Prince Tilonian Alintoth of the Shattered Isles is reported to be travelling to the southern continent of Bengalia on official Harlequin business. Rumors of a build up of forces on the Shattered Isles make this trip seem even stranger. Prince Tilonian is the High Avatar’s main support among the members of the royal class on the Shattered Isles and sits on the council that rules the Eldar Nations.

    Based on reports received from a concerned patron of the Heroes Rest that deity magic was being used to attempt to predict the results of a roulette wheel, Lan, the owner of the Heroes Rest Tavern, has asked the Wizard’s College of Freedonia to attempt to create something that will signal when someone attempts to use magic to predict or influence the results of a game of chance.

    The Slavers Guild of Bayrith announced confirmed sightings of Thorin Oakenshield, the renegade dwwarven Cavalier wanted in connection to the murders of several
guildmembers, on the western coast of Bengalia. Reports indicate that Thorin was accompanied by Vanth Nightwind of the Church of the All-Father and Sir Alaric
Dragonsbane of the Highland Cavaliers. The Guild reminds everyone that a reward is offered for Oakenshield’s capture.

    From the capital city of Lyrecia in the Kiril Threndor region comes information stating that the Lady Randolph’s previously kidnapped daughter has been returned. She suffered no serious injuries. The Lady Randolph wishes to extend her gratitude to the adventurers who safely returned her “little girl”
    In addition, the Kiril High Council is looking for members of the Caliph Hezechial’s family to bury the body.

    In a recent study by the Bardic College Forensics Department in Rockaway, Aralnath, warg meat has proven fatally poisonous to elves, and has strange effects among humans. Wargs are the monster wolves used by orcs as steeds, and occasionally the meat is served to war prisoners and in orcan caravans. Warg meat has been found to be the poison used in two recent elven assassinations.

    In another report from the Bardic College, a study has been conducted among 100 people to see if psychedelic drugs affected their hearing. Forty-five said no, 22 said yes, and the rest didn’t hear the question.

    The town of Mount Holyoke in Doverton has reported poor crops so far this season, affect- ing trade treaties. Locals attribute it to ‘the spirits’. Surrounding areas sent officials to look into the matter, but only two of them returned coherent. One is reported missing, and two others have been sentenced to an asylum.

        June 1997

    The Redhart Coliseum has reported the disappearances of several animals that were to be used in gladiatorial combats. One vulture, 1 small red dragon, 1 unicorn, four tabby cats, and a wombat have disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Authorities are unclear why these animals may have been taken, but the are investigating.

    Sriyan ilna’Jarrat, elven representative to the Council of the Silver Fens, has announced on behalf of the Duke’s government that diplomatic relations have been opened between the Duchy and the government of the Empire of Endath, a large nation to the south. In honor of this, a festival has been proclaimed so that all who wish to bring their trade wares for the Endathian delegation to inspect may visit Montaigne freely. It is set to begin on the first day of summer and end at first harvest. All tariffs are suspended during this time.

    Healers of the Highland Guild have reported cases of the winter chill desease being spread through infected sheep. All shephered and crofters are requested to report any sign of the illness to the Highland authorities Immediately.

        April 1997

    Rangers in Aralnath have reported tracking down and defeating a strange group who were setting traps for the Great Cats of Aralnath. These individuals were heavily armed, and fought to the death. It is unclear why they were attempting to trap the cats, or why theythought the cats would be stupid enough to eat a rotten fish placed in the middle of a cage.

    After a long hiatus adventurers have started to disappear in Redhart once again. Adventurers have flocked to the town of Portmeirion to investigate these  disappearances, in hopes of gaining a reward. Bards are advised that public performances of music are forbidden in Portmeirion, as several adventuring bards have already been arrested for violation of this rule.

    As attacks on the Slaver’s Guild have increased, reports of violence against the outlying areas around Bayrith have also increased. The Guild is reported to have increased patrols around their caravans for added security.

    In a related incident, the council of guilds in Bayrith has expelled all foreign dignitaries because of rumored dissidents among them. Only select ambassadors bearing a seal of passage will be allowed to enter or leave the city until such time that the culprits are found. There are rumors that this has been ordered against the wishes of a majority of the Bayrith city council.

        March 1997

    Three more bodies of members of the Slavers’ Guild were found outside of the west gate of Bayrith, marked with the sigil of Thorin Oakenshield. The Slavers’ Guild had no official comment. Funerals for the slain guildmembers were held this week as the Guild Council of Bayrith announced five minutes of silence in their honor at noon on the day of the funeral.

