The Gate-Local News January/February 3000

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

LOCAL NEWS-District of Winterthorne

Neridia’s Gate’s Increasing Problem With Rats

by Vivian Devereaux, Staff Reporter

In the past three months Neridia’s Gate and the surrounding area has found itself the center of an increasing problem with the rat population. Rats of all kinds seem to be bubbling out of the sewers and catacombs at times making things inconvenient for the people of the city, particularly its restaurant owners, cooks, and farmers.

Many of the smaller rats can come through small cracks in the wall or gnaw through wooden floorboards and baseboards and there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of food storage they can’t gnaw through.

Trap makers and tinkers are making good money supplying the needs of the people for the proverbial better mousetrap, or rat in this case. Cheese vendors are doing good business as the search for the perfect bait continues. Alchemists also are being called in to try and supply a substance noxious to the rats but not to people. There hasn’t been any luck reported on that front yet.

The farmers outside the city proper are concerned as their winter stores of seed is being broken into and consumed. On occasion one of the large monstrous rats that adventurers talk of so often seem to break in to the stores as well and the can devastate an entire storage silo in a single night and foul what they don’t eat.

The problem has gotten to the point where the Adventurers’ Guild has been offered a contract to deal with it. It’s not clear what the Adventurers’ Guild will be able to do but Guildmaster James Ramafort has stated, "there isn’t much my guild members can’t do. Give them credit, they’re a smart, resourceful bunch and there are quite a number of alchemists and trap makers among them. If anyone can find a way to cut these rats off at the tail, starting just behind the head that is, they can."

Several expeditions into the catacombs by Adventurers’ Guild members were undertaken. These proved close to fruitless for although they were able to kill quite a number of rats, including some of the monstrous rats, they found no huge collections of rats or any reason for the increase in the rat population and activity.

Some people have even talked about going down to Deep Incanus and trying to hire some of the famed dwarven vermin catchers. However this will be quite expensive and may not be of value as they are more used to working in their caverns, not in the open areas of a city like Neridia’s Gate.

Speculation in the grains market is high as investors try and predict what will happen come spring planting with in terms of seed and the later harvest. Some think we could be seeing the start of a local famine and are investing in Morindell grain; others are investing in seed to get in at the start of the problem. Still others are buying up the options on what will grow in the area figuring the final prices will be driven up due to the rats.

Assassination Attempt on Varykite Ambassador Fails

by Felix Rabel, Staff Reporter

November 11^th 2999 brought another attempt on the life of the Varykite Ambassador, Raidin. This bold attempt involved six individuals who broke into the Varykite Embassy under cover of night and sought the life of the Ambassador.

Sources tell us there was a pitched battle in the halls of the Varykite Embassy that evening with at least one of the Ambassadors guards resurrecting after the battle. Apparently the group who broke in was quite well prepared and quite powerful but had come afoul of a trap set to catch intruders on their way to the Ambassador’s bedchamber.

When the trap was set off the Ambassador and his guards became alerted and moved to catch the intruders. The group immediately attempted to leave the premises and get back to Neridian soil but were cornered by Ambassador Raidin himself and his personal guards.

The entire group was caught though only three survived the battle. Ambassador Raidin claimed his privilege to try these criminals on Varykite soil, within the Embassy. He did so despite attempts at extradition and the three were interrogated by the Varykites and then executed for their crimes. None attempted resurrection within Neridia’s Gate, nor had the first three.

The Ambassador has, of course, made a diplomatic incident of this and claimed that it was an attempt on his life by the Neridian government ordered by Sir Rodrick, Regent of Winterthorne. Sir Taylor Bainbridge, the Neridian Chancellor, and Sir Rodrick have both vehemently denied these allegations.

This marks the eighteenth assassination attempt on Ambassador Raidin since he took over from Ambassador Digar after his death in 2985. Of all the attempts on Ambassador Raidin’s life, only one was successful, causing him to resurrect in 2989.

Grand Feast Planned for February

by Sloane DeGusten

Sir Rodrick Clairborne announced earlier this fall that a grand feast would be held at the Golden Harp in the Foreign Quarter of Neridia’s Gate honoring Nerid’s Day and the founding of our great Kingdom three thousand years ago. Though there are a great many feasts reportedly being held in celebration of this joyous day throughout the city, the one where most citizens and visitors alike plan to be at is definitely the one hosted by the Regent himself. Sir Rodrick has extended an invitation to all interested in attending.

