The Courant: August 2001

August 23, Thursday

Four Questions - Four Answers for the Moonglow City Council - Elv'eng

Some news from Moonglow This is the second part in a loose sequence with the intention to introduce the people holding positions in the Moonglow City Council. The goal is, that you better get to know them and can thus directly address the correct person, if you want a problem solved in Moonlgow. Today: Sauron - the new vice mayor of Moonglow. Q: Can you give us a short biography of yourself? A:I was born in Britain 24years ago. My mother and father had said to me that I should learn how to be a swordsman. I tried the ways of swordsmanship but could not master them, and eventually got bored of this. I always had a fasination with the study of magic and since being young wanted to learn to be a mage. I gave up the ways of being a swordsman and started to learn magic. Although the road was long (and an expensive one too) I eventually grandmastered the art of magic which I was extremly proud of. I then moved to a remote area, with its closest establishment being Yew. There I practiced more magic,improving what I had learnt. Eventually growing tired of living in a remote area, I moved to just outside Moonglow city, which I currently live now. Q: You have just recently been elected as vice mayor of Moonglow. What does a vice mayor do in the Council? A: The vice mayor supports the mayor in what he does. If the mayor is currently not present at a meeting, then the vice mayor takes over and chairs the meeting. Q: Many people don't exactly know what a City Council can achieve or do. Could you shortly tell us what - in general - is possible and what not? A: A city council trys to improve and help the city it is in. It might try to do this by events and projects for the people. It is also a place where people can go to say their ideas and vote on how their city is run. Afterall, the council works for its citizens. But it is not possible to reach a vote that pleases everyone, so votes must be made by the council on a whole to see which the best option is. Q: What are your visions for Moonglow's future? A: My visions for Moonglows futures are a city with more events, and 'going ons'. Events for people to gather and talk to one another and to have fun. 'Going on's to attract attention to our town and to improve the working together of the people in our town. Many thanks for this interview! If you want further information about the Moonglow City Council please head to the skypage: http://stop.at/moonglow Yoldran, -- Town Crier of Moonglow.

BagBall Match: Spiritwood vs Moonglow - Elv'eng

I recived information about yet another BagBall match between Moonglow and Spiritwood. If you dont know what bagball is then go to this location to find out more about it, http://run.to/bagball Greetings friends, Last night the most recent fixture in the all-new Britannia Bagball League was held, a friendly match between the Spiritwood United team and the visitors from the Moonglow Mongbats. Set for a 9 pm kick off, the visitors from Moonglow arrived in fair Spiritwood in plenty of time to help prepare the pitch. The goals were set up, the mid field line sketched out and the Yellow Bag filled to the brim with old logs rendering it Waaayyyy too heavy to carry. After a brief annoyance from some visiting hooligans, the teams were set and play began! From the outset, it was clear that the Spiritwood United team was facing a superior foe. Moonglow defenders held their ground well, and the bag was carried hither and thither, players puffing with exertion, with no points scored either way. But soon the superior experience of the Spiritwood team showed and they soon had their first points on the board. But it was not long before the Mongbats of Moonglow found their form and things intensified noticeably. First one, then two and finally three points came Moonglow’s way, leaving them but one short of the Spiritwood total. With their form improving all the time, the Moonglow team looked set to equalise in the last moments, causing our team from Spiritwood to look a bit nervous and buckle down. With the last moments of play, Moonglow moved the bag aggressively upfield towards the Spiritwood net, but the defence held, and with but seconds to go, Spiritwood United’s training came through for them and they scored! Final score, Spiritwood United Five, Moonglow Mongbats Four. Time was called and then, miraculously, the field was covered with free drinks for all! A gift from the Gods, proving that even the all mighty enjoy a good match! Soon the friendly pre-season matches will come to an end and play for the championship of all Britannia will begin in earnest. If you think you would like to form a team and join in the fun, take a look at : http://run.to/bagball There you will find the basic rules, although there will be some modifications before the official league begins. (The site is not fully active, but the Forum is functioning, so if you are interested, leave your name, the name of your team and an ICQ number there, and we shall contact you. We hope to move the site soon and make it fully active). Stay tuned Sports Fans, Bagball has come to Britannia! Shri, Proconsul Custodes Fati Town of Spiritwood

