The Courant: March 2001

March 29, Thursday

Lycaeum Academy Course: Roleplaying 101 (OOC!!) - Elv'eng

On saturday, march 31st, 1:30pm GMT (14:30 CET), Renraku will present his OOC - course "Roleplaying 101". Location: Lycaeum on Moonglow island (Trammel) This is a course for all those people who always wondered how to roleplay in Ultima Online. You will get information about roleplaying in general, hints on how to talk in-character as well as impressions on how to roleplay specific character alignments. WARNING: this course is specifically for people new to roleplaying. This course is held in the Lycaeum on Moonglow island in Trammel. More information about the Academy as well as a class schedule calendar can be found on: http://learn.at/lycaeumacademy Yoldran

Daemona the Bard brings a report - Elv'eng

Howdy folks, Daemona the Bard here ta bring you all up to date on these here excitin’ events. Well, we was out a huntin’ with the lads of the Custodes Fati last night, when word reached us that we was to regroup in good ol’ Spiritwood, ‘cause Pad and them folks from Deepwater was fixin’ to go over to Shame and see that old cap. Willoughby. Well we got there and sure enough, the area just before the black mouth of that hell hole they calls Shame was a mighty assembly of folks gathered to meet the captain. Needless ta say, you don’t get so many folks standing round in one place and not have word start to fly about and before long, them savages, sun burned lads and other idiots started to gather, like circling vultures round a fat calf. Captain Willoughby started ta get a bit agitated an all and then he told us all to wait and vanished! Well, afore too long a purple gate popped up right smack in front of us all, but people sort o’ pondered and fretted, wonderin’ what to do, to go on through or wait like that old captain had said we ought to. Then someone noticed the gate had a name, in fact it was called Jacob’s Gate! Well, that’s all it took afore everyone jumped head long into it, causin’ a god-awful pile up on the other side! There was so many running through the ground got all churned up and some folks figured that we’d all drown in the mud right then and there. Eventually, things loosened up a bit and we managed to crawl inside a ways, certain that the mud men would have the upper hand and shortly finish us all off. But just then another gate appeared, another one o’ Jacob’s it seems and we dashed into it, hopin’ that where ever it lead the ground would be more solid. Well, it was, and I can’t rightly recall all the places we went to as that old Jacob lead us on a merry chase through at least three more portals. Finally, we came to a big hidden room, a “house with no windows” just like cap Will had said it would be. There, smack in the middle was a magic circle with sigils all about it. Into this stepped a pitch black Shade and slap-me-down-with-a-cold-fish-if it didn’t start to speak to us! Yep, you guessed it, it was none other than the Spirit of Jacob his self. He was moaning and complaining, the way restless souls tend to, going on about how he had lost his heart when that treacherous brother o’ his, Darkhen, had used the Daemon Daregaurd to steal his heart. He said that another heart was the key to both his freedom and to the saving of his lady love, the one they calls Annoura. You know, that hussy wot caused all this trouble in the first place all them long years ago, when she broke one brother’s heart by goin’ out with t’other. Anyway, Jacob’s ghost told us that on the 4th of April, there was gonna be a great chance to set things right by him and Annoura. See, she needs to be freed of some possession she fell under. She now thinks she is some sort of daemon or Orc or something and is hanging out with bad company in the Yew Orc Fort. Jacob says that the heart of a Great Ancient Wyrm could save her, and she in turn save him. Sounds kind-a complicated, but it seems this Great Wyrm’s got two hearts and it will be coming out on the 4th! Well, after this news, Jacob sort of faded out and we all headed back to Deepwater to tell Captain Willoughby what happened. He was just about to hand out some thank-you presents when, what do ya think walked into the town square but a brazen pack o’ Necromancers!! They arrogantly demanded that other book called Domain, at least a part of it known to be in the hands of the Custodes Fati leader, Pad O’Lion. Natch we all laughed at them, us outnumbering them and all, but maybe, just maybe we laughed a wee bit too soon. Brazen they was, brazen I tells ya, for they just pulled out their weapons and started layin into us all right then and there! Before you knew it, they was joined by Skeletal Knights and Mages, Liches, Lich Lords and who knows what else. The ground was knee deep in broken bones and moaning bodies by the time the dust settled, and that ol’ captain Willoughby was no where ta be seen. I guess he gave them presents over to Dianora, the Mayor o’ Deepwater to hand out, and skedaddled on outta there. Well wouldn’t ya know it, there wasn’t nothing suitable fer a Bard in the whole sack!! Sheesh, I told her we ain’t all mindless fightin’ brutes ya know. Oh well, maybe that old captain’ll bring a few more things round next time, includin’ his stomach when the going gets tough! Ta ra fer now- Daemona, Tellin’ tales for the Custodes Fati

