The Gate
a division of Sooth-Gate Publications">
a division of Sooth-Gate Publications, Grand
Duchy of Bainbridge, Neridia Volume 210, Number
1
January/February 3000 N.R. Keeping
Neridia's Gate Current Since 2790 N.R. In this issue:
Constable's Blotter
Offerings for Sale
Jobs for Hire
Trading Company Standings
Commodities
Society Announcements
Obituaries
Writings of the Bards
Puzzles
Cityscapes
Horoscopes
Pit Fighting Standings
Commentary
New Look for Neridia’s Gate Neridia’s Gate, particularly the Foreign Quarter,
has long had a unique flavor all its own for centuries but as a new
millennia begins, each residence will have the opportunity to compete
for a variety of prizes and awards by decorating in a manner that best
reflects the House’s style. Judges will be randomly roaming through
the city, seeking the best decorated and awarding prizes donated by
the Regent and Taisten Imports. Sir Rodrick Clairborne’s household encourages
everyone, citizen or visitor, noble and commoner alike to participate.
Visitors from foreign lands are particularly encouraged to add their
own style and flair to the inns that they are staying in, making their
temporary home representative of their home country or culture. Cityscapes By Riva
Tatum, Staff Columnist As the new millennium grows ever closer and many
take the opportunity to reflect on things past, the high society of
Neridia’s Gate continues to forge ahead and look to the future and
all it has to offer. I hope that you have your calendar in hand for it
looks to be an even busier social season than the last one and surely
you don’t want to miss a thing. Sibyl Paiyten broke tradition this year as she
walked down to the center square of the Foreign Quarter on her ever
dashing husband Lowell’s arm on Fireseve at the beginning of the
festival and stayed for the entire feast instead of being whisked off
to some luxurious private party. While some remarked that it was
refreshing to see the Paiytens standing elbow to elbow with the
Quarter’s more common folk and foreigners; it was horrifying to
witness the destruction of such an exquisite emerald silk dress by a
clumsy serving boy. Perhaps the Paiytens should remember to dress with
this in mind if planning to continue this mixing. Orphans are in, the elderly and infirm are out. At
least this is what the actions of the city’s most wealthy families
seem to shout out. Shina Tastien has sponsored the Briarwood Orphanage
with her servants and household staff bringing boxes upon boxes of
food on Boxing Day to the home for orphaned children. The other
families followed suit and each found their own orphanage to adopt,
all except the Houghtons who were beaten out by the Lytons of the
Cresthill Trading Company. However, the Houghtons had the last laugh
as they became the sole sponsors for the newly built refugee camp on
the outskirts of the district. Thanks to this family, those who have
lost all they have to the winds of war are now dining on the finest
delicacies in all of Neridia. Aran in Exile, Xylon Tarmanoré, continues his
winning streak, both at cards and at love. His remarkable charms make
it difficult for him to lose, many of the finest ladies in the city
can attest to this but none seem to ever manage to hold the trump card
of marriage. That is until now. Master Merchant Leila LeMore appears
to be the Aran in exile’s talisman, for he was declared the champion
cards player for 2999 and won the largest pot in the Quarter’s
history. The height of parties this season was, as expected,
that of Tirissa Lane-Hewitt heiress to the Hewitt estate and mistress
of the Hewitt merchant house. Held on Winter Solstice the party was a
smash success. The party was also likely to be the most expensive one
ever thrown in Neridia. The cost in Velvet Touch Fungus alone could
bankrupt small nations. The wines were only the finest from the best
vineyards of DeVane and Clairborne and well as such imported fine
wines as Salesh Red and Alluvial White. The highlight as far as wines
go though was the uncorking of a millennia old bottle of the Noawyrren
wine Blood of Cockatrice, a bottle beyond price and quite possibly the
only one of its kind in existence. The food matched the wine as it was
prepared by none other than Master Chef Jean-Pierre Vilanoire.