August 13, Monday

Lycaeum Academy Courses in August - Elv'eng

The Lycaeum reports this: (Thursday - August 16th AND Thursday - August 23th AND Thursday - August 30th:) Alchemy for All: On 7pm UK time (20:00 CET, 6pm GMT) Jonathon DeZaroe will present his course "Alchemy for all". This lecture informs about alchemy in general as well as history of alchemy in Britannia. After the theoretical part, the possibility of practical training will be offered. The course held in the Lycaeum on Moonglow island in Trammel (Friday - August 24th:) Basics of Magery: On 7pm UK time (20:00 CET, 6pm GMT) Mondaine will present his course "Basics of Magery". The lecture will provide basic information on magery and can be especially recommended for young mages. You will get information on spells, reagents and what you need to learn to become successful in the arcane arts. The course 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 Please have a look at this calendar shortly before comming to the courses! Short term changes will be posted there. Hope to see ye there! Yoldran

August 12, Sunday

Moonglow News - Elv'eng

News from Moonglow: Hear ye Hear ye! The Moonglow City Council ( http://stop.at/moonglow ) announces the following issues: In the Council meeting last saturday, the Council appointed Demona to the postition of Justiciar! She is now responsible for all legal affairs in the Council. The Council also agreed in an official alliance with Clan Ordos! Clan Ordos will use their ships to secure Moonglow's coastline and trade routes. Jonathon DeZaroe was elected new coach of the Moonglow Mongbats! He will administrate and lead the training of Moonglow's BagBall team. Yoldran, -Moonglow Town Crier.

August 10, Friday

Exploration to Wisp cave - Videric

From the Oracle: As mine research requires me to go to more dangerous places, I doth require trusthworthy hand to assist me. The Cave which is in lands of Ilshenar has daemonic forces with hostile magician living there, so I do need protection in order to study there. I also welcome other scholars, whom respect Logic and doth do their research work with dignity. The time is Saturday 11th of August, at 20 CET. And we will meet at the front of the Spiritwood University, on Trammel side. -The Oracle

BagBall Match: Spiritwood vs Trinsic - Elv'eng

Last night the new All Britannia BagBall League kicked off the new season with a friendly match between the visiting Duchy of Trinsic team and the local Spiritwood United team. A small but loyal crowd of supporters had gathered along the edge of the Spiritwood arena in time for the 9 PM kick off, anxiously awaiting the big game. A regulation yellow bag full to the brim with dead wood was produced, the field was made ready and soon play was underway. It was not long before the superior tactics of the local team shown through and all those long hours of practice began to pay off handsomely. Within moments, the mean green machine of Spiritwood United had collected the bag and a run down the line to produced the first of what were to be many goals. Determined to stand their ground, the visitors quickly reformed their line and play began once more, but again, the local side showed their form and another shot crossed the line in short order. At this point, the Trinsic team had a quick chat about tactics and when the whistle next blew, they managed to prolong the agony a bit before yet another Spiritwood goal crossed the line. By half time, the score showed a spirited 5 points for the local team and a dismal zero points for the visitors. (It would have been more, but one goal was disallowed when it was discovered that it had been kicked in by a stray cow that had wandered onto the pitch). In their half time huddle, the visitors made some changes to their strategy and came out full of fight, despite the score line, and the second half’s action was even more spectacular. By the time the end whistle had blown, the Trinsic team had managed to get a face-saving goal and the final score was Spiritwood 7, Trinsic 1. The two teams congratulated each other heartily, showing fine sportsmanship, and soon everyone was heading merrily off to Ye Old Spiritwood Tavern, where the boys and girls from Trinsic were given drinks on the house. This event went some way towards mending the bruised reputation of the Spiritwood side, who had lost their opener against the Deepwater team four nil, and only goes to show that, with practice, a team can master the fine sport of BagBall. Better luck next time Trinsic and thanks for the match! The next BagBall match is set for August the 22nd, so come on down and cheer the teams on! Shri of Spiritwood Proconsul of the Custodes Fati