    Rumors abound that the Panther of Bayrith, Escalar of the Stalkers, has been brought in to retrieve the renegade dwarf, Thorin Oakenshield. Neither the Stalkers nor the Slavers’ Guild, who placed the bounty on Oakenshield, would comment.

    Duke Steffan of Windbourne announced that his daughter, Azlar, is to wed in late Spring of next year. Celebrations will begin with the betrothal at the Summer Solstice and everyone is welcome to attend.

    The government of Carthia is pleased to report that talks with the Four Kingdoms have been completed, and all Four Kingdom vessels on the Lake of Lady’s Tears will be accompanied by ships of the Carthian Coast Guard.

    The civil war in Pargent rages on, with neither side winning any definitive victories. Crops are being destroyed in record amounts, and reports of civilian conscription by both sides have been substantiated.

    Due to cut trades from Thorbardin to Bayrith, Aralnath has taken up much of the slack in metal and wine trades, but is having trouble meeting the demands of regular trade routes and the new trade routes to Bayrith. As a result, many blacksmiths and taverns have been forced out of business in the Free City. The country of L’Rach has offered Bayrith a trade agreement of their very enriched metals. This trade agreement would mean prosperous business for Bayrith, and would allow Bayrith to become a protective neutral sight for L’Rachian Militia. All L’Rachian’s would be free of all and any laws, other than their own, while in Bayrith. The Bayrith Council has had no comment.

        February 1997

    Members of the Halfling Diplomatic Corps from Carthia have sent word that they havereached Windbourne in their multi-kingdom eastward tour.

    Traders entering Bayrith recently reported signs of large battles in the Avantiers. The sites were reputedly in the western section of the mountains just south of Windbourne, and are believed to be the remains of two missing trains of southern refugees. Both the Fenian Guard and the Duke Steffan’s Heralds are said to be investigating the incidents.

        January 1997

    Authorities in Freedonia are investigating a scam that involved postal fraud. Apparently an individual calling himself John Smith, Vanth Nightwind, Eric Palin, and Sir Ponzi sent out several letters asking for gold saying that lots of money can be earned. The temple of Morgoth was mentioned in this letter, but temple authorities have denied any involvement with the scam.

    In Redhart the Lord Lloyd Lyfgus, the second son of Duke Lyfgus has been exiled. He sent out several hundred letters connecting his family with a scam. The resulting scandal reduced his father’s authority. Sources close to the family indicate that he has been given the traditional 100 GP and exiled.

    In sports, the 14th annual Ski Tournaments are underway on the slopes of Aralnath. Currently leading in the races are the countries of Redhart and the hosting country of Aralnath. As of yet, the country of L’Rach have not been allowed entry into the races, as they refuse to accept that they will not be allowed to bring hockey sticks on the competition slopes.

    Reportedly in financial trouble, another of the restaurant chain “Mama Pusswart’s Kitchen” has nonetheless opened outside Bayrith city limits. Asked to comment, owner Lt. Gristle Pusswart of the Brethren stated that the new menu selections featured this year has kept the chain from closing. Among the new items are Pickled Pixies, Dwarf Nose shishkabobs, and “Vampire Venom”, a cocktail featured at the restaurants with bars. The cocktail is apparently offered in a glass, or intravenously.

        November 1996

    According to rumors, the town of Mount Holyoke in Doverton has reached a point where a professional team of adventurers must be brought in. The exact reasons are unclear at this time, although there is much talk of the resident fairy folk. Doverton is known for many supernatural and other unexplained occurrences, and many do not travel within its borders because of this.

    The Central News Agency was temporarily closed this month due to lack of interest. If you would like to see more up to the minute news, try sending some in.... Who do you think I am, Walter Winchell?

        October 1996

    The Freedonian Times reported that a ceremony to renew the glyphs around Foozle’s palace was held last month. According to a spokesman for the clerics of Ardneh “These ceremonies are necessary due to the unusually powerful nature of these glyphs. A normal glyph will last forever until it is set off, and then disappear, but since these glyphs don’t disappear after they are triggered, periodic ceremonies are required to ensure they stay powerful.”

    Some unusual news came from Redhart last month: in a striking change there were no mysterious disappearances, or killings, in Redhart.

