Gateway Chronicle - August 1998

THE GATEWAY CHRONICLE
August 1998

WAR STORIES: July 1998

A bright sunrise heralded an auspicious day for the Festival of Saint Julio in Evangar. At the Ducal Estate in Angard, the Evangarian capital, the day promised a number of noteworthy events- the traditional Petitions and Feasts of the Saint Julio Festival, the Public Reading of the Last Will And Testament of Count Christopher Skye of Pelinar, and an unprecedented announcement by Lord Elbar Montrose, Duke of Evangar (Tom Peters).
    In attendance at the Court held on the Ducal Estate was the Duke himself, his sister Lady Trella Montrose, Baroness of Montrefor (Diane Donohoe), Lord Deacon Trevor Eaton, Baron of Chathelm (Mike Malony), Lord Wilhem Reigis, Baron of Dunbarin (Doug Tabb), Lady Allya Danrada, Countess of Onoras in Dunbarin (Dawn Nystul), Lord Nicholas Skye, Viscount of Pelinar (Rob Nicholls), Lady Nesri Kalvan, Baroness of Pervinco (Lori Ralston), Lady Sussa Larkin (Robin Tisch), Vicountess Elimar Whitewolf (Corrie Hrubes), and Lord Chamberlain Urien Hallowman (Tom Dowd) and others, all the cream of Evangar nobility. Also present was Eldred (Mike Nystul), the Duke of Evangar's newest advisor, and approximately thirty of the regular attendees of the renowned Ram's Head Tavern who had been invited there as guests of the Duke for the reading of Count Christopher Skye's Will.
    The day began well enough in late morning with a light lunch prepared by the Estate's staff and expressions of trepidation and concern expressed by some of the regular Ram's Head members who, in light of the Duchy of Evangar's close association with the Church of Dain and the fact that the Duke was reputed to be a arrogant and difficult ruler, were concerned at what might happen, or in turn what they might be required to do. Others expressed concern simply from the fact that they had never been to a Ducal Court before and were unsure of protocols and behaviors. Robin Goodfellow (Aaron Loeb), who had been asked by the Duke of Evangar to act as Herald to the Court, took time to reassure the gathered and to elaborate on the finer points of etiquette and protocol.
    Court commenced with commoner and nobility alike admitted into the Estate's Audience Chamber for the Duke's Traditional Greeting. The Duke the proceeded to surprise everyone by making a brief, but calming speech that addressed some of the concerns expressed by the gathered. He also hinted at an important announcement he was to make later in the day. (By then, many of the gathered had heard the rumor that the Duke was going to be stepping down. Various stories attributed this to a vision from Dain, the proclamation of the King, ill-health, and so on.) And those who knew the Duke were surprised at the conciliatory, humble tone of the greeting. The Court was dismissed to be quickly reassembled for the presentation of the Festival Petitions.
    But before those interested could return to the court, Justin Swift (Rich Gray) was summoned into the Duke's presence. Shortly after Swift entered the chamber, the Lady Loremaster Cassandra Darkwood (Anita Machhammer) was seen at the entranceway inquiring about her friend. Shortly thereafter, the Duke' advisor, Eldred, was seen escorting her into the private meeting. Soon, a bothered-looking Swift and Lady Cassandra left the chamber, and Baron Dunbarin was summoned. Those close by the chamber heard a loud exchange of words between the Duke and Baron, though the reason remains unclear.
    Court was then re-called for the Festival Petitions.Robin Goodfellow introduced the half-elven magician Kantr (Tony Hrubes) first. Kantr then proceeded to warn the Duke about the diabolical machinations of the Wizard Malachi (Jason Rownd) who Kantr accused of cannibalism, dark arts, and other magical evils that seemed only to confuse the Court. The Court, astounded by these accusations, thanked Kantr for the warning but pointed out that Malachi had committed no crimes and so it was therefore inappropriate for the Court to review this.
    Others presented Petitions as well. Saint Bax (James Silverstein) asked .that Evangar show its support for the Pantheist faith by sponsoring a large Pantheist Temple. Montrose agreed to consider it. Inquisitor Umbar Churchson (Dan Grendell) asking on behalf of the Church, requested that Evangar renounce the "Dainites For Peace" movement. The Duke agreed. The Gatekeeper Risisin (Dave Simkins) asked the Duke to speak to the King on behalf of the Kytheri people. The Duke agreed to consider the request. Hunter (Vicki Martin) spoke of meeting a woman on the road who claimed that her husband had been unfairly imprisoned by a Viscount who's advances she had spurned. The Duke agreed to have the claim investigated.
    Lastly, Robin Goodfellow stood up before the Court and spoke. Oddly, few remember exactly what was said and of those there were conflicting accounts. Some say he told a seemingly irrelevant tale, others say he made veiled allusions against the King. A very few say he did both.
    Following the Petitions, the Court adjourned to an outside area where Count Christopher's Skye's Will was read. Notable among the bequeathments-

