The Courant: April 2002

April 11, Thursday

Enemies And Allies - Videric

A new story was submitted. Enemies And Allies

April 10, Wednesday

Trinsic Market Report - Elv'eng

Last Sunday I had the honour to visit the Trinsic Market Day by personal invitation of the Duke and Duchess of Trinsic. Arriving a bit early at the place near the Trinsic docks, we watched busy merchants from all over Britannia preparing their wares for the market, while slowly people started to arrive. We then were welcomed by Duke Ikus and his lovely wife Duchess Isolde of Trisic, who, despite their efforts getting everything organized, found the time to greet us personally. Soon the market place was bustling with activity and amongst the fine people I recognized some familiar faces. After our booth, offering fine Spiritwood ale to the visitors, was set up I organized some fine, colourful pixie made stools from Salix to make it more comfortable. It was then, that the Ikus, the Duke of Trinsic held his welcoming speech: “Citizens! Friends and Visitors!” he started, “It is with great pleasure, that we can invite you all today to this day of joy and trade in peaceful circumstances. The market has just begun and will be accompanied by several events. Please remember though, that sale of poisonous or magic weaponry is forbidden. This has been done, to protect the city and loyal subjects of his majesty. Unfortunately there are talks of rebellious groups that has it’s roots from the free city of Vesper. That is why every Vesper merchant will need a trade permit. However, please enjoy this market day. ” Although the part on the rebellious group made me wonder a bit, I soon was occupied by debating the tradition of chicken fights with a cute little pixie named Snow Shimmer, forgetting all about rebellions and trade wars. While the trading commenced, a small ring was prepared fer the chicken fights which was soon to begin. Curious spectators crowded around the ring to watch the spectacle, while I continued my ale, watching from a safe distance. It was then, that, Barahir Netanve, regent of Britannia arrived at the event. The Duke and the Duchess immediately welcomed him, while the curious crowd silently watched the formal ceremony. “It is with great pleasure”, Duke Ikus announced, “that our lord and regent Barahir Netanve has found the time to visit us on this happy day for the City of Trinsic!”. Soon afterwards the preparations fer the Trinsic Champion Tournament started at the centre of the market place. Minos Numenor, apparently the organizer of the event, then called into the ring each guild’s champion, while the Duke announced: “Contestants! Today you will battle for the title Defender of Trinsic. The honour will be given to the victor along with 25.000 gold pieces. Good luck to you all!” Then the contestants were divided into two groups, each battling each other till only handful would be left fer the finals. As I intensely watched and cheered our Eques Balrog, representing the Custodes Fati, I could nay follow the other fights that well, so please, dear reader, excuse the lack of information regarding the other fights on this evening. Both Balrog and a warrior named Albion fought each other two times and made it into the finals where they had to oppose some serious looking mages. In the end a quick wizard named Sauron prevailed over his opponents and won the title Champion of Trinsic. After the cheer fer the new Trinsic Champion had ebbed down, Duchess Isolde invited our delegation to an open meeting of the Trinsic Council. We gladly accepted the invitation and followed the prozession to the Trinsic Meeting hall, located south of the Royal Bank. The meeting started with a welcoming ceremony, while the present nobles, flanked by their advisors took a seat in a comfortable meeting room within the hall, while servants rushed to and fro to tend to the needs of the assembled nobility. After everyone was seated Duke Ikus opened the meeting with the issue regarding the trade laws forced against Vesper merchant. Of course the Vesper delegation responded nay pleased to these new laws imposed on 'em. There also was talk about rebellious activities and high treason in the city of Vesper. Issues, surely nay taken lightly by the present regent. Suddenly the door burst open and two strange men, still mounted on steeds of war, appeared inside the meeting hall. Immediately guards jumped up, weapons drawn, moving infront of the nobles in order to protect them from those disturbing the peace of this high meeting. "Ah .. my foolish Duke", one of them adressed the ruler of Trinsic, "You await me?", he asked seemingly amused. "Indeed, I do!", the Duke replied, while waving back his men ordering them to stay calm. "Ghaun ...", the Duke then adressed the stranger, "... please, the sword ...". The man named Ghaun did nay seem very impressed by the assembled nobles and their warriors, "I thought this was a negotiation, not a demand?", he shrugged. "Indeed it is, so state your wish ...", the Duke answered calmly. "My wishes are ...", Ghaun continued, "... safe travels within the city of Trinsic. The blood of 10 dead citizens per month. Plus one virgin maiden per year for us to sacrifice." After he had announced his demands, the people expressed their disagreement in loud shouts and curses, "Never!", "Outrageious demands!", they shouted. If nay fer the Duke's control over his men, a fight might easily have erupted at this point. The arguing and shouting continued fer a while until Ghaun agreed to wait a limited period of time fer the Dukes decision. After the strange visitors with their cruel demands had left, the situation slowly returned to normal, although one could feel the tension of the nobles. All in all this was a day to remember, and I’d like to thank everyone involved fer the chance to experience such a nice evening. Kind regards Pad O’Lion of Spiritwood