    The village of Portmeirion in Redhart has enacted a ban on all public music performances. According to the town council, “These performances are extremely annoying, and we will not let them disturb the peace of the village.”

    Trade Routes leading to Bayrith and suburban areas are still blocked from various sources. Trade with Thorbardin was ceased last month, and apparently will remain so until such time that all charges linking Thorin Oakenshield to the Bayrith Jailbreak are dropped. Currently, Aralnath and Doverton are the strongest land routes still cooperating with the Free City, as sea routes are still partially blocked by the Brethren Navy. Rumors state that L’Rach has approached Bayrith with the deal of opening trade routes in exchange for protection.

    In sports, the Bayrith Braves have taken the lead and are on the way to the playoffs, opposite the Bardic College Golden Eagles and the Kurgan Krushers. The leading L’Rachian Bonespurs were placed on probation two months ago, eliminating their chance.

    Sirs Eric Palin, Alaric Dragonsbane, and Thorin Oakenshield, and Corak Wulfson of Atlantius are currently facing charges (together and separately) in the city of Bayrith: aiding and abetting a known criminal, assault and battery, property damage, inciting riots, jailbreak, and homicide. Corak Wulfson faces an additional charge of intercontinental flight. Thorin Oakenshield faces 2 separate charges of homicide. Any information should be brought to the Bayrith Stalkers or the Champions of Bri. The Stalkers have recorded bounties posted on each man.

        September 1996

    The illness of King Malcom of Freedonia has been halted by a potion delivered from the Druids in the neutral zone. It is rumored that this is not a complete cure, and it is known that his children, Prince Viktor and Princess Gabrielle, have been sent for. They should be arriving sometime in the next 1-2 years.

    A disturbance in the port city of Bayrith last week has set the city council in an uproar. Found hitched outside the city hall were two horses, each carrying a decapitated body. The bodies, covered in Dwarven death shrouds, were later identified to be local independent bounty hunters. Attached to one body was a note reading “Thorin 2, Bayrith 0. This is your last and only warning.”

    While a funeral was being performed at a cemetery in Redhart, every single corpse in that cemetery clawed their way out of their coffins. It seemed that a local village was going to be destroyed by this army of undead, when The Six, a well respected group of adventurers working for Baron Michael of Freedonia, destroyed the undead. This cemetery was the same one that Gerald Tarrant was buried in; it is said that his body was not found. Authorities are investigating what caused this attack. The Six were visiting a friend when they heard about the attack. They immediately rushed to the scene and quickly crushed the undead army.

    In the trade news, Thorbardin has closed all trade with Bayrith until all charges are dropped concerning their prince, Sir Thorin Oakenshield. Items cut off from the Free City include metals, ores, spices, and ales. The Imperial Navy division of the Brethren has been spotted in war games off the eastern coast near Bayrith’s ports. These ships are currently blocking trade routes from Montaigne through Aralnath, and in addition to the ceased trades from Thorbardin, could help to cripple Bayrith. It is unknown if this is the intention of these vessels, or merely another bout of ill circumstances for Bayrith.

    The press continues to search for information in regards to the Bayrith Jailbreak incident. While Cavalier director Morgan Thorne has refused to issue any further statements at this time, Champions leader Kirra has stated that this issue “will be handled as diplomatically and as cleanly as possible. Enough blood has been shed. I’m sure something will be resolved soon. The Cavaliers have a reputation for clearing their name.” She did not comment when asked about the bounties placed on the heads of the individuals involved, or on the current alliance with the Bayrith Stalkers.

    Nation leader Capt. Sutok K’Jra has now been reported as officially alive, having recently made an appearance with two fellow Brethren soldiers in the nation of Freedonia. It is rumored that the Brethren official has returned with the grace of Gozer itself, but it is known that he still regards the Cavaliers as little less than dirt, as he sported a captured female Cavalier of unknown identity on a leash, allowing the Kurgan clan leader traveling with him to toy with her as he wished. Reports state that the Cavaliers have discussed retaliation.

    Champions members Cayli & Corey Williamson were arrested recently in Bayrith for drunken and disorderly conduct, as well as a rumored charge of streaking. Reports from sources state that both will be due to serve a sentence of slavery, as per Bayrith law, although length of term has not been set. Bayrith officials will not confirm the arrests, most likely due to the involvement of the Champions in the Cavalier Manhunt. Mother of the two and Champions leader Kirra commented that “they’re big girls. They were raised to take care of themselves. They’ll be fine.” Kirra would not further comment on this embarrassing development.