Concerning the Tome of the Crimson Serpent - Elv'eng

Greetings good souls. I write to inform thee of the events these past two nights concerning the Tome of the Crimson Serpent. On Monday, as requested by the Noble Captain Sothe Willoughby, we gathered in the Counsellors hall at Serpents Hold although, due to some distortions in the space time continuum, the Captain was over an hour late in arriving. When he did at last appear, he asked the devoted scholars and questers gathered there what they had learned of the Tome since its retrieval on Thursday last. As we told him of our initial findings, a soldier of the King’s Guard called Otis entered and approached the captain, stating that he had an important message to deliver to him. With that, the soldier revealed himself a traitor most foul, and proceeded to attack Captain Willoughby with a mighty Halberd! The assembled masses immediately leapt to the good captain’s defence and as the traitor Otis was beaten to within an inch of his life, I cast a spell of paralysis upon him and called for the warriors to bind him and demand his surrender. He shouted defiantly that he would never surrender and that the devil herself had commanded his actions, or at least “she” had appeared to be the devil to him. At that point Willoughby called out that Otis was a traitor to the Crown and that he should be put to immediate death! I protested that all had the right to a fair trail, but to no avail and the wretched Otis was shortly despatched. After saying a few words over the poor late fool, I turned once again to the captain, who was now asking pointed questions as to what the Tome revealed about the ancient druid called Jacob. It was determined that there had once been an expedition to a cemetery outside of Cove, where the apparent tomb of Jacob had been discovered. Accompanied by Captain Willoughby, we quickly made our way there, only to discover that evil red Liches calling themselves Darkhen’s Guardians were defending the place. After a fierce but brief battle, we gathered round the grave, which was revealed to be that of Joseph rather than Jacob. Some suggested that Joseph was the original name of Jacob’s brother and then rival, since transformed into the wicked soul now known as Darkhen. Upon the grave was writ the following inscription: “His brother’s love, his brother’s nayme, defiling both in tyme, in shayme.” Needless to say, we immediately made our way to the dungeon called Shame and gathered once more, prepared to enter and search the place from top to bottom. But just then, captain Willoughby stopped us. He requested that we return the following evening to proceed and this was agreed. Refusing a gate to civilisation and safety, the good captain took his leave of us then. And now I too take my leave as I was not at the events of last night. Peace Unto thee Michael, First Chancellor, Spiritwood University

