Baron’s lead daring assault on Tyksylvan!
Word came down from up high that on Saturday of the last gather the Baron’s and a hand picked team would lead an assault on Tyksylvan to try to retake it from the Illmorians. The mysterious traitor spy M’hat seemed to be at the middle of this decision. Many questions remain about the motives of this individual. But what really happened? Read on and see.
First of all, some background info. The Illmorians had apparently raided and taken over the city of Tyksylvan located inside of Sahde. There they set up their golem guardians, as well as some way to quickly create more of the gem men. Most of the actual human Illmorians then moved on to their next target, leaving a skeleton crew and the golems over the subjugated Tyksylvan.
This is when M’hat came forward with the plans to take back over the city. The Barons quickly devised a two pronged attack, with they themselves actually leading a covert team behind the lines. The other prong would conduct a main assault, led by Sir Sterling, Nova and Losar. Somehow a large gate was opened to the very outskirts of the city and the main host from Clanthia began to file through. It was quite a grand site actually, with over 100 town’s people out in arms to do battle. The smaller group of Barons numbered less then 20 and took a secret route deep in the city.
Rain began to fall just as the battle was joined. The goal quickly became a small guard tower that seemed to hold the key to a near indestructible gate. This gate seethed with negative energy and threatened to vaporize anyone who got too close. The Wise Cunning Owl produced a set of Disrupt Celestial components and the ritual was quickly started to take down the Ward. While this was happening, the town was under constant attack from golems and Illmorian regulars. The rain and darkness made the combat confusing, and several towns people were reportedly attacked in error and confusion. The Healers Guild was able to set up a Res Circle, perhaps by calling upon their Life Plane allies. The Armorsmiths guild was also present, repairing armor and the like as they could.
Eventually the Ward fell, but the town ran into trouble. Nova and Losar were leading a charge against the very gate when the town was beaten back. Several fighters for the town were behind enemy lines including the aforementioned Losar and Nova. A treacherous Illmorian cast a Circle about those two, and proceeded to taunt the town while they watched helplessly. The bodies were soon to decay, and be lost. Everyone looked around for some miracle, but sadly none was coming. Losar and Nova both died. The Illmorian was not done though. He pillaged through the two leaders goods, and found a Formal Teleport Scroll he could cast. He started to cast the ritual, and take the key to the gate with him! The town was in dire straits now. If they main force could not break through, the Barons and their small force would be quickly overwhelmed.
At the last moment the Illmorian mage thought better of teleporting to some unknown location, and the ritual failed. The circle went down and he was quickly dealt with but the gate key was no where to be found. A few moments later a sylph or similar creature phased in and had the key. It was relieved of the key and the town was able to advance.
The rest of the combat went smoothly, with the main force quickly dispatching the opposition, and meeting with the Barons. Tyksylvan was free! A large Hooray! Came from the assembled forces, and the traitor-spy M’Hat spoke in ominous tones about the town not trusting him, and how much more would he have to do to prove his intentions?
I wonder if I was the only one present to get a chill down their spine as those last words were spoken.
Festival is here!
As proclaimed by the King himself, the Spring Festival has arrived. This time of cheer and happiness is held each year to welcome in the warm season and the importance that comes with it.
All too often it has been a needed distraction from the war that plagues the Sutherlands. Even now the drums of war from the Illmorians are beating, and we will be forced to return to battle. But for Saturday of this gather, let us rest our weary sword arms, and enjoy the comforts that we can.
The King orders that all town’s people put aside their personal grudges during the time of the Festival, from Noon of this Saturday until the final blow of the Fighter’s tournament is landed. Let us put aside our petty squabbles for this short respite. Those who violate this order will incur the possible wrath of the King himself, so tread lightly and consider carefully before you act.
Of course defending one’s self and the town from outlaws is acceptable and expected!
On to the good stuff. Elsewhere in the Crier is a list of the events and information on each event. The defending champions are: The Kings Messenger – Lord Menion; The Mages Challenge – Rayn of Darkholme; The Grand Fighters Tournament – Morgan. In a quirk of the Fates, a blade wielder with skill in spells won the mages contest, and a mage with skill in staff won the Fighter’s Tournament. Will this trend continue?