· Kayla (Joanne Ciswerski) was gifted with a sum of 25 gold pieces as a memory of friendship.
· Jacko Delight (Lou Klozik) was left a bottle of rare, old Winterborne wine along with a private letter.
· Torchbearer Kedrik (Tom Dowd) was left 40 gold pieces to be divided equally between the Church and his own person.
· Tyler Melwei (Tonya Angelus), on behalf of her son, received the support of the Skye family should he ever wish to claim his birthright. (This gift prompted confusion from Nicholas Skye, scion of the Skye family, and grief from Tyler.)
· Countess Rhianna of Zurek (Eileen Malony) received Count Christopher Skye's entire personal stock of Winterborne wines. (This too prompted a display of incredulousness from Viscount Skye.)
· Kobar (Rich Shaufuss) was gifted with a pledge of Hospitality for all time in any and all of the Skye holdings.
· Any entry in the Will pertaining to Drexus Shendari (Joe Adelsick) was declared null and void by the Duke of Evangar due to the his excommunication by the Church of Dain.
· Captain Gregor Rhys (Kevin McGregor) was gifted posthumously with Count Skye's horse "Stryder". (The horse was given to the Order of the White Rose.)
· Captain Owl Darkhunter (Corrie Hrubes) was given the Skye family vineyards of Saint Amador and all revenues generated therein, along with a private letter. (This last bequethment prompted an angry outburst from Viscount Skye that he quickly apologized to the Duke for.)

Immediately following completion of the reading of the Will, the Duke of Evangar ordered Viscount Skye to step forward. In a to the point ceremony, the Duke raised the Viscount Skye first to Count of Pelinar (as was his right since the former Count's Will was finally resolved.) The Duke then, to the amazement of the other nobles gathered, then raised the Count Skye to Baron of Galil, a position which had been vacant for over a year.
At the same time, the advisor Eldred was seen speaking with Countess Rhianna. Immediately afterward, Rhianna was seen speaking to members of the Tavern and gathering them for a Portal. (Apparently, Eldred had revealed himself to a wizard and master of gates. He informed Rhianna that a Portal was appearing to "resolve something unfinished" regarding Christopher Skye.) A Portal did appear, and a small party stepped through. They quickly returned carrying the remains of Count Christopher Skye. To honor the fallen Count, the Duke of Evangar ordered the remains to be placed within the Winterborne "Crypt of Kings" that traditionally held only the Winterborne Kings and those of the highest Evangar bloodline.
All were then gathered to hear a proclamation by the Duke of Evangar. As rumored, he announced that he was stepping down, alluding to a belief that Dain no longer bore faith in him. He pronounced three candidates to his position:

