The Lindall Times
September
Edition, 2nd Year of His Magesty’s Reign, 506 C.R.
Changes at the Times!
I
would like to welcome everyone to the new Lindall
Times. This late edition is being sent out compliments of the staff here, and
we hope you find it an informative and enjoyable read.
Recent
staff changes here have put me at the head, and are the reason the times has
been silent for so long. With our previous editor, Scribe Riddick Dale, missing
in action (See The Mist Eats People!) the staff here has
been without a guide. After much waiting and deliberation I have take over as
the Editor, and will hopefully do at least as well as the sword jock turned
scribe.
John Jacobs
Editor
The Kurzinor
within spitting distance,
and hungry for our blood. Were some
of the last words spoken by Soldier First Class Garret Mason before being run
through by a Kurzinor spear.
I had the rare opportunity to meat and talk with many of our soldiers on the
front lines just southwest of Lindall. The mood
there, weary but determined. Our troops have been fighting the Kurzinor non-stop for weeks. The lines of
the battle changing daily. The Kurzinor push
and gain, the next day we take it back. We push and gain, the next day they
take it back.
Our
soldiers trade insults from behind fortifications, with the very real
possibility of needing to prove their mettle at any moment. There are very rare
occasions of one soldier taunting a Kurzinor into
such a frenzy that he rushes the lines himself.
Without mercy he is cut down by archers the second he clears his own defenses.
There
are engagements daily. From a single minute long skirmish to hours of fighting
to hold the fortified area you just took the day before. Even I have had to
draw my sword to defend myself. This is no place for the common man.
In my conversation with Soldier
First Class Mason, I learned that he came in his fathers place at the very
beginning of the war. His father a retired Quintar, instead tends to
the family’s farm in the southern plains of Atharos
where the Mason’s raise cattle.
He
was promoted to Soldier First Class this past May. Trained in basic
swordsmanship by his father, he joined the 23rd Royal Infantry, and
has been fighting ever since.
SFC
Mason is on the front line, often meeting the initial charge of the enemy.
Several times I witnessed his ability from far closer than I would have
preferred. His skill is above that of the common soldier, and as is plain to
see in combat he holds no love for our enemy.
As
the small unit assigned to the forward fortifications was sharing a tale of
home, the warning horn of their scout sounded, cut off with a
tell-tale sharpness. On their feet with weapons in hand the soldiers of
the 23rd met this surprise charge by the Kurzinor.
As
I watched this brief but bloody struggle, it seemed as though initially the
forward fortifications would be overrun by the sudden assault, which was led by
spell casters. The first wave of attacks came as bolts of fire, and ice,
severely injuring many, and the barrage killing a few. Weakened the enemy
charged into them, and the line broke, resulting in a churning mass of death.
The second line of defenders charged past me, and joined their fellows
screaming with hate and crashing into their foes, some literally, knocking one
over bodily to be trampled by those behind.
Sword
and mace crashed on shield and skull for what seems a lifetime, and then
finally, suddenly, it was over. The 23rd had repelled the attack,
and a cheer went up as weapons were raised to the sky.
It
was the patrolling of bodies that brought the brief victory cheer to an end.
Healers moving through the bodies healing where they could, and passing over
those they could not. Many were saved, many were lost. When the final count was
done there were 184 deaths within the 23rd alone.
SFC
Mason was among the dead, found surrounded by the dead bodies of his enemy,
with numerous wounds from battle, the final strike still buried in his chest.
The commander of the 23rd,
Quintar Major Ebon Husten,
informed me that the 23rd was being moved along the front to a
slightly less active area until they could be reinforced with new recruits. The
fighting has been constant, and with the battle lines as unstable as they are
no one stays in the same place for long anyway. QM Husten
believes that the Kurzinor are being ground to a
halt, though the lines ebb and flow, they are staying within a relatively small
area.
SFC Mason successfully resurrected,
and returned to duty with the 23rd the following day as they were
moving out to their new position, which was undisclosed to the public. Of the
184 deaths, only 21 were permanent. Though physically exhausted, and
spiritually weakened, the soldiers of the 23rd Royal Infantry are no
less resolved to stop the advance of Kurzinor.
John Jacobs
Lindall Times Editor.
The Mist Eats People!
..so several of the common folk in
the barony say. Increasingly frequent reports of people traveling through the
mists, and not returning have been popping up everywhere. Many initially
disregarded these reports as rumor, or just plain old superstition, and fear of
the unknown.
I
personally went out to find out the truth of the situation.
Starting with the folk in the
surrounding farms, I found nothing. Nothing to say one way or the other what
was going on. The common folk of lindall, and the
surrounding area only had the same story. So-and-so, who frequently travels
through the mists to other places, has not been back in a while.
Well
so what? So a few merchants and adventurers have been away for a while? What’s
the big deal? I had just been through the town of
I
promptly dropped this story. A month or so later, the rumor was still going
strong. Two months, then Three. Several of the
adventuring populace were indeed beginning to worry
over their long overdue friends.
We
at the times, while still working as always, were without an editor. Scribe
Riddick Dale, a well know Adventurer that lives in Lindall,
has for the past few years been the editor of this very newspaper. Leading the
Phalanx, he often enough travels through the mists to other lands. He always
made a point however of making sure this paper got out. The last several months
there has been no trace of him.
When
we first became concerned several of us went to Lindall
to attempt to find him. We did not find him, or any trace of him for the last
few months. In fact the majority of the Phalanx had disappeared. Several of the
other adventurers confirmed that they had traveled through the mists, and none
could remember seeing them again after that.