April 5, Friday

The Trail of Nuala Sapphire - Elv'eng

We recived this from Spiritwood Court Last night the Spiritwood Court was packed to the rafters with members of the community eager to witness the long anticipated trial of Nuala Sapphire, who had been accused of the premeditated murder of our dearly beloved local doctor Maria. The case for the prosecution began with officer Preben D’Armond of the Custodes Pax reading out the list of charges brought against Nuala: Premeditated first degree murder of Maria and subsequent resisting of arrest, including her escape from custody in the Spiritwood town jail, necessitating an order of extradition to the city of Trinsic for her return to face justice in Spiritwood. The Defense entered a plea of not guilty to the first charge of first degree premeditated murder, but conceded and offered a guilty plea to the second charge. Officer Preben opened his case by calling Steveo of the Knights of Virtue to take the stand. Under questioning, Steveo stated that it was a widely known fact that Nuala had on several occasions threatened Maria for reasons unknown at the time, and even resorted to actual bodily harm upon the person of Maria in past encounters prior to the night of the alleged murder. He stated that on that fateful night, Maria had expressed her fears for her own safety and as a result, she had been escorted by armed guards of the Knights of Virtue to her clinic, where she subsequently went inside – alone- and was left to her studies. Steveo claimed that an armed guard remained in position outside the clinic, but that as far as he was aware, no one was seen entering it. A short time later, a scream was heard ringing out across the town of Spiritwood and many rushed back to the clinic where, inside, they discovered the accused, Nuala Sapphire, standing near the body of Maria, allegedly clutching a still bloodied dagger in her hand. Nuala was then apparently attacked by Steveo and knocked unconscious, before being dragged to the Spiritwood town jail to await her fate. Meanwhile, Maria, who was still alive at the time, started to fade and no amount of healing on the part of those gathered round could stem the flow of blood and save her life. She was reported to have died a short time later. Under cross examination by Crowley, the counsel for the defense, Steveo admitted that he and the accused had had a number of acrimonious exchanges prior to the evening in question. He further admitted that he had not seen the actual attack on Maria that had apparently lead to her demise. He had not been at the clinic, but had only arrived later to see the scene as described. He seemed somewhat unsure as to who else may have been on hand, stating: “Laesha was certain to have witnessed it, I believe Barak Aselam and a few others would have though I cannot remember all names at this time.” When pressed further, he added no new details of his actions beyond the fact that he had attacked Nuala in an effort to over power her and take her into custody. Next, Preben called Barak Aselam of the Custodes Fati to take the stand. Under oath, Barak stated that he had been drinking in the Spiritwood Tavern when he became aware of a disturbance at the local clinic. He claimed to have rushed to the scene and arrived to see Maria struck down and Nuala at her side, along with several others. When asked under cross examination if he saw a weapon in Nuala’s hand, he said that he could not recall one, but added that his memory was not all that clear due to the fact that he was under the influences of alcohol at the time. He stated flatly however, that he had not seen the actual murder. He further admitted under cross-examination to being a heavy drinker. Next Laesha Astral was called to the stand. She stated that she had been the one placed on guard duty outside the clinic doors. She did not mention if she had searched the clinic before allowing Maria inside and so could not have known if it was empty at the time. She stated that as far as she was aware, Maria was continuing her researches within. When asked to elaborate on what these researches were, Laesha stated that Maria was studying the creation of certain potions relating to the regeneration of life in deceased bodies. Laesha Astral then went on to say that she too heard a blood-curdling scream and then entered the clinic, where upon she discovered Nuala standing next to the collapsed body of Maria, holding a bloodied dagger in her hand. She claimed that others arrived, including Steveo and that Nuala was then attacked and knocked unconscious in order to take her into custody to await charges. When cross-examined by Crowley for the defense, Laesha admitted that her relationship with the accused went back some time to when Nuala had been an acting officer in the Custodes Pax and served the town of Spiritwood and its residents. She admitted that she and the defendant had had a somewhat acrimonious history, resulting in several scuffles, some actual fights and many heated words exchanged between them. She claimed that Nuala’s prior threats against Maria were well known around town, but was hesitant when pressed on the issue of whether or not she- Laesha- had had her own judgment of Nuala’s character unduly influenced by their past animosities. She stated however quite clearly that she had not seen the actual blow that