        August 1996

    Redhart authorities have revealed that they have arrested Gerald Tarrant for the destruction of several villages near the Freedonian border. According to authorities, evidence shows that Gerald had destroyed those villages and took all the bodies. Several bodies have been found in Gerald’s castle, although most are unaccounted for. According to a witness Gerald Tarrant claimed that he was framed just before his head was removed.

    The artifact found in Redhart that turns mages into donkeys mysteriously exploded while on the way to the Bardic College. Investigators could not find any external cause for the explosion and when the couriers were raised they had no explanation either.

    The Priests of Mordor are organizing their first ever Quickling Hunt. Sources indicate that a large band is going to attempt to hunt down and destroy any quicklings.

    In an official statement from the Highland Citadel, Chief Knight Morgan Thorne discredited reports of Cavalier involvement in the recent Bayrith jail break. “Reports are sketchy at best,” said Thorne, “and are based primarily on unfounded rumors spread by non-witnesses. Reportedly none of the perpetrators wore the heraldry of a Cavalier. This combined with the recent nefarious actions of clan Kurgan, intended to discredit the Citadel with vile untruths, reduces the credibility to nil.”

    In relation to Thorne’s statement, the Bayrith Stalkers and the Champions of Bri have both commented that this statement “is opinion only. This does not change the status of the manhunt. Just because their daddy says they’re good little boys and girls doesn’t mean they can do what they please”, commented Stalker Jake Call. “While all angles will be checked including the Kurgans, chances are this one’s going to trial and it’s going to drag the Cavaliers in. (Sir Eric) Palin was jailed to serve time according to Bayrith justice and law, and the Cavaliers are suspected of breaking those laws. While the Cavaliers are known for upstanding acts and saving Bengalia many times, that will not condone breaking the law, and a night in jail wouldn’t have hurt a man. As it stands, they are still wanted for questioning,” Champion Rick Selleck said.

    In conjunction, the Bayrith City Council announced this month that trade sanctions against the Guilds associated with the Highland Council would go into effect by September 1 unless reparations were made for the murderous attack by the Highland Cavaliers on the Bayrith City Jail, an attack in which three lieutenants of the city guards were killed. Reparations are to include an undisclosed amount of money and the return of the miscreants to face trial in Bayrith.

    As reported last month, peculiar happenings have been reported in the nation of Doverton, specifically in the Mount Holyoke area. However, to date there has not been a specified occurrence with enough evidence to investigate, and uniquely, our investigative reporters have not volunteered to research into this storyline, with none being able to cite a specific reason. Some reports this office has received have been partially destroyed, and some were written in what has been identified as a faery language. Doverton is primarily a human occupied farming territory in the lowlands and valleys of the Auruzunders, and is often the subject of legends and dark stories.

    Suspended! That’s the official word on the L’Rachian Bonespurs, pending an investigation by the Eastern Orcball Division. The Bonespurs lead player, Lom’ch “Cruncher” Foeeater is suspected of spiking the ball with Red Death poison, and of all around tarnishing the spirit of the game. Team Coach Kalas “Can’t understand the fuss.”

    Griffin sightings have been reported in the Auruzunders, near the Aralnath border. These beautiful but deadly creatures were thought to be becoming endangered, but according to the Bardic College Zoology Department, they are definite survivors. Travelers are advised to steer clear of any they may spot, and to immediately vacate a nesting area.

    Reports of adventurers hired by the Church of the All-Father in Tulon torturing members of the family of the Duke of Aquitanium have led to outraged calls for an investigation. The Church of the All-Father, whose representatives this month settled the dispute over the rulership of the dukedom, have disavowed any knowledge of such barbaric actions. “We are a peaceful order not given to the sanctioning of torture, and we certainly do not condone such uncharitable and cruel actions” said Dallis, the duke’s chief advisor and spokesman for the Church of the All-Father in Aquitanium. King Teral’s spokesman had no comment.

    The winter chill disease, which took on a newly virulent form earlier this year, is still running its course, an occurrence which has many top healers concerned. “This thing was not called the ‘winter’ chill for nothing” a healer in Freywoode noted. “We’ve never had such bad cases this far into warm weather before.” The disease has killed over thirty people throughout the western Highlands.

