Introduction to Issue No. 21

Good folk of Arche Terre, travelers of distant shores, scholars of the Arches, and citizens of Durakiss.
You now hold the twenty-first issue of the Gazette of Arche Terre, compiled and edited within the very heart of our city.

This edition may be purchased at the Mur County Center or Durakiss West Docks Gazette Shop, at the Royal Postal Office in Durakiss, and in the reputable boutiques that line our streets.
It may also be consulted freely on site within the Gazette's reading hall, or read upon our scribe's maintained site: www.archeterre.ovh

n these pages, you will find a gripping report on the perils lurking in a town consumed by corruption, an investigation into the ancient and ominous origins of the Hive's Stone, a moving account of the sacred bond uniting Sambrune under Eilistraee's watchful gaze, and a detailed analysis of the eerie phenomenon turning Durakiss' sky into a foreboding Foeth.

-------------------------------------------------------

Skulls, Trolls and Lemon Drizzle - Adventures in the Corrupted Town
By Xaniphe

Special Investigative Correspondent Xaniphe reports on her first expedition beneath Dungeon Island

Having recently (and surprisingly) been offered gainful employment with the Gazette of Arche Terre, I've been searching for something on which to write my first article that hopefully does not end with me being sued for defamation. So when, last Thursday night when I was wandering through town looking for mischief to become involved with, I was kindly offered a place on an expedition to the Corrupted Town on Dungeon Island, I leapt at the opportunity! Some of you may have visited the place before, maybe many times before. I had not. Although frequently accused of being a corrupting influence myself, I've never had the pleasure of venturing to this part of the isles, and foolishly hoped it might be full of like-minded souls as opposed to the trap-obsessed kobolds, constantly whining trolls and other such vermin that we actually encountered there. Nevertheless, I am pleased to bring you this account of our heroic venture into the caverns beneath the town (and, more importantly, the subsequent celebratory trip to the local doughnut shop).


For those who have never been before, the adventure begins in an ominous looking town, which we were transported to by an even more ominous looking boatman. How a beholder can even man the helm without any arms is beyond me, but I felt it unwise to question someone with so many razor sharp teeth... though at least in my imagination he was steering the wheel with his little eyestalks. In any case, we somehow avoided being dashed on the rocks and arrived intact to find a gloomy little village where everybody keeps their doors locked. We were informed that the armoured soldiers at the gate were 'valiant protectors' standing guard against any intrusion into the town, but the number of burnt out buildings we passed made me think that they too were perhaps spending more time at the doughnut shop than doing their jobs. Understandable, perhaps, but they clearly needed help.
Our heroes arrive on Dungeon Island

So our team of heroes assembled outside the town, ready to plunge into the monster-filled caves and save the town from any further corrupting other than our own. Possessed of extreme courage, tactical brilliance, and an altogetether unreasonable level of stunning good looks, there were six of us at first. Elexa, armed with a dagger and a sexy wiggle, was there to keep the enemies distracted and make sure I didn't get stabbed too much. She was ably assisted in this role by Ollie, who, in cat form, also doubled as the team's adorable mascot. Evey was there, looking so intimidating that I think several monsters collapsed from sheer awe and ab-envy before she even got to them with her sword. Surin offered magical support through healing and somehow managed to keep me alive throughout the whole journey, while Lilian did the same thing by repeatedly frying our enemies with blasts of arcane power. Yvie lit up the caverns with her glowing turquoise bow, though I'd likely have paid significantly more attention to her archery if I hadn't been so busy being envious of her hair. My own contribution to the group was a heroic combination of shouting encouragement, hitting things with my scimitar, and occasionally falling over at strategically important moments.

Descending into the caves, the smell of rank, matted fur assaulted our nostrils, accompanied by such a growling and snarling I'd not heard the like of since trying to convince Rathala to try broccoli a few weeks back. Bears, my companions assured me, were the source. Sure enough, we were set upon by a pack of gigantic grizzlies determined to embrace us all in a most unwanted set of bear hugs. Disgracefully, one of them even took a swipe at the cat! Fortunately, Elexa bravely managed to lure the beastie away with a marmalade sandwich while the rest of us got stuck in with swords, spells and arrows. Claws flying, we battled our way through the caves, eventually finding a passage even deeper into the caverns. One of the monsters, presumably the leader, tried to follow us down to the next level, but a well-placed arrow to the snout from Yvie sent him running snivelling back to the Hundred Acre Wood.