August 9, Thursday

Search for Valor Fragment on the 13th of August! - Intaria

The sages had determined that the ninth would be the day to seek the fragment, torn itself into four parts. All was in readiness, and then Morrigana arrived, weak and ashen faced. "It is a red herring," she told the waiting adventurers. "Jal has altered the book. She has other plans..." Morrigana would say no more when pressed, but the plans were no doubt about the Tome of the Dark Paths. It is rumored that Angelus has the first part already, and that the second part lies with valor. Four must be assembled to be successful, according to the last set of clues. Valor's champion (whom we believe may be Heero Yuy), the dreamer (Kyp Durron), the blind, and the meek. As of yet we have not found these two. If you have any ideas, please come to Spiritwood by Sunday evening to aid the questors. The new search party will depart on the 13th, Monday night, at about 8 gmt. All are invited to aid us in this quest. For more information, please peruse the quest section of the Courant. We hope to see you there! Who is this Jal? Why does this book lie in four parts and where and how must we get them? Will be find all four parts? Surely not without your aid! And... who was the lady in white behind the Spiritwood tavern, who vanished without a trace after talking to a man in black with pale skin? If you have any information about who she was talking to, please contact Kyp Durron or Maria at the Spiritwood tavern.

August 6, Monday

The Watchers of the Lands (Final) - Elv'eng

Shri began to tell Quinn of Spiritwoods History. How the town was formed to bring peace between all races and cultures in Britannia. "However, all is not well. Recently we have been plagued by attacks from the Drow Clans. They come to the town with the intent of capturing slaves for their operations in Naeloth." Shri stopped. "Quinn, if you do not mind, perhaps I could illustate my concerns by showing you Spiritwood?" Quinn, agreed and they saddled up their horses and rode to the Yew Moongate. From there they crossed Facet's into Skara Brae. A gate was opened to Spiritwood. All three stepped through. What greeted Quinn on the otherside startled him. He knew Spiritwood well, having visited there many times. However, this was not the Spiritwood he knew. He had always remembered the Town as being a lively place. Full of people from all backgrounds. This Spiritwood was just a shell. Yes the Custodes tower still stood. But where were it's citizens. He could see no-one on the paths. It was almost as if the three travelers were the only people in Felucca. Shri saw the look on Quinn's face and spoke. "I know what you are thinking. Yes, normaly the town would be full of people going about their daily business. The Drow have changed that. People are fearful to come here now. Too many have seen friends carried away by raiding paries. Even now the house of the Skara Brae Rangers stands empty. It's occupant's drawn away to the safety of Trammel. We are looking for someone to come and help us against the Drow. Shri looked at Quinn hopefully. Quinn looked back struggling for words. How could Lord British have been so wrong to leave these people of Felucca when Minax attacked. It was then an old adage came to him. 'The rich get rich, while the poor get poorer.' Quinn sighed. Had his days in the Guards counted for nothing. Had all the people he had killed stood for naught. He had an army at his disposal, albeit tied up in the confict in Vesper. Too many times he had returned from battle, only to pass the citizens of Britain standing idly by the Bank comparing how much gold each had and what new creature they rode. Even so, he must be able to help these people. Turning to Shri he spoke. "You must know that I cannot withdraw the Britannia Guards away from Vesper. There is too much at stake there to leave the Militia alone." Shri looked saddened at these words. Quinn continued. "However, I may be able to help you. During my time I have made some good friends about this land. The Guards are becoming stronger each day. Let me speak to my allies and I will see what I can do. I cannot stand idly by while Spiritwood falls. If this town were to fail then all hope in Britannia is lost." Shri nodded at this. "Please, do not be rushed into anything on my account. I know this is a difficult offer for you." Quinn nodded and slowly made his way home. