The Rag and Stone Issue One.

GATE OPENED!
The First Time in 200 years!


This is a time to mark in the history books! The gate in the great wall was recently opened for the first time since it was sealed around the time of the creation of the life stone. If this was not enough, brave adventures actually passed through the gate to the outside world! Unfortunately, it seems that the world outside the protected zone is as hostile as ever and the brave group of adventurers suffered some casualties at the hands of the undead. The undead, it seems were aware of the gates opening and soon began to try and enter the land around the gate which is no longer protected by the life stone’s power. Fortunately there were some strong warriors amongst the adventurers who were able to deal with these invaders and prevent them from wandering off into our haven.

Bad News and an old Name.
The group of brave adventurers who ventured outside the gate went to the place where the life stone was cut from the earth in the hope of finding a way to bolster its strength, which is currently waning. When they arrived and disposed of the creature that had made the quarry its home they discovered a chest that had been magically secured against the attentions of the undead. The party soon discovered how to release the contents of the chest, that told them the bad news. It seems that the mage Calderon who vanished over 150 years ago was not dead as everyone thought. He has been working on finding a solution to the diminishing power of the life stone for some time and he has apparently met with little success, for his message said that the stone could not be prevented from losing its power. He did give some hope because apparently not only has he negotiated deals with the elemental lords to enable mages to create and duplicate spells once again, he also has created something called ‘Glorax.’ We do not know what this thing is, but apparently it will help fight the undead; something that would be useful should the life stone’s power fail. The party who opened the gate is now traveling to the resting place of this ‘Glorax’ in the north near the town of Hatel. We at the Rag and Stone wish them the best of luck with this endeavor.

Undead Attacks Increase!
We have known for a while that the undead are stronger during the hours of darkness but now it seems there is something else happening. Over the past few weeks the attacks from the undead that roam the area no-longer protected by the life stone seem to have become more co-ordinated, and are conducted with almost a military style precision we have not seen in the roaming undead before. No-one knows why this is suddenly the case but one old elf who was at the wall two hundred years ago when the undead attacked said that the undead fought with a similar style then. No-one knows what this could mean although it is believed that the Lich King may have found a way to weaken the life stone further; unless of course something did get through the gate…

And Finally….
As you may have noticed, a reward of 60 gems has been posted for the capture of one Rafe Norkquest del a Rossa. He is wanted for kidnapping and murder. There is also a reward for the information leading to the capture of a lone trader who has been reported to be dealing in slavery. The reward stands at 25 gems. Contact a member of the guard for more information.

The Rag and Stone Issue Two.

WE’RE BACK!

Saboteurs strike across Reirox town!

Recently, saboteurs have rampaged through Reirox town, damaging property and killing people. Even our base of operations was seriously damaged and we were unable to print for several months. The first signs of something amiss were the death of several hundred people all with similar symptoms. Coughing fits and red/brown marks on the skin were the first signs, after which death followed swiftly. At first it was thought a disease was present in the town but it soon became apparent that the usual procedures of containment were not working. This lead to an investigation and it was discovered that some of the towns food stores had been poisoned and it was that, not a disease that had been the cause of the deaths. This prompted a massive guard operation to find the culprits. Meanwhile, the saboteurs started a campaign of terror across the town. Burning property and killing at random, always one step ahead of the guard that hunted them. It was only after a significant number of guards were drafted in by the council from other regions that the saboteurs were stopped. The exact number of perpetrators is unknown but it is believed that they were all killed when the guard attempted to arrest them. Sources in the guard say that the group was made up of various races, but they were lead by what seems to be an being that looks similar to a the dark elves. The dark elves deny any involvement with the attacks and made a statement saying that the being looks nothing like them. Most of the towns food stocks have been destroyed because at this time there is no known cure to the poison. Even the new soul magic seems ineffectual at curing its effects.

Prodigio Stretched to Breaking!

Prodigio town has come under more and more pressure to defend its lands as attacks from undead increase. Because of the life stone losing power Prodigio’s lands are now mostly without its protection and the undead have been making the most of this. The guard unit at Prodigio is spread thinly across the entire area and they are doing their utmost to stem these attacks. With guard having been drafted in to Reirox to stop the saboteurs there is no relief in the immediate future for Prodigio unless something can be done to remove the undead once and for all.

Knowledge Quest!

