My thoughts of love I just can’t hide.

When with my spear, I run him though

I close my eyes and think of you.

With golden curls and your father’s laugh

I split my enemies in half.

Each day your lines are broken through

Each step I take closer to you

I’d ask your father for you hand

And show that I’m a gentleman.

But he is nowhere to be found

A bloodied arm and a mace on the ground

Though you must try to do his will

To see his grand schemes fulfilled

Wasted blood for you they’ll spill

Fair Leilah, I am coming still.

Gossip Column

by Talame Atale

There have been many interesting rumors spreading around Neridia’s Gate lately. Anyone who can confirm or deny the following is asked to contact me immediately.

Mayor Leilah Clairborne has made several recent trips to the Guild of Arcane and Alchemical Studies. Each time she is rumored to have brought bags and bags of jewels and other items to be identified. Is our Mayor concerned about her possessions or looking for something special? Perhaps she is learning more about the many new gifts she has received.

Speaking of the Lady Mayor, sources state that she has several new suitors but does not know which to choose. Malcolm and Ambassador Raidin’s representative seem to be causing great controversy. In the social circles, Leilah is losing favor because she is socializing with too many non-humans.

The Aran in exile is rumored to be in love—again. He is scheduled to be handfasted to Daenerys Sjhon in April. Will this love last or end like the many others?

Skirmishes between the Jodari and the Beralanth appear to be getting worse. Some believe that they are not allowed to walk near each other without avoiding arrest.

High Guildmaster, Milo Hawkins, has been rather successful with his stock recommendations. Many people seem to be profiting during this time of war.

The Royal Augur’s Guild appears to be having serious problems with membership and frequent deaths.

Strong monsters in the hunting grounds are a result of alchemical wastes from the Wizards’ Guild.

A Thank You….

You did not permit me the opportunity to say thank you...thank you for saving my son’s life from the pack of rats that gnawed their way into our modest home last month. The words that speak of my gratitude, of my happiness that I may hold my only child, the only family I have left in this world that we know close to me each night do not come to me easily.

Sometimes it is easy to forget the living when you mourn for those who have left you. This is something that I was guilty of but you made me see the folly of my actions.

For your act of heroism and what you have returned to me... all I can say over and over again is thanks be to you and may Mother Tyrra watch over you so you may help others be as happy as you have made me with the gift you bestowed upon me.

Kade Bradsher

Brain Drain

Chamber Music: What orchestral device is not blown, bowed, plucked, or struck?

Guest List: If two is company and three is a crowd, what is four and five?

Answers to last issue’s puzzles: Five Men-four wet men carrying fifth in a coffin; Fool’s Gold-you roll them, the hollow one rolling faster

Poetry and Artwork Wanted

If you are a talented poet or artist, then the Gate would like to speak with you and publish your work. Compensation is negotiable,

commensurate with experience.

Please send message via the Neridia’s Gate Messengers’ Guild to Sooth-Gate Publications main office and a representative will contact you with additional information.