The Princedom of Novashan Your Source for News From

The

September 5, 1009 Vol. 22 Issue #8

your source for news from The Princedom of Novashan Contents this Issue: High-Ranking Druid ing others or eating, but that High-Ranking Druid Miss- Missing it was very unlike him to miss ing by Byerly Vorrutyer a meeting with such an impor- by Byerly Vorrutyer 1 vered “Greenhand” tant personage as the Lord Plague averted in Redish- Regent, particularly with such ton Ellings, an elder in E a lucrative deal in the offing. by Alexandria Cunningham 2 the Kingdom based Temple de’Fleur, who was visiting There were some signs of a Passage to Norsica Barred the Principality to discuss struggle, but no blood and no by Shawn Guster 2 the possibility of the Temple sign of anyone going into or Figures in History: Aibone obtaining a charter to oper- out of his chamber. by Alerick Von Bremen 3 ate in the Principality as well The Temple de’Fleur is of- Screams in Illveresh as the Kingdom with Lord fering a substantial reward to by Apparitional 5 Regent Drakensburg, has anyone who can help find the Visions of the Future gone missing from his quarters missing druid, who is a popular by Divine Madame Merdapossa in Yardsmuth. His attendant member of the order and very 5templars, both younger mem- skilled in the magics of the wild, bers of the peaceful Order, My studies of Dragons often assisting farmers with reported struggling by Ciruelo Cabral 6 him missing The Temple de’Fleur is offering a fields or Strange Happenings some days substantial reward to anyone who helping to ago, when by Lapis Lazuli 6 can help find the missing druid... re-estab- Missing Underworld Boss!? they discov- lish wood- ered he was by Lapis Lazuli 6 ed areas no longer in his rooms after he after they have been lumbered Laws with Order didn’t come down for meals for out. Anyone with information by Yitzchak 7 two entire days, and missed a regarding the whereabouts of Classifieds 7 meeting with the Regent. Master Evered Ellings can The young men both said that seek out the representatives of their elder often spent days the Temple in Yardsmuth. or even longer without see- Plague averted in Redishton within days he arrived with a small contingent by Alexandria Cunningham of the baronial army to enforce quarantine error gripped the streets of Rediston from outside the city walls. briefly, as a recent shipment of grain Eight days after the quarantine began, it was wasT discovered to lifted. Business quickly have originated Governer Taeil stated, “it is far better to returned to normal as those from plague-ridden inconvenience merchants and citizens trapped inside the walls were Pelain. Governor once again allowed to go on than it would be to risk a plague spreading Mordo Taeil insti- their way. Governor Taeil tuted a temporary unchecked through the entire barony.” issued the following statement quarantine of the in regards to his decision to city late last moon when word of the plague- close the city. “Even though no trace of the plague ridden grain became known. Ships and mer- was found, it is far better to inconvenience mer- chant caravans alike were delayed for half a chants and citizens than it would be to risk a plague fortnight as the local militia, aided by officials spreading unchecked through the entire barony.” In from the ministries university, locked down the addition to this the Governor stated that he would city while the inspection commenced. Fear of be “taking a direct hand in revising the way ship- a plague run rampant even drew the attention ments into the city are inspected, in the hopes that of Brisbane’s steward, Dust Azureus, as something like this can be prevented in the future.”

Passage to Norsica Barred These events have by Shawn Guster been compared to The reef seemed to eports have come from some trading the recent geo- stretch from one side vessels that the bay of Norsica has logical events that of the fiord to the other beenR surrounded by an impassable reef of have prevented creating a wall that ob- mysterious coral. The discovery was made travel into Ashan, structed sea travel... as the trading ship Oleander made a which have trip north to export goods from the been equally Norsican port of Gjævingsfiord. enigmatic in The reef seemed to stretch nature. All of these events have led from one side of the fiord to speculation that the return of to the other creating a wall the fey is responsible for the re- that obstructed sea travel. cent obstructions materializing. The Oleander reportedly Scholars have yet to deter- dropped anchor and inspect- mine to what purpose these ed the reef, claiming that the events have, if any. With all coral itself seemed to shim- the troubles these times have, mer with an almost magical could these mysterious hap- hue. Messages were sent penings carry with them some through spell and bird to sign of hope, or yet another dark Gjævingsfiord to seek any fate for the people of Novashan? information that the Norsicans might have, yet no response has yet been received.