The elves from the woods around Traileat town announced that they would be aiding the knowledge keepers in scouring the protected zone for an item of lore that was believed destroyed. Rumors of its existence are vague and tracking it down will not be easy so a large number of quest groups have been formed. Each group consists of several elves of various skills and one of the knowledge keepers. The exact number of these groups was not disclosed nor was the nature of the lore they seek but for the knowledge keepers to mount such a quest means that the lore they seek is vitally important.

Discovery!

It has been discovered that the undead cannot use soul magic. Interestingly though it seems that undead use a power very similar to the dark soul magic. It is by no means the same power but practitioners investigating items taken from the undead found that their powers allowed them to sense the magic in the items. They said that they cannot sense it clearly as if it were soul power but they can get a general impression of the power in the item

The Rag and Stone Issue Three.

Undead Broken!

Land held by the undead freed!

Forces of guards from Prodigio along with some unknown individuals have destroyed the stronghold created by the undead near the north end of the great wall. Prodigio’s guard units have been increasingly stretched by the presence of the undead and just as it seemed that they would break a group of people appeared through from the undead held woodland. Initially believed to be spies and despite an apparent run it with some of the councils witch hunters, they proved themselves as seasoned undead slayers tipping the balance in the battle in our favor. They weathered three days of attacks from the undead and some of them, it is suggested, used some form of undead artifact to transport themselves deep in to the lands of the undead where they survived for 30 minutes and achieved a great victory before returning to the protected zone. Exactly what their mission was, is not known at this time but it had something to do with a ritual to corrupt an powerful undead artifact to help the living races. Apparently the ritual was a success but quite what the artifact does is apparently a mystery even to those who performed the ritual. It seems the undead did indeed have a controlling influence in the form of a large creature, who it is believed came through the gate when it was opened nearly a year ago and has been building its strength since. It was apparently a titanic struggle but the creature was eventually overcome with the aid of the artifact created by the ritual. Whatever the powers of the artifact this bodes well for our cause.

Cure Found!

After several months of research a group of light soul casters has discovered a method of curing the poison that the saboteurs used to poison the food stores of Rierox. It seems that it is not so much a new cure as the method of curing the victim. It was already know that the soul casters magic had no discernable effect, what they discovered is that the poison was a creation of the fell magics of the undead rather than a herbal concoction as is usual. In order to cure the poison the soul casters found the needed to create a rather unpleasant concoction, which the victim had to drink. It seems that the soul casters extracted a sizable amount of the victim’s blood, taking some of the blood they mix in an amount of a herbal disease remedy and charge the mixture with soul power. When the mixture stopped fizzing and the victim drank it they began to recover. The practitioners who came up with this cure openly admit they came across the cure more by luck than judgement but at least we have a defense against it should the poison rear its head again.

Where Now?

It is becoming increasingly obvious that the undead are taking advantage of the weakening of the life stone. When the stone power finally dies it is almost a certainty that the undead will pour in to this area wiping us out, once and for all. What can be done to prevent this? That is the question the top magical and military minds have been discussing with the council in recent weeks. With the way things are at the moment, unless a miracle occurs or we can somehow find powerful allies then it seems that our fate is sealed.

Pardoned!

Rafe Norquest Dela Rossa has been granted an official pardon by the guard as it seem that there were extenuating circumstances regarding the offences he was being pursued for. The minor noble who brought the charges has refrained from commenting on the subject.

The Rag and Stone Issue Four.

Prodigio Holds!

Undead attack on Prodigio defeated by mysterious beings!

With the undead in possession of the gate in the great wall it was only a matter of time before they began an assault on Prodigio. Guard units were recalled to Prodigio when General Galeb received a message telling him they were coming through the gate in the great wall. Apparently, a small band of what can only be described as hero’s stood their ground before the undead forces. Quite what transpired is unknown but the first waves of undead and the group of hero’s vanished. Whatever they did bought the guard at Prodigio enough time to bolster their defenses and prepare for the siege to come. Only a few days later a large force took up camp around Prodigio and began to attack the city walls. The defenders fought bravely for several days before the undead siege engines finally started to take their toll on the defenses. As night fell on the sixth day of the siege the defenders believed that the next attack would see them overrun. However, a miracle happened during the night. Around 1am sounds of battle were heard from among the undead forces surrounding Prodigio. Scouts were dispatched and mages attempted to use their magic to see what was transpiring. There was little learned except statements from the scouts that “that the undead seemed to be fighting their shadows”. As dawn broke over the undead forces their army lay scattered across the fields all around Prodigio. A handful of undead remained, the higher orders of the survivors tried in vain to raise the inanimate remains of what once was a mighty force. Also among the destruction stood seven featureless figures covered completely in black. Not the slightest clue of their identity could be gleaned from their appearances, not even with magical aid. These seven figures walked amongst the dawn lit battlefield dispatching the final few survivors of the undead army not smart enough to have run away. As the guard forces left the walls and rode to greet these strangers they vanished in the strengthening sunlight. Who or what they were is still unknown and there is a reward of 200 gems for anyone who can provide information leading to their identification.