lead to Maria’s death- despite Steveo’s earlier suggestions that she had in fact witnessed this- arriving on the scene only after Maria had apparently succumbed. Laesha claimed to have seen Nuala clutching the alleged murder weapon, a bloodied dagger, but when pressed on the issue of why Nuala would chose such a blade when she was well known for normally wielding a Kryss, she was unable to offer and coherent explanation. Finally, Nuala Sapphire was called to the stand. She told a story of how she had once served the town faithfully as an officer in the Custodes Pax, but that her secret adherence to the worship of the dark being known as The Guardian had been uncovered by Maria, who apparently had threatened to make this public knowledge in an effort- claimed Nuala- to discredit her and see her lose her post in the Custodes Pax. Nuala claimed to have at that time been in a period of self-analysis, making a concerted effort to better herself and to shed her selfish ways in an effort to seek redemption through public service. All this she claimed, was placed in jeopardy by Maria’s threats of exposure. She admitted having had heated exchanges with Maria over this matter, and even went so far as to admit that she had caused actual bodily harm upon the person of Maria in past encounters, but quickly pointed out on a number of occasions that she had never injured her so much as to place her life in danger. She claimed that on the night in question, she and Maria had quarreled. They had gone their separate ways and Nuala had chosen to go for a walk in an effort to clear her mind. She denied having gone to the clinic after Maria, although she did admit to having the skills needed to slip unseen into the place. A short time later she claimed that she had then heard screams coming from the clinic and had rushed to the scene, closely followed by Laesha, Steveo, Barak and others. According to her own testimony, she had been the first to arrive and thus, she has subsequently been unjustly taken for the killer herself. Naturally she panicked and tried to flee, but was over powered and knocked unconscious before being dragged to the cells in the basement of the Spiritwood Town Hall. Preben then surprised the court by producing a diary that he claimed to have been given him by Steveo, who had said at the time that he had acquired it after over powering Nuala and searching her body. This revelation was not made apparent by Steveo or Laesha during their own testimonies. The passage was read out in court and stated the following: “Vigilance is the constant state of mind any servant of the Guardian should maintain. It is the backbone of the Guardian’s defenses, to watch for foreign and domestic foes. I hope you didn’t touch the ink while reading this Maria. I never asked you to reveal my true alliance to everyone. I was even starting to enjoy my work as a Custodes Pax and perhaps if I had longer I may have found some sort of salvation for myself, but by revealing me to your Virtuous associates, you showed me that I have no hope of redemption or forgiveness. Fate has set the stage and I must play this tragic drama until its bitter conclusion. As I was born in darkness so too will I die within it….” Nuala admitted that the words written within the book were her own. She again reiterated that she had not killed Maria, that as the passage demonstrated she had been wrestling with her own inner demons when Maria had apparently revealed damaging information about her personal spirituality to others with the intention of harming her position within the town. Finally, she denied that the book contained any actual threats against the life of Maria. But she did not elaborate as to the meaning of the phrase: “I hope you didn’t touch the ink while reading this Maria.” Nuala’s was the last testimony and her account was then followed by closing statements from both the prosecution and the defense. In his closing remarks Preben D’armond conceded that the evidence was perhaps not sufficient to get a finding for full first degree murder and asked for a lesser charge to be tested, for example that of second-degree murder. Crowley for the defense pointed out that no evidence was presented that would irrefutably place the guilt on her head and that any murder case should be dismissed and his client set free. It was then left to the Judge to make his ruling on this grave matter. Judge Michael solemnly stood and delivered his verdict. Although there was clear evidence of often violent intent shown by the defendant for the victim prior to the crime, there had in fact been no eye witness as to the crime itself. The evidence was purely circumstantial and therefore a capitol conviction was in his eyes, unproven. There remained too many issues of reasonable doubt. However, the clear admission of past aggravated assaults, coupled with resistance of arrest and fleeing her imprisonment had been clearly shown, and there could be no lingering doubt as to these issues. Therefore, he sentenced Nuala Sapphire to Exile, stating that she should be placed in a small boat in the far western seas with minimal rations and not be allowed to again return to the jurisdiction of the town of Spiritwood until such time as three souls of known honorable countenance should come before the court and vouch for the repentant nature of Nuala Sapphire as