The Gate-Kingdom News 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

Neridian Heart Found

Written by Reed Keller, Master Journalist

The Neridian Heart, an heirloom of King Nerid Valerton I, was returned to King Justin Clairborne V’s possession late this month by the Grand Duke of Versante, Daniel Versante.

The Heart, forged from the precious metals mined in the DeVane mines, the gemstones from Clairborne, crafted by Bainbridge artisans, commissioned by the Winterthornes, and presented at a feast harvested from the bounty of Morindell farms, each of the original Eight Great families pledged their loyalty and support, uniting under one King to forge the Great Kingdom that Neridia is today. An enduring symbol of the strength and unity of the Neridian people, it was stolen in 2853 while being transported from Valerheim to Neridia’s Gate for a special exhibition to the visiting ambassadors and emissaries from lands across Avalon despite heavily armed guards. A massive search and recovery effort was launched, beginning one of the most extensive searches in Neridian history. Unfortunately, the trail was cold and the national treasure was believed lost forever.

Though it was speculated that Ambassador Purka underwrote the theft, no evidence linking him to the crime was ever uncovered.

While visiting Neridia’s Gate in an effort to offer assistance to the ever growing numbers of refugees that flock eastward away from the Varykite threat, Grand Duke Versante stumbled upon information that ultimately lead to the recovery of this priceless heirloom dating back to the First Dynasty. Sword of Freedom Malaclypse assisted the Grand Duke in rallying the visitors to the Foreign Quarter of Neridia’s Gate to come to the Grand Duke’s aid and recapture the valued heirloom before the Varykites or other nefarious persons could get to it.

They were confronted by a wizened old mage, obviously slightly mad, who summoned waves upon waves of rats, rogres, undead, and undead rats to protect him against those who sought to prevent him from recovering from what he believed was rightfully his. The visitors fought valiantly next to the Grand Duke’s side and Neridia triumphed in the end, with Versante recovering the Neridian Heart. Unfortunately, the old mage who was later identified as Grand Wizard Hans VanBroon evaded capture but left his entire treasure trove behind which was distributed by the Grand Duke to those who aided him.

Elementals Plague Neridians

By Reinhold Von Schal, Staff Reporter

With the destruction of the Order pilon, one of thirteen essential components of the Barrier that surrounds the valley our Kingdom lies within, reports of ever increasing numbers of Order elementals wandering around across the realm have doubled in the past month. Eyewitnesses claim that these elemental visitors purport to be here to restore order to these lawless lands and attack those they encounter to submit them to their will.

The Guild of Arcane and Alchemical Studies continues to research and gather the needed materials to rebuild the pilon on the plane of Order as well as strengthen those on the planes of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water this Spring.

It would appear that the only way to end these ruthless attacks by the elementals is to restore the Barrier to its original strength and explore means to increase its strength so that it does not weaken and subject innocent Neridians to the fickle will of the Elementals.

State of The War

By Zara Sevian, War Correspondent with contributions from Ian Brock, Johiah Seaborn, and Anderson Wheeler

As always the war with the Varykites plunges on its inevitable course. The last year, however, has brought great escalation from the Varykites. Shortly before Nerid’s Day 3000, the Varykites had attacked the town of Wheaton, one of towns closest to the border between the Territory of Wellington and the more eastern territories of the District of Winterthorne. From this attack, of course, more and more Neridian citizens fleeing from the savagery of the Varykite took refuge in the area surrounding the city of Neridia’s Gate.

On Nerid’s Day 3000, a woman of Wheaton and mother of a young girl came to the feast, not to celebrate but to find those who would aid her. For her husband and child had been separated during the attack and had not come east with the refugees. Eager to do their chivalrous duty, the Baron of Capulus, Duchy of Ravenholt, Kingdom of Evendarr and his court took up the lady’s task. The group found their way to the area outside of the ruins of Wheaton and somehow located the child and brought her back to her mother along with the news of her husband’s permanent death. In this heroic rescue, the court of Capulus found itself in conflict with the Varykites and slew many of their number.

From this mission of mercy, Raidin, the ambassador from the Varyk Confederation, brought the charge that Evendarr had allied itself with Neridia and was not a neutral party in this war. He further claimed that this represented an escalation of the war on the part of the Neridians and put this charge at the foot of Chancellor Tyler Bainbridge and Ambassador Eryn Mallory from the Kingdom of Evendarr. All charges were denied emphatically by both parties. The Ambassador of Evendarr stated that despite the noble title held within Evendarr’s borders, the Baron and his court were acting as independent citizens with no mandate from the Crown of Evendarr. Raidin, before leaving, again stated that it was on their heads that the war would now worsen.