March 23, Friday

More on the The Crimson Serpent - Elv'eng

Yesterday evening, while I was preparing some food in the Owl's Eye, a pigeon came to me carrying a message from Gui Zarith of the Custodes Fati. The message said, that this Captian Willoughby of the Kings Guards would be in the Councellors Guild in Serpents Hold, telling some interesting things. Gui asked me to gather some guards and come as well. Quickly I grabbed by equipment and went out to the Fighting School, where my sister said, some guards were training. When I arrived, I told shortly that I would need a few guards to follow me to Serpants Hold and Viking, Veron, Oculus and Glag accompiened me there through a gate, Dardan Brook was kindly providing. After we reached Serpents Hold we went to the Councellors Guild, where allready some people had gathered. Mostly from Spiritwood, but also from Moonglow and a few others I don't know. Of course there was also Captain Willoughby, in his shining silver armor, who was allready talking to Michael, Chancellor of the Spiritwood University and the officials of the Custodes Fati. The captain told something about a curious book, which was in the possession of the Royal Guards and he couldn't make a sense of. Because of this, he asked all the people here to help him and discover its secrets. A book in the possession of a man in silver? Was that not was Rilla mentioned the day before? I became even more curious, as I allready was before. The captain continued, the book was now in the possession of another captain of the Guards, called Darius, who waits for us in the Warriors Guild. Soon we walked the few steps to there, but before we reached our destination, we were stopped by hordes of ratmen and lizardmen, who attacked us. Slowly we marched forward to the Warriors Guild, killing all the beasts in our way. When we reached the Guild, we noticed, that the building was also occupied by even more of the beastmen. A large battle begun and soon I lost an overview. What I can remember clearly was, that two men in ring mail were coming to me and started to attack me. One of them I saw close to Captain Willoughby, while we have been in the Councellors Guild before. Treason in the Royal Guards? I had not much time to think about this, because I was busy to save my life. Fortunately our Guards protect me and also some friendly mages healed me, so I survived this asassination atempt, but an unlucky blow hti my head and so I felt asleep for a few moments. After I was awake again tha battle was amost over and I was save. The asassins were gone and no hint could be seen. Upset about all this I was looking for Captain Willoughby, who was concearned about the fact, that Darius was slain and the battle and the book maybe lost. Before I was able to talk to him about the asassins, news spread orcs were attacking Spiritwood and the book might be there now. A gate was cast and we went to Spiritwood. When we reached the town no orc was there, but someone mentioned Gui was in possession of the book. While everybody was looking for him I was finally able to face Captain Willoughby to tell him about the treason in the Guards. He couldn't believe, what I told him and mentioned that maybe someone had took he uniform of a slain guard and attack me. Then he continued, that I was mentioned in the book somewhere and so took my intrest back to this. Finally Gui appeared and I folloew him and Michael to the place, where he put the book. Michael made me copy and after this I went together with our guards back to Deepwater. I was just starting to read the book, when I had to realize all that what happened this day was too much for me. Before I felt asleep I was only able to read the title of the book: "The Crimson Serpent" and the first line: "Darkhen will cayme..." Dianora Mayoress of Deepater

