#thequill

29 Rova, 4710

Stag Lord Dead!

Inside sources have provided me with detailed information about the Greenbelt expedition calling themselves the Iron Ravens! Apparently, their foray into the Stolen Lands was fraught with danger. The vile bandit leader - aka the 'Stag Lord' - apparently slew one of the expedition members with dark ritual magic! The remaining three, bolstered by the Medvyed and Garess nobile houses, tracked the Stag Lord to his hideout upon the banks of the Tuskwater. There, they fought a grand battle, with bandit minions raining storms of arrows upon the hearty adventurers. The Iron ravens were able to charge into the hideout and Slay the Stag Lord, but not before he was able to summon lightning from they sky itself down to smite the young Garess noble! Their success here has led to a great honor - The Swordlords of Restov have recognized them as rulers of the lands once terrorized by the Stag Lord, which they now call Thornvale.

Assassination!

A young Rostlandic noble was found dead in his quarters in New Stetven several weeks ago. A speaker for the crown disavows any involvement in the murder by the Surtova family, instead blaming the death on 'violent drug peddlers' from the seedier districts of the city. Rumors swirl about the young noble having been poisoned, and tempers have flared between royal guardsmen and various groups of Rostlanders.

Ancient Temple Discovered!

In the heart of the Narlmarches, an ancient temple to Erastil has been discovered. Currently, it is under the care of a travelling priest of Erastil. This priest, dear readers, is a known murderer and has even been expelled from the church in Galt! Which begs the question - should a killer be responsible for such a sacred place?

Dragon Sighting!

Recent reports from those in-the-know have revealed a new danger to arise out of the Stolen Lands. Several hunters have reported seeing a dragon flying above the trees in the south Narlmarches. So far, there have been no reports that the creature has made its way north towards Restov, but such a danger on our southern border cannot go ignored. Several hunters have gone so far as to petition the Lord Mayor Sellemius to insist the kingdom of Thornvale take care of the problem.

The next issue of The Quill will be a treat, dear readers! I am setting off on an expedition to visit this infant 'kingdom' of Thornvale! Don't miss all the details about their wild and hedonistic people!

Wanted Criminal Wanders Restov!

The recent arrival of a Grey Gardner and his entourage in Restov has caused quite a stir and sent the rumor mill buzzing. Like always, yours truly has the real-deal! The Grey Gardner immediately paid a visit to the Lord Mayor of Restov and obtained a writ of authority, permitting him to search and apprehend a dangerous Galtan fugitive. Take care, readers! This criminal is the mastermind behind the murderous slaying of a young noble AND a dozen or more traveling entertainers. The refugee is reportedly a fair-skinned elf and was last seen wearing a purple cloak.

Holy crusade into the Stolen Land?

Recent documents have uncovered more details on the last and final expedition headed into the Stolen Land. The group, calling themselves the Iron Ravens, indeed has within it’s ranks the membership of a orc-blooded follower of Erastil. I have cunningly obtained his holy symbol as proof! Worry not - dear reader - it was given in good faith as I  am no thief! Questions still plague this group, however: Why would a goodnatured follower of the Stag God call among his companions a devil worshiper? Rumors also swirl about the recent disappearance of one of their members. A disagreement on terms of employment? Or something more sinister?

More Bandit Deaths!

This just in - at least two more farmstead households near Nivakta’s Crossing have been found brutally murdered near their homes. Clear signs of banditry on the rise! Reportedly, these events occurred within days of the withdrawal of the garrison at Fort Serenko. The soldiers were last seen marching north, towards New Stetven. Insiders suggest that the soldiers have been sent to reinforce the border with Issia and protect against invasion. But with the garrison gone, will the bandit plague continue to sweep into southern Rostland? Bloodpyre Fields has the heat, but it still can’t compete! As always, good readers - look for the next issue of the Quill to discover the latest blazing details!

Breaking news, avid readers! It seems we shall finally have the courtyard to ourselves! It has come to my attention that several expeditions are planning on departing Restov this very week!

Onward, ho!

Inside sources have revealed that the expeditions of Baron Drelev and Maegar Varn are planning on departing this next Toilday. The young swordlord, Handor Garess, will be marching out of Restov on Oathday, and wants all in Restov to come out to the streets and see his expedition off. Lord Garess has personally stated that one lucky lad or lass will even get to ride with the brave leader on his horse to the city gates!

The Iron Wraihts - VANISHED!

As of dawn this past Fireday the Iron Wraiths have disappeared from Restov! A crucial source has revealed that the four hearty adventurers slipped out of town during the darkest hours of night. Reportedly, the quartet spent the evening enjoying a fine meal at the local Inn, the Shrieking Shrike. After retiring to their chambers, strange chanting could be heard coming from their room. In the morning, the door was opened to reveal the room empty and untouched!

The mystery expedition, revealed!

