(TIMES STAFF) After a frightening invasion of Stephanos initiated in August, the forces of Caldaria have succeeded in repulsing the Kurzinnor from the barony of Dardanos.
The past two months have been momentous ones for
the town of
It all started back in August, when Sir Ansari Arash Nykia, commander of the Nykian forces in Dardanos, came to Lindall bearing dire news. He informed the people that the Kurzinnor were planning an massive offensive against Caldaria, primarily focused on the duchy of Stephanos.
Sir Ansari and Seneschal Sir Nathan called together a war council, bringing several trusted townsfolk into the Manor House to discuss the Caldarian response to this invasion. Among those present were Squire Rhys ap Ruald, Mage Varen of the Royal Arcanum, Savant Marra of the Order of Light, Scribe Riddick Dale, Goodman Kostantinos, and a contingent of the 19th Stephanos Rangers, including Quintar Gareth, Soldier 1st Class Poalo, Soldier First Class Kaia, and Soldier Kaegan.
At the War council Sir Ansari laid out his
plan. The details of Ansari’s plans were
not made available to the Lindall Times, however it
was clear that the Kurzinnor were going to initiate a multi-pronged attack on
Stephanos, including attacks on Theronis, Vellarens, Lindall, and the
Unfortunately, Sir Ansari’s plan was betrayed to the Kurzinnor but none other than Drake (see related story “Drake revealed as Traitor”). The result of Drake’s betrayal was that all of Sir Ansari’s forces were ambushed and themselves destroyed.
The old Dardanian capital of Theronis was laid under siege, with Baroness Lanthlidis trapped in the city. The Nykian cavalry sent to thwart the attack on Theronis was completely wiped out, resulting in almost three hundred deaths and more than fifty of them permanent.
The Nykian Legion under the command of Sir Ansari was wiped out, resulting in over a hundred resurrections and more than a dozen permanent deaths. Squires Gormegil, Gnazz, and Aara all suffered deaths during the battle.
The 11th Stephanos Infantry Regiment,
once commanded by Sir Andarias Dardanos, was attacked in the southeast of the
All told, the Royal Army, Nykian, and Dardanian forces suffered at least two thousand deaths, with nearly a quarter of that being permanent deaths.
The result of the invasion left much of Stephanos south of the River Daron in Kurzinnor control, with only scattered pockets of resistance left, notably Theronis, Talomir Keep in southeastern Nykia, and Lindall.
Fortunately the extent of Drake’s betrayal was limited primarily to Stephanos. A planned invasion of Nykia from the sea was thwarted by the Royal Navy and the baronial forces of Nykia and Thurgos. Also, the duchies of Alexios and Leonidas appeared unscathed by the attacks.
For the next month, the forces of Caldaria desperately tried to regroup, while those places surrounded by the Kurzinnor held out as best they could. For their part, the Kurzinnor appeared to pause and consolidate their position. It has been speculated that either the Kurzinnor did not expect to succeed as well as they did and were unprepared to exploit the breakthrough. Whatever the reason, Caldaria is fortunate that the Kurzinnor did not succeed, as the ducal capital of Vellarens and the Royal capital of Arcaldar were only miles from the front lines at the extent of the Kurzinnor advance.
During this time Lindall was subject to near constant attack by Kurzinnor forces, and the Crimson Fist himself arrived with at least one other member of the Gauntlet on the night before the September Forum. The Fist smashed back the adventurers’ first defense line, and it was clear that the town was close to falling. However, in a driving downpour, the citizens of Lindall rallied and fought off the attack. The Fist himself engaged in combat, and apparently left the battlefield of his own accord rather than being driven off, but the majority of his forces were completely destroyed.
In the next days Caldaria would strike back.
Relief for Talomir Keep came from Nykia, when the Nykian Legions and the Royal Army, led by Baron Aumon Anhuris Barash-Ka Nykia himself, lifted the siege and smashed the Kurzinnor forces sieging the fortress.
Baroness Lanthlidis Dardanos was smuggled through the Kurzinnor lines to Lindall on the day of Forum, and rallied her people to strike back against the Kurzinnor. That night she led a raid against one of the Kurzinnor positions outside of Lindall, and despite being repulsed, the Baroness rallied the town and destroyed the position. The Kurzinnor present were mainly undead, and the traitor Drake was found to be present as well, wearing the red-spiked spaulder of a member of the Gauntlet. Apparently Drake had revealed himself to be a Vampire. Whether Drake was always a vampire, or had recently become one was unclear. Drake was able to escape the attack by the adventurers of Lindall.
The following day, Sir Coudro
Leonidas, nephew to Duchess Catherine Leonidas, arrived in Lindall with news
that Caldaria was moving to retake the
The adventurers of Lindall then engaged in a great battle, thrusting southwards and killing all the Kurzinnor who stood in their way. After a heroic battle, the adventurers were successful in their endeavor and the Kurzinnor were driven out.
Since the
Drake
revealed as Traitor
(TIMES STAFF) For months now it has been suspected that a spy existed in Lindall, feeding information to the Kurzinnor. With the recent invasion of the Kurzinnor, and the initial defeats suffered by the Caldarians, the veracity of these suspicions have been confirmed.