Tome of the Crimson Serpent - Elv'eng

Hail good friends all, It is with deep concern that I pen these words now, for I know not the full meaning of the events of these past two nights, and yet I feel certain that they are of grave importance to all goodly souls. Last night, I made my way to the Magincia home of the Gypsy known as Rilla, for I had heard that she had warned the people of Spiritwood just the night before that terrible visions plagued her. As I got there, many had already gathered to hear her recount her visions. As one we fell silent and watched as she waved her hands over the Crystal Ball of Far Sight and closed her eyes in deep contemplation. To our collective consternation, we all clearly saw the swarming writhing forms of red serpents coalesce within the sphere. She shuddered and then relaxed, claiming that this was all she had been seeing for some time now. The assembled folk told her of the giant red serpents that had attacked Spiritwood just the night before, along with a vast horde of huge Rats and Lizards that walked like men. They spoke as well of the sighting of the black-hearted Irae Darkhen who strode among them with impunity, summoning yet more vile minions to do his wicked bidding. Rilla set her mind to deep concentration and tried to see more of what lay ahead, this time using her gift of glimpsing future events through her deck of prophetic Tarot cards. This time she saw more, indeed ‘twas the form of a great and ancient book that she saw then, one which she guessed was called the Tome of the Crimson Serpent. This she called a book of Prophesy, one that, in the hands of the forces of good, could change the very course of events to come. She spoke of fleeting visions of warriors of Silver standing fast in defiance of sorts. Someone suggested that the Order of the Silver Serpent, the King’s own honour guard, could be the ones she saw there. It was then that I pointed out that some weeks back, Pad O’Lion, master of the Custodes Fati, had mentioned to me a visit to Spiritwood by a certain Captain Sothe Willoughby, Paladin of the King’s Guard. It seems that this Captain Willoughby had asked the brave and true of our fair community to come to Serpents Hold on the 22nd of this month, for there was to be a grand gathering for Military Manoeuvres of some sort. He added that this Captain Willoughby had seemed vexed and concerned by certain threats that he was unwilling to elaborate on, and mentioned some lost book of sorts. The assembled listeners were surprised by this, and realising that the 22nd was indeed the very next day, hastened to make ready. And thus I arrive at today’s events. Having shared the recent news with students and staff at the Spiritwood University at our regular Wednesday night Current Affairs symposium, I decided to gather a couple of keen learners and head over to watch the promised Military Spectacle in Serpents Hold. When we arrived we were surprised to see the Captain there in a nearly deserted chamber. A few hastily despatched pigeons were all it took however, and soon the Counsellor’s Hall was bursting with representatives of Spiritwood, Deepwater and beyond. Captain Willoughby spoke of a book called to my surprise the Tome of the Crimson Serpent! I informed him of Rilla the Gypsy’s visions on the matter just the night before and he seemed quite alarmed that she should have knowledge of this recently recovered relic. He told us that a certain King’s Guard called Darius was now in possession of the Tome, and that he now sought the help of the assembled scholars to put their minds to deciphering its riddles. Darius he told us, was in the Warriors guild awaiting us even then. As the assembled warriors and dignitaries made their way to the warrior’s hall, they were met with an explosive attack of literally hundreds of Rat and Lizard men within! Long did the fighting rage, with waves of assault and counter attack blowing like a fell wind back and forth again. The honourable Darius was struck down, alas, but not before the Tome of the Crimson Serpent somehow found its way into the safe hands of Gui Zarith of the Noble Order of the Custodes Fati, who wisely spirited it away to safety in Spirtiwood was the final tide turned and victory fell to the forces of righteousness. In Spiritwood a great gathering formed and voices clamoured for news of the Tome. Gui Zarith gave it into my care and Captain Willoughby charged us all to see to it that it was studied by the wise of the realm, BUT, also to keep it safe from those of wicked persuasion who would use its powers for their own selfish ends. An attempt was made to gather together a body of scholars in old Spiritwood, which collapsed in dispute as first the Drow Xirzen, then an Undead Lord know in former life as Valdemar Den and finally the ancient Orc Wozza Saktoth made clear their vile intentions of stealing the secrets of the Tome for their own. As tensions grew and reports of a full out Orc attack echoed through the Spiritwood Town Hall, I fled through a magical portal to Skara Brae’s Moongate between the realms, followed closely by the evil Saktoth and the brave Amos, Dean of Valour at the Spiritwood University. The Wozza tried to grab at me as I made my way to the moongate and safety beyond in Trammel. Amos drove his horse between us and interposed himself. Again the Orc tried to grab at me and again Amos swung his mighty Halberd to separate us. Now the Wozza produced a wicked gnarled black staff, not unlike the one I had know to steal the souls of the unwary, (which I had subsequently been called upon to restore in times gone past). I realised that I was in mortal danger and fled as Amos struck again, this time at the cruel staff itself. A few paces into the trees, I wove a spell of invisibility about myself and then magically transported to the safety of the University tower. Here I now sit, having long considered these events and the words of Captain Willoughby, who charged me to share the contents of the book, but at the same time to protect it from evil eyes. Thus, I have constructed a sacred and blessed alter upon the roof of the University tower here in Spiritwood Trammel. Bound round with a multitude of magically ensorcelled and blessed gem stones, betwixt four beacons of cleansing light upon which sit holy ankhs, held in a sacred purifying eternal flame and couched in sanctified silver and gold threads, it sits. All these and more wardings have I woven about the Tome of the Crimson Serpent, such that no evil hand may remove it. And so it rests, free to all goodly souls who would gaze into its pages and see the secrets of what might be unfold therein. All are welcome to come and test their wits ‘gainst its riddles. By my hand Michael, First Chancellor of the Spiritwood University and Humble Monk of the Virtues.

March 18, Sunday

Report on the DWWC - Elv'eng

For coming to the Deepwater Wrestling Competion. It was a grand success. And ye all fought well. The final stood between Arabelle and Zaal'Ug, from the Severed Head Orcs. Witch turned out to be a good fight, but in the end Arabelle won. Though Zaal'Ug did very well indeed. Arabelle, who recived the check on 25.000gp, have now gained the title "Wrestler of Deepwater". And she will hopefully defend this title with in two weeks when the next Deepwater Wrestling Competion will be held. Ryndir - Event cordinator http://deepwater.lemming.org

March 16, Friday

Deepwater Wrestling Championships - Elv'eng

This sunday (18/3) night Deepwater will host the Deepwater Wrestling Championships again. However this time we'll be in the Deepwater Tower of Magic, witch is located east of the Deepwater tavern, Owls eye. It will start at 9pm cet (8pm gmt). Wrestlers should be there atleast 10-30minutes before the event start to sign up. Wrestlers will have to pay a fee of 1000gold coins to join, this will go in to the prize pot that can be won. The winner will recive a check on 25.000gp, and will also get the title Wrestler of Deepwater, untill the next competion. Rules of the the competion: You may NOT use healing in any form, nor may you use weapons or armor. If any of this rules would be broken by one person, he or she will be kicked out from the event. However, you MAY use bonus potions, sutch as refresh, strenght etc. Leather/Studded gloves may also be used, and this can be magic if the person wants to wear that. So do not forget, this sunday, at 9pm cet (8pm gmt). Deepwater will host its Deepwater Wrestling Championships. And you can win up to 25.000gold coins. Location is at the Deepwater Tower, witch is located east of Owls eye, the tavern in Deepwater. Ryndir - Event cordinator http://deepwater.lemming.org