Dame Elayna Wellington, the Neridia’s Gate chief coordinator for the Nerid’s Day celebrations in 3000, has planned a spectacular schedule of events to commemorate this special event in Neridian history beginning with the Feast on the twenty sixth of February.

Entertainment for arriving guests will begin at 2:00 p.m. that Saturday, complete with performances by the renowned bards of the Bardic Collegium as well as the popular performers of the Entertainers’ Guild. There will be plenty of games of skill and chance to keep one busy if that is your pleasure. A rare treat—several top ranked pit fighters have been booked for the night’s entertainment. In a rare gesture, all entertainment licenses and permits usually required have been waived in honor of this great day.

The talented Master Chef Myron Sloane has agreed to prepare a memorable feast dinner for the celebration. Though the menu still remains a closely guarded secret, sources close to the award-winning chef reveal that he is personally travelling throughout Avalon searching for the finest ingredients to perfect his creation.

Tourism Board member Francoise Blanc-Anders reports that the Neridian Tourism and Travel Board has fielded an increase in the number of inquiries for travel to Neridia to partake in the year’s celebrations, with many citizens of nations across Avalon planning trips here. The inns and other merchants in the city have begun to prepare for the increased demands this may present, pleased at what this opportunity has to offer.

A wonderful diverse guest list with superb entertainment and savory food should prove to be quite an enjoyable and memorable evening for all.

Slippery Jack’s Murder Spree Continues, Victims Now Total 107

by Oscar Milan, Freelance Reporter

The murder spree of the vicious serial killer named "Jack," or "Slippery Jack," or even "Jack the Unseen," continues unabated and still without leads in the investigation by the City Watch.

The murder rampage of this obvious psychopath began in 2998 when the first body was found cut to pieces in the foreign quarter of Neridia’s Gate. The only clue on that occasion was the telltale calling card of vellum with the name "Jack" written in a shaky script in, as far as could be told, the victim’s own blood. That first victim, Francis Ditwyle a professional pit fighter, died his permanent death, the first of many to do so. The next victim was Marylyn Stark, a candle maker, was found in the great quarter of Neridia’s Gate with her head and limbs severed from her torso. Again the telltale card with the name "Jack" written in blood was found at the scene.

This began the series of murders, some occurring weeks apart and others on the very same night, by the mysterious "Jack". "Jack" soon took on the moniker of "Slippery Jack" when despite traps being set for him, he never was caught and even "Jack the Unseen" do to his seeming ability to move undetected through the night. Sometimes the body of the victim, now permanently dead was found, other times only clothes were found after a poor spirit resurrected screaming of their death. None of the victims ever resurrected with their memory of the situation quite intact. No victim has ever been found within enough time to save them with a life spell. No real leads have been found in the case. Those who have tried to use formal magic such as Dream Vision to find aid in general awaken with a splitting headache and bizarre scenes with no easy interpretation spinning in their heads.

In the month of November, "Jack" claimed four victims, one of whom permanently died. The victims were Armin DeVane, a miner transporting a load of iron to Neridia’s Gate, was victim ninety-seven killed on the 8^th of November. Joseph Santor, a local man who makes his living doing odd jobs, was victim ninety-eight and failed to resurrect on November 12^th. Mina Landel, a local woman who is a jester in the Entertainers’ Guild, was victim ninety-nine killed on the 20^th of November. Molly Taeright, a hobling woman who came to Neridia’s Gate recently to establish a new inn, was victim one hundred killed on November 29^th.

In the month of December, "Jack" has claimed seven victims so far, two of which have not been able to be identified and reports of missing persons in the area are being considered, though the bodies found may have been travelers. Of the others, two resurrected successfully and three met their permanent deaths.

The latest victim was Ronson Shane, a local wine merchant, who did not resurrect after the murder. Ronson was killed on December 22, 2999 in the foreign quarter and became the one hundred and seventh death attributed to "Jack". He leaves behind a wife and three daughters. In addition victims one hundred and one through one hundred and six were Jayne Ulson, a local grower of roses and rare flowers, who resurrected successfully. Tomas Turon, a merchant from Evendarr who died his permanent death and whose body has been shipped back to Evendarr for burial. One of the unknowns was victim one hundred and three. Kally Holin, a traveling bard, was victim one hundred and four and she died her permanent death. The second unknown was victim one hundred and five. Victim one hundred and six was the second lucky one to survive; his name has been withheld at his and his family’s request.

