------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (For those who don't know, Mystara is the name of the planet that the Gazeteer and Hollow World line of products describe, and some more expansion comes from various modules and in the D&D Rules Cyclopedia. The map was first seen in the original Expert D&D set and the module X1, but has seen more expansion of late) Mystara: The Republic of Darokin: (Village of Armstead) Trade with nearby Nemiston has virtually dissipated, and expected caravans and traders have not arrived. Numerous small farms to the south of the town have been burned, and a party of six (two elves, a dwarf, three humans) reported that one Conor MacGregor, rumored to be a wizard from Glantri, has been organizing the local humanoids. One tribe of kobolds has already been wiped out by these adventurers, and they are currently heading towards a goblin lair. A bounty of 1,000 daros (gold pieces) has been placed on the head of Conor. Mystara: The Republic of Darokin: (Fort Hobart) An assault of orcs was turned back with minimal casualties. No further activity has been noted, but humanoids in general have been a little quieter of late than normal. Light crossbows are becoming more common among their weapons, though, and this is causing some concern among the officers. Mystara: Alfheim: (general) Several elves have turned up missing, and rumors of increased Shadow Elven activity have been spread throughout the land. Mystara: The Grand Duchy of Karameikos: (Penhaligon) A woman, claiming to be a paladin of Petra, sought entry recently, in the company of a green dragon she claimed to be her companion. (But what paladin would befriend a GREEN dragon?) The guards turned her away at the gate. Mystara: The Grand Duchy of Karameikos: (Dymrak Forest) The number of goblin raids has decreased, after the loss of several homesteads. A party of elves, led by two humans, including a paladin of Petra, are believed to be responsible for disbanding or destroying at least two tribes. Mystara: The Grand Duchy of Karameikos: (Dymrak Forest) Hunters are reporting encounters with *very* unfriendly elves, who are somehow able to avoid infravision detection and are very, very good scouts and archers. Mystara: The Grand Duchy of Karameikos: (Luln, Fort Doom) There is some concern due to an increase of activity in the Black Eagle Barony, and Mistress Sascia of Luln has asked for volunteers for the town militia. It is also thought that an envoy is heading to Luln from Specularum to make Sascia a Baroness. Mystara: The Atruaghin Clans: (Horse Clans) Shamani have been noting increasingly disturbed dreams, and it appears that Atruaghin is mildly upset with something. Some of the younger men of the Tribe of the Wolf have volunteered to go north and investigate. Mystara: The Kingdom of Nithia: (HOLLOW WORLD, general) The daughter of a woman who revered cats has taken to following Bast, a hither-to unheard-of Immortal, and it appears that she is manifesting some clerical powers. Clerics of the other Nithian Immortals are expressing some concern, but are merely watching her at this point. Mystara: The Milenian Empire: (HOLLOW WORLD, general) Clerics of Halav and Petra are reporting a general discontent and worry from their Immortals, but they have no real guidance. A general suspicion among the priesthoods of the Midwives of Matera has also been reported. Mike, msphil@tsrv1.ts.wm.edu --------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- News from D&D and Hallow World -------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Mystara is the D&D Known World and HollowOA World setting) Mystara : The Republic of Darokin : (Farstead, north of Alfheim): The people of the dominion of Farstead, on the edges of Alfheim and the Canolbarth forest, just north of the good magic point called the Dreamlands, are reporting heavy taxation and abuse at the hands of Sir Lucan, the seneschal to Lord Brennan. They have been leaving in large numbers, unable to pay their taxes as collected by Lucan. Oddly, they have plenty to pay in neighboring dominions. (PC1) Mystara : The Republic of Darokin : (Darokin City, the capital): A messenger arrived from the village of Armstead, and the Chancellor, after a day spent conferring with his advisors, sent an ambassador to Glantri, asking (politely) for information regarding Conor MacGregor, and an investigator of some sort to Armstead. It is believed that the investigator was travelling with a small band of troops, just in case the reported danger is as significant as the messenger seemed to think it was. Mystara : The Grand Duchy of Karameikos : (Specularum): Lord Valerius Luctivitae was sent, in the company of ten members of the Elven Guard, to the town of Luln. It is strongly believed by the rumor mill that his purpose is to either knight Mistress Sascia, or confer a barony on her. Luln is quietly planning some festivities, and spies have noted increased