April Edition, 40^th Year of His Majesty’s Reign, 505 C.R.

 

Theronis Named Capital of Dardanos!

(TIMES STAFF) Baroness Lanthlidis Dardanos has recently announced that the capital of Dardanos has been restored to the city of Theronis.

      The city of Theronis was a prosperous port city at the mouth of the River Daron and the duchy’s only outlet to the sea.  Many of Stephanos’ trade goods were transported down the river, through Theronis, and there on to rest of the kingdom.  However, in 501 Theronis was struck extremely hard by the place, losing nearly four fifths of the population.  With the disaster overwhelming the city, Baron Clavious Dardanos moved the capital to the town of Lindall in the Lindon Forest.  Unfortunately for the Baron and his barony, the move came perhaps to late for Baron Clavious, as he had contracted the plague and died eight months later, in April 502. 

      Since assuming leadership as the Baroness, Baroness Lanthlidis Dardanos has been all over Dardanos, rebuilding the barony and performing heroic efforts to restore the barony to its former glory.  In many respects she has been successful, and in an attempt to spur the regrowth of trade throughout both the barony and the entire kingdom, she has decided to focus much of her efforts on the city of Theronis itself.  The Baroness has already taken steps to rebuild the infrastructure of the city, and is encouraging citizens to return to the city and help it prosper.  She has even offered subsidies to those who choose to bring business back to the city.  The Baroness has chosen to set the example by returning herself and her court to the city to oversee the reconstruction.

      In the meantime, the town of Lindall, and those along Dardanos’ southern border are still aware of the threat from the Kurzinnor.  Baroness Lanthlidis announced that the town will still be frequented by Lord Craig Fendwelle-Dardanos, and that her squires will be taking a leading role in ensuring the continued protection of the Lindon Forest. 

 

Secrets of Kurzinnor ‘Plague Shield’ Uncovered!

(TIMES STAFF) In what His Grace, Duke Rogal Stephanos, has called “an unparalleled victory against the Plague, the Kurzinnor, and the forces of evil that have assaulted our fair Caldaria over the past decade,” adventurers throughout Caldaria have uncovered the secrets of a ritual defense against The Plague in the aftermath of the great Caldarian victory against the Kurzinnor this past fall.

The before unknown ritual called ‘The Gift of Celestial Health’ was first reported to be uncovered by adventurers from the Barony of Dardanos, although details surrounding this achievement have been made closed to the public by order of the Nobility. This ritual has imbued several celestial circles of power in Royal Arcanum Halls throughout the winter months with the ability to protect citizens from the effects of The Plague for a short period of time. Citizens are urged to immediately seek out further details on this ritual from your local Royal Arcanum Hall.

Speculation has run rampant throughout military and noble circles about the effects that this plague shielding will have on the war with Kurzinnor and the potential for His Majesty to reevaluate overall military strategy.

 

Bizarre Activity with the Flux Tempris Accompanies Changes in Magic

(TIMES STAFF)  An official statement released jointly by Royal representatives of both The Order of Light and The Royal Arcanum earlier this month has confirmed the reality of what Caldarian scholars have noticed for months now: a fundamental change in magic has occurred.

      For months Caldarian mages have been aware that well known spells have become more, and in come cases less, difficult to utilize. Others have even seemed to switch from one school of magical study to another, all without explanation. Some magical rituals have also shown minor changes in function as well.

Reports from lands to the north of Caldaria, and even from travelers through the Flux Tempris, have indicated that these changes have occurred throughout several lands.

      Although Caldarian scholars have been unable to definitively explain the new changes, most agree that a several day long increase in the frequency of Flux Tempris activity just after the turn of the year accompanied the new magical activity. Several of the Kingdom’s astrologers have come forth to claim that these changes were predicted by various divinations, although most serious scholars of magic have pointed out that such claims are easy to make in hindsight.

      In a related story, High Ogres throughout the kingdom have been reported entering a euphoric state over the past months, holding large gatherings and tribal rituals without detailed explanation. This has proved particularly problematic for military units with High Ogre soldiers, who are typically highly reliable along the Kurzinnor front. Long-time proponents of the High Ogres, the Twilight Elves of the Veiled Forest have only commented, “something wonderful has happened” in typical cryptic fashion.

      Concerned citizens have warned that such changes may indicate a return of wanted criminal, and Dragon Mage, a’Thales Haven who similarly affected magical energies less than two years ago.