Raidin’s words were no bluff for soon after attacks by Varykite assassins began to occur within the city of Neridia’s Gate proper. At first, the Varykites were seeking out the court of Capulus but when they did not return to Neridia, the assassins found targets among the general populous and visitors to the Foreign Quarter. No one knew how these villains were entering the city in such numbers. They did not arrive through Customs nor were any Gate activities detected.

When many gathered in Neridia’s Gate for the mid-June celebrations, a group of visitors known as the Dasha Morbihan intercepted what was later discovered to be plans for a Varykite invasion of the city of Tormond in the Territory of Limon’s Hold, District of Winterthorne. With the help of the Dasha and other adventurers, the invasion was foiled and the line of battle was held to the Territory of Wellington. Though the attack was aborted, the Varykites continue to push more and more along the border of Limon’s Hold and raiding parties have attacked throughout the District of Winterthorne and even into southern Versante and Bainbridge.

A citizen of Neridia, a former citizen of Echor Goroth, named Aurellis, made a daring raid into the Varykite Embassy but was caught by the Ambassador and executed on what is still considered Varykite soil. Despite the illegal act, it was decided that the death he suffered was sufficient punishment and to prevent further repercussions, he fought Raidin in a duel on Speaker’s Field in the Foreign Quarter of Neridia’s Gate. Aurellis stood no chance against the Ambassador who let the elf’s arrows hit him while calming stalking his prey and quickly dispatching him. Raidin was heard to remark “At least this one has some honor” as he threw Aurellis’ personal possessions back at him.

At the gathering in September, it was at last discovered how the Varykites had gained such rampant access to Neridia’s Gate as tunnels leading outside the city limits were found by several adventuring groups deep within the catacombs. Patrols were sent out to try to prevent access to these tunnels by the Varykite raiding parties. Recently, this February, several adventuring groups were hired to go down into the catacombs and seal off these entrances. It is expected that few, if any, Varykite assassins will now be seen in the city.

Away from Neridia’s Gate, over the past year, the Varykites have made an average of three major pushes each month. The entire Territory of Wellington and the westernmost regions of Nettleswain and Limon’s Hold were placed under martial law by Sir Arman Clairborne who is Knight Marshal of the Armies of the West. In addition, the southern regions of Thunder’s Breech were placed under martial law by Grand Duke Daniel Versante who has increased patrols in that region fivefold as well reinforcements within the Territory of Wellington.

In the last year, little has been heard of the group known as Barnett’s Heirs and their attack within the borders of the Varykite Confederation. Many say that they were destroyed to the last man but the Varykites have not made any such claims.

On the diplomatic front, the King still refuses to expand the conflict to a war of aggression despite growing popular support for this spearheaded by the political group known as the Avenging Hawks and even some of his own nobles. An immigrant to Neridia by the name of Malaclypse who has taken a position as a Sword of Freedom has publicly identified himself as an Avenging Hawk and pressed for prosecution of the war. He has even gone so far as to publish a satiric newsletter mocking the inaction in the war efforts. Ambassador Raidin continues to demand surrender but of late has also involved himself in more of the comings and goings of Neridia. In fact, he sent one of his attaches to read a love poem done in quite poor taste at the competition hosted by Mayor Leilah Clairborne this past February. After losing the competition, his attaché claimed prejudicial judging and was apparently accosted by several townsfolk and visitors afterwards. Upon investigation by Grand Duke Daniel Versante, these charges were found to be groundless. Raidin stated once more that this cause escalation of the war.

The totals of injured and dead over the past year are as follows:

Wounded-18,204;

Wounded Beyond the Capability of Magical Healing to Deal With-18;

Dead and Requiring a Life Spell-1400;

Resurrected-607;

Permanent Deaths-70.

Due to the large number of permanent deaths over the last year in the war, we regret that we are no longer able to list them individually.

However, we hereby give honor to those who have met their end in this war since our last reporting of it.