military exercises in the nearby Black Eagle Barony. Mystara : The Grand Duchy of Karameikos : (Penhaligon): Tatiana Chernanskaya, who was recently cured of a fever by a woman professing to be a paladin of Petra, has begun speaking for the first time in her life. She is proclaiming the wonders of Petra and is talking about bringing back the glories of the Traladaran Church. Furthermore, she now bears a white circle in the center of her forehead, within which is a small red dot. This is reminiscent of the symbol of Petra, and the other people dwelling in the same cluster of farmhouses as her have proclaimed their conversion to the Church of Traladara and their loyalty to Petra. Mystara : The Grand Duchy of Karameikos : (Dymrak Forest): An elf and a dwarf were sighted heading into the forest to "have some fun" with the goblins. A hunter from the area has reported seeing their dead bodies, riddled by crossbow bolts. The goblin activity has nearly ended, it seems, and those few goblins sighted of late seemed to be very, very frightened of anything that moved. One captive welcomed being held by the humans and kept whimpering "The elves, the elves!" Mystara : The Empire of Thyatis : (Thyatian/Karameikan border): Thyatian Foresters, who have long been training with the Vyalian elves, were sent back to Thyatis with instructions to stay out of the Dymrak Forest. Some Foresters elected to join the elves, but those who returned reported that the Vyalians have decided to reclaim their "rightful forest, the Vyalian Woods," better known to both Karameikans and Thyatians as the Dymrak Forest. The Foresters advised the Emperor against interference and any sort of retaliation. Mystara : The Atruaghin Clans : (Horse Clans): The young volunteers from the Tribe of the Wolf were last seen heading north from the village of the Salmon Tribe. They supposedly received help from the village's shamani. However, one of the village's shamani left on a similar mission nearly two weeks before, and nothing had been heard of him since then. Mystara : The Kingdom of Nithia : (Hollow World, Tarthis): General Akhentopen returned with his forces, having been routed from an exploratory expedition to the north. He reported sighting "vile dog-men who dare profess worship of Divine Pflarr". Mystara : The Milenian Empire : (Hollow World, Corisa): A Senator denounced the "vile suspicions" of the priesthoods of Halav and Petra, questioning their motives and their intrusion into the Midwives' activities. He stated "...these women deliver the future of our people, and you *dare* delve into their affairs?" Mystara : The Azcan Empire : (Hollow World, Chitlacan): The Coatl Atzanteotl Tlamacazqui (The High Priest of Atzanteotl) sacrificed one Quahapac for spreading the heresy that the sacrifice of flowers and birds being let free would be as pleasing to the gods as the sacrifice of human life. This heresy has long been denounced by the priesthood of Atzanteotl, but sympathizers to the mysterious "New Way" claim that this is actually the proper means of worship and would free the Azcans from the harsh yoke of Atzanteotl. This is never claimed when the priests of Atzanteotl are anywhere nearby, however. Mike, msphil@tsrv1.ts.wm.edu ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - KNOWN WORLD/HOLLOW WORLD - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (Mystara is the D&D Known World/Hollow World campaign setting) TROUBLES ALONG ARMSTEAD ROAD Mystara : The Republic of Darokin : Armstead : The Chancellor's special investigator arrived, reporting serious problems along the way. Apparently, of nearly a dozen guards, only two survived the trip. They were set upon by a mixture of mounted goblins (on worgs) and goblins on foot, all weilding crossbows. The investigator is worried and is looking for guards to take him back to Darokin City. SOLDIERS DEFEATS 1000 ORCS Mystara : The Republic of Darokin : Fort Nell : The soldiers of Fort Nell reported turning back an assault of nearly a thousand orcs, all on foot. The orcs were wielding long swords, backed up by nearly two hundred crossbows, and they exhibited unusually good military tactics. Darokinian casualties were heavier than normal, but still light. The commandant has requested reinforcements. EYE OF THE SERPENT AGENT DIES DURING INTERROGATION Mystara : Alfheim : Alfheim City : Elves report having captured a shadow elf who, under heavy magic questioning, reported being an Eye of the Serpent. The authorities are slightly worried, since they were able to determine that the shadow elf was connected with many more people, but the questioning killed the captive before names could be extracted. SILVER FOUND AT CHATEAU DE MALINBOIS Mystara : Glantri : Viscompty de Malinbois : The Viscomptess de Malinbois today announced the discovery of a large silver depost under her own castle, the Chateau de Malinbois. The Fellowship of Were-Hunters, a group formed to hunt lycanthropes