Though the skilled investigative talents of yours truly, I bring to you the juicy details of the fifth mysterious expedition, soon to set forth form Restov. They call themselves the Company of the Iron Raven, and profess to toil for the grater good. It is said that they seek to bring a balance to the Stolen Lands by maintaining a sense of freedom while protecting the strength of community. Their secrets, however, tell another story. Among them walks a bloodthirsty ork-spawn, who towers among simple men and disguises himself behind vestments of Erastil. A devil-worshiping arcanist also walks among them, and it is said he has visited many local shops seeking bargains for dark magic. A poison-laced rouge of questionable moral fortitude, who is purportedly a twisted fey-giant disguised as a man! All led by a halfing swordlord, rumored to have 'accidentally' slain at least three of his classmates at the Aldori Academy! Truly fascinating that such a group of misfits would band together!

Look for the next issue of the Quill for all the news that is hot as the breath of Daralathyxl!

Stolen Land Expeditions!

This intrepid reporter has managed an exclusive interview with someone in-the-know about the Stolen Land expeditions assembling in the town square. My source - lets call him BG - has been instrumental in supplying several of the expeditions with provisions for their journey. Let’s see what he knows!

BG, what can you tell us about the expeditions assembling in the square?

From what I can tell, there are at least five. One led by a wealthy noble, Baron Drelev. The second is led by  Maegar Varn, a young noble from a minor house. The third is being assembled by an veteran group of hearty adventurers calling themselves the Iron Wraiths. The fourth is led by an upstart Aldori Swordlord named Handor Garess. Finally, there's a relatively unorganized group of misfits led by a priest of Erastil named Armauk.

That’s quite a few groups! What do you know of them? Can you tell us a little about the Baron?

The Baron Hannis Drelev, and his wife Pavetta have assembled a team of the most experienced men around Restov. They are very well funded and equipped. Rumor is they have been granted a charter to survey and subdue some area west of Brevoy, in the Hooktounge Slough. I have had the pleasure of providing the Baron with much of his provisions for the journey, and can confirm he has spared no expense in his preparations.

What about the Iron Wraiths?

At first glance, this expedition appears the smallest - just three men and one woman. I assure you they are not to be underestimated. Rumor has it that they are veteran adventurers of several campaigns, and they certainly appear very skilled in sword and spell. I've heard they too are headed west, and have been buying some equipment consistent with hilly and mountainous terrain. My guess would be the Glenbon Uplands is their destination, but they've been tight lipped about much of their mission.

And the young Varn noble?

Maegar and his mercenaries call themselves the Varnling Host, and are a rowdy, youthful bunch. They are quite confident, and are already making claims that they will have the Dunsward conquered in mere months. Word on the street is that Maegar is likely to be passed up to inherit his father’s title, and he’s eager to prove his worth in other ways. Watch out for this ambitious group.

What of the Swordlord, Handor Garess?

Less a lord and more a youthful upstart,I’ve come to learn that Handor is a recent graduate of the Aldori Academy. He does, however, have the respect of many of his peers from the school. While reasonably funded - from whom I know not - most of his expedition is composed of his young and inexperienced peers. Still, they seem determined to prove their abilities. Supposedly they are headed south, into the Kamelands.

Banditry Plagues Brevoy!

Banditry is once again on the rise, claim multiple sources in southern Brevoy. This reporter has seen their savagery in-person, and let me tell you - it is not a sight for those of soft disposition! One source near ivatka’s Crossing claims to have seen bandits devouring a man’s very soul! Evidence gathered on sight point to dozens - if not hundreds - of roving bandit gangs, evading the law by fleeing into the untamed wilderness of the Stolen Land! Our noble Swordlords have been unable to stop this menace, which begs the question: Are they on the take?

Expeditions Assemble!

Have you noticed all the extra wagons and piles of supplies accumulating in Restov’s main square? This brave reporter has uncovered the truth of their purpose! Lord Mayor Ioseph Sellemius has commissioned multiple groups to venture south into the Stolen Land. Several noblemen and a few rag-tag groups of brave explorers have received charters to operate on Brevoy’s authority. But yes, dear readers, we’ve seen this all before. Remember the missing Edwin Expedition? I fear these poor souls will suffer the same fate!

Protests against the King!

It’s no secret that many in the southern state of Rostland resent the overbearing rule of our King Noleski Surtova. The way he favors our Issian neighbors to the north is undeniable! Still, Setting fire to the local taverns here in Restov only harms us all. I, for one, call for a truce in the streets - if nothing else than to let men (and women!) drink in peace!

The Red Raven strikes again!

The notorious - yet - beloved thief known as the Red Raven has struck again!  A local noble - who shall remain unnamed - has reported the theft of a valuable heirloom necklace! Authorities have been unable to recover the item, but the sudden appearance of free food in the slums south of the Shrike River point to our benevolent Red Raven. Unsubstantiated claims of Red feathers littering the bed of the affected noble seem to indicate this was a retributive  theft - but for what transgression? More to come!