Constable Michael Fitzhugh, in an discussion with the people in the great quarter stated that, "everything possible is being done to find ‘Jack’ and end his campaign of terror. A reward of two hundred gold certificates has been posted for the capture of ‘Jack’ alive and fifty gold certificates for information leading to his identification and capture." He further recommended that people avoid being outside at night if they don’t need to be, not that there is any proof that "Jack" attacks people only out of doors or even at night.

An anonymous source inside the City Watch says that "the Constable is flustered and stumped on this one. He hasn’t got a single lead or any more ideas. The death toll just keeps growing and its gotten to the point where we are taking bets on the outcome, when the next victim will be, how many victims will the spree reach." Constable Michael Fitzhugh denies such allegation and states that "the situation is under control and being dealt with in as efficient a manner as possible."

Poisoning in Adari

Merchant Lord Peter Questis was found dead in his home in Adari on December 14^th 2999. The body had apparently been dead for several days before a servant found it in his private study. According to the servant, Merchant Lord Questis was supposed to be on holiday with his new wife Lady Amber Rils-Hartwell, who was no where to be found. The servants had been instructed not to enter the merchant’s private study but did so when the foul odor of his decomposing body made it necessary to investigate the room. They were shocked but immediately called for Constable Ryan DeMartin of Adari who began the investigation.

Poison was found to be the method of his death. Investigators found a slight scent of lemon in his mouth, which is indicative of Summer Breeze, one of the forms of ingested instant death poison. Traces of the poison were found in a decanter of brandy on his desk, a residue consistent with Summer Breeze was found in a glass on the floor at his side. Cradled in his hand was a single red rose.

Summer Breeze is one of the signature poisons of the infamous Chantalle Syrenna wanted for the murder of fifteen men who she seduced, married, and killed. She is also well known for leaving behind a red rose and for the use of a false title when she marries. Upon investigation there is no Lady Amber Rils-Hartwell according to the genealogist of the Hartwell family.

Though not proven and with some inconsistencies from her normal modus operandi, another murder and theft has been placed on the list for Chantalle Syrenna.

Later investigation by the heirs of Merchant Lord Questis showed a loss in his holdings of many rare pieces of art, a great deal of jewelry purchased for his wife, two items of arcane power one enchanted with life spells and the other with circles of power, and approximately three thousand gold certificates.

Local Boy Rescued by Vacationing Miner

by Gregor Haydn, Staff Reporter

Jason Cirim, the ten-year-old son of Martha and Harold Cirim fell through the street where he was playing on Friday, December 10^th. The child’s screams echoed upward and though obviously hurt, he was still alive. People about the scene worried that rescue would be needed so healing could be administered before his injuries truly set and perhaps did permanent harm to the child.

People went scurrying off to find the City Watch or members of the Adventurers’ Guild but one man, Anthony Garot of Ironhold, DeVane, a miner visiting family in Neridia’s Gate rose to the challenge of rescuing the boy. Working quickly with rope and a nearby cart, he fashioned a rescue sling which could be lowered down into the hole. He used a prybar a local merchant had been using to enlarge the hole to the point he could enter it and then free climbed down to save the boy. Luckily Goodman Garot was of small enough size to squeeze down the narrow hole.

Below he found a closed in area which appears to have once been part of a storefront in which the boy was trapped and had seriously broken both legs and an arm. He placed the boy in the sling he had already fashioned and some of the citizenry aided by hauling Jason to the surface.

Goodman Garot followed the boy from the hole, placing braces behind him as he climbed which would help in the filling in of the hole.

Walther Davron, a representative for the Ministry of Works stated that sinkholes like this one do occasionally form as there are many catacombs and structures from the old city buried beneath Neridia’s Gate. He expects that the repairs should be complete before the New Year begins.

Threats Made Against Neridian Nobles

by Sala Wayne, Staff Reporter

Late in December, numerous letters threatening physical harm to the nobles and their families were reportedly delivered to several prominent nobles in southern Neridia. The People’s Power, the political action group claiming responsibility for these letters, demanded that the current nobles resign their title and turn control of the government over to rightful rulers of the land, the common people of Neridia.

The People’s Power is a splinter group off the People’s Movement which was founded as a political reactionary group in 227 N.R. based upon Evenger Roman’s infamous treatise "The Forecoming Doom-the Inevitable Fall of Neridia". In the treatise, noble system of Neridia, its hereditary rule, taxation policies, and licensing of any sort are denounced. This group called for the common people to rise up and seize control of governmental rule. Unsatisfied with the definitive lack of progress the People’s Movement was making, a number of fanatics reorganized and began a series of one man suicidal attacks against various nobles of the day. Though the original leaders of the People’s Power are long dead, today’s generation remains just as dedicated to this dubious cause.