Times of Need.

With this recent attack on Prodigio guard units have been sent from all other cities to help bolster the defenses at Prodigio. Some say this would make it easier for saboteurs to weaken the other cities but the general consensus is that Prodigio cannot be allowed to fall. Curiously, Crawgan town has, thus far, failed to provide any sign that they will assist Prodigio in any way shape or form.

Inquisitorial Warning!

The Inquisition has posted a warning this week regarding two people they are searching for. The two people sought go by the names of Sir Brock Yates and Sir Grason Carlisle. They are believed to be very dangerous individuals and are responsible for the death of no less that 10 inquisitors. There is a reward of 100 gems each for the capture of this pair on the condition they are brought in alive!

Ogre Fashion

It has been noticed that a new trend has started amongst the ogres in the protected zone. A great many have started carrying large hammers and calling themselves Ghorr. It is believed that Ghorr is some form of ogre hero that other ogres seek to emulate. This craze has lead to serious injuries when two or more ogres meet all claiming to be the true Ghorr. Also, a great many ogres who have claimed to be Ghorr have turned up dead in strange circumstances.

The Rag & Stone Issue Five.

Undead GONE!

Soliders at Prodigio have been having an easy time of it lately after the sudden withdrawal of undead forces in the surrounding area. No-one is sure why the undead have upped and gone but many theorise it has something to do with their defeat at the walls of Prodigio some weeks ago. This is not to say the land around Prodigio are safe, there are still groups of zombies and skeletons roaming the area but virtually all the more powerful undead forms have gone.
The undead were observed to me moving away to the north, scouts were able to follow them a short distance in to the undead lands without incident which is unusual to say the least. One scout commented that “that it was like they did not care we were there, it was very disturbing” General Galeb himself has been unavailable for comment but it is known that his forces have been diverted to take control of the gate in the great wall once again. Despite having been destroyed by the undead it is a very important strategic location and it will help to keep the undead at bay when they return.
It has also been discovered that General Galeb is not pleased with Lord Kalent who still has not responded to his requests for aid and assistance sent during the recent crisis at Prodigio. Little is known of the whereabouts of Lord Kalent as he has not been seen around Crawgan for some weeks now. The council of 14 have started to ask questions about what he is planning and what his aims are. Crawgan now surely must be starting to feel the effects of the shrinking power of the life stone but still it stands, untroubled thus far by the undead. With its leader seemingly absent at the time of the zones need things do not look good for Crawgan.
There is a rumour afoot that Lady Tylin is to visit Crawgan in the near future to inspect the town and assess for herself what is going on there and report back to the council. How Kalent will react to this is uncertain, not in the least due to his absence. He and Lady Tylin do not have the best of relationships after she recently turned down his third offer of marriage to her. How he will respond to a visit from her, which ,in essence, could see an end his rule over Crawgan and the region around it remains to be seen. Should he prove to be a traitor then it would be very bad for the protected zone as a whole.

Wealthy Merchant Found Dead in Fire

Rodnir Greybeard - a leading & influential merchant near Emmet town was found dead in mysterious circumstances. The Watch were left without any clues as his mansion burned to the ground leaving only burned corpses inside the rubble! The cause of the fire is unknown but several of the bodies had deep stab and slash wounds in them which leads the guard to believe the fire was started deliberately to cover something up. Despite the lack of clues investigations will continue.

Lady Tylins Niece Safe!

