The Lindall Times

August Edition, 39^th Year of His Majesty’s Reign, 504 C.R.

Kurzinnor Offensive Imminent

(TIMES STAFF) Massive troop buildups and reports from the war front indicate that the Kurzinnor are planning a massive offensive for the near future. A senior officer in the Royal Army was quoted as saying, “When the Kurzinnor invaded again last year, they had built up their forces for months ahead of time.  It was a slow, steady process.  This time they have surged with their reinforcements—building them up extremely rapidly.  This one is going to be big.” 

Sir Ansari Arash Nykia, in command of a detachment of the Nykian Legions which is currently defending part of Dardanos was unavailable for comment. However, witnesses report that the Nykians have been digging in as if in preparation for a major assault.

The Baroness herself has only stated that the offensive is still only a rumor, and that she has taken steps of her own to counter the Kurzinnor offensive should their be one.  She has urged all citizens to remain “calm, but vigilant.  As always, any Kurzinnor activity should be reported immediately.”

Summer Forum Held

(TIMES STAFF) An unplanned Forum was held in Lindall last month.  A large gathering of farmers and townsfolk descended on Lindall, crowding the Three Brothers Tavern, and asking to voice their concerns to the Baroness. 

Lord Craig and the Baroness promptly convened a Forum up at the Lindall Forum Circle.  The farmers and townsfolk complained that they needed Wards to defend them, similar to those that adventurers had when the town was attacked by wolves during the Warrior’s Vigil. 

The townsfolk also expressed concerns about the newly rising effects of the plague, and also about spreading rumors concerning an imminent Kurzinnor thrust.  The Baroness did her best to keep the people calm, and assured them that she was doing her best to keep them all safe.  This announcement seemed to assuage the fears of many of the citizens, although to some her words apparently rang hollow.

An Editor’s Note: Help Wanted

by Scribe Riddick Dale

One thing that walking for days on end does is provide you with time to think. This paper is a remarkable tool. There is information within these pages. Despite the wealth of knowledge you can find right now there is room for much more. I encourage everyone to help with this. I am looking for a group of people to help me run this paper. I need news reporters who are willing to seek out the news as it happens. I am looking for a travel reporter who is willing to write articles about the various places around Caldaria that people can visit. I am also looking to begin an article that will help illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of the various creatures in our area. Anyone who is interested should seek me out during this next gathering.

In Remembrance: Da

by Watchman Theodin Hammerfist, Guest Writer

On the evening of the June 11th in the 39th year of His Majesty's Reign the town of Lindall lost one of its own.  As many of you know our friend and ally, Watchman Da permanently died this past gather. I write this not to mourn Da as the time for that is over, and I know that he would have us all move on and look forward to protect the town as he would have done. Instead I write to commemorate a friend to all that died, from what little of what I know of Orcs, the way that he would have wanted.  Da died battling to protect those that he considered family and I for one agree that there is no more honorable thing to give one’s life for. I realize that there may be more that people would have me say of Da but just like him, I prefer to let my actions speak not my words, so I say to all at this next gather and take a moment to raise a glass in honor of a lost friend and when in battle do not shy away but stand strong.

These Clowns are Nothing to Laugh at

by Scribe Riddick Dale, Times Reporter

      Our tournament festivities were joined by a troupe of entertainers this past gathering. They were a presence on the tournament field throughout the Heroes’ Competition.

      On Saturday night after the Tavern had closed there were reports of several townspeople including Goodman Ash, Goodman Baligan and Goodman Mugg being attacked by humanoid Lupine creatures. Through the efforts of Watchman Theodin Hammerfist it was discovered that these creatures were in fact the Circus troupe.

      Several of the people who were attacked have been infected with a form of the lycanthropic curse that plagues the Troupe itself. There is no known cure. These adventurers who have been infected will go berserk and attack other townspeople when their curse manifests itself.

      All citizens should proceed with extreme caution.

Tavern Talk: Closed for the Summer

by Scribe Riddick Dale, Times Reporter

      Recently, I have begun a series of articles entitled “Tavern Talk.” Due to several extremely busy schedules I was unable to arrange time to meet with anyone in time for this edition.

      Instead, I would like to take this space to offer the opportunity to be featured in Tavern Talk to everyone. This is an opportunity to advertise your wares, announce intentions, etc.

      If you are interested in this opportunity, or have ideas for people who should be featured please find me at this next gathering.  

News from the Order of Light

by Marra Page, Savant of the Order of Light

We have passed a long summer together and apart.  Many of us have tended to the land, our homes and our families during this time of steady growth -- and we begin the decline toward Harvest Festival and Candledark by coming together in Lindall once more for a Gathering and Forum.  I will be very happy to see my friends and companions again after such a long absence.