March 11, Sunday

A report on the town attacks - Elv'eng

Well, last night I thought I had better have a little look around and see if all them rumours o’ doom and gloom was true and if the cities of the realm really were filled with all sorts a new horrors like them Town Criers was sayin’. I headed over to Empath Abbey in Yew and first thing I saw was a pack of Hell Hounds snappin’ at everyone’s heels and causing a right mess and that was inside. By the time I got to the door it was to be greeted with the shocking sight of a stack of seething red fleshed Daemon corpses all freshly done in by the local defenders that was gathered there, including a detachment of Militia men from Stone Keep. Good to see them putting their swords to good use these days. Well I headed into Yew town centre and had a little chat with the Town Crier there who had all sorts a things to tell me. He was rabbitin’ on about Death Vortexes popping up in all the towns, ‘bout how doom was stalking the land, and how Yew and Magincia were being invaded. He also mentioned that the Gypsy woman Rilla Takhista was at her house in Magincia waiting for the last word of power of the four parted riddle that could be used to bring an end to this sad state of events. I decided to head straight over and see what she was up to there. Sure enough, soon as I got there I saw people fighting everywhere, but especially round a big evil looking black stoned temple that was spouting Lich Lords by the handfuls! There was a dedicated pack of Dragon Tamers there taking these undead lords on and doing a fair job of holding them back, but all over town new divisions of skeletons, zombies and liches were rampaging through the streets. I got to Rilla’s house just in time to see that she was waiting for just one final word of power, the one from the South, as the other three had by then been successfully recovered by the brave adventurers that was trying to help solve the crisis. There I also saw that funny old Orc Wozza, the one they calls Saktoth of that Severed Head Urk clan, and he seemed to be waitin’ too right along with Rilla, who told him that she was sure “it would work”. I ain’t rightly sure what she meant though, but that old Wozza was a frettin’ and a worryin’ about something. When at last this last word of power was brought back to her, she immediately headed over to the Dark Temple and started to cast a batch of magic on the energy barriers that were blocking the way in. ‘course everyone followed her and there was quite a press of people gathered round trampling the ground into a quagmire. It seems that the evil residing there had one last trick up its sleeve though, ‘cause as soon as she had brought down them walls, a flock of screeching hell fire Phoenix birds came a swooping out and attacked all the gathered host, followed by all the remaining Lich Lords in one huge wave. Well, needless to say most folk there was paralysed with fear at the very sight o’ this screaming unholy host a floodin’ down on them, and added to the deep mud that was churned up by all them pounding feet and well, it ain’t to hard to guess what happened next. Right and left the defenders went down, screaming and panicking on all sides, their big old Dragons was not even enough to save them. It was a scene of utter carnage I tell ya, and I aren’t ashamed to say that I was quite overwhelmed by it all and passed out cold under the weight of that attack! By the time I struggled to my senses again, I could see through a haze of smoke that bodies was lyin’ all over the place, horses men and even a few of them evil red birds and Lich lords. Everywhere there were the souls of the departed wandering among the dead and moaning in agony. It were truly awful I tells ya. Well folks struggled to get themselves back on their feet and gather up what few possessions they could, as the Dark Temple began to fade away before their very eyes. In among it all, I could see Saktoth gleefully runnin’ about telling everyone how he was saved from his self. He said something ‘bout how that Rilla had “Blessed me udder half wit Kompasshun and dat created me”. I ain’t sure what he meant, but he did seem to be an awful lot nicer than I ever seen him be before. Afterwards, once Rilla had thanked all the defenders for their brave sacrifice, and had taken the few who had actually gathered the words of power back to her house, presumably to give um some sort a reward, I saw Saktoth tellin’ Dianora, mayor of Deepwater that he wasn’t sure where he would now go or what he would do. I guess he had changed his wicked ways. Seems that the city of Magincia wasn’t the only thing to be rid of evil last night…. Daemona, relating tales for the Custodes Fati.