Four days ago bandits kidnapped Lady Tylins niece, Rebecca. However, a brave young lad and his friends rescued her two days later. Rebecca is now safe and well and preparing for a Ball to celebrate her 17th birthday in a few weeks time. When we talked to Rebecca, she said she was still a bit shaken up by events and upset about the death of Harper her guardian, who died protecting her. Harper was a very respected ex-guard from Prodigio and joined Lady Tylins staff nineteen years ago. Rebecca also said that she is very grateful to her rescuers.

We would like to interview the young hero, Daniel, but we have been unable to locate him. His friends do not know his whereabouts either.


Trouble With Greens

It appears certain Lizard kin have been causing trouble in the area to the west of Dwartis City.
The following is a un-edited report from the victim of a rather peculiar attack which took place at the Thervenhause farm.

"Roight I woz told too rite infermasio…informafo… deetails on wot ‘appened at moi farm cuple of days ago.
See I woz lookin aftor mi land as usuol, jus standin’ admiring it and all off a sudden der are about foive of dese green lizardy folk troing to thief mi tomatoes and mi cabbages! So I gets mi axe and im runnin at ‘em n before I knowed it one of de buggers ‘ad whocked me over di noggin wiv a bally great cloob! So I gets all knocked out and such, musta been a big blighter.. anywhos.. I wakes up and the green folk ave all gone! Along wiv all mi tomartoes and cabbages! Dey even nicked mi axe! So er.. I iz missin mi axe now -and- me veges..vergest.. food! Now wot I dun understand is why wood a lizard kin want mi tomartoes? I fought dey woz cornivor… carnovo.. carno…. backwards folk wot only eat meat? I fink dey are up two sumfin if yoo ask me.
Anyways if mi axe iz found oid loike it back, of course der will be a wre...weraw… rewor… payment for dose wat gets it back tu me.
Fanks- Ragthutan Thickaxe, farmer"

There has been no comment made from the officials of either of the nearby Dwartis City of the Lizard-Kin capital of Ssliterton. Quite what has got the Lizard-Kin worked in to such a state is as yet unknown and if the officials do have any idea they are keeping it very much to themselves.

In the mean time please report any information on this event or others of a similar nature and the whereabouts or returning of Mr. Thickaxe’s weapon to the local guard.

Brothers of Knowledge - Go Home!

It seems that the illusive Ghorn Grimslade has finally met an end of his own designing. Apparently he was recently arrested by General Galeb along with a group of others that had been hiding him from us. After being confined to Prodigio a number of our brethren converged on the great city to find him. They caught up with him just as he was being carted away for execution. Further investigation has revealed that he has been distributing material relating to the existence of the Gods and has produced a report of his evidence which he sent to the council. This has, understandably created a huge uproar and he was ordered to be executed.
Therefore our fears have been allayed through natures course. I that you all for the efforts you have put in in trying to locate this individual. Now perhaps we can finally close this chapter of our past for good.

Massive Mysterious Fire in Prodigio

A fire mysteriously sprung up in Prodigio recently causing a large quantity of damage to the warehouse district of the city. No-one is sure what caused the fire to start but the guard suspect foul play. The reasons for the suspicion boil down to the large quantity of stolen property recovered from the warehouse the fire seems to have originated from. Most of it was badly fire damaged but some was in good enough condition to identify. All the items seem to have been stolen within the last few months from the merchants quarters in the city. Other indicators that foul play was afoot when several badly burned bodies were found to have been beheaded , apparently before they were burned. The current theory is that a group of thieves have tried to set themselves up but the current faction of thieves within Prodigio took offence to them.
If the fire and the significant damage it caused were not bad enough there was a secondary effect to the fire that caused even more problems and greater loss of life. Those that died within the flames arose almost immediately as undead and shambled off in to the city. It took several days before guard believed that all the undead had been accounted for. In those few days these rogue zombies within the crowded city of Prodigio caused a massive death toll. Each one accounting for between ten and twenty deaths. Such a death toll from zombies is unusual but not unheard of amongst unarmed and untrained civilians. Also as they scattered in to the city they were very hard to find. Unfortunately, the only method the guard had of locating these creatures was to follow the trails of dead left by the creatures as they rampaged through the city.
Apparently, there have been no new unexplained killings which the guard takes to mean they have eliminated all the undead loose in the city at this time.