The traitor was none other than Drake, a Soldier First Class in the Royal Army, and a member of the Azure F.O.G.
Drake’s morality was first brought under suspicion when during a battle he was made to go berserk by his enemies, and proceeded to cast several necromantic spells.
After being convicted of the crime of Necromancy, Drake was sentenced and executed. Much of Drake’s time after this was an effort to atone for his crime. Yet despite the fact that Drake suffered his punishment and fully paid for his crime under Caldarian law, he was meet with a cold reception with many in Lindall.
Drake soon enlisted in the 19th Stephanos Ranger Regiment of the Royal Army, where he apparently served with distinction. He also gained the confidence of many people in Lindall.
Yet it became clear that Drake was merely using the newfound trust he had gained along with his position in the Royal Army as a means to gather information for the Kurzinnor.
The full extent of Drake’s betrayal has yet come to light, but by far the most spectacular result was the Kurzinnor invasion. Drake was present at the war council where Sir Ansari revealed his plans for the Caldarian response to this invasion. Apparently Drake took copious notes of the plan, but at the time this was not considered suspicious as more than one of the other attendees did so as well.
Apparently after the council Drake turned over the plans to the Kurzinnor, who used the information to ambush the Caldarian forces and destroy them. Fortunately for the kingdom as a whole, the worst effects of the invasion were felt mostly in southern Stephanos. It has been speculated that if the Kurzinnor had received the information earlier, perhaps they would have succeeded in landing their force in southern Nykia.
It is clear that the support of the Nykian Legions has been invaluable in defending the southern border of Stephanos—one can only speculate what would happen if the Nykians were forced to pull their forces back to defend their own barony from a new Kurzinnor force.
During the invasion, Sir Ansari and many of his legionnaires successfully resurrected in Lindall. Sir Ansari was exceedingly (and justifiably) angry as what had happened, and with the support of Sir Nathan, he immediately declared martial law in Lindall. His legionnaires began policing the town, while Sir Ansari and Sir Nathan began interrogating several townsfolk.
When they got to Drake, they had him identified in the Royal Arcanum’s Circle of Power, and discovered unknown rituals upon Drake’s spirit. This was enough to convince Sir Ansari of Drake’s guilt. Drake was brought to the Order of Light, where Sir Nathan announced his guilt. Sir Ansari expressed a grudging admiration at Drake’s accomplishment, and his goading appeared to work, as Drake then confessed to his crimes.
Drake’s apparent reasoning was that he felt himself betrayed by the people of Lindall, in that they refused to accept him. He said that many people refused to forgive him and still held him in contempt for his casting of necromancy, which he said was a mistake. He also accused the Caldarians of being no better than the Kurzinnor despite their supposed moral superiority, saying that the Caldarians torture their prisoners and take pleasure in it.
As if to give evidence of this, Goodman Kyril Flamebeard reportedly begged Sir Nathan for permission to smash Drake’s hands and feet with his hammer in order to prevent him from attempting to escape. Sir Nathan declined, saying that Drake would suffer plenty of pain during his obliteration.
Drake was locked in the town jail, guarded by Poalo Oscarot and Squire Rhys ap Ruald. Apparently Drake was somehow able to overpower his two guards and managed to escape.
An expedition to follow Drake was quickly organized, consisting of Cynryx, Mage Varen, Figment, Mage Dhara, Savant Jin Mei, and Nix. The adventurers tracked Drake outside of Lindall towards Hedgewood, where they discovered a cache of supplies that he apparently picked up on his journey. Following his trail south, they eventually ran into a Kurzinnor patrol, and beyond them were the Kurzinnor lines. Rather than face the entire Kurzinnor army by themselves, the adventurers wisely returned to town.
Drake was most recently seen during the attack by the adventurers of Lindall on a Kurzinnor encampment outside Lindall. He appeared in the form of a vampire, wearing the trademark spiked spaulder of a member of the Gauntlet. Whether or not Drake was always a vampire, or was recently turned into one is unclear. While the adventurers succeeded in sacking the Kurzinnor camp, Drake himself was able to escape.
Needless to say, Drake is wanted by the crown for the crime of treason, not to mention the murders of all those who fell in battle due to his actions. He is to be considered extremely dangerous.
By Scribe Riddick Dale, Editor
A coalition of sorts was formed
this past Forum. The Sarr of House Leonidas, The
Osprey Tribe and the Spider Queen’s minions all with the aid of the adventurers
of Lindall drove the Kurzinnor horde from the
The
threat is far from over, but the ability to move within the forest without the
imminent threat of danger is helpful to whatever resistance we can muster.
I
will extend my personal thanks to those who aided in the negotiations with the
Osprey Wild Elves, and also to Squire Aara who has spent a great deal of time
with them convincing them that we were a positive force in Caldaria. I will
also extend my thanks to those who aided in the negotiations with the Spider
Queen, specifically Squire Gormegil for his insight in all of his experiences
with her.
We
have not formed an official alliance with the Spiders as of yet. We have,
however, agreed to not attack them unless we must defend ourselves. I would
encourage any farmers who come across one of these spiders to leave it be. It
is wasted aggression to attack these creatures at the moment.