The Lindall Times will seek to provide further details on these magical changes as they come to light.

 

Silver Mine Recovered by Caldarian Forces

(TIMES STAFF)  During this week’s fighting at the front, soldiers from the Barony of Nykia, combined with a small detachment of the 19^th Stephanos Rangers, recovered an important part of land to the south of the Dardanos town of Lindall after it was abandoned by Kurzinnor forces.

      In the southern end of the Lindon forest, lay a silver mine, lost during a major offensive by the Kurzinnor armies last year. While the mine was not essential to the war effort, its loss last year was certainly felt throughout the southernmost baronies, as the Kingdom needed now to transport silver from other parts of the Duchy of Stephanos. The mine is unique within the Duchy in that it is not located within a mountain range, making it a convenient place for the Royal Army’s weaponsmiths to seek supplies.

      How long the Caldarian forces will be able to keep this mine is unknown. Many have appealed to the Order of the Golden Flame to seek protection of the mine by local nobility, leaving the Royal Army to defend more populated areas.

 

Rumors Surround Latest Caldarian War Efforts

(TIMES STAFF) The latest news from the Kurzinnor war front has left many of the common citizens and nobility alike talking. Rumors that a great treasure has been recovered from the enemy has also led to an increase in bandit activity throughout the south of the Barony of Dardanos. Citizens living in the town of Lindall are encouraged to be wary of bandits.

      Some speculate the rumors arose from the recovery of a valuable silver mine in the area, while others insist that a treasure far greater than coin has been found. While the Lindall Times hasn’t found anything yet but rumors, we will be sure to inform you, our readers, of any information that we discover.

 

Rats Cause Farming Trouble

(TIMES STAFF)  Farmers to the north and west of the town of Lindall have reported a large infestation of giant rats. The rats have been attacking the farmers and their families almost non-stop since the spring thaw. While the farmers have been able thus far to defend themselves with some basic fighting and magical skills, the rats have begun eating most of the crops that were planted.

      While there are plans to rid this section of land of the pesky rodents, this could mean a much smaller mid-summer harvest than was expected if the rats continue to be able to feed on the crops.

 

New Edition of “Noble Heraldry of Caldaria” Planned

(TIMES STAFF)  News of a new edition of the book “Noble Heraldry of Caldaria” has just been released from a publisher in Vellarens. This book, which is currently on its fifth edition, is a collection of heraldry and history of Caldaria’s nobility. While most Caldarian noble families only have their heraldry cataloged, a few also have brief histories of the family line as well. A few families have editor’s notes, chronicling the changes in the family throughout the history of the book.

      Representatives of the publisher will be patrolling through the countryside to find which noble families have survived the plague, and to see which families have joined the ranks of nobility.

 

Frost Theatrical Troupe Debuts New Performance

(TIMES STAFF) In what is sure to be one of the more controversial debuts of the year, the Frost Theatrical Troupe has opened their newest play, entitled, “Rise and Fall of Man”. The play is a tale about a young man, who in his quests for greatness falls to the temptations of necromancy, and finds that everything he once loved now rejects him.

      “I wanted to put on a performance that people could relate to,” says playwright Abe Firebrand, “It’s a story that pulls on the heartstrings, but has a mix of drama, comedy, and a good overall point to it. Sometimes, it just doesn’t pay to do things you know you shouldn’t do.”

      When asked about his decision to make the play wordless, Abe had the following to say, “I wanted everyone to be able to understand it and interpret it how they wanted to; I decided to make it universally understandable and cut out the spoken word.”

      The Frost Theatrical Troupe, which hails from many different parts of the Kingdom, debuted this year’s play in Theronis, with plans to try and perform throughout Stephanos before moving on to the Duchy of Demos.

 

Celestial Mages: The Royal Army Wants You!

(TIMES STAFF)  The special talents of all celestial magic wielding citizens are in high need to face the Kurzinnor threat! Celestial mages should report to their local army recruiter or Royal Arcanum Hall for further information.

 

The Royal Army needs YOU!

The 19^th Stephanos Rangers Regiment is currently recruiting!  We are seeking men and women; warriors, scouts, mages and healers; people of integrity and honor to serve their duchy and kingdom in its time of need.  Enlistment terms are a minimum of one year. 

 

Basic Training for new recruits will be taking place periodically throughout the year.  See any member of the Royal Army of Caldaria for information on how to enlist.