2 Figures in History: Aibone by Alerick Von Bremen ibone (240 - after 274) was a 3rd century Syr- ian queen of the Palmyrene Empire. After her father’sA death, she headed their nomadic Arab tribe, before becoming the second wife of King Septimius Odaenathus. She became queen of the Palmyrene empire following Odaenathus’ death in 267. By 269, Aibone had expanded the empire, conquering Stygia and expelling the Tomarian prefect, Tenagino Probus, who was beheaded after he led an attempt to recapture the territory. She ruled over Stygia until 274, when she was defeated and taken as a hostage to Tomar by Ayrel. Reportedly she was locked in golden chains after being captured and brought to Tomar in this way. She wore golden handcuffs in Ayrel’s military triumph parade. Ayrel was so impressed by Aibone that he freed her, granting her an elegant villa in Tibur where she became a prominent philosopher, socialite and Tomarian matron. Family, ancestry and early life ibone was born and raised in Palmyra, Rysia. Her Tomarian name was Iulia Ayrelia Ai- bone,A but she was most commonly referred to simply as Aibone’. In Ylfshea, she is known as Enobia Septimia Aibone, having added Septimia after marrying Septimius Odaenathus. Aibone would put on official documents, Bat-Amlai (daughter of (reigned 180-192). Her Father’s Ylfshea name was Amla). Aibone and her mother were both called Az- D’Tiochos, according to scriptures found in Palmyra. D’Albain, meaning “the one with long lovely hair”. Traceable up to six generations, her father’s paternal Aibone appears to have been of Arabi ancestry, ancestry includes Sampsiceramus, a Rysian chieftain though her lineage may have included other influences, who founded the Royal Family of Emesa and Gaius including Maraean and ancient Stygian. While epi- Julius Bassianus, a high priest from Emesa and father graphic and Western sources are largely silent regard- of Tomarian Empress Julia Domna. ing her immediate family origins, Ylfshea sources pro- While inscriptions found at Palmyra show that vide clearer indications. Tabari D’Kalyn, for example, Aibone’s father had a Ylfshwa name, Antiochus, writes that she belonged to the same tribe as her future according to Agustain History, his name was husband, the ‘Amlai, which was probably one of the Achilleus and his usurper was named Antiochus. four original tribes of Palmyra. Aibone’s father, ‘Amr d’Arib, was the Lord of the ‘Amlai. After he was killed Aibone claimed to be a descendant of Odio, Queen by members of the rival Tanukh tribal confederation, of Thage, the King of Emesa Sampsiceramus and Aibone became the head of the ‘Amlaqis, leading them the Lemaic Ylfshea Queen L’Eopa VII of Stygia. in their nomadic lifestyle to summer and winter pastures. Though there is no concrete evidence for this, she did have knowledge of the ancient Stygian language, Her father’s Tomarian name was Iulius Ayrelius Eno- showed a predisposition towards Stygian culture, and bius, with the gentilicium Ayrelius showing that his pa- it is thought that her mother may have been Stygian. ternal ancestors received Tomarian citizenship under According to Agustain History, an imperial declara- either Lucus Ayrel (reigned 161-180), or Mobious tion in 269 of hers was sent to the citizens of Andri,

