River's End Quarterly Edition 2
Reported and Written by Alexis R. Merriweather
Corruption
As the sun set on Philos Day, an evil darker than the blackest night itself settled over River's End. Some called them fiends, others called them infernals, but most agree that it is corruption. This is a threat so large that it has called for new alliances amongst old rivals in the land. Elves have agreed to stop their long dispute with Greynok's tribe of orcs. Everguard has agreed to work with Joren Empire to stop the threat from escalating.
The mysterious old ones have agreed to work with the humans of River's End who have hated and disgraced them for many moons. The danger was found by Fian Drel's elves, who discovered a place of tremendous corruption deep within their forest. In a circle with eerie glowing ground, several of Greynok's tribe had been taken there, where they were turned into fiendish creatures of pure evil. A large infernal that looked like a boar would push them to their knees and began chanting a song to change them.
The corrupted would then fall to the ground howling like a tortured beasts. All would be still, then the orc would arise as an infernal, malicious, evil, it's only purpose to serve it's master. Luckily River's End residents are protective of their forest and the lodge they stay at. With guidance from two of Fian Drel's wisest elves; Tith and T'rahl, Early Brostin, Felix and Jeb Macguilacuty were able to slip into the infernal's circle unnoticed. With some quick thinking, Mr. Brostin was able to covertly rip the taint from the ground. When the infernals realized their source of power had been taken and the residents of River's End were able to defeat evil once again. Time will only tell if the River's End resistance will be able defeat this taint permanently.
The Life Bringer
As many of the River's End residents know, the huntsman came at harvest time and laid waste to their settlement three moons ago. In order to defend themselves against the huntsman, the residents had to kill a creature called the Life Bringer. This was a blessing but also a curse. By killing the Life Bringer, residents not only deeply angered the elves but set back most of the growth of beneficial plants in the forest. A decision was made last moon to bring back the Life Bringer.
This decision, though beneficial required the ultimate sacrifice. Two of River's End most honorable men volunteered to enter the spirit realm for eternity. Jeb Macquilacuty and Early Brostin were willing give their lives in order to save their settlement. Such bravery inspired T'Rahl the elf and at the last split second gave his soul to Early and Jeb so that they may live. A funeral was held for the elf on Dreisday, T'Rahl will indeed be mourned but never forgotten.
It's a boy
There was not all bad news in Fian Drel on the dance of light. Something has happened that has not occurred in three quarters of a century, the birth of an elf. This child is not only a miracle but a symbol of hope in a dark time in River's End.
Strange and Stranger Creatures
I have seen many strange plants, animals and monsters in my brief time in River's End. On the evening of Philos Day last moon, a small group of hobgoblins came searching River's End for a magical necklace and bracelet. The creatures snuck up behind unsuspecting adventures, clonked them on head and searched them. Rumor has it that this necklace and bracelet belonged to an injured dark elf that showed up in River's End two moons ago. This jewelry set seems to be of high value to hobgoblins because the Serym who created quite the ruckus on Dreisday, are looking for the trinkets as well. If anyone has information on this jewelry please send a private message to Alexis R. Merriweather.
A terrapin was also hunted and killed in River's End last moon. Many residents, especially the old ones who live within the forest want to protect the creature and on the other hand, the hunters claim that loss of farms from the infernals has depleted their food supply. They are simply killing and eating what they can to survive. A strange looking female spider seems to have taken up residence in River's End as well. Though not outwardly aggressive, she is a force to be reckoned with if you wish her harm. She seems to also have control over a wolf creature, who appears to act as her bodyguard.
Torches and Pitch Forks
My peaceful moment at the bar, inside the Snow's hunting lodge, was interrupted by an angry mob of ornery and misinformed farmers walking past River's End to Fian Drel. The mob claimed that Old Ones had cursed and killed their crops. Due to the mob's large number, no one dared argue that real cause of the crop's demise was from the infernals. Fortunately most of the old ones escaped the mob, except for the one that many call Twiggy. After being thrown in the river, she was the victim of unfortunate crushing by anvil. This incident is another reason these infernals and corruption must be dealt with.
The meeting
A meeting was called late Dreiasday night. There were many parties present, elves, a messenger from Greynok, Sir Strongfellow, General Octavious and even a farmer who had lost everything to the cursed infernals. Though there were minor disagreements, there was a general consensus. We must put aside our differences and fight the infernals or everything will be lost. General Octavius has been holding the front lines but supplies and time are running very short. The infernals have even gone so far as to recruit people from the Kreish Oasis. Witnesses at the meeting said that they saw a group of people from the Oasis trying get River's End residents to shake their hands after they promised fame, riches and long life. It is unfortunate that famine and poverty have become so rampant in the land that honest men and woman must resort to such extreme measures to survive.