to extinction, were pleased to hear this and are already working to get silver weapons. (PC4) Mystara : Glantri : Glantri City : Glantri, after minimal research into its records, asked the Darokinian emissary to go to Crownguard, the castle of the Klantyre family. The emissary, who was trying to find information on Conor and Angus MacGregor, was a little disappointed, but apparently he is following up on the lead. VYALIA ELVES ATTAINS COUNTY OF VYALIAN Mystara : The Empire of Thyatis : Thyatis City : The Emperor announced the secession of part of the County of Vyalian to the Vyalia Elves, who formally claimed their ancestral lands a short time ago. The rumor mill has gone wild with speculation on what assurances the Emperor received. BLACK EAGLE BARONY RAIDS DURING FESTIVITIES Mystara : The Grand Duchy of Karameikos : Luln : The arrival of a nobleman, Lord Valerius Luctivitae, prompted festivities. Unfortunately, the festivities were interrupted by a nocturnal raid from the Black Eagle Barony. Town's mistress Sascia, personally leading the town militia, repulsed the incursion, and Lord Valerius praised her for actions similar to those that earned her a barony. Baroness Sascia is now the ruler of the Barony of Luln, and she immediately adopted Luln as her patronym. ELVES SPOTTED IN DYMRAK FOREST Mystara : The Grand Duchy of Karameikos : Dymrak Forest : The forest has been silent of late, and the frontiersmen in the area are concerned that there may be some problems if the goblins are preparing for some great move. However, elves have been sighted for the first time in decades, and they were lightly armed and armored, but fast, silent, and apparently deadly. They warned off any humans they encountered, telling them to get out of the "Vyalia Woods." GENERAL AKHENTOPEN APOLOGISES TO THE CHURCH OF PFLARR Mystara : Hollow World : The Kingdom of Nithia : Tarthis : General Akhentopen was called to task for his heresy, failing to recognize that the people he called "those vile dog-men who dare profess worhip of Divine Pflarr" are in fact the chosen race of Pflarr, created by that Immortal in the distant past. The General issued a formal and very lengthy apology to the Church of Pflarr. MILENIAN TROOPS DEFEATS NITHIAN SOLDIERS Mystara : Hollow World : The Milenian Empire : Eastern Border : Milenian troops were reported victorious in a confrontation with Nithian soldiers. Light casualties were reported. ACOLYTES SACRIFICES FOR HERESY Mystara : Hollow World : The Azcan Empire : A number of acolytes and a few of the mid-llevel priests were sacrificed after proclaiming heresies against Atzanteotl. Apparently, they were also secretly following the teachings of a mysterious emperor of ages past, called Atruatzin, the Quetzalcoatl. Priests of Atzanteotl viciously denounce these beliefs, and they are quick to sacrifice any who profess them. Mike Phillips, msphil@tsrv1.ts.wm.edu ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - KNOWN WORLD/HOLLOW WORLD - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (Mystara is the D&D Known World/Hollow World setting) Mystara : The Republic of Darokin : Armstead : GOBLIN LAIR DESTROYED IN DAROKIN A group of adventurers returned to Armstead, claiming to have destroyed a goblin lair that had been providing the town's scourge, one Conor MacGregor, with his mounted, crossbow-wielding goblins. They stated that a captive had said that this tribe was actually one of several beholden to Conor, but it was the only one with worg- riders. They claim to also have picked up information regarding Conor's current whereabouts, and they are pursuing that particular lead. The special investigator, who is currently here, asked them to guard him for a trip back to Darokin, but they declined. He is still looking for some guards to accompany him back to the capital city. Mystara : The Republic of Darokin : Fort Nell : SIEGE BROKEN AT FORT NELL Reinforcements from Darokin City arrived just in time to break a siege on the fort, taking light casualties. Apparently, just after the commander of the fort had sent his request for more troops, the *rest* of the army sent against the fort showed up (the previous group of about a thousand orcs was apparently only a vanguard). The assault, while well-organized, suffered from a certain amount of internal tension, and thus the ten thousand humanoids, mostly orcs, were able to be turned back by slightly more than a thousand human troops marching from Darokin City. The commandant, who had been under a great deal of pressure during the siege, was happy to see the supplies, and he reportedly fell to his knees before the leader of the reinforcements, begging the other officer to take over the fort. Mystara : Alfheim : Alfheim City : ALFHEIM OFFICERS SLAIN About half of the officers involved in the discovery and arrest of a shadow elf only a short while ago have disappeared. Most have turned up slain by strange-looking daggers. These