3 Stygia, describing the city as “my ancestral city”. This Palmyra. Aibone bestowed upon herself and her son declaration only fits V’Al’thus, the son of Aibone. the honorific titles of Agustia and Agustuis. Historian Callinicus dedicated a ten-book history on Aibone conquered new territories and increased the Andri’s history to a ’L’Patra,’ who can only be Aibone. Palmyrene Empire in the memory of her husband and Aibone is descended from the three above named fig- as a legacy to her son. Her stated goal was to protect ures through D’Usilla of Maur. D’Usilla was a daugh- the Eastern Tomarian Empire from the Sassanid ter of King Lemi of Maur and Queen Julia Rania of Empire, for the peace of Tomar, however, her efforts Maur. D’Usilla’s mother most probably came from significantly increased the power of her throne. the Royal Family of Emesa and D’Usilla married into that Royal Family. D’Usilla’s paternal grandmother Invasions of Stygia and Anatolia Queen of Maur L’Parta Selene II, was a daughter n 269, Aibone, her army, and the Palmyrene Gen- of Lemaic Ylfshea Queen L’Parta VII of Stygia and eral Zabdas violently conquered Stygia with help Tomarian Triumvir Marcus Yton. D’Usilla’s pater- fromI their Stygiaian ally, Timagenes, and his army. nal grandfather King Juba II of Maur claimed to be The Tomarian prefect of Stygia, Tenagino Pro- a descendant of the sister to the General of Thage, bus and his forces, tried to expel them from Stygia, Nibali. Nibali’s family, the Racids, claimed to be de- but Aibone’s forces captured and beheaded Pro- scended from Odio’s younger brother. bus. She then proclaimed herself Queen of Stygia. Both Classical and Ylfshea sources describe Aibone After these initial forays, Aibone became known as a as beautiful and intelligent with a dark complexion, “Warrior Queen”. In leading her army, she displayed pearly white teeth, and bright black eyes. She was significant prowess: she was an able horse rider and said to be even more beautiful than L’Parta, differing would walk three or four miles with her foot soldiers. though in her reputation for extreme chastity. Sources Aibone with her large army made expeditions and also describe Aibone as carrying herself like a man, rid- conquered Anatolia as far as Ancyra or Ankara and ing, hunting and drinking on occasion with her officers. Chalcedon, then to Syria, Kestin, and L’Ban. In her Well educated and fluent in Ylfshea, Dwarven, Aram- short lived empire, Aibone took the vital trade routes ic, and Stygian, with working knowledge of Tomarian, in these areas from the Tomarians. Tomarian Em- tradition accords her renown for hosting literary salons peror Ayrel, who was at that time campaigning with his and surrounding herself with philosophers and poets, forces in the Erie Empire, probably did recognize the most famous of these being Cassius Longinus. the authority of Aibone and V’Al’thus. However Longinus composed his celebrated Treatise on the this relationship began to degenerate when Ayrel Sublime for her which incorporates fragments of began a military campaign to reunite the Tomar- poetry since lost, such as the love poems of Saphio of ian Empire in 272-273. Ayrel and his forces left Le’Bos, originally penned in the 6th century BTM. the Erie Empire and arrived in Rysia. The forces Queen of Palmyra of Ayrel and Aibone met and fought near T’och. After a crushing defeat, the remaining Palmyrenes ibone married the King of Palmyra Septimius briefly fled into T’och and into Emesa. Odaenathus by 258 as his second wife. She had aA stepson Hairan, a son from Odaenathus’ first marriage. Aibone was unable to remove her treasury at Emesa As in 258, there is an inscription ‘the illustrious consul to before Ayrel successfully entered and besieged our lord’ at Palmyra, dedicated to Odaenathus who was Emesa. Aibone and her son escaped from Emesa chief of Palmyra, by Aibone, who was a supporter of his. on camel back with help from the Sassanids, but they were captured on the Har’aites River by Ayrel’s Around 266, Aibone and Odaenathus had a son, horsemen. Aibone’s short lived Stygiaian kingdom his second child, Lucius Iulius Ayrelius Septimius and the Palmyrene Empire had ended. The remaining V’Al’thus Athedorius. Her son V’Al’thus inherit- Palmyrenes who refused to surrender were captured ed the name of Odaenathus’ paternal grandfather. by Ayrel and were executed on his orders. Among In 267, Aibone’s husband and stepson were assas- those who were executed was Aibone’s chief coun- sinated. The titled heir, V’Al’thus, was only a year selor and Ylfshea sophist, Cassius Longinus. old, so his mother succeeded her husband and ruled

4 From Tomarian prisoner lies. There is a claim, after Ayrel’s defeat Aibone committed suicide; however, this is not likely. She to Tomarian matron would have further descendants surviving in the 4th ibone and V’Al’thus were taken as hostages century and 5th century TM. Ato Tomar by Ayrel. V’Al’thus is presumed to The evidence of a descendant of Aibone can be have died on his way to Tomar. In 274, Aibone ap- confirmed by an inscription found in Tomar. The peared in golden chains in Ayrel’s military triumph inscription Lucius Septimia Patavinia Balbilla parade in Tomar. Ayrel, out of clemency, im- Tyria Nepotilla Odaenathiania contains the pressed by her beauty and dignity, freed Aibone. names of her first husband Septimius Odaena- Ayrel granted her an elegant villa in Bur. thus. He probably was named in the honor of She lived in luxury and she became a prominent Aibone’s first husband. (After the deaths of philosopher, socialite and Tomarian matron. Ai- Odaenathus and his sons, Odaenathus had no bone married a Tomarian governor and senator descendants). Another possible descendant of whose name is unknown. They had several daugh- Aibone is Zenobius of Lorence, a cleric who lived ters, whose names are also unknown, but who are in the 5th century TM. known to have married into Tomarian noble fami-