 

Vintenar Major Bangor, Adjutant

19^th Stephanos Rangers

 

News from around the Kingdom

Alexios Bay:  The Royal Navy has reported that one of its vessels, the cutter Lacosia vanished suddenly while on patrol off the coast near the city of Theronis.  Witnesses report that an occurrence of the Flux Tempris appeared directly in front of the vessel, swallowed it up, and then vanished.  Skeptics claim that the Lacosia probably just entered a fog bank, but witnesses claim that the day was a cloudless and clear.

 

Royal Arcanum

To the People of Lindall:

It has apparently been the custom of this publication to provide space for the chartered guilds to express themselves, and I gratefully take advantage of the opportunity so provided.

By order of my superiors within the Royal Arcanum, and by further order of the duly responsible nobility, I have recently taken up duties as the Sorcerer of the Royal Arcanum at Lindall. It will, perhaps, come as no surprise that the Arcanum has decayed into a state of some disarray in the time since the post of Sorcerer was last meaningfully filled.  The first order of business, therefore, is the re-establishment and re-organization of the Lindall Hall of the Arcanum. To that end, I encourage the people of Lindall to be willing to re-evaluate the Arcanum’s function, utility, value, and customary operation.

As a first step, the Permanent Circle has been collapsed and re-cast, thus excluding, among others, A’Thales Haven, who was formerly invested therein.

In the absence of any accurate rolls or records, we will begin anew with regard to membership and rank within the Arcanum. This is no reflection upon the worth and service of those who formerly held positions of responsibility. Members of the Arcanum are asked to contact the Sorcerer at once if they have not already done so, and further requested to communicate their former rank to the Sorcerer at that time. Further, the Arcanum is currently seeking new members, and interested individuals are invited to inquire. Prospective members should be able to read and write, and possess an interest in learning Celestial Magic. Instruction in Reading and Writing is available from the Arcanum to all, at no cost.

In addition to its responsibilities relating to Celestial Magic training and research, the Royal Arcanum offers several services which we invite the township of Lindall to become familiar with:

 

Library Services

The Royal Arcanum is currently engaged in the acquisition and creation of texts to comprise a general library of relevant information. The Arcanum is willing to purchase documents of any kind, including but not limited to scrolls, books, maps, and fragments of the same. The Arcanum is also interested in purchasing or commissioning written accounts of Lindall’s recent history, as well as  written descriptions of Lindall’s flora and fauna, and indigenous and monster populations. Interested scribes are encouraged to contact the Sorcerer.

General Research

The Arcanum will perform general research on any topic. Inquiries are free, and charges are assessed only upon successful delivery of results. As research may take advantage of the collections of other Halls, immediate results may not be possible. Interested parties are asked to expect at least ten day’s time between request and result. Inquiries, inquirers identities, and information supplied by inquirers, will be kept confidential. The Arcanum reserves the right to utilize the information obtained by its research unless other arrangements are made in advance.

Confidential Brokering

The Arcanum will arrange the sale, purchase, or trade of magical items, components, reagents, or catalysts, while maintaining the anonymity of seller and buyer. Parties interested in purchasing an item are encouraged to express their interest to the Sorcerer. All inquiries are completely confidential.  Parties with items available for sale or trade should contact the Sorcerer. Again, the nature of the items and the identity of the seller will be kept in strictest confidence. All items will be identified, and guaranteed by the Arcanum to be as represented.

Ritual Services

The Sorcerer, membership, and Circle of the Arcanum at Lindall are available by arrangement for the performance of Rituals. Because no two rituals are alike, each ritual and its cost must be arranged individually. Unless otherwise arranged, the Arcanum is not responsible for providing ritual components or subjects. As always, full confidentiality applies. The Arcanum assumes, but does not verify, the legality and authorization of all rituals. The Arcanum accepts no responsibility for the Ritual’s outcome. Inquiries are free and confidential.

 

Below, please find the most recent Arcanum prices, divided by member’s and outsider’s costs. Costs may be negotiable and barter may be accepted. Prices may be adjusted in coming weeks.

 

Morgan Zacharius,

Initiate of the Library of Rhul,

Master of the Vespertine Circle,

Sorcerer of the Royal Arcanum at Lindall.