Impossible Undead

Reports have been coming in of undead within the protected zone. Guard personnel have dismissed this as an impossibility, something that the life stones existence means is unable to happen. Yet despite this the reports continue to come in as a steady trickle. No one we spoke to was able to offer much of an explanation for these sightings. The only real theory that came to light was that the sightings are due to stress and worry after the recent attacks on Prodigio and other undead activities.
However, there are a number of more disturbing theories that we have come up with, the most plausible one being that the life stones effects are weaker than we ever imagined. The second and possible most disturbing of all is the undead have somehow found a way to negate the life stones effect.
Neither theory has a shred of evidence to back it up and the reports may be down to something far less sinister but it pays to be alert.

Order, Order

It seems like the will to do battle with the undead is stronger than ever, despite the recent pounding taken by Prodigio and the ever weakening life stone. In recent months, not one, not even two but three new orders have been founded with the purpose of either fighting the undead or pooling knowledge to help the fight. Most recently the Order of the Warriors of the light has opened its doors in Prodigio. Its aims seem uncertain at the moment but it is all for taking the fight to the undead. Then there is the Order of Sortileges, THE place to go for all you magical needs. Apparently, a determined water mage decided it was time to share the knowledge and use it to fight off the undead rather than bicker over it as has been the may mages seems to have done it in the past. Finally, there is the intriguing Order of Sashalay, a purely female order, dedicated to removing the corruption of the undead and restoring the purity of life to the world. With the determination and drive of people like this the undead are sure to be sent running in no time.

Wanted!
Dead or Alive

The following people are being sought by the Guard or the Inquisition and are to be considered dangerous.

Sir Brock Yates and Sir Grason Carlisle. These men are wanted in connection with the death of an inquisitional party. There is a 60 crown reward on each of them if they are brought in alive.

A man of unknown name but with a green and red tattoo on his face is wanted in connection with undead attacks on the gate and for assisting the undead. This man is wanted very much alive. There is an 80 crown reward for his capture.

Finally, anyone who knows the whereabouts of Thorgir Greybeard is asked to contact their local guard office.

The Rag & Stone Issue Six.

The Undead are Among us!

The mystery of the recent strange behaviour of Lord Kalent of Crawgan has been solved, but with the solution comes terrifying knowledge. The knowledge that the undead are amongst us.

It seems that the reason behind Lord Kalents strange behaviour was that his most senier and trusted advisor Soliner was in fact using foul powers to control Kalent for his own dastardly purposes. Further investigation showed that Soliner was in fact a creature that has become known as a Dampyre, a half undead so to speak.
The Dampyrs look alive in nearly every way, they eat and sleep just like the rest of us. In truth they are undead. This shocking knowledge has stunned everyone including the council, especially as two more have been found in positions close to council members.
With the release of this news there have been countless incidents of attacks on people who show differences to the norm, ordinary civilians are attacking their neighbours and strangers in the street because they do something to arouse suspicion that they are a Dampyr.
Who could have thought that the undead could have been walking amongst us all along and no-one knew.

A little investigation revealed that the Dampyr Soliner worked for someone known only as "The Grandmother" and it is suspected that she is the power in the Dampur world. Since Soliners power has been broken over Lord Kalent the guard have made over 30 rades to try and break the underground network of the Dampyrs. The slight done to Kalent by them obviously weighs greatly upon him as on nearly half the raids he has lead the guard himself, seeking to smash the Dampyrs once and for all.
Although it seems that there has been no sign of thie "Grandmother" figure.

We have been told that there is a way that Dampyrs can be detected, it has been devised by Soul casters employed by Lord Kalent although at this time he is not telling what the method is. All he has said on the subject is to watch out for anyone showing signs of unusual powers. If you see someone like that, you should report them to the guard immediately. Going up against the Dampyrs alone is never a good idea. If one of the great lords can fall under their power then they must have great powers and one man alone cannot hope to match them.
Until we learn more, be alert.

Wanted Dead or Alive

The following people are being sought by the Guard or the Inquisition and are to be considered dangerous:
Sir Brock Yates and Sir Grayson Carlisle.
These men WERE wanted by the Inquisition, however, new evidence has come to light that suggests they may be innocent. The Inquistion would still like to speak with them but there is no longer a reward on their heads.

A mysterious person known only as "R" is wanted for attempted extortion in the city of Prodigio. Guard sources say he is a dangerous individual and should not be approached.

Finally, anyone who knows the whereabouts of Thorgir Greybeard is asked to contact their local guard office.