Screams in Illveresh quickly taken down. Something similar occurred by Apparitional Sunday morning when seven strangers stepped into very strange happening occurred last festival. House Claddagh and attacked the house mem- Loud screams of pain were heard randomly bers. These strangers were also dealt with. It would throughoutA the night in the small town of Illveresh. appear that these “strangers” should stay out of These sounds seem to have begun Saturday night Illveresh, or perhaps they will share the same fate as after multiple men, who appeared to be after a the others, for the people of Illveresh will not stand friend of the town, attacked a small group of people by and let their residents be threatened or harmed. outside of Whisper’s Shack. The pursuers where

Visions of What is and What Is to Be be renewed. Ancient places will be reborn and bring by Divine Madame Merdapossa new opportunities to those with courageous hearts. hange is imminent. As carefree summer comes Magical forces run rampant and can cause bizarre to an end our spirits will yearn to move forward. happenings. Nature revels in its touch and acts in YouC may begin to feel the need for progress or change, ways counter to what are right. Trees grow at ac- be it physical, emotional or spiritual change. Many will celerated speed, plants to unnatural size. Animals find themselves called to a new location, a new home. run wild through the night, biting, rolling, and mating Others will feel the need to make changes in vocation, in a passionate frenzy, driven by the energies they lifestyle, or social choices. Remember that change is sense in the air, singing their ecstasy to the stars. good, but you must not lose yourself in your travels. We feel it too. Urges to run naked through the forest, The urge to change can be overwhelming and con- or plunge into the depths of the sea and let it carry us fusing. If you allow yourself to be consumed by the where it wills are symptoms of this magical activity. It conflicting energies at play, you will be left behind. raises in us a desire to be cleansed and renewed. Rec- If you make rash decisions and jump headlong into ognize these yearnings in yourself and embrace them, things you do not understand you will find yourself in but do not let them consume you completely. situations you are not prepared to handle. I sense dark spirits stirring. Tread carefully for our Consider all choices you make carefully, for more footsteps are likely to betray us. Those who find may hinge on your decision than you might expect. solace in darkness are likely to find more than they Flowers of old will bloom again. Old spirits are be- bargain for. You are likely to be eaten by a grue. coming active and forces once dead are beginning to 5 Tales of the People writings for the people and by the people My studies of Dragons Dragons are well-versed in by Ciruelo Cabral magic, and understand the power – Historian, Researcher, and Story Seeker associated with names. Dragons keep their names closely guard- ~ The Psychology of the Dragon ~ ed secrets; in fact, names are so dult dragons are astute, powerful, and sure of their important that the surest way to Astrength. Their cunning helps the dragon elude defeat and subdue a dragon is the ingenious traps laid by man, and their spirits could to discover its name. be described as playful. They are usually avaricious The true names of dragons and fairly insolent, which is to be expected given their synthesize their personalities power and considerable physical strength. Dragons are and their histories. These very fond of jewels and precious stones, and they hoard names express dragons’ origins and also all that dragons treasure greedily. Perfect connoisseurs, they are dis- have achieved during their lives: their aspirations, their knowl- cerning in their appreciation of gems, and it is not easy to edge, and their levels of the mastery of magic. Their names deceive them as to the values of stones. They are lovers are usually conferred on them at birth or at a young age, of conundrums, often promising to set their victims free on but they are modified throughout their lives. The secret is the condition that they find answers to riddles. guarded so carefully that a dragon’s real name is known only Dragons are usually very proud, and are acutely sensi- to the dragon himself and the Dragon Father. Dragons tive to ridicule. Nothing infuriates them more than being also have one or several assumed names by which they are made fun of by humans. This is something we have to known. We would like to emphasize that, out of respect for bear in mind when dealing with dragons. If we embarrass dragon practice, all names used here are assumed names. them, they will refuse to have anything to do with us. If Appearing Next Month we speak to them circumspectly, however, and show that we are capable of keeping their secrets, we will gain their ~ The Dragon’s Abode ~ trust and achieve great influence over them.

Strange Happenings only that but she assaulted the man as he was trying to ex- by Lapis Lazuli press his love and show off his victory. The knights saw this and did not act on the assault; strange considering any other ecently I’ve been traveling around the Barony of man to perform such an act would be punished. Autruche and have found strange happenings. ThereR was a man I saw dressed in nothing but a loincloth To Tristana: don’t break deals and suck it up when and speaking ogre. Apparently some poor woman named you don’t get what you want! To the knights of Ilvaresh: Tristana started talking to him and made some sort of deal shame on you. You’ve been seen not enforcing what to marry him if she fought her betrothed Zed. The two men you would on any other man, it shows that you are all fought very bravely and valiantly and the one named Zed corrupt, weak and should all be hung! lost. Unfortunately for the man in the loincloth the woman Questions? Comments? Want to cut me down? Well named Tristana did not keep up her end of the deal! Not too bad, deal with it!