proven by her subsequent actions. Until such time as a convincing case for her rehabilitation be made, she would be considered as an Out Law in the eyes of the court, subject to immediate arrest should she return to Spiritwood. The case was closed and acrimony erupted in the courtroom. Many were outraged, others stood by the ruling calling it just and fair. Under a hail of accusations and recriminations Nuala Sapphire was removed from the court and after a few short interviews in the cells below, she was placed on a small boat called the Redemption and cast adrift in the far seas with but 40 fish steaks to her name. After the trial, we caught up with Judge Michael and asked him to elaborate on his findings. “ Although Preben had clearly demonstrated a pattern of abuse and threat towards Maria, the evidence as to why this state existed between the two was more ambiguous. Maria was known as a good and caring person, and yet all seemed to agree that there had been some threat leveled by Maria against Nuala in the form of the exposure her religious predilections. Maria would have been fully aware of the danger this would cause Nuala and I am sure would not have leveled such a threat lightly. Thus we had a case of each being a danger to the safety of the other, rather than a one sided animosity. Naturally this complicates things. Add to this the fact that Maria’s exposure of Nuala’s religious leanings brought the ire of many others in the community, and Nuala would then find herself in the position of being a natural common scapegoat in the eyes of many in the event of some mishap befalling Maria. The fact that no one had actually seen the murder was a major issue, and when coupled with the fact that no one could verify weather or not Maria was actually alone in the clinic, this raised some doubts in my mind. The three witnesses were not entirely sound, Barak admitting his drunken state and both Lasha and Steveo admitting a history of animosity with the defendant that could have made them less than objective. As to who was present outside the clinic at the time of the fatal wounding, we had the word of Laesha against that of Nuala, a pair with know hatred between them, and no independent witnesses at the scene at that precise time to verify one claim over the other. It is possible that Laesha was not actually standing right there and that Nuala was in fact the first on the scene after the attack. It is possible that someone else had been hiding in the clinic all along and that they had used magic to escape discovery after committing this heinous act. Also, I was suspicious of the evidence from the book that was read out. Why would Nuala have had this on her person at the time of her arrest? Why did Steveo and Laesha both choose to omit this find from their evidence? It was clearly addressed to Maria, the question is was Nuala bringing it to her? In which case why, if she was only then to striker her down immediately? Was Nuala seeking to recover the book from the scene of the crime, seeing it as potentially incriminating evidence, only to be caught up in the fast unfolding events? Why would Nuala have chosen to strike with a dagger rather than her customary weapon and why would she ever attack at all if she knew a guard stood directly outside the door- if indeed there was one- knowing that she would doubtless be caught? And what of this strange reference to the ink? If this was somehow noxious and perhaps dangerous to Maria, what is the need for a dagger in the first place? And why would Nuala warn her about it? Finally, little seemed to be made of the strange “Researches” that Maria was conducting at the time. From the description offered by Laesha, these studies sounded dangerously close to some sort of questionable necromantic enquiries and it seems to me that more evidence could have been gathered as to the nature of the apparatus she was using at the time. It is just possible that what happened was the result of some devastating accident in her own researches, which could potentially account for the fact that her wound defied healing. In trying a capitol case of this nature, one that presses a claim of fully premeditated first-degree murder, one must in the end be left with no lingering doubt as to the guilt or innocence of the accused. We must not let our pre-existing prejudices as to a defendant’s religious beliefs, past history, lack of control or short temper cloud our judgment. The facts must speak for themselves alone. In this case a crime was committed without witnesses and we have a dispute over what happened next. When such a case goes against the highly charged emotions of those involved, either as participants, or simply as members of the community, many will accuse Justice of being blind. I say to you now, Justice IS blind. It must be in order to be just. Blind to a defendant’s race, creed, political affiliations, gender, popularity or any other pre-existing prejudicial considerations. . Only then can a case be heard in a totally fair and unbiased manner and the guilt or innocence of the accused be determined – beyond a reasonable doubt- on the strength of the evidence alone. Finally, I would just like to add that my heart goes out to all those who, like me, knew and loved Maria. She was a dear friend to us all and shall surely be missed.“ Spiritwood Court Reporter