Early favorites in the foot race are hard to call, due to a change in format. In the Mages Challenge Guildmaster Kaynas was a step or two away from winning, with lane choice being a major factor. Cunning Owl put on a strong show and likely will be a crowd favorite as well. Lord Jester is a favorite in the Fighter’s Tournament, with Sir Wilhelm, Sir Rosh, and Sir Keplar all strong participants. A darkhorse contender is a new Sarr in town, who seems to show real expertise with the Pole Arm. It was only a few years ago that two handed swords dominated this competition, and just last year the Staff was the winning weapon.
Check with your local “merchants” to place a small wager on the outcome.
News in Short – Festival Time!
The Planned Schedule of Events
12:00 Noon Saturday – The opening of the Grand Festival. This festival is being held in honor of liberation of Tyksylvan. Any changes or announcements will be made at that time.
12:15 Saturday – The King’s Messenger Competition. The competition this year will look for not just the fleetest of foot in the Kingdom, but the three fleetest! Yes, that’s right, it will be a 3 man or woman relay race. So get two friends and try your luck. Winner’s receive recognition from the King as well as a nifty prize. Defending Champ – Lord Menion
12:45-2:45 – The Mages Contest. Very similar to last year, with a few new twists and a years refinement, this event will show not who has the biggest column but who is best under pressure with what they have. Contestants will each have to hit a series of targets. Some easy, some not so easy. Competitors compete against each other, with the first down with their course advancing to the next round. This competition moves fast! You must be able to cast at least 1 spell naturally in order to enter. Lane choice will be random, and contestants may start at either end of the course to eliminate any advantages. Defending Champ – Rayn
3:00 – The famous 3 hit fighters Tournament. The first to land a blow scores a point, and 3 points to win. This competition always brings out the best of town, and it is not unheard of for all kinds of wagering to be placed on these contests. This year we will have two rings set up for the preliminary matches to speed things along. There will be three judges per ring, with the Baronies and Guilds supplying the Judges. You must have a weapon skill to compete in this, and of course must use that type of weapon. Note: judges may change or rotate during this competition as needed. Defending Champ – Mor’gan
4:00 – The food will arrive! The food will be set out, and we may all help ourselves and enjoy the Fighter’s Contest while we eat. Oop – please be fair to everyone the first time through and do not load your plate! Leave some food for the late comers Last year we had plenty, so come back for seconds after everyone is served.
OOP Merchant Booths – during the entire festival there will be Merchants selling their wares. There will be oop costuming merchants selling all kinds of goods. Support them and check them out. Lets treat them well so they continue to treat us well.
In Play Merchants – The Merchant King and the Purple Keep have both pledged to send their representatives to Clanthia selling various wares. Expect the BEST prices of the year to be found at this event. Formal components will be sold at an all time low, so be sure to stock up! You will not likely find them this low again. Check with the representatives of these organizations, including Syndey, Sephrina, Guild Master Kaynas, and Losar among others for whats available. It is rumored a direct representative or two will also be in town. It is also reported that the Healer’s Guild will be receiving a bulk shipment of Potions, One shots, and Enchant, Extend and Earth Permanency components from Guild Master Giles of the Sutherland City Healer’s Guild. Look for Guild Master Dwyden or Second Calliope.
Cooking Contest – This contest will also take place near or in the tavern. The Judges will sample the food and drinks just after the mages tournament is completed, so please plan to have your food ready at approximately 2:30. If there are any questions please ask Baron Keres of Sahde. Thank you to the Baron for his generous help in this contest.
Town Guards – Each Barony and the King is sending a large detachment of troops to ring the City during the daylight hours of the Festival. These guards should be able to prevent most incursions by Goblinoids and the like. The Guards have been told to remain on station from 12 – 6 pm Saturday. After that, it is the same old rough and tumble Clanthia.
Important OOP Note – Monster town will be closed during the Festival from 12- 6 pm. There will not be ordinary Monsters out during this time. Plot may have things planned, so don’t think we are totally safe.
6:00 pm - The special guards ringing the city will be withdrawn, and the city will once again rely on the actions of the Clanthians to protect the town and one another.