March 9, Friday

Burrator was set to his final rest - Videric

Burrator, our dear friend whom was set to final rest before his time in most horrible way, was burried yesterday. The Ceremony was lovely and I wish to thank those who were involved in arranging it. Peace to thy soul Burrator -Videric Gaveston

March 6, Tuesday

Another visit of Rilla Takhista in Deepwater - Elv'eng

Yesterday evening, as usual on Mondays, Rilla Takhista, the well known gypsy fortune teller, came to the town of Deepwater. When she arrived in the Owl's Eye tavern only a few people were present. Because I heard she was looking for something, I asked her about it. She told that, what she was looking for has been found by a paladin named Willoughby or by one of his men and that this man is not letting it out of his hands. I knew that a man of this name has been in Spiritwood and Stonekeep for the quest about some important papers, which have been lost. Was this, what Rilla was looking for? And have these papers been found now? I had no much time to think about it, because Rilla continued: "Remember when folks went to Cove? And there was a fragment of a poem there?". "Darkhen he cayme..", she recites, "Something about making his name?". "Apparently it was from a book that has been found. I am not sure how I will find out what is in it." I asked her, if this book could be another part of the book of Domain, but she negated my question. Without further details she changed the topic to something else, she had seen in her magic crystal ball. She tols she had seen a dark temple or something. A large building made of black stones, surrounded by ice. No doubt this was the same building Bronco, the vice-mayor had decovered last week. Again no time to think or ask about this. Without interruption she spoke from the next thing she has seen. And this was most frightening, because she had seen that Trinsic could fall under Minax rule again. On the top of the temple is something, Rilla couldn't say more about. Only that this is after the cleansing or the shrines the only place in all of sosoria which is left under the corruption of Minax. She told us to have a look about this place. Also she mentioned a third vision she had, but she couldn't tell about it because if she does, it would betray a friend of her. Then suddenly a lot of orcs appeared around the tavern and a battle begun. The few present guards and guests were fighting brave and after a short time all attackers haven been defeated. After the battle was over there was only one orc standing. It was Saktoth, Grand Wozza of the Severed Heads orcs. The attackers haven't been from this clan, so I was a little surprised to see him there. Also he looked very ill, while he entered the tavern. He went upstairs and Rilla followed him to talk to him. During their conversation I learnt, that Saktoth was blessed by Rilla some time ago and that because of this blessing he has split in two parts. One the evil Orc Wozza, we all know much to good, and one this ill orc, with no evil thought within, who was sitting before us. He told the evil part was fighting and draining power from him. He continued, he would soon vanish, if nothing would help him. Rilla seemed very worried about this and to save this good part she promised to find a solution to help him. She told him to come to her house in Maginicia on Wednesday. Then Saktoth vanished. Rilla was just starting to tell me something, when Nicolas, Dean of the school of unseen of the Spiritwood University arrived to tell us Spiritwood would be under attack by the necromancers, who are looking for the book of Domain. Soon someone casted a gate to Spiritwood, but when I was entering it something seemed to be wrong. I couldn't leave it for several minutes and so I couldn't see what happened. When I finally was able to leave the gate, Bronco was beside me. He told me the Undeads have been defeated and Rilla, who also came together with us, allready went home to Maginicia. Before she left she told, we should not forget the have a look about the dark temple and we should come to her house on Thursday, when she hopes to be able to tell us more. With again a lot of unanswered questions we went back to Deepwater. If anybody of you is visiting the city of Trinsic during the next days have a look about the place Rilla mentioned and if you notice something unusual let us know about it. Regards Dianora