I
immediately resumed investigation into the rumor, now turned fact of people
disappearing into the mists.
It
turns out a number of prominent adventurers, have gone missing. Most problematic being the absence of both Sir Gormegil
Sunderdragon and Dame Aara.
In addition to the Knights, Sheriff Theodin was among
the members of the Phalanx to travel the mists and not return.
After
much questioning and no solid answers, I myself made plans to travel through
the mists to seek answers. I inquired with some of the local adventurers that
were still about. Elry, Mage Kainen
and his apprentice Naoko, all members of the Twisted Thistle, were planning a
trip through the mists to visit some friends as well as see what was going on
with the extended absences of so many of their fellows. They graciously agreed
to help me discover the nature of the problem.
They
successfully traveled to the lands of Moria, and
after a brief stay to attempted to return to Caldaria.
The results of this experiment were chilling, but only posed more questions.
I am sad to say that the members of
the Twisted Thistle did not return. I have been staying in Lindall
since that day, and I have seen nor heard anything of those gone missing. Some
of the remaining adventurers have suggested contacting them through the dream
realm. The process of which is more of an art than a science, and I have yet to
make any significant progress.
The
more I dug into this phenomenon the more bizarre it became. More and more
people were not returning through the mists.
The
initial reports of this problem were of course about the adventurers of the
area, which is easily explained away. Adventurers are somewhat unpredictable in
their movements, so a long absence is not unheard of.
What
really started to make the problem come to light were groups like the thistle,
where a number of members but not all made a trip with clear plans to return
quickly. This is more and more the tale in the last month.
What
happened to the others? Are they trapped where they started, unable to leave
for anywhere? Are they stuck in the mists? Or is it more sinister.
Some
believe it is a plot by the Kurzinor, others a freak
of nature. One farmer believes it’s a plot by the adventurers themselves.
Few
people travel the mists as at best they are unreliable, there are even less willing
to now. Making further investigation into this matter
difficult.
All
we know for now is that this is one rumor that is true.
Ginger Wynd
Lindall Times Investigator
A new Plague..
was reported by many in northern Stephanos. An outbreak rocked the small farming community
of Getland, causing many to spend weeks bedridden,
and a few to die. Headache, followed by blackouts, and a general feeling of
dizziness these symptoms caused panic throughout the neighboring communities as
all three were signs of the new plague.
The
Order of Light responded in the expected manner, sending healers and aid into
the small community. It did not take them long to uncover the truth of the
situation. The so called plague was nothing more than an over-ambitious farmer.
Members of the OOL said that with the lack of any additional signs of the
plague outside of this small community led them to looking for other possible
explanations. It was not long before they found that everyone who ate specific
foods was continuing to experience this ‘plague’.
Once
made aware of the situation the local magistrate took over, and determined that
a local farmer, Name withheld by noble order, was using an alchemical substance
to attempt to ‘grow his crops real big’. The substance turned out to be
poisonous to many, some more severely that others. Though these symptoms have
been individually reported elsewhere, the OOL assures me that this so called
plague is not the cause, as the affected food was only distributed locally.
The
farmer has been levied a fine, as his actions were not malicious. The next
several years will have him working forced labor for those harmed by his
actions as well as working his farm under supervision to pay his fines.
Conor Redin
Lindall Times Reporter
The Arcanum Abandoned?
The
Lindall Arcanum has been through a great deal in
these past years. Let’s take stock. Sorcerer A’Thales
haven, named a traitor and vanished. Sorcerer Dante Brightmantle, left without a
word. Sorcerer Morgan Zacharius, left under mysterious circumstances.
With
the past few years, this once prominent guild has fallen into disrepute. A disorganized bunch of fools playing at being a guild. They
have no sorcerer, no solid services to offer the citizens, and no clue.
We
were told by the former sorcerer that the werewolf sure was in their hands and
would be found. I still hear howling at night.
The members themselves, most
adventurers, are nice enough and most certainly do help out. I do not question
their ability within the realm of celestial magic, nor
their ability to ply celestial magic to the destruction of their enemies.
The
question is what is the point of contributing resources to
the Royal Arcanum, when the only purpose it serves is to be there for people to
be in it.
The best part was, when I went to
inquire with the Mages of said guild not only were there none available to
speak with me, there were none there at all. Perhaps this guild is indeed no
longer with the time or effort to be supported by the rest of the Arcanum’s
throughout the kingdom.
Conor Redin
Lindall Times Reporter
Rangers get lost?
The
19th Stephanos rangers,
a military group that for some time has been conducting many of its operations
in the area surrounding Lindall, has for the most
part vanished.
It
used to be a common sight to see them drilling on the field outside the Three
Brothers Tavern. Or to see one or two walking about the town,
talking with friends and commoners alike. Or the rare
sighting of them darting out of town in the dead of night, wearing their
uniforms inside out to hide the white.
Though
some are unsettled by the apparent loss of this small yet elite group of soldiers,
many say that is exactly the point. They are a small unit of elite soldiers
trained to be quick effective and unseen.
You
don’t see them, because they are off doing their jobs.
No
doubt they are, but I know the occasional glimpse of their black lightning bolt
would be more then welcome to these eyes.
Conor Redin
Lindall Times Reporter
Editors Note,
This
information submitted by the Morgan Zacharius of the Royal Arcanum, was paid in
advance to be printed until changed or recalled. As was the agreement made we
are running this, but we make no promises to its validity due to the inability
to contact any ranking mages within the Arcanum.
John Jacobs
Editor
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
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
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) |
|
|
|
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.