April 4, Thursday

News from Magincia Merchant League - Elv'eng

Got this from Magincia Merchant League We are pleased to announce the co-operation between the Magincia Merchant League ( Mgn) and the Moonglow City Council for this project! a) What is it? This is a market that has been planned over a year and ready to be fullfilled! Except with the trading and selling of goods there will be venues that will keep the crowd entertained and giving everyone a chance to lift off their burden of every-day life. Some of the events will be: Gladiatorial Combats hosted by the Magincia Merchant League in co-operation with many warrior guilds. There will also be active bettings on contestants! "Game O'Seven" hosted by the Magincia Merchant League Cow Tipping, a local event hosted by the Moonglow Council b) When shall it happen? This event will happen at Saturday 6th of April from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm GMT ( UK time). Of course it is not neccesary to say it will be hosted in the town of Moonglow. For more information, it is suggested to visit either The Magincia Merchant League Forum ( please place this link http://www.mgn.multiservers.com/boards.htm) or the Moonglow Council Message Board ( link here http://pub50.ezboard.com/fmoonglowcityfrm1). Both will contain vital information about the market's planning and hours of the events. We hope to see you there!

April 3, Wednesday

Spiritwood University - Elv'eng

We recived this from Spiritwood University It brings be great pleasure to announce the start of a new season of training on offer at the prestigious Spiritwood University. As ever, our educational program is open to all who seek learning and advancement within our ever-changing realm of Britannia. Only the Dungeon Survival sessions will be limited to members of the University, all other courses may be attended freely by any who are interested in coming along. The courses we offer are beneficial to both Newcomers only recently arrived in the realm, and hardened veterans alike. All are welcome. The Path of Valor- A course of training in the Way of the Warrior: The Practical part of the course is designed primarily for those new to Britannia or to the way of the warrior (although more experienced warriors may still learn something) and will include such things as: which skills are required by or useful for a warrior; the consideration of all types of armour and weapons, and which to use in any situation; the importance of balancing and controlling strength, dexterity and intelligence; using potions; travelling in Felucca and Trammel. The Philosophy part of the course may be attended by anyone who wishes to learn of the Virtues, although the talks will be mostly from the point of view of the warrior. Discussion will be encouraged and it is hoped that we will all learn together. 9th April Basic Practical 16th April Intermediate Practical 23rd April Basic Philosophy 30th April Advanced Practical 7th May Intermediate Philosophy 14th May Advanced Philosophy and exam Emer Sharpspear Professor of Valor The Path of Compassion- Studies in the Healing Arts This course will detail the theory and practice of the Healer’s Art and is a must for anyone intending to master this essential skill, whether it be to enhance their own fighting prowess or to aid those in need wherever they may be found. For many, the mastery of the healing arts is the highest goal one can aspire to, so come join this essential course and learn of the wonders of the healer’s touch. Classes are held on: Thursday April 18th Thursday April 25th Thursday May 2nd Thursday may 9th Ceinwyn, Lady of Trinsic Guest Lecturer at the Spiritwood University An Introduction to Role Playing Role Playing in Ultima Online provides a truly remarkable shared stage where player experiences are limited only by their own creative imaginations. Through creating a character and stepping into his or her skin, one can directly enter into a form of entertainment that is truly unique from any others, allowing you to be an active character within the pages of an ever evolving story, a story that you have as much control over as anyone. Why settle for playing a game, when instead you can share in a world of boundless possibilities? In this short two part course, we shall provide a basic set of guidelines and introductions to concepts of online role playing, how you might apply them to Ultima Online, and where to find like-minded individuals within the Europa Shard to share your stories with. Classes will be held on: Wednesday April 17th Wednesday April 24th Michael Chancellor of the Spiritwood University Further courses will be added as details are finalized. In addition to the above listed courses there is a continuously evolving series of seminars and special events hosted at the famed Spiritwood University. For the latest information check the calendar at: http://university.rper.org All lessons take place (initially at least) in the Trammel Campus of the University. To find this (and the Felucca Campus in the same place on the opposite facet), head east along the mainland road from the Skara Brae docks. When you come to the second road on the right, at the crossroads a short way inland, go south. Keep going south then east past the farms and homes, and soon you will arrive in Spiritwood. The University is on the far eastern side of the town, in the end of the clearing closest to the south-western corner of the Sosarian Hedge Maze. Please feel free to come along to these or any other events held at the University, as well as to recommend our program of activities to any you feel might benefit. The University has a mission to help guide and nurture all who seek further knowledge within our realm. Also- be sure to keep an eye open for future courses and events offered by the Spiritwood University. Sacre Benedictus Michael Chancellor of the Spiritwood University Magistrate of Britannia Humble monk of the Virtues