daggers, which sport a pair of serpentine blades intertwined and odd pommels which look like the eyes of a reptile of some sort, were poisoned, and they were left at the scene of each of the deaths. The local authorities are worried and have reportedly placed the rest of their force into various safehouses. Citizens and travelers are warned against the possible threat. Mystara : Glantri : Viscompty de Malinbois : SUSPECTED LYCANTHROPES SLAIN IN GLANTRI OVER SILVER MINING The Viscomptess de Malinbois, who had recently announced the discovery of a massive deposit of silver under her own castle, has reached an agreement with the Fellowship of Were-Hunters. Mining and weapon-forging will commence shortly. However, a number of the residents of the area have voiced a certain amount of concern about the mining activity, many of them worried about the impact it will have on the local economy. A few of the more outspoken residents have also mentioned that there are, in fact, a number of lycanthropes settled in the valley, and their reprisals against the mining operation could be disastrous. Since, by Glantrian law, lycanthropy is justification for being put to the death, each of these outspoken citizens has been impaled on a silver pike and burned for suspected sympathizing. (PC4) Mystara : The Empire of Thyatis : Thyatis City : THYATIS RECOGNIZES NEW COUNTRY OF VYALIA The Emperor has announced that he has sent an envoy to the neghboring Grand Duchy of Karameikos, encouraging Grand Duke Stephen Karameikos I to recognize the independance of Vyalia, the recently announced homeland of the Vyalian elves. Mystara : The Empire of Alphatia : Sundsvall : UPROAR OVER NOBLE'S RETURN IN ALPHATIA The Court of Empress Eriadna was in an uproar recently, upon the return of a nobleman thought long-dead. Cries of "He's an imposter" and "But he hasn't aged these past decades", as well as objections by the Heldannic Knights, has driven the so-called nobleman away from the capital city. His airship recently left under a cloud of mystery, the supposed mission being to negotiate trade interests for the Empire in previously unexplored areas. (Dragon 165: Sudmir, 2000 AY) Mystara : The Grand Duchy of Karameikos : Dymrak Forest (Vyalia Woods) SEARCH FOR MISSING HOMESTEADER BEGINS Sukiskyn, a homestead along the Volaga River, the only homestead for miles to have survived the goblin rampages of a month ago, had lost a member of the homestead in the goblin raid. Stepan Petrov, brother of the head of the household, was captured. A paladin of Petra, who had volunteered to search for Stepan, reappeared recently with news of his probable whereabouts. She is setting out for the ruins of Xitaqa shortly, where she hopes to find Stepan. Mystara : Hollow World : The Kingdom of Nithia : Tothys : HEDONISTIC CULT RESURFACES Kharabasta, a young woman in the small town of Tothys, began manifesting clerical powers a month ago, has recently formed a very small following for the Immortal called Bast. A few of the oldest of Nithian writings had mentioned this Immortal, but worship had ended millenia before. Kharabasta, along with a half dozen of her followers, has announced that she is taking them on a pilgramage into the desert to the west, where she and her followers supposedly will be founding a new village, Basta. Mystara : Hollow World : Tanagoro : NITHIAN FORCE LOST IN TANAGORO FOREST A Nithian retaliatory strike after the defeat a dozen sleeps before by Milenian forces, was reported lost amongst the Tanagoro tribesmen. The Nithian army reportedly and repeatedly warned the general of the retaliatory force not to burn the Tanagoro villages, but the general continued to voice this desire for "revenge for allowing the hated Milenians through their territory." The Nithian army is supposedly forming a second force to replace the lost one. Mike Phillips, msphil@tsrv1.ts.wm.edu ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - NEWS FROM MYSTARA - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (Mystara is the D&D "Known World" as introduced in X1 - The Isle of Dread and developed in the Gazetteer and Hollow World product lines) Mystara : The Grand Duchy of Karameikos : Specularum : DUKE STEPHEN KIDNAPPED BY PERSONS UNKNOWN The Grand Duchy was sent into turmoil today by the news that Duke Stephen Karameikos I was kidnapped almost a fortnight ago from the royal palace. Through arcane means, the duke's wherabouts were determined to be on a ship headed for the Isle of Dread, almost a 1000 miles to the South. A ship, sent to free the Duke, has encountered troubles with low winds and malignant creatures of the deep plaguing them. From the newest report released by the palace, the rescuing group of adventurers and some 50 of the Kings best men at arms have reached the Isle, and have suffered horrendous casualities from the exceptionally dangerous creatures lurking on the Island. There have been signs of intelligent