Vilanoire has often refused small fortunes offered to him for his
masterful work and having him as the chef for the solstice celebration
was a triumph over many in the high society set. Everyone who is
anyone was in attendance including Sir Rodrick himself escorting Lady
Elemere Hartwell. Lady Elemere is said to have traveled to Neridia’s
Gate for the soul purpose of attending this party though many
speculate that it was good Sir Rodrick and not the party that drew her
in. It will be difficult in the extreme for anyone to ever top this
party but I’m sure that Madame Lane-Hewitt will try to do so at her
next solstice soiree. As the celebrations for the New Year begin and all
gather for the festivities to welcome in the year 3000, only the
crème of the city’s families will be attending the Tastiens’
exclusive party. The hostess remains as secretive about the guest list
as she is typically of the delicious menu but the gala event will
certainly not be boring. Bram Ranwell is certain to be preoccupied
with all the debutantes sure to be in attendance, each of whom he has
been linked romantically to. Charisse and Francesa Holden, Maxine
Halcam, Evangeline Lyton, and Amber Welleby are just a few with the
charm, beauty and elegance to make the night unforgettable. The
District’s most eligible bachelor, Sir Rodrick, is guaranteed to be
in attendance. However, he is more likely to be preoccupied with
chaperoning his headstrong daughter and keeping her away from any of
the Muhn sons than paying any mind to the attentions of interested
women looking to become the next Lady Clairborne. Outfits of the party
guests are guarded as closely as the King’s Advisors guard those
military secrets but that doesn’t stop us from speculating what has
been crafted from the silks and satins imported from lands afar. The
finest tailors and seamstresses have been working nearly nonstop in
preparation for this party of the year that sets the tone for all
others. Will they be able to perform their magic once again and create
the most elegant finery for society to wear to the feast hosted by Sir
Rodrick in honor of Nerid’s Day in late February? Only time will
tell and I will be right there taking notes. Society Announcements Engagements Henri and Brenna Welleby proudly announce the
upcoming marriage of their daughter Aileen to Joshua Houghton, son of
Geoffrey and Belinda Houghton on the twenty-seventh day of April three
thousand. Ceremony to be held in the gardens of the Welleby Manor
House with a reception to follow immediately. Charles and Courtney Cranet are pleased to announce
the engagement of their daughter Calissa to Andrew Banigan of Banigan
Mercantile. Births Emerson Tastien IV born to Janna and Emerson Tastien
III on November 28, 2999 is heir apparent to the great Tastien
fortune. Zachary Rozet II born to Gayle Muhn and Zachary
Rozet on December 17, 2999 is their first child. Jordan and Jefferson Cherohq, twin daughter and son
born to Halli and Mikhail Cherohq on December 29, 2999. Weddings Sophia Meltan, cherished daughter of Therese and
Fletcher Meltan wed Evan, the only son of Sibyl and Lowell Paiyten in
an elegant ceremony amidst the indoor flowering gardens of Meltan
Manor on the twenty first of November two thousand ninety nine. The
newlyweds will be taking their honeymoon in Quentari and Evendarr. Ursula Jienis, beloved daughter of Chandra and
Corbett married Master Artist Carter Tirisyn in a quiet private
ceremony attended by family and close friends of the bride and groom.
The couple will be vacationing in Nuanesa on Ghandar for the next six
months Obituaries Crown Princess Melina Clairborne December 9th, 2973 – December 9th
2999 Crown Princess Melina Clairborne was declared dead
on her birthday Dec 9th of 2999 according to the laws of
inheritance after being missing without any hope of return for a
period of greater than two years. Crown Princess Melina disappeared on June 22nd
2997 under mysterious circumstances along with an entire squadron of
guards sent to protect her. No investigation or offer of reward has
brought forth any information as to her true fate. Crown Princess Melina was born on December 9th
of 2973, the second of the four children of King Justin Clairborne V
and Queen Natalia Clairborne. She was squired to her noble father at
the age of six and was knighted at the age of seventeen. She was named
Crown Princess at the age of eighteen when her elder brother Crown
Prince Justin was obliterated by a Varykite assassin. Her brother
Prince Jonathan was killed in the Battle of the Shifting Sands and her
youngest brother Prince Thomas was found dead in his rooms at Castle
Valerton last year. Crown Princess Melina was the last hope for the
continuance of the Clairborne rule. She was known for her compassion and her concern for
the common people of Neridia. Her most fervent hope was to find a way
to end the war between Neridia and the Varykite Confederation even
though they were responsible for the deaths of two of her brothers. She served her Kingdom and her family with honor as
a true follower of the Chivalric Code. She has been and will continue
to be missed. She is survived by her father King Justin Clairborne
V. ******** Thomas Ramafort March 21, 2934 – November 13, 2999 Thomas Ramafort, the sixty-five year old co-Guild