Patrols Outside the Wall

With the sudden absence of undead, guard patrols have begun outside the wall for the first time in over two hundred years. A guard camp has been set up around the gate in the Great Wall and fortifications are being installed to try and prevent a re-occurrence of the siege of Prodigio.
The first patrols have not been far reaching but if the undead do not return we should get an idea of the lay of the land outside the wall for the first time in two centuries.

Orcs fight for Kingship

It seems that for the first time in two centuries the orcs are going to have a king. There is a gathering being held in the south of the protected zone, orcs from all over the zone are heading there to try to become the next king of the orcs.
It's not only orcs headed for the ruins in the south, representatives of all the lords and ladies are certain to be dispatched along with various council diplomats and a great many others who beleive that this will be and event not to be missed.
The importance of this event is vast on a political scale and all will be trying to win favour with the new king. No-one knows who the candidates will be but it is known that the tournament for kingship will be held according to ancient orcish tradition. In fact the orc guard unit the Silver Tusks has been granted the right by the council to hold the event under orcish law. Normal judicial proceedings are suspended and the Silver Tusks have the final say in all guard matters at the tournament.
The orcs have not had a king for the last two centuries because they lost the artifact named Olhur. Olhur is the right to become king and was lost when the last king, one Ghaznak the Obtuse, lead his forces in the great battle to hold the undead advance so the life stone could be created. It seems that a group of orcs were found outside the wall on a recent patrol to the undead lands and one of them was carrying Olhur. Immediately there were many claims to the right of kingship from different orcs and it was decided that the only true way to decide who would be the best candidate would be to hold a tournament, the winner of which would be named King.
It seems that the orcs have arranged games for the others attending the tourny. There will be ample opportunity for all and sundry to test their mettle in the tradition games of the orcs. Many are attending the event purely to pit themselves against the orcs in these games. Games will be held all weekend with the climax on the Sunday when the new king is announced. Quite what surprises the tournament will have in store, no-one knows but it is sure to be interesting.

Explosion Kills Two

Yesterday an explosion ripped thgouh a secluded derelict house in the outskirts of Escavon. Two people were killed in the blast. The guards have identified the deceased as Sebastian de Guivere and Orodreth Leralonde. Guard investigations have not revealed that cause of the blast, in fact there is even the suggestion that the house was believed deserted and empty, so there was no known means by which the explosion could be caused. Questions are also being raised about who the two deceased are and what they were doing in the abandoned house. No-one else was harmed in the blast and no other property was damaged. Guards are currently trying to trace who owns the property in an attempt to try to shed some light on this mysterious occurance.

Something in the Water Perhaps?

In the region south of Crawgan there have been a lot of stange reports coming in. Reports of unusual large plants, people with the appearance of spiders. This is in addition to the usual reports of undead and other weird and wonderful things. The curious thing is that these reports seem to be coming from one isolated area only.
For so many reports to be coming in from one area suggests that there may indeed be something to them. Apparently the guard have dismissed them intil evidence is brought forward showing otherwise because they are simply too short staffed to go chasing after rumours. Will they prove to be true? We will try and bring you more next issue.

Wrath of the Healers

It seems that something has the healers guild stirred up. A group from Prodigio have placed a bounty on the head of one Jonus the Blue. Who this fellow is, we do not know. What we do know is that he is wanted for theft from the guild, vandalising guild property and for murdering guild patients. Apparently he broke in to the guild premises and masqueraded as one of the guild members.
After his visits to the sick, a number of them reported being robbed and there are even claims that he left patients in a worse condition than when he arrived. One family claim that is ministrations actually killed the patient.
He is described as being tall, dark haired and being very pale skinned and is suspected of being an undead of some sort, possibly a Dampyr, feeding from the sick to maintain himself. The damage he has done to the reputation of the healers guild as significant and will take time to heal.
The guild has not involved the guard in this matter as yet, wanting to deal with it themselves. Exactly how they will deal with this person when the find him is unclear and the guild is not saying anything on the matter. One thing is sure, anyone who can provide a lead to this Jonus character or better still deliver him to the guild will have the lifelong favour of the guild at the very least.