        July 1996

    Finally, the source of the destruction and death near the area of Mythago known as ‘Brother Hart’s Cabin’ has been discovered. The area, formerly occupied by the late Brother Hart and his followers, has been plagued by a copycat serial killer. The family of Tranna K’Lyast, an elven waitress and martial arts instructor from Bayrith killed in August of 1995, has demanded that the guilty party be turned over to the public. The person’s identity has yet to be revealed.

    The Bardic College is now registering for Fall classes. Also, temporary employment is available at the college, along with room and board, as they are adding on to what is already the nation’s largest library.

    While reports are sketchy as to details, apparently another sighting of the long missing Capt. Sutok K’Jra was made in Atlantius during a recent gathering. While it is known that the Brethren did invade the Central News Agency’s offices last month to take over the Newsletter, all reports of the orcan leader have been speculative at best. Praetor Koloth states that he is “not dead, merely declining personal appearances until he deems such a time to be fit.” Reports have also stated that the Captain has been requested to lead a team on a Mission of Mercy.

    The curious artifact noted to change mages to packmules discovered in Redhart this March has received such clamor to purchase, that the item has now been sent to the labs at the Bardic College to see if duplication is possible. If so, the item will be available to the public as soon as possible.

    Something sinister is taking place in the town of Holyoke, Doverton. More as is known, but the Champions of Bri have issued a travel advisory for the area....

    Orcball this week saw the Kurgan Krushers meet defeat at the hands of the Bayrith Braves, with the Kurgan’s main player, Dante, twisting his ankle; he is expected to sit out the rest of the season. The leading Krushers now face plummeting to the bottom of the ranks without hope of reaching the championship playoffs. The Quickling Messengers also met defeat at the hands of the Mordor Frogs of Death, while the Golden Eagles of the Bardic College won over the L’Rachian Bonespurs. Amazingly, only 32 injuries occurred during this game.

    The bounty hunting Bayrith Stalkers are supposedly working alongside the police force of the Champions of Bri in a joint effort to bring the guilty parties involved in the Bayrith jailbreak to justice. Many of the individuals involved were members of the Highland Cavaliers, and face charges ranging from assault to murder one. Upon announcement of the joint effort, charges against specific Cavalier soldiers came pouring in from various areas across central and northeastern Bengalia, many of which concerning belligerent attitudes and activities, including something about the mistreatment of mules. The Cavaliers declined comment, while both the Stalkers and the Champions have stated that this current endeavor is their organization’s primary goal at this time.

    As the heat rises, ogre activity again is on the rise as well. Advisories have been issued for the Silver Fens, Montaigne, and particularly Mythago Wood.

    “Mama Pusswart’s Kitchen”, the new restaurant chain run by Lt. Gristle Pusswart of the Brethren, has recently been besieged with horrid reviews, plummeting health ratings, and comments of bad service. The owner could not be happier, and highly recommends the Breast milk, served in fresh breast.

        June 1996

    Lord Boralinoi of Redhart was found dead last month. He was stabbed 30 times with a dagger dipped in Red Death. Investigators quickly ruled the death a suicide.

    The druids in Freedonia’s neutral zone have been contracted to develop a magical potion to help cure King Malcom’s disease.

    The priests of Mordor have started deploying psychic frogs to help reduce the inroads of the quickling hordes. According to the priests of Mordor the quicklings are spreading diseases across the continent with their fast travel.

    More disappearances have been reported in Redhart. Most of them have been beginning adventurers attempting to collect a reward by discovering the cause of the disappearances.

    Eric Palin is found Innocent!
    After weeks of deliberation a tribunal of Lords has determined that Eric Palin is innocent of the charges levied against him by Sir Bron of the Bane Shea. It was revealed that the true villain was a member of the Stonegard Clan with aspirations toward taking control of Stonegard.

    A jailbreak took place this month at the Inn of the 7 Deadly Sins in the Free City of Bayrith. Reported suspects include the following: Thorin Oakenshield, Alaric Dragonsbane, Eric Palin. Each faces charges including manslaughter, assault, and endangerment, and have had bounty posted upon them. Any information known has been requested by both Bri’s Champions of Aralnath, and the Bayrith Stalkers of Bayrith.

    Members of the Adventurers’ Guild expedition sent into the wastes east of the Gorran Desert of Icatia presented information on their trip in a closed session with Guild leaders last week. Predominant in the discussion were the religious practices of a tribe of nomadic orcs in that largely unexplored region; while not disclosed to the lay public, these rites have the entire clerical community of the east in an uproar. None of the churches could be reached for comment. An unnamed cleric of Clangeden would only shake his head and reply, “Pixies!” when asked for details.

