Once more Merrick called me to the Vesper docks.  “Go speak to the mysterious man at the end of the docks.  Be careful”, he whispered.  I went to the docks end and found the mysterious man.  Laughing, he told me that the robe riddles were a test to see if I was in fact a worth competitor. “You have passed the test. In 14 cities I’ve left more clues.  Each surrounded by Star Sapphires.  Seek the clues but trust no one. Begin at the statue in Minco.  I’ve given you two clues.”  As I found the clues, I noticed that they each had a number. a letter and words.  The clue at Buc’s Den had an arrow leading through the gate. Going Through I found two more notes,  “Curiosity should be rewarded.” “White Beard Stole a clue.” That was worrisome.  At Serpent’s hold again I found an arrow.  This time it lead to a bag with a note, “A.M.E.L.I.A. is nice, isn’t she.”  That is a strange way to write a person’s name.

After finding all the clues I used the numbers to put the words into a sentence.  There are tongs in the city of Zento.  Each is worth more that gold.  While the letters said, “Remember Zuull”.  Off I went to Zento. Arriving at the spot where the tongs should have been, I found a note saying that they were in Vesper at the Deadly ……  At Vesper, I first looked at the pits, after all they are a place of death.  I found nothing.  Then I remember the weapon shop’s name was Deadly Intentions.  There I found 5 tongs.  Again the clues made a sentence. “Find the wise men. There are two wearing purple.  Seek the virtues but from a nearby distance as close as they can get.  Again I searched each shrine of virtue. At the shrine of Valor I found Zara the wise.  After telling her the word Zuull, she gave me a clue “2 men are looking for the treasure.” Then she would say no more.  At the Shrine of Justice, I found Kerby the wise.  He told me that there were 7 parts to the new clues and we had been deceived.  Again I reported to Merrick.  He pondered the clues.  Who was the man who had deceived  us.  Was it White Beard?  He had stolen a clue.  We seemed no closer to the treasure.

Impatiently King Blackthorn looked again at the long list of Cities without Governors.  For too long the cities of Moonglow, Skara Brae, Trinsic, Yesper and Yew had been without leadership.  Considering the  advise of  Governors Nails Warstein of Britian and Garion of Jhelom , he decided a meeting of the council was in order.

As the King’s bard, I was sent to fair Luna.  “Hear ye, Hear ye, by order of the King, all citizens who desire a governorship are to appear at  Saturday’s  Council meeting.  The news was greeted with cheers.  For to long the cities have been without leadership.  Four members of the crowd, were pushed forward.  These are our new governors the crowd shouted.  The four looked about, nervously, humbled by the cheers and support of the crowd.   Is this your wish, I asked citizens;  Grea, Rasersar Wej, Sad Panda and Veronica Mars. ” Aye” the four said together.  Then by request of the king, present your petitions at the council meeting.  All who have recommendations are also to appear.

Quickly I hurried to tell the King the good news.  Laughing, he said, “I knew with a  bit of prodding worthy candidates  would be nominated.

At last Saturday arrived. King Blackthorn welcomed the four candidates.  “Is it your wish to become governors of our fair cities?”     “Yes your Highness.”

“Before I hear your petitions, I need to know which cities are without leadership.”  He turned to Rowan, his scribe, to ask for the information.

Each of the candidate’s gave reason why they should be a governor.  One after another they swore fealty to  their chosen city, to serve both the people  and the King.  Upon listening to each, the King consulted with the current governors.  Turning back to the candidates, “I have made my decision.  I accept your request to become governors of your cities.”   Before the council a gate appeared.  One after another the council and candidates entered.

We arrived at the fair city of Moonglow first.  There the city’s mages welcomed and accepted  Rasesar Wej  as their  Governor.

From there the gate took us to Skara Brae. Having previously served as governor, Rowan was warmly welcomed back by the rangers.

At the city of Trinsic, whose citizens had recently suffered many battles,  Veronica Mars was warmly welcomed.  At last order would be restored.

             The city of islands, Vesper, was the next stop.  Sad Panda sighed with pleasure to be home again surrounded by the peaceful waters.

Last to the abbey of Yew.  The quiet monks  nodded knowingly  as they accepted Grea to be their governor.  She assured them that both humans and elves would be treated fairly.