March 5, Monday

Spiritwood Trial comes to Shocking End - Elv'eng

Last night the Spiritwood Court of Justice convened to hear the case of "Cathy" versus the Town of Spiritwood. The trial came at the conclusion of an extensive hunt and a complex sting operation set up to capture her and bring an end to her criminal activities in and around the town. She stood accused of a list of heinous crimes, but the principle charges brought against her were Armed Robbery, Attempted and Actual Kidnapping of a Minor, Armed Assault, Attempted Murder and Child Abuse. As the packed court room settled to attention, the Honourable Judge Michael, First Chancellor of the Spiritwood University, asked the two lawyers to step forward. First was Aaron Ravenheart, Phalanx Imperia of the Custodes Fati, who had been appointed to present the case for the Prosecution. Next was Nicolas, Dean of the School of Honour at the University, asked by the accused to represent the case for the defence. The defendant was asked to state her full name, and although she first answered with yet another of her numerous aliases, she did relent and admit that her true name was Cathy. The trial began with the list of charges being read out, followed by a brief statement by the defence council, who claimed that his client was but a poor lass struggling to find her way in a turbulent and unsafe world. The Judge thanked them both and Aaron Ravenheart called his first witness, who was Aranlindale, Manager of the Spiritwood Tavern. He recounted how he had witnessed many of the crimes carried out by the accused, and her frequent use of disguise and deception, including masquerading as a pot and kettle sales woman. He went on to claim that it was this ploy that she used to get him alone in the back room of the Tavern, where she subsequently placed a sword to his throat and made demands. He also claimed that the same woman had been the apparent Kidnapper of the child Ivy, whom had disappeared under mysterious circumstances some time before. Aranlindale said that he himself had been the key point of contact with the kidnapper and had negotiated with the accused, whom he claims threatened to break the child’s fingers if her demands were not met. He then went on to relate that he had witnessed her arrest in the home of Gideon and Cat Okenhome. This he described in detail including the trap involving the concealment of three officers of the Custodes Fati and their subsequent appearance and arrest of the accused. However, when pressed, Aranlindale admitted that he could not point out the victim by sight, as, being an alleged master of disguise, she had hidden her true appearance and indeed, looked to be a different person during each alleged event. Aranlindale was however adamant that, being of Elvin descent, he could recognise her by the sound of her voice alone. The defence council of course challenged this claim, which lead to several hearing tests being performed in the courtroom. By the end of his testimony, Judge Michael looked less than convinced that all of the alleged crimes being credited to the defendant could be proven on the flimsy claim of voice recognition alone. The prosecutor Aaron produced as evidence a disguise kit, which he claimed had belonged to the defendant who, he said, was a master in its use. He also produced a Katana with an ominous green smear on it, along with an oilcloth, some empty bottles with the same residue in them, and a sprig of deadly nightshade. These too he claimed as being the belongings of the accused. The woman called Cathy denied all, even going so far as to claim that she could not employ a disguise kit due to the nasty facial injuries she had received at the hands of the arresting officers. The Judge examined her face and agreed that she had been heavily wounded. He then asked Mell O’Gees, a local craftsman expert in the identification of arms to be called into the court to verify the presence of poison upon the blade, which he did. The next witness called was Illuma Cthol also of the Custodes Fati, and one of the officers who had been involved in the trap that lead to the arrest of the accused. Illuma testified that the accused had struggled and fought to resist arrest, and in doing so had struck him with a deadly poisoned katana. The same, he alleged, as the one now presented to the court in evidence. The Judge examined his wounds and agreed that the injuries were indeed consistent with the use of an envenomed blade. He then gave Illuma some ointment for the wound and asked him to dress again. At this point the defence council Nicolas again made the counter charge that his client had been the victim of unlawful arrest, that she had been fighting in self defence and that she was in fact not a criminal but indeed a victim of police brutality! The prosecution team of course vehemently denied this. The Judge took note and asked for the next witness, a young woman called Alynora, to take the stand. She told the court how the "pot and kettle" saleswoman, whom she alleged to be the defendant, had come to the Okenhome residence while she, Alynora was there. The woman had asked her a great many questions about the owners of the house, their whereabouts, the layout of the house and indeed about their twin children. Alynora admitted under cross-examination that she had at the time assumed all these questions to be no more than the normal nosiness of the average sales person. She then went on to describe the arrest of the accused, admitting that the Custodes Fati had concealed three officers within the house, who sprung out and attempted to disarm her, which lead to a violent scuffle during which at least two people were injured including the accused herself. With this evidence, Aaron Ravenheart then formally requested a warrant to search the bank box of the defendant in the expectation of finding further evidence of thievery therein. The defence council objected and there followed a heated discussion at the bench. The Judge