life, but no direct confrontation with the kidnappers has occured. The group of adventurers sent to rescue the Duke is well known to the people of Specularum, and for their recent destruction of a Undead army, and its Dracolich leader, sent against a small town to the East of Karameikos. They have helped the Duke in the past and although casualities have been high on the island, they have vowed to carry on until they find him. Rumours that the Black Duke is behind the kidnapping could not been substantiated. "MELANDRA, INSANE ELF", MCSPIKGFM@CLUSTER.CC.DUNDEE-TECH.AC.UK ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mystara : The Republic of Darokin : Armstead : INVESTIGATOR TO RETURN TO DAROKIN CITY The Chancellor's special investigator, in Armstead due to reports of difficulties with humanoids, managed to convince four youths to accompany him back to Darokin City, so that he may report that it is, indeed, a difficult situation. The adventuring party has left in search of a supposed hidden tower. They were last seen heading west from Armstead. The town's best wishes go with them, but townsfolk who were interviewed expressed doubt that they would succeed. Mystara : The Republic of Darokin : Fort Hobart : HUMANOID HORDE ROUTED FROM FORT NELL An army of mixed humanoids overran Fort Hobart, but were stopped by reinforcements heading to the fort. The humanoids were reported to be armed with crossbows, and, coming on the heels of similar reports from Fort Nell, officials are worried that the humanoids have settled on the devastating weapon. Reconstruction of the fort is commencing immediately, with the able assistance of several wizards specialized in earth magics. With the humanoid horde smashed, it is expected that the fort will be repaired and rebuilt as necessary within the next couple weeks or less. Mystara : Alfheim : Alfheim City : SHADOW ELF CAUGHT IN ALFHEIM CITY Due once again to the hard work of the Alfheim police, a Shadow Elven sympathizer, suspected to be behind the disappearance and murders of several officers, has been apprehended. He is currently being carefully questioned. Mystara : Glantri : Viscompty de Malinbois : WERE-HUNTERS ATTACKED IN GLANTRI, MOST SLAIN The representatives of the Fellowship of Were-hunters were attacked during the night by unknown assailants. Only one of the half-dozen hunters is expected to live, and his wounds are severe. The Viscomptess has apologized profusely and is now ruthlessly taking steps to track down the attackers. Several of her guards were slain in the attack as well, and she is reportedly livid. Bounty hunters, armed with magical and silver weapons, are flocking to the area and searching like mad, though many are meeting with foes more powerful than expected. (PC4) Mystara : Glantri : Crownguard : INVESTIGATION YIELDS LACK OF INFORMATION The Darokinian emissary, researching the pedigree of Angus and Conor MacGregor, has determined that such names, while such persons exist, as used by the mysterious assailants of Armstead must be aliases. There have never been brothers named Angus and Conor, much less have any enrolled in the Glantrian School of Magic. The emissary, after dispatching a report back to Darokin City, is heading to the School of Magic to investigate records there in hopes of determining an actual identity of the wizards. Mystara : The Empire of Alphatia : Sundsvall : MYSTERIOUSLY RETURNING NOBLE NEGOTIATING FOR ALPHATIA The mysterious reappearance of a nobleman of the House of Haaken has subsided, despite the bizarre circumstances, and the skyship owned by the noble was last seen headed towards the west. Rumor has it flying near the mysterious nation of Sind at this point, though court intrigue continues to attempt to undermine the nobleman as an imposter. Reports of trade negotiations and the discoveries of new nations are said to already be coming into the hands of Eriadna, but this is unable to be confirmed by reporters. (Dragon 169: Tsalmir, Andrumir 2000AY) Mystara : The Grand Duchy of Karameikos : Dymrak Forest (Vyalia Woods) HOMESTEADER RETURNS, ONLY TO LEAVE AGAIN The Sukiskyn homesteader Stepan Petrov was returned today by a paladin of Petra named Natasha Strekozya and her companions. They reportedly recovered him from Nithian ruins some distance to the north, ruins once named Xitaqa. Natasha and her group are said to be leaving for Threshold, to follow up on a map recovered in the ruins. Mystara : The Grand Duchy of Karameikos : Threshold : ORC ARMY SIGHTED A large army of humanoids, apparently orcish, was sighted not too far from the city of Threshold. The inhabitants are wary, but not overly concerned yet. Mystara : Hollow World : Tanagoro : NITHIAN FORCES MORE CAUTIOUS THIS TIME A second Nithian force, this one carefully cautioned against any violence against the native tribes, has been moving through the territory held by the Tanagoro tribesmen. It is rumored that peace offerings have