Master of the Adventurers’ Guild in Neridia’s Gate and brother to
James Ramafort, died his final death on Saturday, November 13th
while valiantly battling one of the Strange Ones in the northernmost
forest of Hartwell. Enlisting in the Royal Army at the first
opportunity, he was promoted through the ranks quickly. General
Hamilton Versante saw the potential that the young sergeant exhibited
on the battlefield and sponsored him later that year for officer
training school. After a distinguished Army career in service to
Neridia and his Majesty King Justin Clairborne V, Thomas Ramafort
retired to the city of his birth, Neridia’s Gate, with the final
rank of Major in 2995. There, he took his rightful place alongside his
brother James Ramafort as Guildmaster of the Adventurers Guild,
serving Neridia’s Gate just as his family had done for generations
before him. For the past three years he was the coach of the
Battleround Team, Red Vengeance, and led them to their top seated
victory this year. He is survived by his brother James Ramafort. ***Ronson Shane died his permanent death of
December 22, 2999 a victim of the serial killer known as
"Jack". A local wine merchant and well-respected businessman
by all who dealt with him is survived by a wife, Janalyn Shane and
three daughters, Sienna, Claris, and Ronna. ***Master Merchant Tomas Turon died his
permanent death on December 7, 2999 a victim of the serial killer
known as "Jack". This merchant from the DuPuis Merchant
House in Evendarr had reportedly just completed a major deal with one
of Neridia’s top merchant houses. Survived by a wife, Renair and a
son, Randal, a daughter-in-law Marris, and two grandchildren Madeline
and Toby. A memorial was held in Neridia’s Gate by the Evendarrian
ambassador. The body has been sent home to Evendarr escorted by honor
guard. ***Master Bard Kally Holin suffered her
permanent death on December 12, 2999 a victim of the serial killer
known as "Jack". A renowned traveling bard, graduated from
the Bardic Collegium in Neridia’s Gate under the aegis of
Guildmistress Elana Fasier in April 2997 at the impressive age of 17.
The young prodigy had returned to the city to perform in a concert
series scheduled to begin in January 3000. She is survived by a
mother, Adelin. ***Harrison Dyson suffered his permanent
death on November 18th while waging battle against one of
the Strange Ones. A brave adventurer and long entrusted Guild member
who met his end with sword in hand. He is survived by a mother Kian. ***Marcer Berard suffered his permanent death
on November 18th while engaged in combat with one of the
Strange Ones. A young swordsman who had just begun to get recognition
for his talent with a longsword, he is survived by a sister, Miriam. ***Elenyn Myer suffered her permanent death
on November 18th in battle in service to the Kingdom while
in battle with one of the Strange Ones. A Master Mage, her talent for
the magical combat placed her among the best. She is survived by a son
Chadwick. ***Sisceri Bristol permanently died on
November 18th while in service to his fellow adventurers as
a healer. He is survived by his father Jonas. ***Alonzo Ingalls suffered his permanent
death on November 18th after fighting the advances of one
of the Strange Ones. Known citywide for his happy go lucky ways, he
always had a laugh and a joke for everyone. ***Captain David Loft of the 8th
Regiment died his final death upon the battlefield, sword in hand, in
valiant service to the Kingdom on December 12, 2999. Survived by a
wife and infant daughter, a memorial service will be held in
mid-January. ***Sergeant Gerald Davidson of the 8th
Regiment died his final death upon the battlefield, in valiant service
to the Kingdom, fighting the invasive Varykite threat on December 12,
2999. A distinguished career soldier, Sergeant Davidson is survived by
a wife, three daughters, and twelve grandchildren. ***Private Jason Franklin of the 8h
Regiment suffered his permanent death on the battlefield December 12,
2999 while defending the Kingdom and in service to the Royal Army and
the King. Private Franklin is survived by his parents. ***Private Donna Miller of the 8th
Regiment suffered her permanent death on the battlefield December 12,
2999 while defending the Kingdom and in service to the Royal Army and
the King. Private Miller is survived by her twin sister Danielle. ***Master Baker Camarillis LeMarier died
permanently on December 20, 2999 in an insidious attack after a nest
of rats was disturbed nearby. She is survived by a father, George
DuPierrer, a mother, Genoana, a husband Etienne, and two children,
JonMarie and Arisol. ***Goodman Jaspar Hallidyn died permanently
on December 31, 2999 as age finally claimed this once vital spirit. He
volunteered his time to work with the children living in the Foreign
Quarter who were orphaned in the War. His memory is survived by those
he has helped through the years during a time of their most
difficulty. ***Master Sculptor Tanner Calleci passed on
from this life and died permanently from an illness he has long been
fighting on November 27, 2999. His great works will ensure his name
and memory lives forever. He is survived by a daughter, Marcella who
continues her father’s great tradition. ***Fiona Jarrod, age 7, fell beneath an oxen