Enigma’s Clock Tower Strike’s Midnight Once More

By Ian Brock, Staff Reporter

Beginning at the May gathering last year, a young man, identifiable only by the colorful vest he wore with pride, began to speak to all around the Foreign Quarter. He introduced himself as Aaron Trine, apprentice to the Great Wizard Enigma, and began to give riddles and puzzles to the people at the gatherings as tests for his master. The quickest among them were granted access to the Clock Tower and they were able to bring companions with them to face the challengers therein. Those who went proved unable to speak of what they faced inside, only that some of them were allowed to ask Enigma a question before they left which he answered in his famed mysterious manner. Since that first gathering, many have faced the challenges of the hedgemaze and clocktower.

At the September gathering, in addition to knowledge and some small treasure, several adventurers left the tower with clocks bound to their spirit. As far as we have been able to ascertain, all attempts at identification of these clocks have failed but Sword Malaclypse, Baron Markham Asherton of Galenson, Kingdom of Avendale, Solarus of Kincora, and Jester of the Exotic Safari Trading Company have been bound to these timepieces.

People continue to be tested within the Clock Tower but none as yet have had any startling revelations, at least none that they have let the public know.

Kobolds Appear Once Again

by Reinhold Von Schal, Staff Reporter

The lupine race of kobolds was extinguished from the borders of Neridia during the Second Expansion War. Due to this fact, it was amazing when a single kobold appeared in the Foreign Quarter during the May gathering of 3000. Not only did this extinct creature reappear but it was quick, sly, and extremely powerful. The first two of these traits are expected from what we know of the kobold race but all tales of these small red creatures tell of their physical weakness and inability to progress in battle prowess. This kobold, nicknamed Kolby by some of the adventurers in the Foreign Quarter, is anything but physically weak. It carved a swath through many adventurers using stealth and trickery. Luckily it did not seem interested in killing but only in collecting jewelry, coin, and magic. This kobold has been spotted many a time since that gathering and all attempts to capture or kill it have failed. No one has been able to track it or find its lair.

Possibly of more concern than this single kobold is the recent appearance of many kobolds in and around the area of Neridia’s Gate. While these kobolds match the tales of what a kobold should be in a much closer manner, it is feared that they may be the offspring of “Kolby” and in time match his power. Given the fact that kobolds are known to breed at an incredible rate, the Crown has declared the reemergence of this extinct monster species an emergency and set funds aside to pay adventurers to bring this species back to extinction in Neridia. Any who are interested in this endeavor should see Guildmaster James Ramafort of the Adventurers’ Guild at any gathering or in his offices between gatherings.

Avenging Hawks Push to End Defensive Action

Demand Action, Demand War of Offense

Throughout the Kingdom, members of the Avenging Hawks have pledged their support to petition the Crown to end the defensive actions that the Army continues to engage in down in the District of Winterthorne. Tired at the continued loss of Neridian lives and soil to the Varykites, they simply wish to end this centuries old war.

Pleading their cause to the people of Neridia, they hope to gain support for an offensive action that the Crown will approve and implement. Until then, all they can do is wait and fight the Varykites the best way they can.

Five Questions by I.N. Quire

An Interview with Jason Fourthson,

Sword of Justice and Acting Head of the Swords of Neridia

Quire: Good day Sword Fourthson. I would like to thank you for speaking with me about the recent upheaval within the Swords and the future of this honorable Order.

Fourthson: You’re quite welcome Goodman Quire. It is of course my pleasure to speak to you and your readers to let them know that despite hardship and death, the Swords of Neridia still stand with them and for them.

Quire: I think the first question would be, with the death of all eight High Swords last Nerid’s Day, can the Order truly function?

Fourthson: Well of course the Order can function. Certainly it has not been as active as it has been in the past years but rebuilding takes time. Many citizens and frequent visitors to Neridia have already volunteered and swelled the ranks of the Order. These new members are quite skilled for the most part and very dedicated to their choices. Quite a lot of them have even been to the Forge of Virtues already and undergone its tests. Four were chosen as being worthy of being High Sword. This includes Ta’Wané Varados the new High Sword of Freedom, a gypsy; Janos Hunyadi II also a gypsy is the new High Sword of Purity; Baron Radric Hellfax of Trellheim, Duchy of Ashbury, Kingdom of Evendarr, the new High Sword of Honor; and Sir Enoch Miren also of Trellheim, the new High Sword of Justice and a man I am proud is part of my Order. Though few official missions have been undertaken by the new members of the Swords and the new High Swords are not ready to lead yet, I have continued to arrange for missions where possible and trust to the initiative of the individual Swords as needed.

Quire: Of course this brings me right to the second question: though in the past we have had some Swords and even some High Swords who were from other lands, how do you feel about so many foreigners joining at once and the fact that some of the new High Swords are even nobles in other kingdoms?