I would like to remind all of our adventurers of the open issues facing our citizens -- the rise of the plague, and the new lycanthropic infection brought to us on the occasion of the Warrior's Vigil.  Both illnesses claimed victims at our last gathering, and likely will continue to do so -- unless

definitive cures are found.  I have been deeply disturbed at the number of permanent deaths resulting from the lycanthropic attacks, and we are all aware of the dreadful toll of the plague over the years.  Many of you are aware of the efforts of the Order toward finding a cure for the plague, and of the Arcanum's efforts to understand and neutralize the infection of lycanthropy.  Information on both of these topics is being shared freely between Order and Arcanum, in the best interests of finding a solution quickly.  I urge anyone with questions or information to contact a Mage, Savant, Master or Sorcerer.  Only by working together can we defeat such strong enemies.

But there are yet other enemies with which we concern ourselves -- the Crimson Fist and attendant Kurzinnor threat, as well as the shadow beings which plague our lands and our town.  At our last gathering, we saw measures of strength and magic in our foes that we had not seen previously, and which give rise to very particular concern for the Order in Lindall.  During the invasion of the shadow beasts, their leader directly attacked the permanent Earth Circle as a 'warning' to the people of Lindall, perhaps of his growing powers.  This warning is not one that can be ignored.  It has been our practice of late to utilize the Order as a battle resource, and we have seen the consequences of that decision.  We may have prevented many deaths through this particular practice -- but we will ultimately cause many more, when the precious resource of a permanent Earth Circle is no longer available to us.   I urge everyone to consider this subject very carefully before the next Forum gathering, and think of how best we may protect our town -- and in a fashion which does not threaten this precious resource.

Classified Ads:

Good day all! I am Cynryx Armadon, traveling merchant from the lands of Syraandor. I wish to advertise my wares before I appear so people may order in advance if they wish or save their coin for when I arrive. I am a grandmaster alchemist and shall have all the usual wares in that field available upon request. The only agent I shall not be selling is Dominate Gas. I am a crafter of fine garments specializing in hoods with mantles, such as the Azure FOG wears and pouches. I can make other garments as custom orders.

I am a weaver of words should you desire a story or poem about yourself, or perhaps to aid you in the wooing of a fine damsel. I shall have a selection of fine wines from across the mists available. As well, I shall have a small selection of crafted jewelry for sale.

If anyone has inquiries or need, please send me a missive. I look forward to meeting you all, I have heard a great deal about your lands from travelers.

Figment's Delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies

- Chewy  - Melt in your Mouth - Good-

These cookies are loved by adventurers, nobility, and monsters alike.  Proven to get you or your friend out of a sticky situation.  Secret Family Recipe.  Try some today!!

Sold By Figment Under the Azure Fog Merchant's License

ARTISTIC RENDERINGS in pigment, woodcarving, and charcoal, prepared for your pleasure and amazement with the utmost diligence by Ash Sunderdragon, Master Painter, Musician, Woodsman, and Tracker.

DIVERSE WEAPONRY crafted to stir your heart and stop your foes.  Designed in breathtaking artistry and forged to last a dragon's lifetime by Goodmen Ash Sunderdragon and Baligan Irontongue, Master Smith. Kindly direct all inquiries to the cabin of the Azure F.O.G.

Satisfy Your Hunger!!

Saturday afternoon The Phalanx will be offering a delightful pre-dinner mealof meat or vegetables on a stick.

We will have seasoned chicken on a stick and fresh vegetables on a stick. Vegetables include peppers, onions and tomatoes. Chicken will also have peppers and onions.

1 stick will be 3 silver. As a special deal you can get 2 sticks and ad rink for 6 silver.

Please join us in front of The Phalanx cabin. There are limited quantities available, so it is first come for serve.

The Azure F.O.G. is looking for a Heart of Gold. If this catalyst is found please contact them.

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.

News from around the Kingdom

Thurgos:  House Thurgos has made a joyous announcement!  Baroness Alicia Thurgos IV has recently given birth to a healthy baby daughter, named Alicia in honor of her mother.  The glowing Baroness and her happy husband displayed the child to the crowds, receiving thunderous cheers from the citizens who had gathered to witness the occasion.

Persephis:  Cordulis Persephis, formerly a lord in House Persephis, was recently expelled from his House and his title stripped as he was found guilty of casting Necromancy.  Cordulis maintained his innocence throughout his trial, sentencing, and execution.  House Persephis has distanced itself from Cordulis, calling him unworthy of their name.  The current whereabouts of Cordulis remain unknown. 

Lyrax:  Mining production shortfalls has resulted in occasional shortages of silver and other precious metals throughout the kingdom.  Baron Fiestus has ordered the opening of more mining tunnels to make up for the shortfall.

Arcaldar:  The Order of Light in Arcaldar made an announcement that resurrections from plague related deaths are at their highest levels in recent history.  After the plague subsided somewhat in 502, it appears to have surged in strength over the summer, and shows no signs of abating.  It is estimated that the plague has claimed more lives last month than it did in all of 503. 

Alexios:  There have been a rash of attacks on Sarr and Kin citizens of Alexios, spread throughout the duchy.  Evidence seems to indicate that the attackers are not monsters, but rather local bandits or other Caldarian citizens.  The reason for the attacks remains unknown.  Duke Jonathan has increased patrols of his ducal guard to investigate the matter.

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.

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:

Items purchased/traded:

Interested parties should please see Master Li Kenji.