The letters were turned over as evidence to the Constable who has had much experience dealing with this people before. A reward has been posted for information leading to the capture of these individuals.

Aid to Growing Refugee Population Insufficient

by Sybille Jankar, Staff Reporter

Continued attacks by the Varykites into Western Winterthorne have forced the evacuation of four towns. As citizens flee for their safety with little more than the clothes on their backs, Neridia’s Gate struggles to meet the need of the growing refugee population.

Many of the city’s merchants and trading companies have donated their surplus inventories of clothing and basic food to the makeshift refugee camps. Despite this donations and the usually abundant provisions of the city’s Ministry of Public Service, even the most basic of supplies are in high demand. Illness abounds in these crowded camps.

As Neridian officials work furiously to relocate the refugees in alternative housing throughout the District and the rest of the Kingdom, the growing numbers is making that goal ever harder.

Every effort is being made to keep families together but that has proven more difficult than originally thought. The Adventurers’ Guild in conjunction with the Merchants’ Guild have combined their resources to provide the beginnings for a new life for many of the refugees. Only with the help of their members, have the two guilds been able to achieve such marked success in this initiative. Unfortunately, as ever more people pour into the camps, their efforts are also proving insufficient.

The Minister of Public Service has put out a request for any assistance that Neridians can offer be provided to help the refugees make their already difficult transition a bit easier.

Many of Neridia’s Gate society have taken this call for help to heart and opened their coffers to help those in their time of need. This appears to be providing a few of the basic essentials that were so desperately needed.

The Constable’s Blotter

On November 6^th Melissa Faraday was the victim of aggravated assault and theft while walking through the foreign quarter to the gate. She survived the attack and has recovered well; she lost jewelry and certificates totaling three gold certificates in value. Anyone with information on the perpetrator of this crime may speak in confidence to the Constable or any member of the City Watch.

On November 8^th the Jack murder spree claimed the ninety-seventh victim, Armin DeVane, a miner of the City of Ironhold, Grand Duchy of DeVane.

On November 11^th an assassination attempt on the life of Raidin, the Varykite Ambassador was made by unknown persons within the Varykite Embassy. The attempt was foiled by Ambassador Raidin and his guards who dispatched the attackers and put them to death as per their laws.

On November 12^th the Jack murder spree claimed the ninety-eighth victim Joseph Santor, a local man who makes his living doing odd jobs. Goodman Santor failed to resurrect.

On November 18^th the Quentari Ambassador registered a complaint of a break-in and theft at the Quentari Embassy with several important documents stolen. A twenty gold certificate reward for the recovery of these documents has been offered as well as a fifteen gold certificate reward for information leading to the capture and conviction of the criminals.

On November 20^th the Jack murder spree claimed the ninety-ninth victim, Mina Landel, a local woman who is a jester in the Entertainers’ Guild.

On November 26^th a murder took place in the Guild Common Hall. The body of James Larner was found slumped over his ale when the hall master was cleaning up. Goodman Larner had often been found passed out after too much ale but this time when the hall master attempted to wake him he found a knife wound in his back and the goodman quite dead. A ten gold certificate reward has been posted for information leading to the capture and conviction of the guilty party.

On November 29^th the Jack murder spree claimed the one hundredth victim, Molly Taeright, a hobling woman who came to Neridia’s Gate recently to establish a new inn.

On December 3^rd there was a break-in at the Defron-Adams trading house. Stolen were several boxes of documents as well as coin and other valuables totaling twenty gold certificates. A ten gold certificate reward has been placed for the recovery of the documents.

On December 4^th the Jack murder spree claimed the one hundred and first victim, Jayne Ulson of Neridia’s Gate.

On December 6^th an attempted robbery took place in the foreign quarter. The victim was Kyle Egret a local caravan worker. The assailant was Nyle Freise, a small time criminal. He was subdued by the town watch minutes after his attack on Goodman Egret and the goods were recovered. He was charged with aggravated assault and theft and convicted. He was fined 20 gold certificates and ten hours of community service for the assault due to his criminal record and charged three gold certificates for the theft. He has served his community service working with traveling healers serving the outlying communities of Neridia’s Gate.