Farms around Prodigio Under Attack

We have learnt that a number of rural villages and farmsteads to the west of Prodigio came under attack recently. Descriptions of the attackers seem to be vague as no two are alike, one thing is certain however, and that is that the descriptions match no known type of undead. Naturally this is a very disturbing fact. Is there another force at work in this area equally hostile as the undead? Who can say, what we do know is that the attacks ended when a group of well armed and armoured people came through the area. We have not been able to interview any of them but reports say that they arrived after guard actions failed and they returned sometime later looking much the worse for wear. Who ever these people are we owe them a debt of thanks for ridding us of the attackers.

Personal Vengance

As we reported in the last issue of the Rag, Rodnir Greybeard was discovered dead and his mansion burned down around him. At first the Guard thought the case a murder, clumsily disguised but new facts have come to light. It seems that Rodnir Greybeard was a rather influential figure in the underworld of the protected zone, dealing in things from petty theft to trading the skins of lizard-kin.
Naturally all assets of the Greybeard estate have been seized and are under investigation.
Additionally, Rodnir's son one Thorgrir Greybeard, who it seems was totally unaware of his father misdeeds has put up a 50 gem reward for information leading to the capture of his fathers killers.
His anger at his fathers death must run deeply for him place such a sizeable reward for their capture. How it is possible someone obviously close to their father cannot know of his illicit activities seems far fetched at least but that is for the guard to decide.

Rag & Stone Issue Seven.

Feral Immigrants

Guard units in the area around Prodigio have suddenly found themselves stretched to the limit once again. This time the strain is not undead related. Instead hundreds of creatures have been pouring in to the protected zone from the undead lands. These creatures are known as ferals and seem to be split in to two distinct groups, the tribes and the outcasts. The tribes are warlike and seems to dislike any non-feral with a passion. They will not deal with non-ferals and so they have been trying to fight their way in to the protected zone or they are sneaking around the edge until they are able to find another way in. The outcast ferals, for the most part seems to be peaceable and likeable creatures. Guesses have been made that such traits are not liked amongst feral society and this is why any tribe member showing them is cast out. Little is know as to why the ferals have chosen to come to the protected zone or what they want here. What is obvious is that they are being chased by the undead. Many suspect that the ferals may prove to be a valuable ally in the fight against the undead as they obviously have no likening for them either. Others however, ask the question “how have they survived in the undead lands for so long” and suggest that there is something very unusual going on with the ferals. Either way until we manage to get some sort of diplomatic relationship going with their tribes very little will be known.
People are warned to keep away from any feral tribes they see and to report them to the nearest guard as soon as possible. Ferals encountered on their own seem to be harmless for the most part but caution is advised. It is not yet know how far the ferals have spread in the protected zone or where they are coming from so reporting any sightings to the guard is vitally important. The new immigrants seem to have adopted a nomadic, lifestyle in a similar style to the orcs, again like the orcs they seem to raid others for their food instead of farming their own. This may well bring them in to direct conflict with the orcs. Certainly it seems that the new orc king is getting the orcish clans organised and many experts have suggested that the orcs and the ferals will be at war before the year is out. However, with more ferals pouring in to the protected zone every day it is impossible to say who would win such a conflict.

Formal Warning from the Guild of Healers

There is now damage being done by tainted and evil beasts which is requiring unusual levels of healing power. The injuries have been sustained from various sources but require the wound to be completely healed in one go, otherwise it does not mend.

Flaming Heck!

A recently awoken demon is said to be aiding the lizardkin in the teaching of fire magic. He is said to be an old hero who had sustained great injuries before the last battle, and was put into a torpor for his protection. He is not to be treated as dangerous, but many would be wise to not annoy him.


Death in Prodigio

Death was the special at a popular tavern in Prodigio. At least it was for a silk merchant and his entourage. Whilst taking some refreshment in the tavern’s common room before setting out on their journey, a troll named Vola seemingly slaughtered the merchant and his entourage. There were many warriors and adventurers in the bar room, who just sat there laughing, drinking and talking, oblivious to what was happening in the next room. Even when members of the guard burst in to apprehend Vola, who was wanted for questioning over another crime, the tavern patrons did nothing to aid them.

It was later discovered that the merchant had not been killed by Vola’s mace, but by a blade finer than the troll owned. It is possible that Vola was under the influence of a person or persons unknown, and was there solely to take the blame for the crime.

Soon afterwards, a dark elf named Simeon was taken into custody for questioning, as he had been with the merchant prior to his death. And then, not long afterwards, another dark elf, possibly an assassin or bounty hunter, committed suicide in the rooftops above the tavern when he was discovered. Whether he was related to the murder is unknown.