    In related news, Captain Leid of the Fenian Royal Guard has announced that the refugees in that nation have disclosed that they are fleeing a massive increase in hostilities from the nomadic tribes of the wasteland region. “They have disclosed atrocious attacks on peaceful villages and farm towns by marauding bands of orcs, goblins, humans, and some trolls,” Captain Leid said. “The region has gone from survivable to deadly in less than a year. Unfortunately, the Silver Fens is in no position to either prevent their migration or aid them in returning to a safer homeland.”

    Reports issued this week from the Bardic College in Wolf’s River Landing Aralnath statethat research towards Red Death vaccinations are going slow, but steady. The Bardic College houses the largest catalog of Red Death venoms and viruses, including some now luckily believed to be extinct outside the college labs.

    Apparently, Harlequin camps have dwindled along L’Rach’s borders, but have not left. Reports of increased activity within the Brethren Navy have the Orcs draping the eastern coast.

    Capt. Sutok K’Jra was appointed ruler of Bengalia last Tuesday. When asked to comment, he stated that it “only makes sense, really. Orcs are the superior creatures. Now that I have this office, we will start with the Elflympics in July. Helps dwindle down their population, you know.”

    As the arrival of the fairies have been announced, so must be the arrival of the brownies and leprechauns, far more mischievous and dangerous than the fairies. Adventurers are asked to remember the old poem:

    A small fishing village in Tunfaire has been wiped out. There were extensive signs of a struggle, but no bodies were found.

    The Baron Hob has hired the Quicksilver Messengers to deliver announcements to all corners of Bengalia that he should now be called ‘Poppa Baron Hob’

    There are rumors that various parties are offering rewards for the kidnapping of the daughter of the Baron Hob. The rumors indicate they wish to force Poppa Baron Hob to do a job for them.

    Duke Palmer of Redhart is hiring adventurers to stomp out the monsters that are ravaging his land.

    There are reports of fake dragon teeth and denatured nightshade being sold around the land. Consumers are being warned to inspect reagents carefully before purchasing them.

    Frostflower blooms have been reported on lakes and swampy areas throughout northern Bengalia. Individuals are warned to stay well away from these deadly flowers. Farmers are also warned to keep all domesticated herbivores from consuming any part of the plant, but especially the flowers. Guilds are urged to contact druids in their region for more information on the fatal plants.

        May 1996

    Orcball season has hit full swing with a surprising turn of events. Preferred favorites, the Bayrith Braves, have so far had an unprecedented losing streak, and the Thorbardin Giants have put themselves into 3rd place. They have not reached that high in the rankings since 1953 ASC.

    The Adventurers’ Guild has reported the safe return of an expedition sent into the wastelands east of the Gorran Desert. The expedition leader was reported to have been upset by the group’s contact with several new, and apparently odd tribes of humanoids. More information is forthcoming.

    The Gryedell Monastery in the northern Auruzunders has reported lingering and severe cases of the winter chill disease in its territory. The Seven Shades monks are requesting aid and information from the healing houses of the south as they are baffled by the extreme virulence of these cases, four of which have resulted in death so far.

    The High Lord of the Silver Fens, Duke Roger Montaigne, has officially requested aid from the other civilized nations of the north. His wilderness nation has been flooded by a steady influx of southern refugees over the past few months and is no longer able to offer them comfortable sanctuary. His ambassadors are requesting aid in the form of food and cloth goods.

    King Paul III of the nation of Polosia, in the Four Kingdoms, announces the opening of its ports on the great lake to the ships of greater Bengalia. This is reportedly the first step in opening its borders to trade with neighboring countries, scheduled later this summer.

    Reports from unnamed sources indicate that the esteemed cleric of the All Father, Brother Nathaniel wishes it to be known that he should be called ‘Brother Newt’. Apparently a religious experience with a ferret convinced him that a new name would be appropriate. Details about why a close encounter with a ferret caused him to change his name are sketchy.

    The Quicksilver Messenger Service reports that, by popular demand, it will institute new security and validation systems into its already admirable information delivery network, while maintaining reasonable rates.