Perhaps hearing of our triumph above, the denizens of the next level had prepared better for our arrival. Deciding they had no chance in a fair fight, the kobolds that lurked there had set up an elaborate network of traps, each more cunning and more cowardly than the last. Fortunately, Ollie demonstrated a remarkable ability to sniff them out - if you have never seen a small cat with a cute little backpack pawing at tripwires to disarm them, you've been missing out! And Surin was able to whizz past most of them in a blinding flash of colours that left the wretched kobolds blinking and startled while Evey and her huge sword demonstrated the benefits of a more direct approach.
They may be small but they're also vicious and *extremely* annoying

Clearly disgusted by the dastardly cowardice of those spineless kobolds, Evey withdrew from the expedition to enjoy some well-earned rest before we descended further, Varlin being on hand to take her place. Sleek and graceful as he may have been in his panther form, something was nonetheless missing - fortunately, he did not protest at being fitted with a cat-backpack of his own before we returned to the fight, goblins being our next challenge.

The goblins proved just as dishonourable as the kobolds before them. They lurked in the darkness and struck when they thought our backs were turned. Which, frankly, tells you something seriously lacking about their character. Fortunately we had Surin with us, and when one of the despicable beasties had stabbed me in the back for the tenth time, she was able to both heal me back to health and bonk the nasty little creep on the head with her magic staff. A healer who takes time out of restoring her party to smack her foes in the face with a big stick is a friend always worth bringing along. And Lilian was equally impressive. She was able to navigate her way through the cave and rain torrents of magical destruction down on our enemies seemingly without ever taking her eyes from the large magical tome she was carrying. I don't think she put it down the whole journey. Although I'm pretty sure I saw her hiding a smutty novella open between the pages, I thought better than to comment on it after seeing what she did to one of those goblins who sneaked up on her. I suspect that the rest of them are still in hiding, waiting to be sure that we've definitely gone.

Next were the trolls. The trolls were ugly, whiny, smelly, and thoroughly unpleasant, although I suppose it's a little unfair of me to criticise them for all four of these things when only three were entirely their own fault. "It burrrnnnsss!" was a constant refrain that accompanied our every attack, whether Yvie's arrows, Elexa's dagger or Lilian's attempt at 'summon soap and water elemental'. Equally repugnant to all the senses, even Varlin felt the need to temporarily shift to iron golem form after taking a chunk out of one of them with his powerful panther jaw. Though if they'd spent more time fighting and less time complaining they may have thwarted us, but it was not to be, and we swiftly cut our way through to the next passage down.
Given her choice of arrow placement, I can only assume Yvie had a personal grudge against this specific troll

We were greeted by a door with a huge grimacing skull carved into it - clearly whoever designed this place as a thing or two to learn about hospitality. Feeling decidedly less than welcome, we ventured within, only to find an odd looking figure shrouded in dark magic. Before I could start to harangue him about the working conditions of his trolls, he let loose a malevolent cackle and started to unleash wave after wave of evil magic upon us. Elexa dodged and weaved as she confronted the wicked wizard with her dagger, while Yvie's arrows sprang like beams of light from her bow thudded into him. Ollie and Varlin (now re-panthered) struck at him with razor-sharp claws in a display that was both ferocious and utterly adorable. Lilian let loose an impressive burst of magical power, and Surin helped me up and pushed me back into the fight when I'd been sufficiently distracted by the light show that a 'Hellball' had knocked me flat on my back. Not to be deterred by a little bump on the head, I jumped into battle, blade held high, only to notice we were suddenly fighting not one spellcasting sleazeball, but two!