Investigations are continuing.

Dangerous Reptiles

Reports are arriving of a new breed of lizardkin whom all are to treat as dangerous. They seem to have taken on a new mission to skin the skinners and bear ill will against those who have been found to be involved in the skinners heinous trade, whether as a nefarious dealer or unwitting customer.
They are usually heavily armoured and single minded in their cause. Calling themselves “The Carnivores” this looks to be a new tactic of revenge by the lizardkin, specifically breeding for size and strength.

Personals:

Forward thinking Ogre Female Seeks Human Male for comfort.
Well built, fit, short dark hair (on head), looking for tall stranger with GSOH, non smoker.
Box 1

Hot young tiger feral offering massage services.
Box 2

Wanted! One good woman! Or lots of mediocre ones!
Me: Short male, goblin, own hair, just not on head.
VGSOH
You: Breathing, pulse, own teeth not necessary. GSOH.
Box 3

Need those dents taking out of your ego?
I can help! Good listener to massage you and your ego.
Box 4

You left your sword in my husband, please come back, I miss you. Your daughter also misses you.
Box 5

Group of ladies seek man for entertainment.
Dog owner preferred.
Box 6


Return of the King

The recently crowned Orc King made a surprise visit to our capital city, or rather, the inhabitants of Halward City were shocked to find a small army of Orcs outside the gates with their leader, one Golklâsh the Cleaver demanding entrance and audience with Lord and Lady Felgir. Upon gaining entry, Golklâsh the Cleaver introduced a bevy of diplomats to be ensconced in assorted locations around our lands.
He was then said to have travelled to a local brewery and set up a formal system of Orcs to serve, those to get drunk and those to clean up afterwards……
One hopes his marshalling does not extend to declaring war upon the rest of the zones fair peoples.

Notices:

Overnight Alchemists

Prodigio Town: Jeffery Amundson, Cloak Street
Reirox Town: Abegail Bloodstone, Tone Avenue
Halward City: Devon Summers, Vivre Road
Dwartis City: Mufilin Stonetoe, Copper Street
Elmet Town: Rosalie Fogiel, Sheepskin Way
Escavon Town: Morelas Worldheart, Catgut Road
Ungart: Habilir Oakenshield, Anvil Way
Dimlet Town: Harry Duckdown, Axegrind Avenue
Hatel: Málorbrelas Ichor, Moonface Way
Traileat Town: Linaras Sinadiel, Belladonna Street
Soeltrtron Town: Krysandal Thriororeth, Elm Street
Ssliter Town: Skuttle Thinskin, Lava Way

Historical Research

Greetings! My name is Trevellian Moss and I’m doing some historical research and wondered if there are any maps of the area outside the protected zone still in existence. If anyone owns or knows about any maps your help would be very much appreciated. Also, any titbits about places outside the zone would be welcome as well.
I can usually be found in the Prodigio Inn, or if I’m not there, there’ll probably be someone who does know where I am.

My Thanks,

Trevellian Moss


Notice from the Order of
Sortileges:
Wanted: Information, Scrolls, Artifacts etc
Money and services in return.
Also, new messaging service now up and running.
Want to send a message to your deaf granny in Reirox Town? The Order can do it!
Let granny know how much you love your new chain mail!

Warriors of Light
The re-established Warriors of Light are looking for new members.
We want good people who are willing to aid in the fight against the undead.
And not just fighters, we’re also looking for mages and soulcasters too.
We offer a range of unique skills to members to help them when battling undead.
So if you’re interested, come by our Headquarters in Prodigio.

- Captain Daniel, Warriors of Light.


Information Requests:

Any information as to the whereabouts of a miscreant going by the name of “R”, would be gratefully received by your local guard units.
He is wanted in connection with accusations of Skinning, Arson, and other underhand activities. It also seems that he is somehow involved with the desertion of a unit of guard that were found dead last autumn. He is to be treated as dangerous, and if seen, to inform the guard as soon as possible.

Your Local Guard Unit Needs You!
Our unsung heroes are always recruiting, for more information, speak to your local Law Enforcers.

Second Hand Animals, Armour, Weapons, Coffins, Clothes bought and sold at reasonable prices.
Contact: Samuel Grins in Reirox Town.