On December 7^th the Jack murder spree claimed the one hundred and second victim, Tomas Turon of Evendarr who died his permanent death.

On December 10^th local merchant Janek Frost was arrested for fencing stolen goods. He was convicted and fined a total of ten gold certificates.

On December 12^th the Jack murder spree claimed the one hundred and third and one hundred and fourth victims, an unknown male who died his permanent death and Kally Holin, a traveling bard who died her permanent death.

On December 15^th there was an attempted break-in at the local branch of the Royal Bank of Neridia, this attempt failed and the criminals were stopped by the initial security on the building. They were successful in their escape.

On December 18^th the Jack murder spree claimed the one hundred and fifth victim, an unknown female who died her permanent death.

On December 20^th the Jack murder spree claimed the one hundred and sixth victim, a local man whose name is being withheld at his request, he resurrected successfully.

On December 22^nd the Jack murder spree claimed the one hundred and seventh victim, Ronson Shane of Neridia’s Gate who died his permanent death.

The Guild Activities Report

Guild of Arcane and Alchemical Studies

The past winter months have proved fairly uneventful for the Guild but as a new year, a new millennium descends upon Neridia, our attentions are diverted among several key items.

Master Healers, Mages, and Alchemists of our Guild continue to lend assistance to our sister Guilds in the northern Grand Duchies in the capture of any one of the Strange Ones for study by the Guild. These unique creatures have proved quite elusive and most deadly to all who encounter them. The little information that is known provides no answers but only creates ever more questions. A substantial reward for information leading to the successful capture of any of these creatures and delivery to the Guild for careful examination has been posted.

The increased rat population has sent most of the Guild’s alchemists to work in the laboratory on a poison that will prove lethal to the rats but nontoxic to all other sentient beings. Though current attempts have proved unsuccessful, we remain optimistic.

Continued sightings of falling stars throughout southern Neridia have generated much interest and speculation. Guild mages are investigating and a complete report will be published once the investigations are closed.

The number of resurrections during the months of November and December 2999 declined for the third straight month, with a net decrease of 2% from last year at this time.

Guild healers continue their work with the city’s downtrodden. Most notably is Master Healer Gillien Savart efforts with the orphaned children of Neridia’s Gate whose numbers seem to grow with each passing day. Guildsman Martin Hoffer has turned his attentions to the increasing refugee population in the city and will deliver a report on this trend at the Guild Hall on the second Thursday of January.

The King has ordered the Guild of Arcane and Alchemical Studies to place new mated gates in Aram’s Market and Ayen’s Hollow so that those who would attempt to destroy the Strange Ones can get there with all due haste. There is talk of placing new master gates there as well so that the territories can be quickly covered when a report of Strange One activity is noted

With the graduation of all our apprentices of 2999 now each promoted to the rank of Guildsman, the Guild is seeking applications for the apprentice class of 3000 to begin their studies in early spring. I will be interviewing potential candidates who seek to learn the basics in the arcane or alchemical arts. If interested in setting up an interview, please send messenger to or inquire at the Guild in the Foreign Quarter of Neridia’s Gate.

As always, we encourage all visitors to the Foreign Quarter to register with the Guild any preferences they may have should a Resurrection be required. The Guild is here to serve. By pre-selecting method and performer of the resurrection, the process is made as comfortable as possible for all involved.

By the stars above and the earth below,

Guildmistress Andraya Winterthorne

Adventurers Guild

These past months have proved exceptionally busy (and quite profitable) for all of our Guild members, with contracts for employment continuing to pour into the Guildhall from city merchants and people in need of help.

Rats continue to plague all parts of the city, both personal residences and businesses, but Guild members are working hard to eliminate any rat nests as soon as they are discovered and hope to have the situation under control soon. Anyone with prior experience in pest control will receive excellent compensation and should contact the Guild at their earliest convenience if interested.

Attacks on the citizens of Neridia by the creatures referred to as the Strange Ones continue. All attempts to hurt or kill them have proved unsuccessful with many of the Guild’s most prominent members suffering their permanent death as a result. These valiant warriors will remain forever in the memory of the Neridian people for their heroic efforts against these deadly foes. Rewards for each of the Strange Ones, captured or permanently dead, is being offered by the Guild.

Guild members were successful in recovering the stolen shipment of highly precious emeralds and sapphires reported by Port Gems as well as apprehending the thief. The accused was turned over to the Constable for sentencing. After the thief’s confession obtained from the Constable’s interrogation of her, the Guild has sent several adventuring groups to recover other valuable jewelry items hidden throughout Neridia.