I was convinced that I'd split the bastard clean in two with a mighty strike of my scimitar. However, the more sober members of the party later informed me that this was part of his sinister magic, and that he "always does this". I'm still not entirely convinced, however the two wicked wizards went down just as quickly as the first, and before long, loud cheers of celebration from our victorious group echoed around the cavern, accompanied by an equally delighted meowing from Ollie and Varlin.
There's something to be said for beating an enemy so hard he leaves two corpses behind

I'm informed that there is yet more horror lurking beyond the depths we had already conquered, and naturally we intend to return and investigate. Whatever lies beyond will doubtless be dangerous, depraved and probably covered in more ominous skulls. But as our party divided the 'artefacts' we had found, which I am informed can be forged into such delights as bottomless quivers, naming chests and portable trash cans, Elexa and I had more pressing concerns. Searching for the kind of sustenance that befits weary, victorious heroes, we made our way to the Doughnut Shoppe and acquired several trays of lemon drizzle muffins. Tomorrow's breakfast thus secured, we could sleep easily after a job well done.

-------------------------------------------------------
The Hive's Stone and the Roots of Chaos
By Eleawen Galathiel

As the sun did scarce rise o'er Durakiss' walls, a tale did sweep through the city like a breeze laden with secrets: a stone from the Hive had fallen in the fields to the east. And who, if not thy favourite chronicler, could resist the call of such a mystery? Armed with mine ivory quill and a smile as sharp as an elven knife, I did make mine way to the site, where the guard, under the orders of Their Majesties Queen Jula Marin Maeviir and King Alak Averrendus Maeviir Marin, had already erected barriers and placed the field in quarantine.
"Stand back, citizens!", cried a guard, his spear pointed at the sky as if he could pierce the very clouds. "By royal decree, none shall approach!" The farmers, the merchants, and even the thieves - those usually so quick to ignore warnings - had all retreated to the city, like shadows fleeing the light. "'Twould seem even the boldest of Durakiss know when to beat a retreat", did I whisper as I beheld the scene.

But what came next would have made Erevan himself smile. Their Majesties, ever cunning, had summoned an army of a peculiar kind: seasoned adventurers, Durakiss' scientific team - those brilliant minds who spent more time studying the stars than counting their gold - and even a few personalities from Sambrune, come to lend a hand. "When science and adventure meet, even stones have secrets to reveal", did I note in mine journal, amused.

And then, there was he: the golem. A creature of stone and magic, tall as three men, provided by the enigmatic Lady Irae Maevir. "A gift to dig, and perhaps to crush what needs crushing", declared a soldier with a laugh. "Let us hope it doth not mistake raveners for scholars!" A support team, composed of fighters, healers, and mages armed with ELD weapons - those technological marvels designed to turn raveners to dust - stood ready.

The digging did commence, and the golem, like a patient giant, did delve into the earth for four metres deep. Then, suddenly, it did seize the stone as a child would grab an apple, holding it suspended above the void. "By Tempus, 'tis as if he doth dance with gravity!", did an adventurer exclaim. And that was when the roots did appear. Not ordinary roots, nay, but black and twisted growths, like malevolent mushrooms, stretching like the fingers of a greedy hand.

"This bodes no good", did a scientist murmur, her face pale in the morning light. And she was right. Cries did ring out as the first raveners did burst from the stone, their monstrous forms rushing toward the diggers. But the defences were ready. The ELD weapons did crackle, spells did fly, and in the blink of an eye, the creatures were reduced to ashes. "A swift victory, yet one that raises more questions than it answers", did I think as I watched the samples being collected by the scholars.

In the end, the stone was destroyed, roots and all. "Better safe than sorry", did a mage declare, wiping the sweat from his brow. "But who knows what the Hive doth yet hold for us?"

As Erevan doth change his form, the land of Durakiss doth hide its own mysteries. Yet remember: even the darkest roots cannot withstand the light of cunning and cooperation.


-------------------------------------------------------

The Sacred Union of Sambrune: Illiana and Tia 'neath Eilistraee's Gaze
By Eleawen Galathiel

As the sun did scarce rise o'er Durakiss' walls, a tale did sweep through the city like a breeze laden with secrets: a stone from the Hive had fallen in the fields to the east. And who, if not thy favourite chronicler, could resist the call of such a mystery? Armed with mine ivory quill and a smile as sharp as an elven knife, I did make mine way to the site, where the guard, under the orders of Their Majesties Queen Jula Marin Maeviir and King Alak Averrendus Maeviir Marin, had already erected barriers and placed the field in quarantine.