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Upon arrival at his house he tethered his horse Valor for the night. Going upstairs to his desk he began to write. He made copies of the note and attached each to a pigeon. One he directed to Geoge Foulsbane, an old friend whom had retired from the Guards. Another he sent to an elf friend of moulie. This done, he retired to his bed for another troubled night's sleep. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The next morning awoke and looked at the returned pigeons in his coop. Quinn smiled to himself. Perhaps he could help out the resident's of Spiritwood after all. All the same, what he must do next would never be the easiest job in the world. Dressing he began the ride to Britain and the Castle of Lord British. After a long and heated meeting with the Regent Quinn returned to Yew. This time he rode to the Britannia Guards headquaters. Hoping the pigeons he had sent from Britain had reached their marks, he entered. Inside, waiting for him, he saw the members of the Command. Shevcan, Captain of the Guards, Deric Brokenhelm, Dunadan of the Scouts, Sir Deathlord, Paladin of the Knighthood, Nis, Monk of the Priesthood, Killian Spoon, Head of the Shadow Guards, Emma Chionetta, Baroness of the Nobilty and Franz, the Guards Drill Sergeant. Taking his seat at the head of the room Quinn began to speak. "My friends. I have some news that will trouble you. I have just returned from a meeting in Britain where I have resigned my commision from the Britannia Guards." The members present looked shocked. Deric began to speak. Quinn stopped him. "Deric, my friend. In fact, all of you I count as my friends. Let me tell you my reasons first." Quinn proceded to tell the assembled group about the meeting he had had with Shri the night before. About how Spiritwood was being beset with attacks from the Drow. About his own feelings of uselessness in being able to solve the situation. "However, I have made my choice. The Britannia Guards will still operate under the command of Shevcan. You, the members of the council will give him all the help he needs. I know that. Vesper is too important for me to drag the Britannia Guards away. Fighting the Drow in open conflict is what you are best at. I do not want to change that. As for myself. I have contacted some friends from all corners of Britannia. We are going to Spritwood to offer our help against the Drow. We will watch the lands for their activity. We will inform you if we need assistance. Open combat is not our style. We will be more content to hastle them at every oportunity we get. It will not just be the Drow we watch. Anyone spreading evil about our lands will be followed. This will be my quest from now on. The Watchers of the Lands will ensure that the road forward from here is a better one. We must protect the land itself from those that would destroy it. I have not had a better time than when I was Commander of the Britannia Guards. Each of us changes. Destiny takes us in new directions. This is where we part company. I shall still be on the streets of Britannia, both Trammel and Vesper. The land will be my home. The litchen my bed, the trees my walls and the stars my roof. Thank you my friends." With his speach done Quinn said goodbye to his friends in the Guards. To each one he gave a personal message of thanks. Mounting Valor he turned, and for the last time left the headquaters of the Britannia Guards. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Once home, Quinn stripped out of his Britannia Guards uniform. He carefully packed it away in a chest under the bed. Life was strange and no-one knew if he would need to wear it again. Dressing in green he left the house and headed for Spiritwood... The end...