By Scribe Riddick
Dale, Editor
We have all heard
the saying “Once a Necromancer… always a Necromancer.” Drake has proved it yet
again. During a recent battle in which the adventurers of Lindall pushed toward
a Kurzinnor encampment several adventurers saw Drake standing amongst a horde
of undead.
Overall, the
battle was successful as many of his undead forces were decimated at the hands
of the diligent adventurers. Even those who did not possess the great skill of
the Squires, Mages and Rangers amongst the town rallied and fought as true
heroes. Lindall’s
side suffered few casualties.
Let this be
known. Drake is a coward and a fool. He has chosen to hide his weakness inside
an undead shell. His current form does, however, make him rather formidable to
those not of the adventuring class. All those without the appropriate equipment
to do battle with a Vampire should flee immediately and use the utmost caution
while escaping.
By Scribe Riddick
Dale, Editor
Late during this
past gathering myself, Scribe Riddick Dale, and several members of the Phalanx,
including Watchman Theodin Hammerfist,
Jin Mei, Soldier Poalo Oscorot
and others, dealt with a Kurzinnor attack on the Lindall Times offices
themselves.
The Kurzinnor
Forces were easily dispatched as they attempted to run off with most of the
collected writings for this edition of the paper, among other important
newspaper documents. The Phalanx suffered no losses and the paper is now safer for
it.
All local businesses should be alert to Kurzinnor attack. They are attempting to attack us at all angles, and may attempt to bring smaller businesses down to slow our ability to re-supply ourselves after a battle.
An
Apology from the Chief Executive Editor
by Jack Burroughs, Chief Executive Editor
Due to the recent Kurzinnor Invasion, the Lindall Times was unable to publish a September edition. We at the Lindall Times apologize for any
inconveniences this may have caused. We
strive to provide the highest quality news to the citizens of Dardanos, and
hope to continue to do so uninterrupted into the future.
By Scribe Riddick
Dale, Editor
Due to the recent attacks by the Kurzinnor I was unable to make sure the new was brought to the people. I apologize wholeheartedly for this and have taken steps to assure that nothing of this sort will happen again. I have made attempts to include was articles I could find for the last paper and have rerun several ads. If you have a concern that some correspondence has been lost, please resubmit them and I will put them into the paper soon.
By Squire Rhys ap Ruald,
Guest Writer
(Editor’s Note from
Scribe Riddick: The Kurzinnor have been pushed back from the
As the other squires are not available to write this report,
the duty has fallen to me for now. As
you may be aware, the Kurzinnor recently made a massive, widespread assault
upon the kingdom. Reports are still
coming in, and lines are still stabilizing, but one thing is certain: we no
longer safely reside behind our forces.
The enemy has pushed forward, and we now are on the front lines
ourselves.
For those of you who wish to flee,
I recommend that you seek out the Rangers and ask to be escorted to a safer
area of the kingdom. If you do this,
travel light, and take only what you need.
Lives are far more important than belongings.
For those who wish to stay, Sir
Nathan has established Warded safe houses throughout
the area. I recommend that you use them
if needed. If one isn't available, hide
in the woods and avoid danger.
For those willing and able to fight
- we have need of you. Everyone can help
- you need not swing a sword or cast a spell if you are unable. If you wish to fight for your homes, either
contact the military, or come to Lindall and speak with one of the adventuring
class.
MUNDILFOERE LARK ASCENDING, PURVEYOR OF SUNDRY GOODS
ANDODDMENTS, is pleased to fulfill your orders for potions, notions, objects
d'art, small weapons, armor, love poems, epic poems, epic songs, maskery, revelry, jewelry, and whatnot. Discretion is
assured. Please direct your inquiries to Lark Ascending Studio near the Manor
House in Lindall.
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. Kindly direct all inquiries to
the cabin of the Azure F.O.G. '"
Diverse weapons crafted to stir your heart and stop your
foe's. 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.
The 19th 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
19th Stephanos Rangers
Lyrax: Rumors that Baron Fiestus
Surefoot Lyrax has contracted the plague have been
confirmed by the Lyrax Master of Light.
Being well loved by the people of Lyrax, the people of Lyrax have
appealed to Duke Alexios to do more to search for a cure to the plague.
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
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
In addition to its responsibilities
relating to Celestial Magic training and research, the Royal Arcanum offers
several services which we invite the
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.
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.
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.
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) |
|
||||
|
|
1 silver piece |
1 copper piece |
||||
|
|
2 silver pieces |
2 copper pieces |
||||
|
|
4 silver pieces |
4 copper pieces |
||||
|
|
8 silver pieces |
8 copper pieces |
||||
|
|
1 gold crown, 6 silver |
1 silver piece, 6 copper |
||||
|
|
3 gold crowns, 2 silver |
3 silver pieces, 2 copper |
||||
|
|
6 gold crowns, 4 silver |
6 silver pieces, 4 copper |
||||
|
|
12 gold crowns, 8 silver |
12 silver pieces, 8 copper |
||||
|
|
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 |
||||
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.