9:00 pm sharp – The Auction of the Merchants. Several rare and wonderful items and Scrolls will be sold to the highest bidder. Located in the Tavern.
Who’s Who in Clanthia, vol. 4
Spring is in the air, and Clanthia is gearing up for the largest merchant event of the year – the Festival. The Crier sat down this afternoon with the Clanthian Merchant Guild to discuss their past and their motivations. Truly, Clanthian citizens are well-served by having such powerful and honest merchants. We begin the interview with the Guildmaster, then move to several representatives.
Sydney, Why don't you start by telling us a bit about yourself. What brought you to the city of Clanthia?
My partner, Gil, did. I really did not have much interest in coming to big towns when I first got here. Gil said that it would be a great start, so I followed his lead and came to Clanthia. Shortly after we conceived the idea to start up a merchanting group.
Throughout your time here it has been noticed that you have had an ever-changing array of human women at your side. What position to these females have in the guild?
They really do not serve the Merchants, they more so follow me. I guess you can call them body guards or warders. But, like you said they change so often. It is just hard to find good help these days. Only one has really stuck with me for longer then a year. The others... I really do not know where they are.
What do you look for in people wishing to join the Merchant's guild? Are you looking for new members?
We look for competent people that have a handle on the art of bartering. They must be liked with in town, or at least a majority of them, and have good standings in my mind. Team work and all that jazz as well. If they can not work with the rest of us, then we do not need them. We like to keep our numbers small. There really is no need for more then about five or six of us. At this time we are accepting applications.
How did you start the merchants guild? What hardships did you have to endure in the beginning compared to now - how many years later?
Well, for starts I did not start it alone. As I mentioned earlier, Gil and I started the Merchants. We noticed that there was not a noticeable merchanting group in town, and decided to give the idea a kick start. This was about four years ago. We networked and tried all the outside merchants. Mainly tried to bring everything that everyone had to offer to all of town. It took a ton of time and negotiation. We have contacts established now, and many vendors. I like the idea of being able to get town as a whole what they need, l not just the other guilds and baronies. We can get our hands on just about anything if you’ve got the jink to buy it.
What advice would you give to a person wanting to start a prosperous guild from scratch?
Keep at it. Never give up. You will come across many challenges, and they will bring you down. But, in time you will be able to accomplish what you were looking to start. This city eats people up and spits them out. You have to remember that when you go into the biz.
Moving on to Praestheus, a stoic and solid member of the merchants:
Praestheus, how did you come to join the guild? What about it interested you?
Well I actually got into the guild after running with Sydney and Gill for a while. I met them soon after I came to Clanthia, and started walking with them while they did all of their merchanting. After a few gathers they eventually began forming the Merchants "Syndicate" and I just kind of became a member. I was interested because I did a bit of merchanting on my way to Clanthia, I also enjoy wandering about the town selling things to the Guilds and Townsfolk.
As a member of the merchants guild, what duties are expected of you?
As a member of the Merchants Guild I am expected to be able to give estimated prices for Components, magical Items, and Vessels. We also evaluate items for people and buy goods from the townsfolk whenever items of interest are offered. I try and be as fair as possible.
And now finishing with Ekkaya Darkmoon, member of the merchants:
How do each of you contribute to the guild? What brought your attention to the guild - or were you approached to join it?
We are each advised to become comfortable with certain groups of people in town, or use our already made friendships as merchant connections. None of us sell to the same people, with the exception of Syd who comes in if a big order or a difficult one is being placed. As for joining, it's a funny story really. When I first came to town, Kira the unseelie, and I sold sweets and the like to people out of the Dwarven run pub. Sydney and Gil saw this and Sydney later told me that he was upset that other people were selling things and doing kinda well. He decided to either ask me to join him or make my business disappear and after we became friends you can see he decided to just ask me to join the guild. He approached me with a favor one day and I accepted.
Ekkaya, you seem to be a very busy person, what with your various mentions in the Crier. How do you find the time to help with the merchants guild?
Well, really I just try to do everything I can to help when it is needed. I always ask what needs to be done most and try to do that and while I am walking around, I keep an ear open for people needing things or complaining on prices of other merchants and go to them. I keep a list of things being sold on me at all times and do my best to help.