August 5, Sunday

The Watchers of the Lands (Part 1) - Elv'eng

A man dressed in green sits in the corner of the Tavern. "Ah, come and sit stranger. Let me tell you a tale of the Watchers. It is a story of great armies and the choices made by great men to save this fair land of ours from the destruction of others." ---------------------------------------- Quinn looked across the field of battle. Bodies of Men and Drow lay where they had fallen. Above his head circled the Carion, waiting for the survivors of the Britannia Guards to leave so that they could begin their feast. He let out a deep sigh. They had won the fight here today. Together with the forces of the Vesper Militia they had driven the Outcasts from this area of Vesper. But something still troubled him. He was a Vetran of many conflicts with the Guards, even fighting in the final battle for Vesper against the Militia, now his allies. Having started at the lowly rank of Page he had worked up the division to become a Sergeant before Elliot made his choice to stand down as Commander of the Guards. At this point he was chosen to lead them onward as their new leader. It was a job he loved. Under his leadership the Britannia Guards grew in strength and numbers. They became a respected fighting force. With their loyalty to Lord British and his Emmisary the Regent, and their devotion to the Virtues they had become synominous with good in this land. Turning, he spoke to the leader of his Scouts, his friend from the first days as a Page, Deric Brokenhelm. "Deric. I feel I am getting too old for all this. We stand here victorious, yet we know the Drow will return. Despite this alliance with the Militia I am growing weary of this conflict. There must be a way to keep a closer eye on the evil that roams Britannia. The Drow have set up vast slaves Mines in Naeloth, stripping the very land of it's life, yet we can do naught to stop them." "Aye, I know sir. It pains me also to see the countryside missued in this way. What do you suggest we do though? We have given our pledge to fight for Lord British. We cannot turn our backs on the Virtues, they have given us more strength than we will ever know." "True my friend. I am at a loss right now as to what to suggest. Anyway, onto more imediate matters." Turning to his men, Quinn started issuing orders for the return to their home base. ---------------------------------------- Quinn did not sleep well that night. His dreams were full of the visions of Naeloth's mighty Mine Towers. Smoke from the Smithy's covered the sun as slaves toiled to make more weapons of war for the Drow. Waking up in a cold sweat he walked over to the window of his Log Cabin. Looking out into the trees surrounding the village of Txipping Sodbury where he lived he felt calmer at the peace of the woodlands. It was one of the reasons why he loved this home. Within a minutes walk he could be lost in Yew forest, relaxing, away from the demands of his job. With a sigh he turned and got back into his bed. After a few moments he was asleep again. ---------------------------------------- The next day was long. First thing in the morning he rode to the Guards headquaters. The next hours were taken up in a discussion with his Council over the event's of the day before. Come the end of the day he was ready to fall alseep at his desk where he sat. A knock on the door brought him back to life with a start. "Come in." A Page entered the room. "Sir, there are some people here asking for you." "There are? Well, I had best go and see them then." Walking into the meeting hall he saw two strangers stood there. One dressed in the regalia of the Custodes Fati, the other in only a tattered pair of Trousers and clutching a spell book. "Hail. I am Quinn, Commander of the Britannia Guards. How may I be of assistance to you?" The member of the Custodes spoke. "Hail sir. I am Shri of the Custodes Fati. I am looking into other forces that respect the Virtues in Britannia, and my travels have brought me here. Would you mind answering a few questions?" "Not at all, shall we go somewhere more private?" Taking the visitors up to his office Quinn wondered why these people had traveled from far away Spiritwood to visit the Britannia Guards here...