been left to the Tanagoro, to prevent hostilities such as those which wiped out the previous force. Some unreliable reports indicate that a similar-sized Milenian force is also currently in the area, continuing to prosecute the exceedingly successful campaign that prompted this move by Nithia in the first place. Mike Phillips, msphil@tsrv1.ts.wm.edu ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - NEWS FROM MYSTARA - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (Mystara is the D&D "Known World" as introduced in X1 - The Isle of Dread and developed in the Gazetteer and Hollow World product lines) Mystara : The Grand Duchy of Karameikos : Fort Doom : DUKE SAVED FROM CERTAIN DEATH Duke Stefan Karameikos has today on his way back to Karameikos after being rescued by a party of daring adventurers from the clutches of the Black Baron. The Duke was about to be killed by a Rite of Disintegration when the brave party of adventurers advanced on the Castle where he was being held. After a short battle with a large dragon-like creature, which had earlier killed 2 members of the group and a large portion of the soldiers with the group, in which they managed to roast it, one of the Elves proceeded in invisible to scout out the castle. After waiting for the fool to return, the rest of the party entered the castle on the back of the other Elf polymorphed into the shape of a griffin and found a large floating black ball chasing the scout. After defeating it in combat, the group was attacked by a varying band of hellspawned dogs, blue skinned humanoids and large poison spiked hedgehogs. These were overcome due to previous knowledge gained by fighting these creatures, and the group ran to the Duke's aid. As they entered the domed building where the duke was being held, they saw a number of mages via by teleportation only to be confronted by three plate clad figures and the Baron himself. Behind them was the Duke, or what was left of him, laid on a stone slab, with ashes drifting off of his body as the skin and muscles slowly disintegrated. After a large fight, the Baron and his men were defeated, leaving the group of four with only the 2 elves standing. The Duke rewarded the group with land and made Alison de Berne, fighter extraordinaire, the title of Baron of the Black Barony. The question now is will Bargle, the Baron's court magician, relinquish his hold on the Barony without a fight? Also in question is the slow increase in area of the provinces of the Vyalian Elves after one of their number was granted her second land claim on the edge of the Dymrak woods. "MELANDRA, INSANE ELF.", mcspikgfm@vaxd.dct.ac.uk ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Mystara : The Republic of Darokin : Armstead : SEARCH FOR TOWER A FAILURE, TO BE TRIED AGAIN The small band of adventurers returned from the first round of searches for the tower of the wizard Conor MacGregor. They reported failure to find the tower, although they ran into a small tribe of hobgoblins and extracted some information from them. They will shortly head to the west, after they have resupplied, as that is the direction the hobgoblins said Conor's messengers always came from. Mystara : The Republic of Darokin : Darokin City : INVESTIGATOR REPORTS TO CHANCELLOR, OPTIONS BEING CONSIDERED The special investigator arrived earlier today, reporting to the Chancellor that the situation in Armstead and Nemiston is as bad as initial reports indicated. The Chancellor is meeting with advisors to decide upon a course of action. Mystara : Glantri : Glantri City : INVESTIGATOR SEARCHING FILES OF THE SCHOOL OF MAGIC The Darokinian investigator, seeking information on Conor and Angus MacGregor, has arrived and, by order of the government, is being given access to the student records at the School of Magic. So far, the search has turned up no likely prospects, despite indications that the two mages, currently waging a private war against portions of Darokin, were trained here. Mystara : Glantri : Viscompty de Malinbois : WERE-HUNTERS HAVING LITTLE SUCCESS, TENSION LEVELS MOUNT Bounty hunters and were-creature hunters have nearly overrun the area, despite the fact that no lycanthropes of any sort have successfully been killed since the death of the representatives of the Fellowship of Were-hunters. More than two score of the newly arrived hunters, however, have already been buried, and twice that number are recovering in crammed hospices, tended to by local mystics and healers. Three of the hunters have already been put to death for the heresy of calling on gods to save them from their wounds. The situation is getting very tense, and some of the peasants have begun fleeing the area and moving elsewhere to avoid the distrust that has sprung up. Neighbors no longer trust neighbors, and tempers are reported to be hair-trigger. (PC4) Mystara : Alfheim : Alfheim City and environs : SHADOW ELVEN MOVEMENT DISBANDED, OFFICIALS HOPEFUL