 

General Services
		Outsider’s Cost				Member’s Cost
General Counsel and Sorcerous Advice		By Arrangement				naught
Research		By Arrangement				naught
Scribe Services		By Arrangement				naught
Translations		By Arrangement				naught
Textual Elucidation		By Arrangement				naught
Buying and selling of texts maps or documents		Negotiable				Negotiable
Library Services		Not Available				naught
Evaluation of an item’s true value		1 copper piece				naught
Detection of magic		2 copper pieces				naught
Identification of magical properties (item or person)		2 silver pieces				naught
Buying and selling of magical items		Negotiable				Negotiable
Spell Casting		By Arrangement				By Arrangement
Spell Casters for Hire		Negotiable
Casting of Elenaro's Astral Displacement		3 gold crowns				1 gold crown
Casting of Bork's Invitation		3 gold crowns				1 gold crown
Training
	Outsiders' Cost				Arcanum Cost
Reading Lessons	naught! (limited time)
Writing Lessons	naught! (limited time)
Magic Reading Lessons	naught! (limited time)
First Circle	1 silver piece				1 copper piece
Second Circle	2 silver pieces				2 copper pieces
Third Circle	4 silver pieces				4 copper pieces
Fourth Circle	8 silver pieces				8 copper pieces
Fifth Circle	1 gold crown, 6 silver				1 silver piece,  6 copper
Sixth Circle	3 gold crowns,  2 silver				3 silver pieces, 2 copper
Seventh Circle	6 gold crowns,  4 silver				6 silver pieces,  4 copper
Eighth Circle	12 gold crowns,  8 silver				12 silver pieces,  8 copper
Ninth Circle	25 gold crowns,  6 silver				2 gold crowns, 5 silver, 6 copper
Books and Scrolls
			Outsiders' Cost	Arcanum Cost
Spell ink			5 copper pieces per spell per level                  (must be in copper form)
Use of a minor spell book			5 silver pieces	naught
Use of a full spell book			5 gold crowns	5 silver pieces
Selling of a minor spell book			10 gold crowns	Negotiable
Selling of a full spell book			not available	Negotiable
Buying of spell books			Negotiable	Negotiable
Casting of a spell from a battle magic scroll			1 silver piece or naught with purchase of scroll	naught
Selling of battle magic scrolls			1 silver piece per level (or by demand)	By Arrangement
Buying of battle magic scrolls			5 copper pieces per level (or by demand)	5 copper pieces per level (or by demand)
Trading of battle magic scrolls			Negotiable	Negotiable
Ritual Services
			Outsiders' Cost	Arcanum Cost
Performance of Ritual			1 gold crown per level minimum, not including reagents and catalysts, Arcanum not responsible for Results	By Arrangement
Spell-crafting of ritual magics (requires 10 days notice)			1 gold crown per reagent required (or by demand)	By Arrangement
Translation of ritual scroll			5 silver pieces	naught
Selling of ritual scrolls			Negotiable	Negotiable
Buying of ritual scrolls			1 gold crown per level (or by demand)	1 gold crown per level (or by demand)
Buying of ritual reagents			1 gold crown	1 gold crown
Selling of ritual reagents			Negotiable	Negotiable
Buying of ritual catalysts			Negotiable	Negotiable
Selling of ritual catalysts			Negotiable	Negotiable
Trading of ritual scrolls, reagents, or catalysts			Negotiable	Negotiable
Use of Circle			By Arrangement	By Arrangement

 

Order of Light

 

The Lindall Order of Light is a charitable organization sponsored by the Baronial House.  As such, teaching, healing spells, and Resurrection services are offered to all people without regard to cost.  Donations are always welcome.  The following other items and services are also available from the Order for small fees to cover materials, etc.

For sale:

Spell Ink	5 copper commons per spell level
Full Earth spell book	10 gold crowns
Potions	1 silver noble per level
Ritual Magics:
Spell-crafting of rituals	By demand
Casting of rituals	1 gold crown per difficulty level

 

Items purchased/traded:

Potions	Bought at 5 copper commons per level Traded at 1 silver noble credit per level (towards Order services only)
Ritual Scrolls	1 gold crown per difficulty level (based on lowest difficulty)
Ritual Reagents	1 gold crown each
Ritual Catalysts	Negotiable
Trading of ritual scrolls, reagents, or catalysts	Negotiable
Necromantic Items	Necromancy is illegal and abominable. Necromantic items will be purchased based on levels of spells and rituals in the item. Upon purchase, these items will be promptly destroyed.

 

Interested parties should please see Master Li Kenji.