asked Aaron to explain how any items found during such a search could be positively identified, and he suggested that he could identify his own bandanna which he claimed the accused had stolen from him during yet another alleged robbery. Nicolas objected and stated that, as a poor waif, the accused might well have picked up the bandanna after the true criminal had removed it from Aaron. The Judge finally ruled that such a search would only be carried out if there was proof positive that such a search would reveal uniquely identifiable objects. The Prosecution then asked Kamar the Guard of Deepwater, and well known Cat-Man, to offer his superior olfactory senses to link the evidence with the accused. It was pointed out that a disguise kit might well change the appearance of a person, but that the sense of smell, as with hearing, might well penetrate such a deception. Again, the issue of whether any items found in the bank box could be positively identified as having been removed from their owners by the accused, rather than subsequently picked up was raised. The Judge ruled that such a search would be deferred until the end of the trial, if allowed at all. At this point, the defence council, Nicolas, was invited to put his case. He proceeded with much vigour by demanding the removal of the prosecuting attorney whom he accused of violent and irrational behaviour during the apprehension of his client. He claimed that, being a past subject of Cathy’s amorous advances, Aaron had been acting more as a jilted lover than as an impartial officer of the law. He demanded that cross charges of assault, battery and excessive force be lodged against Aaron----, producing his client’s blood stained and torn dress as evidence. He further claimed that his client had been subject to an invasive strip search by two male officers of the Custodes Fati, in direct contravention of the rule of common decency. Outraged, Aaron denied the accusations levelled against him. There followed an acrimonious dispute, which the Judge finally brought to order. When calm had once more been restored, Judge Michael asked Nicolas if he had any further witnesses to call. He called his client "Cathy" to the stand. Under questioning, she denied charges of kidnapping and child abuse, but did admit to frequent theft and occasional use of force, much too the consternation of her defence council Nicolas who, in exasperation called to her to shut up. The Judge stepped out from behind his bench and, having asked the defence attorney if he had any further questions, approached the accused himself. He asked her directly if she was admitting to robbery and assault charges. She said that she was, but to no more. Judge Michael then asked Kamar the Cat-person to step forward as an expert witness. He then placed two disguise kits before him and asked him to smell both and tell the court which he sensed had been in the defendant’s possession. Tail flicking and whiskers twitching, the feline guard of Deepwater bent and took a long sniff. He then approached the accused and smelled her. Following this, he correctly identified the one that Aaron had submitted in evidence. The Judge subsequently noted that the defendant’s appearance had changed even during the course of the trial, indicating that there was indeed some truth to the claim of her being a master of disguise. Next he asked Kamar to smell the poisoned Katana and the oilcloth. He did so, and again claimed that they bore the sent of the woman called Cathy.. With s deep sigh, the Judge returned to his seat and proclaimed his verdict. On the charges of Kidnapping and Child Abuse, he found insufficient evidence for conviction. On the charges of Theft and Assault, he found, by the defendant’s own admissions in court, sufficient evidence for a conviction. On the charge of attempted murder, he found the evidence of the use of deadly poison sufficient for a further conviction. He therefore announced that Cathy was in his view guilty of three out of the five charges that had been brought against her. However, he did also note that the method and severity of her arrest had perhaps been overly aggressive and so he was minded to be merciful in his sentencing. He proclaimed that Cathy should be confined in a secure jail for a period of not more than six months, with time off should she show good behaviour and compelling evidence of repentance, to be followed by a further 6 months of community service. At this point, the defendant shocked the entire court room by turning to Gui Zarith, an officer of the Custodes Fati whom she had apparently fallen in love with during her ordeal, and said farewell to him with a kiss. She then quickly consumed a poisonous power that she had no doubt concealed upon her person, and was soon wracked with pain! The courtroom erupted in confusion and panic, with many rushing forward to save her. One of these apparent saviours suddenly drew a scimitar and struck Cathy down in cold blood even as others reached out to cure her!! Her assailant turned out to be an Infamous Pirate who had apparently been contracted to kill the accused! Before the astonished court could learn more, the attacker was himself cut down in a hail of fury as he tried to hack his way out of the courtroom. In the aftermath, Gui Zarith was inconsolable and in his grief and rage threatened not only two of his fellow Custodes Fati but Judge Michael himself before storming out of the chamber and into the night, tears streaming down his face. A cold stillness settled on the room as the last of the observers left. Nicolas approached Aaron and shook his hand, adding that all counter charges of assault on his part would be dropped. The Judge sat with his head in his hands consumed by sadness at the tragic ending, wondering how he could possibly have saved the sad waif called Cathy. Michael shall be holding a small service for the late Cathy in the Spiritwood Chapel on Wednesday Night at 10 GMT. Shelby the Town Crier of Spiritwood