The Watchers of the Lands (Part 2) - Elv'eng

Shri began the conversation. "Quinn. Can you tell me some more about yourself and the Britannia Guards?" "Of course. I had better start in the begining. I grew up in Jhelom. When I was young I survived by, well, relieving shall we say, vistors of their goods. It was on one of these days that I was nearly caught by the Guards. I decided that maybe this life was too dangerous for me and took a ship to Trinsic. It was there that I met Elliot. He was recruiting for a free company by the name of the Gravestone Mercenary Group. I spoke to him an asked if he could find me some work that utilised my talents. He replied that he could. Shortly after we were involved in the battle for Vesper. As time went on the Lord British Loyalist's seemed to fall into disarray. Soon we were the only ones fighting for Lord British. It was at that time Elliot gave the Company a choice. We could either carry on as the Gravestone Mercenary Group, or, as we had been in the void left by the Loyalist's collapse, become the force of Lord British. Now, the Vesper Militia were not the the greatest of friends with us and most of us felt the same about them. It was a simple agreement by all to change our name to the Britannia Guards. As for the final battle for Vesper? Well, as you probally know, we were defeated that night. Licking our wounds we returned home to Trinsic." "Later on, as the Britannia Guards began to grow, I grew with them. I renounced my shady past and learned the ways of a Guard. I learned about the Virtues and came to believe in what they stood for. I had just been promoted to Guard when the upheaval came. The lease on our Villa in Trinsic had run it's course. As the Landlord wished to sell the place Elliot decided to relocate the Guards to Serpent's Hold. We boarded a ship in Trinsic one fine day. The entire company of the Britannia Guards, along with Packhorses containing all our worldly goods. In good spirit's we left for our new home." "We never arrived at our destination. A freak storm rose from no-where and threw us miles off course. All at once the skies turned black. Suddenly we were attacked on all sides by Water Elementals. The battle raged for hours. Eventually we were left at peace. Looking around the decks was like looking into your worst nightmares. Men lay bleeding, Horses lay dead, crates shattered, their content's lost to the seas. The worst however was yet to come. Our Tillerman had been killed in the fight. His body lay slumped over what remained of the keel. The mast had been torn in two and the sail, if you could now call it that, was but a small strip of cloth slowly burning at the edges." "For five days we floated on. Following the currents in whichever way they led us. On the sixth day we saw a crow fly over head. A few hours later we sighted land. As our ship drew closer we struck rocks in the bay. Thankfully the boat listed, but did not sink. Swimming ashore we wondered where we were. All I knew was that it was not Serpent's Hold. Looking out we could see some lifeless trees at the far side of the beach. It took a while to dawn on us that we had crossed Facets into Felucca. Gathering some kindling we set up a fire and began the arduous task of transfering the remains of our equipment from the boat. A scouting party was sent into the Jungle to find out which isle we had landed on. The rest of us began constructing shelter from the ships planks and nearby trees. One of the scouts, our Baroness Emma Chionetta, returned a short while later with news. They had found a Temple deep in the depths of the Jungle. Leaving behind a couple of men to guard our camp we armed ourselves and followed. When we arrived I was startled by the sight. Great walls surrounded a platform atop many stairs. Walking around below were dozens of mighty Drakes, Dragons and Deamons. Our Priest, Addy, knew this place. Fire Temple. So, this was where we had ended up. On Avatar Isle." "A few months later a ship came over the horizon. Elliot awoke everyone quickly and we gathered our weapons to wait for this possible new threat. The Britannia Guards were always on edge in those days. Constant attacks by the resident's of Fire Temple had caused us much grief. Counter attacks had been organised and we had delt as much damage to them in return. On one occassion we were attacked by a Mage in league with the evil ones. He murdered three of our men and disappeared into the night as quickly as he had arrived. Anyway, I digress. The ship came close to the shore and let down a landing party. A group of armoured warriors came ashore and lined up infront of us. Stepping forward, their leader asked for Elliot. He answered and we soon discovered this man was Stormcrow of the Iron Glove Mercenaries. They had been hired by the court of Lord British to find out what had happened to the Bitannia Guards when we failed to arrive in Serpent's Hold. They brought with them many supplies and that night we feasted with the Mercanaries on the beach of Dragons Point as it had become known. The morning after, we boarded their ship and returned via the Serpent Pillars to Britain." "Shortly after our arrival in Trammel, Elliot resigned his comission with the Guards. The time in Felucca had made him think about his role in life, and he wished for a return to Vesper, the town of his birth. The Britannia Guards were in disarray at this. Our founding member and leader had gone. A new Commander needed to be sought. At the time I was a Sergeant in the Guards. Responsible for the training of our men. After some heated discussion I was chosen to take Elliot's place as leader. This was the greatest honor of my life. Me, a man who started as a common thief on the streets of Jhelom, risen to become leader of Lord British's armed forces. My first act was to secure a new base of operations for us. With the help of our Arch-Priestess, Miss Nacho, and a Squire in the Knighthood, Sir Deathlord, we found a Cabin in Yew that would suit our needs for a meeting hall. The peace of the woods would be a relief for my men and I on many a return from battle." "Over the next few months the Britannia Guards grew in size. My old freind Deric became Dunadan of the Rangers. Killion led the Shadow Guard in their covert operations. Sir Deathlord rose to become Paladin of the Knighthood. We accepted recruits from the Followers of Virtue. Their leader, Shevcan, becoming Captain of the Guards. We forged an alliance with the Vesper Militia. Elliot, having returned home, could not keep himself away from the military and had joined up to become Captain of the Bow. The Treaty of Peace between us old enemies was signed in the presence of the Chancellor to the Regent only seven night's ago. Together we have been fighting the accursed Drow in Vesper." At this name Shri's ears picked up. "You have had dealings with the Drow?" "Yes, we have fought them many times. Why do you ask?" Shri smiled. Perhaps they had come to the right place after all...