Possession
Infernals are not the only evil afoot in River's End. Something was taking control of residents last moon and making them do horrible things. The trouble seemed to stem from a farm boy who awoke in Fian Drel with no recollection of what occurred the night before. In the early morning hours the evil seemed to somehow jump from the farm boy to a noble knight of Everguard named Sir Riverblade. He attacked Pendleton Merriweather without provocation. Sir Riverblade was quickly subdued after the attack but then Pendleton awoke from the assault and stabbed each one of the Snows. He was restrained by the other residents and bound.
Sir Riverblade and Squire Merriweather both had no recollection of what they had done. Pendelton has an outstanding reputation around River's End and was deeply troubled when he had learned what he had done. Though none of the immediate townsfolk saw Pendleton as a threat after what had occurred, the squire made a deal with the Snows to be chained to the dreaded rock. Fate would decide whether Pendleton was guilty or innocent. As the sun set on Dreisday, a slow drumbeat from Girl followed Pendleton down the hill. The chains clasped shut, and the squire fell to his knees.
He would not stand alone though, Sir Riverblade, Cornelius and a General from Everguard stood in wait with him for the beast to come. The drumbeat stopped and the horn sounded to summon the creature. Residents held their breath as they waited for the red eyed creature to appear. To stay on the platform meant safety to put a foot off meant certain death for spectators. Presently it came, everyone took a breath of fear as the vicious red eyed creature ran down the hill. It tore at Pendleton's limbs and quickly dispatched Pendleton's three brave guardians. The beast took one more run by Pendleton and charged aggressively at the crowd on the platform. Luckily the charge's purpose seemed to be only to frighten the c rows. Fate favored Pendleton that day as he was spared from the beast's wrath.
Classifieds
Looking for merchandise? Seek out Oliver Lovell ¦ "If he doesn't have it, he can get it."
Aziz, purveyor of fine goods, visit his shop in the Snow's tavern.
Reward: For useful information in the disappearance of the head of Davey Snow's creature he killed in the basement. Creature's head is black with long white teeth.
The Duelist's Guild
I have had the idea to create a sort of duelists league. I feel that it would be a great way for everyone to keep up in their weapon training. Whether it is to hone your skills, or just to keep them refined everyone has a place here. Any weapons, any styles. In a time such as this where your very lives may depend on your skill with your weapon I feel that this is very important.
I want to make clear that this is training and practice. We will not be attempting harm on each other, using the flat of the blade, or even padded or wooden weapons if we can get them.
Depending on interest and participation I will be asking much more skilled warriors such as Sir Strongfellow or General Octavian to join us and provide their knowledge. If enough people enjoy it them I might even try to organize a annual Duelist Tournament.
Please respond if you would be interested in joining, or if you have any questions, comments, or concerns of any sorts. I will decide on the time of our first meeting later, for now I want to gauge interest. Please see or message Zalik for more information.
Lost:
Antique silvery pearl piece of jewelry. The family heirloom of Petey, Perry, Patrick and Pumpernickel's momma. See Des the tavern girl if you have any information.
Investigative services by Alexis R. Merriweather...Looking for someone? Lost something? I offer my services as an investigator, send a message or seek me out near Pendleton Merriweather's office within the Snow's Tavern. My feathery hat will give me away.
Contest!
The Snows (and River's End) are in need of a new standard/banner. We thought holding a contest, letting our local artistic types compete would be both a fun distraction from the goings ons and a chance to earn some coin and prizes for the best banners provided.
1st prize: 8 Gold & a custom piece of magically enchanted jewelry!
2nd prize: 4 gold!
3rd prize: free drinks for you and 1 companion for an entire moon!
The Guidelines
Dimensions: approximately 32" wide and 44" long (please stay within a couple inches of these dimensions)
The background of the banner should be on a predominantly field of white/snow, either rolling hills or lightly forested, with a slightly snaking river across this field of white.
An Eagle on the wing should be the main focus of the banner, with a fish in its talon(s).
Judging
Contest to be Judged by Davy Snow
Philosnight, the 26th of Fire
Along with the prizes, the winning banner will become the new official standard of River's End! The second and third place banners will find a place of honor and adorn our walls in Snow's Tavern.
This contest is open to all residents of River's End.