"Stand back, citizens!", cried a guard, his spear pointed at the sky as if he could pierce the very clouds. "By royal decree, none shall approach!" The farmers, the merchants, and even the thieves - those usually so quick to ignore warnings - had all retreated to the city, like shadows fleeing the light. "'Twould seem even the boldest of Durakiss know when to beat a retreat", did I whisper as I beheld the scene.

But what came next would have made Erevan himself smile. Their Majesties, ever cunning, had summoned an army of a peculiar kind: seasoned adventurers, Durakiss' scientific team - those brilliant minds who spent more time studying the stars than counting their gold - and even a few personalities from Sambrune, come to lend a hand. "When science and adventure meet, even stones have secrets to reveal", did I note in mine journal, amused.

And then, there was he: the golem. A creature of stone and magic, tall as three men, provided by the enigmatic Lady Irae Maevir. "A gift to dig, and perhaps to crush what needs crushing", declared a soldier with a laugh. "Let us hope it doth not mistake raveners for scholars!" A support team, composed of fighters, healers, and mages armed with ELD weapons - those technological marvels designed to turn raveners to dust - stood ready.

The digging did commence, and the golem, like a patient giant, did delve into the earth for four metres deep. Then, suddenly, it did seize the stone as a child would grab an apple, holding it suspended above the void. "By Tempus, 'tis as if he doth dance with gravity!", did an adventurer exclaim. And that was when the roots did appear. Not ordinary roots, nay, but black and twisted growths, like malevolent mushrooms, stretching like the fingers of a greedy hand.

"This bodes no good", did a scientist murmur, her face pale in the morning light. And she was right. Cries did ring out as the first raveners did burst from the stone, their monstrous forms rushing toward the diggers. But the defences were ready. The ELD weapons did crackle, spells did fly, and in the blink of an eye, the creatures were reduced to ashes. "A swift victory, yet one that raises more questions than it answers", did I think as I watched the samples being collected by the scholars.

In the end, the stone was destroyed, roots and all. "Better safe than sorry", did a mage declare, wiping the sweat from his brow. "But who knows what the Hive doth yet hold for us?"

As Erevan doth change his form, the land of Durakiss doth hide its own mysteries. Yet remember: even the darkest roots cannot withstand the light of cunning and cooperation.

-------------------------------------------------------

The Curse of the Hive's Rocks: When Durakiss' Sky Turns Foeth
By Eleawen Galathiel

Whilst the first rays of the sun did barely kiss the rooftops of Durakiss, a dull roar did echo, as if Erevan Himself did stifle a laugh. Once more, a rock from the Hive - that curse hanging o'er our heads - did break free and crash upon the farmers' fields. " Again! ", did sigh an old tillman, his fists clenched, as his wheat crop did turn to dust. " As though the sky doth mock us! "
And indeed, the sky doth seem to take wicked delight in testing the patience of Durakiss' folk.

For many a moon, these falls of tainted stones - aye, tainted they are, as all do know - have laid waste to the fertile lands. The farmers, already weary, have no choice but to burn what remains of their fields, lest the contamination spread like ink upon parchment. " Better a bare field than a cursed one ", 'tis whispered 'twixt the rows of vines, where some have found refuge thanks to the mercy of Her Majesty, Queen Jula Marin - Maeviir and King Alak Averrencus-Maeviir Marin.
Ah, the royalty! Ever swift to act, our sovereigns did not leave their subjects in need. Housing and work in the vineyards were given to the stricken families, a gesture as noble as it is rare. " A roof and toil, 'tis something gained ", did confide a father, his eyes shining with gratitude despite the soot blackening his cheeks.

But this time, Durakiss did attempt another approach. " If the stone doth fall, let us destroy it ere it destroy us! ", declared the city's strategists. So, the naval cannons were rolled out, those iron and powder beasts that did shake the walls of Pirate Nest during the last trade war. " One, two, three... FIRE! " The shots did whistle, the rocks did tremble... yet naught. Not even a crack. " These stones are more stubborn than the merchants of Che'El Oloth! ", did exclaim a gunner, vexed, as he wiped the sweat from his brow.

In the end, as ever, fire was called upon. The flames did lick the debris, purifying the tainted earth, whilst the farmers, resigned, watched their hopes turn to smoke. " Mayhap Erevan doth send us a message ", did suggest an old woman, casting a coin into the embers. " Or mayhap He doth merely laugh at our efforts. "

Whe