Fourthson: Well, most of the new Swords both domestic and foreign have spent a great deal of their time in Neridia. I can only trust in the power of the Forge of Virtues to choose properly though we do know the Forge is not infallible. History does show us that those High Swords who in the past proved unworthy in the end lost the swords granted to them by the Forge. I am confident that should any of the High Swords not return for an extended period that their sword would find its way back to the Forge.

Quire: I suppose the third question would be when will the Swords be ready for important missions and when will the new High Swords be ready to lead?

Fourthson: In terms of missions, the Swords are ready now and missions will begin at the gathering this April. As for leadership, it remains difficult to say. The new High Swords are not just foreigners but are new to the Swords. Though worthy to wield their blades, there is a lot they much learn regarding the politics of Neridia, the war, and multiple other factors before they are ready to guide the entire Order.

Quire: What about the rumors that the previous High Swords were betrayed by a traitor? That Sir Thomas Hartwell the former High Sword of Duty was that betrayer and that the Sword of Duty is currently missing from the Forge of Virtues?

Fourthson: These rumors are just that. They will be put to rest this coming gathering. I can tell you from working with him for years that Sir Thomas Hartwell was noble without peer and that he would never betray his companions or Neridia’s trust. As for rumors regarding what is or is not within the Forge, I cannot speak of this as I have not seen within the Forge and those that have, are not able to speak of what they have seen so I find it surprising that you would pay any heed to rumors of what does or does not lie within.

Quire: Public support has grown for Neridia to take aggressive action against the Varykite Confederation for the tremendous loss of life and land suffered by their hand. The King, however, continues to pursue avenues of diplomacy and stands by his policies of defense, refusing to consider any alternative action. How do you feel the Swords should act?

Fourthson: I can answer that in one statement. The Order of the Swords of Neridia supports its rightful King Justin Clairborne V no matter what any individual member’s belief or popular sentiment is. And with that Goodman Quire, I believe this interview is over.

Note: The Gate would like to thank Sword Jason Fourthson for taking time to speak with us.

We wish the Order of the Swords of Neridia every opportunity to fulfill their mandate. May they bring honor to us in all that they do, they are our hope and shining light for all that Neridia stands for and holds dearest.

Strange Ones: A Continuing Threat

by Reinhold Von Schal, Staff Reporter

In our last issue we reported on the increasing attacks of the creatures called the Strange Ones in the northern grand duchies of Morindell and Hartwell. The Adventurers’ Guild had placed a bounty upon these creatures and one group of adventurers, the Baronial Court of Eastwyck, Duchy of Ravenholt, Kingdom of Evendarr, took up the challenge.

In May 3000 they gated north with the assistance of the Guild of Arcane and Alchemical Studies and fought the Strange One described as a large brown humanoid with shaggy hair. This is the creature that had previously destroyed the adventuring group The Fury. In an epic battle, the Court of Eastwyck fought the creature for over an hour depending on strategy where brute force would not prevail. Though five out of six of the members of the group returned through the gate drained of their lifeforce and the sixth barely standing without a single life spell remaining to the group, they brought with them the head of the beast they had slain. For this act of bravery, they were awarded with the honor of the Hero’s Circlet by Leilah Clairborne’s hand.

In June 3000, the same group again gated north to face the creature described as a humanoid insect. This time they brought additional allies with them. During this battle they faced a creature which appeared to be not a single insect but rather a hive of deadly insects. As they fought individual insects would fall from the creature’s body only to enlarge to gigantic proportions. Ardanna, a member of their court, was forced to resurrect by this creature before it was laid low. Despite the power and planning of the group and their success with the prior Strange One, this creature nearly slew them all. Several fled back through the gate in order to bring rescuers to the scene of battle. Many ran through the gate to aid them nearly overloading it. Due to this and several other times where the gate was nearly overloaded by attempts at rescue, a strict policy that transport gates will be only left open for return rather than two-way travel has been instituted by Chancellor Tyler Bainbridge. Despite apparently destroying the insect creature, new reports of this creature’s attacks continue. Some speculate that a few of the insects making up the hive creature escaped to regenerate the hive. If this is true, this will be truly be a difficult creature to destroy.