    The martial activity of the recent weeks was reportedly touched off from disputes over a tract of land formerly unofficially called Lord Justin’s Valley. The piece of land in question is bordered by Tulon and the Highlands on the north, the Guardian Forest on the West, Mythago Wood on the South, and Lorindal and Aralnath on the east, totaling over a thousand acres. It is composed mostly of rolling fields and foot hills, but a rich variety of features can be found. The indigenous people had no formal government; however, that may change in the near future. In an extremely short time, the formerly un-coveted land became desired by many nations and organizations for reasons this reporter has yet to ascertain. As many as ten different armies sent policing forces on the move, and the haze of war arose. It was during this time that the Highland Citadel finally sent the ultimatum to Stonegard Keep, stating that it “... is and shall forever be loyal to [the Citadel]” and that it should therefore be vacated by the current ruling family and placed under the authority of a Cavalier. Former Highland Cavalier and head of clan Stonegard, Sir Eric Palin, was less than pleased at this news. When mutually hostile Dwarven, Stonegard, and Cavalier forces moved south, (causing great alarm in Tulon) the keep suffered a sneak attack by clan Kurgan, who besieged the keep unmercifully. There is evidence that the aggressors resorted to nefarious biological warfare. The family Stonegard, made ill by the attack, is reported to have somehow fled to safety in an undisclosed location, aided by the Order of the Rose. Stonegard Keep still stands as the gateway to the Highlands. The various policing forces showed remarkable discipline as little blood was shed and a general standoff was maintained. Not so of the temple of Rashion in the south, which suffered casualties as a force described by various parties as rogue Cavaliers or Kurgans in the guise of Cavaliers attacked without apparent cause. Rumor of bribes and death-threats made by L’Rach over ownership of the land have proven unfounded and without evidence. The deed to the land was the property of a Bayrith resident who wishes to remain anonymous. Apparently there were many proposals made as to the destiny of this land, including becoming property of the indigenous peoples, a center for learning, a neutral buffer zone between nations, and even a wildlife preserve. However, legal ownership is now enjoyed by the monastic Order of the Rose, who is expected to restore order and raise the land to the diplomatic standing of a small nation, given time.

    Announced during the previously mentioned land dispute, an alliance has been formed between the Dwarves of Thorbardin and the country of Aralnath. Items covered in this treaty include protection and medical support to the underdeveloped areas occupied by Thorbardin, provided by the Champions of Bri and the Bardic College Medical Research Labs. In exchange, Thorbardin has agreed to desist hunting of any cats, and aid in their protection in support of the Race of Cats, a culture heavily supported by goddess over shapechangers, Bri Aralnath, and her country.

    Due also to recent militia advances upon the area, the highly xenophobic country of Lorindal Zekath has doubled their own military support along all of the nation’s walls. Ambassador Kier Bellingarith has announced that should any further advances be made towards the country, all trade routes and standing treaties could become highly compromised. The nation, populated by Wild Elves, has also issued a statement directed at the Harlequins and allied elven races that they are not to be considered “Brothers” nor “Fellow elves”.

    Lord Boralinoi of Redhart has announced that anyone who has information about the strange disappearances in Redhart should contact John Drake at Drake’s Pawn in Portmeirion. A reward will be given for information.

    The town of Holyoke, Doverton, has reportedly been besieged with problems blamed on “the little peoples”. The town is up in arms, however, surrounding areas have no confirmation. The town also announces that the Red Hour Festival of Landru has been set for June 23rd. This is to warn outsiders, as the festival is a highly violent time, and visitors are rarely welcomed during this event.

    Recently, the nation of L’Rach announced that they intend to bring their culture outside the country’s borders in the form of restaurant chains, “Mama Pusswart’s Kitchen”, and “A Little Taste of L’Rach”. The restaurants are said to feature genuine L’Rachian cuisine, and it is for this reason that the Central News Agency feels we should warn travelers to keep clear, as our restaurant critic has not been seen in three weeks.

    The Priests of Ardneh and the Wizards College of Freedonia have asked Martin, the proprietor of Freedonia’s Magic Shop, to help develop a method to authenticate messages and ensure that no one has tampered with the contents. Apparently this is being done because several messages carried by the Quicksilver messenger service were intercepted and modified, or directed to the wrong people.

    Loogan, the high priest of Mordor, has reported that some strange circles found in Mordor’s grain fields were caused by quicklings. A special breed of psychic giant frogs is being bred to kill these pests. These frogs will predict the path of the quicklings and will be present to eat them as they move around.

    The Church of Gozer, headquartered at Kitimer Cave in L’Rach, is demanding immediate apologies and restitution from the Church of Rashion