Several groups of guild members were contracted by the Taisten household to guard one caravan of imported silks and lace and another of foreign delicacies. Both proved uneventful despite reports of increased Varykite activity along traditional trade routes.

Job opportunities remain high, with the upcoming months of the New Year likely to show a net increase in employment for Guild members. The Guild anticipates this future growth partly as a result of the great number of preparations underway for the upcoming celebrations in honor of Nerid’s Day and partly as a result of current political and economic trends in Neridia’s Gate.

James Ramafort, Guildmaster Neridia’s Gate Adventurers’ Guild

Entertainers Guild

Jugglers, jesters, street minstrels, and singers from throughout Avalon are flocking to the Foreign Quarter in Neridia’s Gate. Some come in search of new adventures to incorporate into their act, others in a desire to find fame and fortune in a new land. Nonetheless, this influx of foreign entertainers has resulted in some spontaneous competition with other entertainers residing here longer on the streets of the Quarter. I find it important to remind everyone that we are all Guild members here—remember, one cannot legally entertain publicly or privately for hire in Neridia unless they pay the modest fee and become a Guild member or are a member of the Bardic Collegium. With this in mind, please be sure to keep all competitions friendly for anything else reflects negatively on our great Guild.

The world is our stage, do not limit the competitions that may occur spontaneously among us since that benefits all, entertainers and our audience.

With this said, I must congratulate everyone on a wonderful year. Never before have we received such rave reviews on our diverse performances. The effort and time each Guild member has invested is evident to our audience and they cannot be happier. Sponsorship of the Guild and requests for future appearances by many of our members has doubled since 2997.

Last year’s pit fighting season was an exciting one and the one beginning in April 3000 promises to be even more so with some new talent entering the competition. Don’t miss one exhilarating moment of the 3000 season!

The upcoming feast, the one hosted by Sir Rodrick in February, is an excellent opportunity for Guild members to showcase their talent and I highly recommend that everyone take advantage of it.

Keep the world laughing!

Guildmaster Maximillian Nataile

Merchants Guild

The Neridian trade houses and Guild members continue to negotiate new trade alliances now that diplomatic relations have been recently opened with several nations of Avalon. It is our hope that new trade routes can be established as well as arrangements be made to export fine Neridian goods and import needed materials and goods.

The ongoing war with the Varykites continues to place weapons and armor in short supply and great demand. These goods and the raw materials to make them will receive premium prices from the Guild. Interested suppliers should contact the Guild and the appropriate contracts will be drawn up. In addition, the war continues to disrupt trade along the Western Tyne River. The inherent dangers in transporting goods and supplies along this route have resulted in delivery disruptions, price increases, and significant profit loss for several trading houses.

Southern Combine Merchants’ Bargaining Group suffered heavy losses several weeks ago when a delivery of a fruit delicacy was seriously delayed. However, a great number of smaller merchant concerns have stepped in to expand their share of the Western Tyne River trade. The coming winter trade will determine the winners and losers in this market. Speculation by investors remains high and the Guild is quite certain that the next few months will be quite revealing.

Food supplies may prove to be in short supply this winter should the current rat infestations in the city continue to go unabated. Prices for even the most basic of goods have seen an 8% increase over the past three months.

Finally, worries about the new millennium and what it will bring have made investors skittish these past months. With the majority of trade consortiums and merchant houses posting significant profit gains this past fiscal quarter, the Guild would like to reassure all that everything is fine and financial opportunity for the astute investor has never been more promising.

Nicolas Tragar, Secretary to High Guildmaster Giovani Roshenko

Bardic Collegium

Preparations for scheduled performances in honor of Nerid’s Day continue. Rehearsals are conducted daily as the final touches are being placed on the works commissioned by the Regent for the grand feast in February.

Several of our master bards are collaborating in a work that will commit the numerous events associated with the Curse of Seventeen to the Royal Archives for posterity. It is hoped that in researching the past tragedies that have befallen the Hartwell family, some insight may be gained and a solution be found. Any artist who is interested in contributing should contact the Collegium.

Collegium faculty specializing in the study of harmonics are exploring the possibility of expanding the field. In a desire to harness the power of spellsinging, continued attempts at creating symphonies and choruses are underway.

Elana Fasier, Guildmistress Royal Bardic Collegium of Neridia