That evening by the fire, I played a song  about fair cities and the deeds of their citizens and governors.  The King seemed to be drifting off into sleep.  Speaking quietly as if to his self, at last the land has a chance for peace.  But what of our two cities still left.  Will Minoc and New Magincia also find a governor among their citizens.   Suddenly he frowned, why did he have a feeling of dread? Governors are human, with failings.  What will the future hold?

On Saturday, January 4, 2014, the December Governor’s Meeting was held at Blackthorn’s Castle.

King Blackthorn started the meeting with trouble in the city of Serpent’s Hold.  It appears that pirates have made an appearance there and are causing trouble.  There is concern that the pirates are intending to use Serpent’s Hold as a base of operations.  Governors were urged to investigate as the situation would be discussed at the next Governor’s Meeting in a week’s time.

The Governors talked about their concerns and status of their cities.  The King welcomed the only new Governor to the council, Damian (RLV), Governor of Moonglow.

After the Governors had spoken, King Blackthorn let the council know that two cities did not have governors – Trinsic and Yew.  To become Governor of a city, you need to be a citizen, must be least adored, and submit a petition to the King via his secretary, EM Crysania.  One person has expressed interest in becoming Governor of Yew.

After the meeting was adorned, several citizens went to Serpent’s Hold to check out the situation there.  It was as the King described – a pirate’s ship was parked along the shore directly south of the stables and it was defended by pirates.

The following was posted on Stratics Catskills EM Forum  and on EM Barnaby’s Website

by Barnaby

Wednesday, February 13, 9:30pm – Investigator Promotion Ceremony

Saturday, February 16th, 8:30pm – TBD

Sunday, February 17th, 6pm – Catskills Archery League Championship

Sunday, February 24th – “Orcs vs. Savages”

Details for each event will be provided soon.

<Discuss this Article>

Notice to all Investigators:

The King has tasked me with investigating the source of rumors regarding a strange illness that has appeared in Britannia.

I ask that you meet me at Castle Blackthorn to receive your assignment.

~Thorpe

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This event will count towards the “Investigator System”. Please read the book on “Reports” that is placed next to Thorpe.

Initial reports are due by the 8th, while follow-ups can be filed throughout the month of February.

<Discuss this Article>

The following was posted on Stratics Catskills EM Forum  and on EM Barnaby’s Website

by Barnaby

After seven competitions and thousands of arrows fired, the regular season of the Catskills Archery League has come to a close. Congratulations to Adrian Monk, who finished atop the standings with 48.6 points, including two impressive victories during the season. For the complete final standings, please visit this page.

The CAL Championship Tournament will be held in February, with the top archers from the regular season being invited. Thank you to all the participants this season, and congratulations to the invitees.

CAL Championship Roster:

Adrian Monk

Kyrnia Lathiari

Lil Ernie

Balerion Drogon

Gallion

Jonah Black Heart

Lora DeBlood

pk ghost

Spanky

Dr. Sucio

Psych

Irulia D’Arkaith

Nynaeve

Catlord

CAL Championship Alternates:

Tristan

Blackhawk

Todd

If your name is on this list and you did not fill out a registration book during the season, please contact me with your character name and email.

by Barnaby

As promised, there is one last event in the regular season of the  Catskills Archery League. It isn’t too late to compete and possibly earn  entry in to the Championship that will be held next month.

Registration will begin at 8pm at the EM Hall in Britain. Please note  that this is for Archers only – as usual bows will be provided for your  use. The format for this final event will be a little different than we  have used in the past.

Also, the start of a small event arc will begin late this month and run  through early March – I will be announcing the dates of the first events  after the competition, as well as some other information for upcoming  happenings on Catskill (this information will of course be posted here  as well).

[Discuss This Article]

More from EM Aurora – A great chance for the players new to Siege to get to meet her!

EM Aurora needs your input:

Without getting too complicated I’d like to start arranging monthly player on player battles.
I also do not want to interrupt good fight nights with champs or factions.
Help me out a bit by answering the following if you are interested in duels and battles hosted at the Aurora’s Pit.

From EM Aurora!

2013 brings the continued Treasure Hunting Competition against other shards. I believe the next competition will be Izumo and Europa (date to be announced).
If there is interest in participating this year we’ll need representatives from Siege to come forward with treasure hunting skills. I will have the rules outlined here and on Siege’s EM site. We will also set up some discussion and practice dates to prepare as a team. I have included a poll for 7 days for your input.
I hope there is enough interest to accept the challenge in the near future!