Members of the Shadow Elven underground movement have been apprehended, some are said to be Shadow Elves that have undergone surgical procedures to alter their distinctive features, and others are sympathizers that want to be "reunited with our brethren." Hopefully, officials said with a slight smile, this has cut off the head of the serpent, and not merely its tail. Mystara : The Grand Duchy of Karameikos : Threshold : THRESHOLD SAVED BY ARRIVAL OF PALADIN A paladin of Petra arrived earlier, during the night, as an orcish army began assaulting outlying areas. She was conducted to Patriarch Sherlane's presence, where she was asked to help in the defense of the city. She and her companions, working with the army, a volunteer and slightly crazy wizard, and her young pet dragon successfully routed the orcs after the mage began burning everything, one of her companions caused the siege engines to self-destruct, and the dragon's fear aura swept over the orcs. She is reportedly seeking information about the mountains to the north. Mystara : Atruaghin Clans : Lands of the Children of the Horse : YOUTHS SUCCESSFUL IN VENTURE TO LAY SPIRITS TO REST The youths sent to lay the spirits of their departed to rest have returned, reporting that they were unsuccessful in saving the shamani who was first sent to investigate. However, they slew one of the Children of the Tiger, who had erected a small temple at the far end of the lake, where he was performing hideous rituals on the dead. The Children of the Horse have sent messengers to the other three clans, to inform them of this transgression, and of an intent to retaliate against the Children of the Tiger. There is some concern that the retaliation may turn into war, or may be unsuccessful as the Children of the Tiger live in the swamps south of the great plateau. Mystara : Hollow World : Azcan Empire : Chitlacan : MAJOR REBEL SACRIFICED IN CHITLACAN, SOME CONCERN AROUSED BY CEREMONY The high priest of Atzanteotl, in a triumphant ceremony, today sacrificed an old man who claimed to be a priest of Atruatzin, the Quetzalcoatl. This man, whose name is unknown, died on the altar, unsaved by his supposed god. However, the city is quiet but restless, as during the ceremony, just before the old man was slain, four simultaneous flights of birds rose from the four points of the compass, flying over the city and into the heavens, and there was a mysterious and brief shower of petals on the gathered crowd. The priests of Atzanteotl are seeking whoever is responsible, as one of the teachings of this hidden church of Atruatzin is that birds and flowers are acceptable as sacrifices, rather than humans. No one has been caught yet. Mystara : Hollow World : The Milenian Empire : HIGH PRIESTESS OF PETRA DELIVERS MESSAGE OF WARNING The high priestess of Petra, in a speech to the followers of Petra gathered at a major festival, suddenly began speaking in a low voice that somehow carried over the entire crowd. Though no one has the full text of her speech, it conveyed a warning against the followers of "Night" and that some sort of champion, one of Petra's own followers, would arrive to save the sun. Those who heard it are hopeful, but also worried at what it might portend. Mike Phillips, msphil@tsrv1.ts.wm.edu ---------------------------------------------------------------------- - NEWS FROM MYSTARA - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (Mystara is the D&D "Known World" as introduced in X1 - The Isle of Dread and developed in the Gazetteer and Hollow World product lines) Mystara : The Republic of Darokin : Armstead : BEATEN BAND RETURNS The small band of adventurers who have sworn to slay the wizard Conor MacGregor has returned to Armstead. They were battered and bruised from the conflict, though they say that the wizard escaped, heading north. The adventurers claim that Conor's power is broken, the humanoid tribes guarding and serving him scattered. Mystara : The Republic of Darokin : Darokin City : CHANCELLOR AUTHORIZES FORCE IN ARMSTEAD Following the report of a special investigator, the Chancellor of Darokin, Corwyn Mauntea, authorized and ordered one batallion of troops to be taken from Selenica and temporarily stationed in Armstead. The office of the Chancellor released a statement indicating that it is a response to the rise of humanoid agression in the area. Mystara : Darokin : Athenos Canal : BARGE GUARDS SOUGHT! The merchant Bancohr, a major shipper of fine porcelain, is advertising for a few good barge guards to protect a barge heading through the canal and up the Streel River to Darokin City and Akorros. Pay is reported to be 10 daros per person, plus reasonable travel expenses. Especially good work can lead to permanent employment. (GAZ11) Mystara : Glantri : Glantri City : INVESTIGATOR TURNS UP NOTHING IN GLANTRI! Despite being allowed to sift through the records of Glantri's School of Magic, the Darokinian investigator