Of the third Strange One, no specific attempts to destroy it have been made. In addition, a new creature declared as a Strange One, described as a massive collection of rock and metal in a vaguely humanoid shape, has been seen along the eastern border of Hartwell near the Cloudheart Peaks. It has not attacked any people but has destroyed numerous buildings in the towns of Bond Pass and Wingate and torn down several cliff faces causing avalanches. A reward has been placed on the capture and investigation of this new Strange One.

Avendale

Ambassador Appointed

by Fadilla Katari, Staff Reporter

With the growing number of visitors from the Kingdom of Avendale on eastern part of Avalon after mated gates were established last year, the Crown entered into negotiations with Avendale to further develop relations between the two Kingdoms.

Queen Niomi Avendale appointed a member of her Shaidu garrison, Kevin Durath, to act as Ambassador to Neridia. Mayor Leilah Clairborne introduced him at the recent Nerid’s Day faire. He will be staying at Chancellor’s residence in Neridia’s Gate until the Avendale Consulate is finished.

Visitors from Avendale are encouraged to meet their new ambassador and feel free to contact him at any time.

Activities Across Neridia

January 1^st: The village of Lathe in the southernmost reaches of the Barony of Arcadia in the Grand Duchy of Bainbridge brought together some of the most ingenious tinkerers from near and far to see who would walk away with the grand prize, being named the Master Tinker of the Year.

January 12^th: Cordell Moore, the charismatic leader of the outlawed People’s Power, surfaced in the capital city of Valerheim to attend a rally promoting their cause. When the Constable went to arrest Goodman Moore for his role in the planning of over thirty bombings this past year alone, he eluded capture. The City Guard was placed on heightened alert and a warning was sent out to neighboring grand duchies.

January 27^th: Not produced in centuries, the renowned play “the Haunting of Amaranth” will be staged in the town of Cromwell, Barony of Roarke’s Bluff, Grand Duchy of Valerton for a limited run of twenty showings. Seating is limited and tickets are going fast with over 75% of the shows already sold out despite criticisms at the retelling of such a tragic story in such a humorous light.

January 30^th: An unknown hero saved the lives of nine children, rescuing them from a burning orphanage near Boondock in the Grand Duchy of Morindell. Ensuring that the children were safe, the person disappeared before authorities could question her.

February 3^rd: A fire was discovered within one of the storerooms of the Royal University’s library in Majere, Grand Duchy of Bainbridge. Fortunately several students discovered it and managed to put out the flames before the fire could do any serious damage.

February 10^th: The militia was called into service to track down poachers thought to be hunting the endangered Black Ridge Elk in the Barony of Blackridge, Grand Duchy of Clairborne. Two men have been found guilty of such illegal activity but it is believed that there are more, with the trail leading investigators all the way to the town of

February 15^th: Chance Arto, a hobling jester hailing from parts unknown, won the contest of wits held each year in the village of Nonce in the Barony of Sonata, Grand Duchy of Bainbridge and walked away with the grand prize and engagements across the realm this coming year.

February 17^th: King Justin Clairborne V has commissioned famed playwright Giles Welleby to author and produce a play detailing the history of the Wizard War to be performed at the Royal Court in Valerheim this upcoming Fireseve. Rehearsal performances will be conducted in Neridia’s Gate the week prior to Fireseve 3001 and it is anticipated that the gneral public will be permitted to get a sneak peak at what is sure to be the hit of the year.

February 22^nd: Convicted murderer Mark Halen, one of the Realm’s 15 most wanted, was spotted in the Foreign Quarter of Neridia’s Gate but fled down into the catacombs when the City Guard attempted to apprehend him.

February 28^th: The heavy rains and melting snows caused the Thunder River to churn and splash up onto the shore, causing the overflow to flood the grasslands in the Barony of Thunder’s Breech in the Grand Duchy of Versante. Loss of life may have been great if not for the swift and efficient actions of Baroness Emerald Versante in the evacuation of her people and the move of the cattle and horse herds.

March 2^nd: There was a break-in at the Baronial palace at Majere in the Grand Duchy of Bainbridge. The Baron’s private chambers were ransacked but apparently nothing was taken. A guard claims that he saw Lila Cheval-Bainbridge and Wallace Bainbridge, both convicted of crimes against the Crown and Kingdom last year, fleeing the area.

March 10^th: Chance Arto, the hobling jester who recently won acclaim at the Nonce contest of wits, disappeared without a trace while en route to a performance in the city of Amerghast in the Barony of Carlisle within the Grand Duchy of Clairborne. Acts most foul are suspected and the Royal Entertainers’ Guild has posted a reward for any information about his disappearance.