drawn cart on December 26, 2999, and was killed just outside the gates
of the city. The driver was unable to get the crushed, lifeless body
to the healers’ circle in time for a life spell. Upon the attempted
resurrection of the girl her body failed to reform at the circle and
she died her permanent death. The vibrant seven-year-old brought joy
and laughter to all those she encountered. She is survived by a father
Aaron and mother Rebecca. ***Joseph Santor died his permanent death on
November 12th, 2999 a victim of the serial killer known as
"Jack". A local man who made his living doing odd jobs for
the people and businesses of Neridia’s Gate, he is survived by a
wife, Millicent and a son Harold. ***James Larner, age 59, died his permanent
death on November 26th, the victim of murder by unknown
individuals. Goodman Larner had lived in Neridia’s gate for the past
twelve years making his living as a tinker. He was known for his
regular bouts of drinking to excess and was engaged in drinking when
he was killed. He leaves behind no known family and there are no
reasons known why any would have wanted him dead. Even with his
drinking Goodman Larner was known as a kind man who was well liked in
the community and always was able to find work when anyone needed
small repairs to their goods. Writings of the Bards The following is a poem written some centuries ago
by an unknown bard. It was recently found by one of the Bardic
Collegium scholars doing fieldwork to seek out lost works. After
restoration and study the Bardic Collegium has sent it here for
publication to the people. Scholars believe that it refers to the
Hartwell curse, which has yet to be broken. Won't you join us good
sir, we've wine and we've ale
Come sit by the fire and
I'll tell you a tale
I'm just getting started,
so please gather 'round there’s room right
upfront if you don't mind the ground Feint of heart be warned,
young children take heed For my story tonite is
most grizzly indeed Murders, suicides,
beheadings and worse For tonite I shall tell of
a famed and feared curse While you'll get many
clues, I can tell you no names For their noble
descendants are still in the game The last
one who crossed
them lost touch with his head and his sixteen close
friends soon ended up dead A chance encounter only,
but treason assumed Seventeen spirits sent to
their doom With his last dying
breath, the Rom uttered the verse Which doomed the great
king with a deer of a curse The first two died
strangely by a killer unseen The third one died
sleeping and so did his Queen The guards disappear,
never heard from again The Royals all slain, the
dynasty ends A new family rules but the
curse can't forgive One hundred years later,
their nobles don't live Yet another is found, this
one strangled in sheets The next one resigns, and
dies in midspeech A duke's life is forfeit,
heart ripped from his chest No successor is chosen,
but the curse knows no rest A century passes with no
cure in sight Another seventeen murdered
in seventeen nights The next tries to fight
with his Hart and his sword but the morning reveals
yet another dead Lord Scraps of fine satin cling
onto his fingers His weapon lies shattered,
the noble curse lingers To avoid it the next Duke
commits suicide With a knife in his heart,
he takes twelve hours to die He has taken no deaths the
guildmaster claims But five minutes pass and
his body remains The last King is crowned,
but his fate is the worst He spends all his days
trying to break the foul curse All of his scholars, and
all of his gold Can't set him free from
the foul curse's hold When the time is at hand
he doesn't delay He murders his line to the
last man that day Then takes his own life as
the sun's rays go down And a new family rises to
capture the crown This month we also bring to you a new poem by the
Journeyman Bard Alexis DeWitt-Myers entitled "The Fall from the
Heights" whose topic is the shame of former Baron John Bainbridge
and the events leading to his loss of title. The Fall from the Heights By Alexis DeWitt-Myers I’ve seen a sight that brings me fright In the Baron’s eyes he sought a prize To him he sought respect The plans he laid, our trust betrayed Our faith in him was wrecked The Pride of man how no one can See beneath the skin He used a magic of type so tragic So battles he could win When night did fall he gave his call Himself he did transform And his men under, he tore asunder And gave another form And from within came evil’s grin As they grew fang and claw But from without, there came a shout That they must face the law A noble dame eternal fame For herself she has earned A price too high she’s heard to cry A lesson to be learned The Baron’s Knight, he saw the sight Though battles he had won He saw the cost, their honor lost He’d now see justice done He left his place and set a pace Unto the Baron’s liege To tell the truth, speak naught but sooth To end the evil’s siege To face his crime it now was time To court the Baron’s called He came straight in and claimed no sin The Duke was quite appalled To defend his act he spoke of pacts A means to meet the end The chivalric code, he overrode Its words he sought to bend The truth was told of the endless cold On which the Baron drew The undead power like a mighty tower So enemies he slew The trial came closed and now imposed A fate upon the lot For each drawn breath brought close to death Each member of the plot And then in time he knew his crime He knew what he had wrought He knew his guilt, the doom he’d built When power he had sought He saw his guilt, his honor spilt And for his loss he cried His title lost, his hopes were tossed Out due to his great pride Puzzles Page Five Men: Five