was unable to specifically locate Conor or Angus MacGregor, wizards laying waste to parts of Darokin and rumored to be from Glantri. However, there were a couple of possibilities, and the investigator is heading off to follow up on these scant leads. Mystara : Glantri : Viscompty de Malinbois : HEAD OF GUARD EXPOSED AS WEREWOLF! The head of the Viscomptess' guard and town guard was exposed as a werewolf when accidental contact with the silver ore resulted in a massive burn on his skin. In his rage, he shifted form and slew most of those nearby before the were-hunters on the scene killed him. He was beheaded, his head displayed on the silver tip of a pike. His family is currently being tested for lycanthropy, as are most of his close acquaintances. Tensions in the area continue to mount. (PC4) Mystara : Glantri : Barony de Morlay : UNCLE OF THE BARON TO WED! Jean-Pierre de Loup-Garou, uncle to the Baron de Morlay and a one- time were-hunter known for his exquisite silver rapier, has announced that he has found the woman he will marry, ending the bachelorhood of the man once called the "most eligable male in northern Glantri." The lucky woman is named Lisl Ferrinsdottir, and, though a stranger to these parts, speculation has her hailing from either the lands of the Heldannic knights or somewhere in Vestland or Soderfjord. Preparations, while joyous, are muted due to the tension in the neighboring Viscompty de Malinbois. It is hoped that there will be no disturbances in the coming months. (PC4) Mystara : Alfheim : Alfheim City : CHIEF OF POLICE FOUND MURDERED! The chief of Alfheim's police force was discovered this morning, a serpentine dagger buried in his heart. The dagger is described as a silver weapon, two blades entwined like snakes, with a carved pommel in the shape of a serpent's head. No assassin was apprehended, but the chief's successor has publicly noted a probable link with the recent investigation into Shadow Elven activities in Alfheim. Mystara : The Grand Duchy of Karameikos : Threshold : FIGHTING REPORTED ON SKODOR ISLE! The night watch reports that a squad was dispatched to Skodor Isle to investigate a mysterious disturbance. Though witnesses were hard to find, as Skodor Isle is insular and said to be a base for illegal activities, a survey of the damaged property yielded a few clues. One wall of the house was destroyed, as if blown outwards, with some minor charring. Several bodies, all Traladaran males, were found and are currently being examined by a physician for other clues. Officials seem divided on the significance of the incident, some proclaiming it a division in the ranks of smugglers, others calling it an outbreak of Thyatian-Traladaran hostility. Mystara : Atruaghin Clans : Children of the Elk : WAR PARTY FORMS! The selected warriors from the Children of the Horse, chosen to wage war on the Children of the Tiger, have spent recent weeks training in these forests and joining with a similarly-sized group of the Children of the Elk. The Horse and the Elk have already formed the largest war-band seen since the legendary time of Atruaghin, and it is said that the Children of the Bear and the Children of the Turtle are also sending warriors to join the band. Indications from the swamps of the Children of the Tiger are that they have received no warning of upcoming events, though as the warband grows, this is expected to change. Mystara : Empire of Thyatis : Thyatis City : AMBASSADOR FROM VYALIA ARRIVES An elf, accompanied by 10 guards and assistants, arrived at the court today. The elf announced himself as the ambassador from the Kingdom of Vyalia, and he graciously and eloquently thanked the Emperor for his support of the new nation. Quarters for the elf and his entourage were immediately provided. Mystara : Sind : Road from Akesoli to Mahasabad : EXPECTED FOOD CARAVAN DISAPPEARS! Officials in Mahasabad are nervous, as the expected food-laden caravan from Darokin did not arrive. Although there is some suspicion that bandits or rebels siezed it, a search turned up no evidence of the caravan, and the trackers employed, though the traces were a little stale, were unable to follow the tracks beyond a point just inside the Sind border. As one commented, "It is like they just disappeared". The investigators are perplexed, and officials have sent word to Darokin that the caravan never arrived. Mystara : Hollow World : The Milenian Empire : ZARGOSIAN WIZARD THREATENS TOWN! A black-robed man, claiming to be a follower of the mysterious dark wizard Zargos, threatened the town of Tromeas, caused an impenetrable cloud of blackness, and then disappeared into the blackness. The local temple of Petra is on alert, and all of its Holy Defenders are now patrolling the town, just in case the threat will be fulfilled. Soldiers have been dispatched to the area by the Senate to quell any disturbances and scout for possible attacks. Mike Phillips, msphil@tsrv1.ts.wm.edu