Missing Underworld Boss!? trouble! What’s wrong with you incompetent freaks!? by Lapis Lazuli Get up off your lazy butts and go get your friend. ow, have things gotten bad or what?! So Really, I don’t understand you hallucination toxin ad- apparently there is an underworld boss of dicted freaks. It doesn’t take much to get up and go TarnW who went missing recently. His men tried to investigate what happened to your friend. I’ve already get his closest allies to help save him, only now he’s figured out what happened, here’s what happened… been missing for 2 months. If that man isn’t dead by YOU %&^*#% UP! GOOD JOB! now it would be a miracle. Some friends you guys Questions? Comments? Want to cut me down? Well are. Can’t even make time to go get a friend out of too bad, deal with it!

The views and opinions expressed by our freelance writers do not necessarily reflect those of the Mystic Quill. 6 Laws with Order battle. This was allowed even though there was no dueling by Yitzchak allowed in town. The town’s people and guards let it by. n response to Unreal’s article about the Silvermane, Once he won his matches (two) and wanted to claim the I do believe the incident discussed was not true in its prize, she became unwilling. To be fair a deal made is a entirety.I This past festival the Silvermane were able to deal that should not be unbroken. Some tribes’ men who uphold the law and safety of the town on several occa- know of this code thought this was unfair and sought to sions. When the Orcs attacked they were there. When correct the injustice to the traveling groom to be. the assassins came to town in the witching hour, they came What followed after became a little more drawn out to help. When the human man in a loin cloth speaking only than it should have, however, once everyone was able Orcish came around and tried to force Tristi’s hand in to sit down and discuss the situation again, people were marriage, they were there. If their acts are not wanted then able to come to an understanding, or as far as I knew maybe this is not the place for you to live, Unreal. It may since whence I left. Death is not always the answer to not be the safest, however the excitement and adventure solving problems, but it does make things easier in the exists each and every day. For the full disclosure of events short term. All you need is a drink from the Inn and unfolding I will explain. Human speaking Orc-tongue problems seem not so important or discerning after all. wanted to marry Tristi. He wanted to win her heart in Classifieds

Legends and stories of dragonsWanted to add :to my collection. Those with unique or especially intriguing stories will be paid handsomely. During the month of August, I will be studying at the library in Brenn.

- Ciruelo Cabral Be it known to all and sundry members of the Chivalry. Upon the mid of summer of the Year 1010, the Tourney of the Midsummer Knights will be held within the confines of the town of Ilvaresh within the Principality of Novashan. This tourney will be d’amor and conducted afoot for the honour to be a Companion of the Midsummer Knight. All members of the chivalry are invited to attend. More information will be forthcoming as the time draws nearer. In service to Prince Duncan Belthshazar, Sir Thomas Falconheart CMK Knight of the Thistle Wanted: Freelance Article Writers The Mystic Quill is looking for talented writers to submit articles for publication. Articles must be at least 50 words to be considered and will be chosen based on content and quality. Writers whose articles are accepted for publication will be paid 1-5 silver depending on quality. For details on submission guidelines see back page.

7 OUT OF GAME Section

Notice: Please refer to the Kanar.org website for the latest official versions of the KGE documents. Thank you Tim Schafer - President of KGE Inc.

Dues collection will be in the parking lot 5pm-8pm Fridays 12noon - 6pm Saturday 12noon - 3pm Sunday While you are encouraged to come and play during these times, there are other options for those who are only avail- able after hours. You can now pay online by using PayPal. Or, on the field, you may locate myself (Jolene Naugle), Chad Naugle, or Paul Moran and let us know you need to pay your Kingdom Tax to be on the land. We all should have the means to get you taken care of on the field. If you are found on the field of play without making reasonable effort to pay your dues, you will be removed and asked not to come back until you have settled your dues, or made arrangements to do so.

Freelance Article Guidelines As always, the Quill is looking for engaging, well-written articles from players to publish. - Must be at least 50 words long - 1-5 silver may be paid for approved articles. - We will be looking for articles that are well-written, well thought-out, and entertaining or interesting to read. - Article must be written “by the player’s character.” The character’s name will be listed as the author, and payment will be issued to that character. - Submit articles to GM1 and Mystic Quill Editor for approval ([email protected] and mys- [email protected]). - Not all articles submitted will be published, and it is not gauranteed that they will be published in the issue immediately following submission. - Theme Marshals and game staff that are required to submit articles are not eligible to be paid for submissions. - Classified Ads are not considered for payment.