men were proceeding together down a country path. It began to rain. Four
of the men quickened their step and began to walk faster. The fifth man
made no effort to move any faster. However, he remained dry and the
other four got wet. They all arrived at their destination together. How
could this be so? [Please note that they relied only on foot power.] Fool’s Gold: You
must choose between two cylinders. They are identical in size and
appearance. Each is painted green. However, one is solid and made of a
non-magnetic alloy. The other is hollow and made of gold. They both have
solid ends. They both weigh the same, measure the same, and have the
same density. You are not allowed to scratch through the paint. How can
you simply tell which cylinder is made of gold? Answer to last issue’s puzzles:
The Hunter: "white"; Trouble with Sons:
"they were two of a set of triplets". Horoscope for January/February 3000 Prepared by Master Astrologer Zachery Vollari, Guild
for Arcane and Alchemical Studies, Astrologers’ Guild of Neridia’s
Gate Phoenix (March 21-April 20): When it
comes to thinking clearly and getting things done, you’ll be in good
form at the beginning of the new year and in no mood to play second
fiddle or settle for second best. Pursue the path that interests you
most but be prepared to take the lead when others hesitate. Bull (April 21-May 21): Something you
have wanted to do for some time now appears to be within your grasp.
Even if it requires a change of scenery or priorities, you should not be
hesitant about taking the plunge. You’ll reach your destination faster
though with the help of other people. Be receptive to new perspectives
presented and take them under consideration when making your decisions. Pegasus (May 22-June 21): Identify
exactly what you’re trying to achieve this year because Mars crosses
your chart and there will be very little standing in your path.
Opportunity is about to knock-be prepared and ready to respond with your
signature eloquence. It may present the key to unlock your heart’s
desire. However, perseverance is a must. Serpent (June 22-July 23): There is much
to be learned from one who is older and possibly wiser. Do not try to
compete but rather take a step back and learn from that person’s
experience for it may provide a missing piece to a puzzle down the road. Salamander (July 24-August 23): Your
sternest critics cannot help but be impressed with your efforts and give
commendation to your success at inspiring others to achieve excellence
in all their ventures. Accept these graciously though and let modesty
guide you since that will define how others interact with you in the
future. Unicorn (August 24-September 23): Do not
jump to conclusions about one who seeks your help. Look past the obvious
solutions to problems that present themselves and identify what is
really wrong, that will be the only way for success in your mission. Raven (September 24-October 23): The
high standards that you continually strive to set for yourself and
others may make you feel that you are giving less than your best. Do not
become discouraged and allow yourself to become frustrated, your sense
of dedication will triumph. This will prove important when one in need
crosses into your life. Turtle (October 24-November 22): The
year starts on a wonderfully high note for Turtles and your social life
is particularly well-starred. Friends seek you out when a problem
presents itself and you, the loyal friend, are always willing to lend
any assistance you are able to. Keep that jealousy in check, insults and
slights you may perceive are not real and could damage trusted
relationships as well as future successes. Dragon (November 23-December 21): No
matter how disruptive certain people try to be, the answer is in your
hands. Do what you can and you won’t regret it. Though the big picture
may not be evident now, trust in your intuition and persuade others to
join your cause. Bear: (December 22-January 20): A new
moon in your birth sign indicates that you can embark upon something new
and exciting. If that means putting the past firmly behind you, then you
could not pick a better time. However, do not give in to the impulse to
go it alone when there are people who want to help. Gryphon (January 21-February 19): With
others looking to you for a lead, you have the power to transform a good
idea into a great one. You also have the ability to transform a skeptic
into a supporter. Seize the opportunity that this presents and use it to
your advantage. Dolphin (February 20-March 20): With
cosmic forces helping you find an imaginative solution, you now have the
resources to see to back it up and nothing can stop your ideas from
becoming reality. Use your instincts but do not allow the emotions to
cloud your judgment.
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