Lord Deacon Trevor Eaton
Lady Countess Allya Danrada
Lord Baron Nicholas Skye

This last nomination produced much consternation among the other gathered nobles as Baron Skye had only been raised to that position a mere hour ago. The Baronesses Montrefar and Pervinco stormed out in protest. The Duke went on to explain that the Noble Candidates would be judged by Lineage, Reputation, Relics, and Deeds. "Evidence" was to be presented in each area for each Candidate. The candidate judged "most worthy" by the King would be the next Duke of Evangar. The Duke asked the assistance of those assembled, specifically the Loremasters and Scholars, in authenticating the presented "evidence". Near the end of his proclamation, the advisor Eldred stepped forward and spoke quietly to the Duke. The Duke then announced that instead of listing and being judged based on past Deeds, each of the Noble Candidates would have a Portal of Desire made available to them. This Portal was to be used for Good and the Candidate would be judged by their choice and the result. The Duke the retired to his audience chamber. Throughout the remainder of the day, until the arrival of a Emissary from the King who was to take the "evidence" back to the King, the Duke kept himself informed of what "evidence" had been authenticated and found. He also "mingled" with his guests semi-successfully, and was seen often deep in conversation with Lady Elimer Whitewolf, known to most at the Ram's Head Tavern as Commander Owl Darkhunter. It is said that Lady Whitewolf holds her own Faction in opposition to the currently ruling powers, so the topic of conversation between the Lady and her Duke would certainly have been interesting to overhear.
    As the authentication process commenced, Jack Delight, Lady Cassandra Darkwood, Umbar Churchson, Malachi, and Reman (Marc Blumberg) were all seen spending time in the Ducal Library on the Estate as well as travelling to and from various libraries in nearby Angard. Slayer (Bob Hollister) and Newt (Josh Rowe) also went to the city, though it is said they visited the local Pantheist Shrine rather than performed any task for the Noble Candidates.
    Many excursions were also made into the Crypt of Kings. Seen entering and exiting at various times were the Countess Rhianna , Vicountess Whitewolf , Crusador Andor (Rob Wilson), Gwen (Kelly Jordine), Kantr, and Malachi, who was carried out unconscious from the Crypt by Kantr. (Apparently, sometime after his public denunciation of Malachi's eating habits, Kantr had become convinced that Malachi was not guilty of his crimes.) Few who entered the Crypts spoke of what they saw or heard, but it is rumored that some spoke with Spirits of the Dead and learned things they had not wished to. (A lessen, perhaps, for all those who wish to traffic in the Underworld.)
    Each of the Noble Candidates consulted with those presented who had allied with them and decided upon a purpose for their portal. In turn, each group passed through the Portal and returned.
    Lord Baron Skye sought out a mythical item that would bring prosperity to the land. They returned with the amulet, and the knowledge that it had been in the personal holdings of Jacko Delight, who informed them that the item was cursed and of no use.
    Lord Baron Deacon Eaton assembled a party to locate and assist the Archbishop of the Church of Dain who was travelling to Sangir to speak to the Mother Church. The party appeared underwater, and after first saving themselves (thanks to the handy ability of Zandar (Omar Gonzalez)) found the Archbishop on the seabed with rocks tied about her legs. In her hands was the infamous "Suicide Passage" of the Book of Dain often held by those who kills themselves in disgrace. (Evidence pointed to the Archbishop having ties the rocks to her feet and fallen from the nearby pier.) Upon their return, the Inquisitor Umbar examined the body, dismissed her death as a suicide, and returned to what-ever conversation he'd been holding prior to being summoned. The body of the Archbishop was moved temporarily to one of the Crypts until the Church of Dain could claim it.
    Lady Danrada also sought a mythical item, a so-called Crown of Wisdom that would bestow insight upon its wearer. Her party set out and confronted a Guardian who demanded a Sacrifice for the Crown. Slayer gave up his eye in exchange for the item. Upon his return, he was examined by Reman who determined (to his shock) that the eye was unhealable. In fact, by some magical means, Slayer could now only have one eye. The other had been permanently removed from him.
    The Countess took the crown and tried it on in private. When she emerged she seemed more confident and sure of her self. She was also certain that the King himself would be arriving that night in place of the Emissary. She did not believe that all of the Duke's machinations could have gone unnoticed by Blacksteel and that he himself would be coming to deal with the situation.
    As all of this progressed through out the day, other events transpired in the background. Their exact nature and cause known only to a few, much of it seemed to revolve around the Gatekeeper Risisin and the Duke's advisor Eldred and Portals. A number of private expeditions departed quietly via Portal (include one with Gwen!) and returned with little fanfare. Though the events of those Portals was not widely known, some seemed disturbed by what had occurred on them, or been revealed. Perhaps in time the truth about those journeys will come out.
    Other Portals departed as well, additional Portals of Desire conjured up by Eldred at the request of the gathered. One of those Portals, at the private behest of Newt and involving some religious matter, resulted in the tragic death of Saint Bax, some say at the hands of the Pantheist God of the Sky. Regardless, Bax's passing brought a great pall to the proceedings and prompted the Duke of Evangar to proclaim that land would be put aside in Bax's name for a true Pantheist Temple. (It has lately been rumored that the existing Pantheist Shrine in Angard will instead be enlarged and named for the departed Saint.)
    As day slipped into night, the traditional Feast of Saint Julio was held, though with much less fanfare and spectacle due to the passing of the Saint. Nonetheless, noble and commoner alike shared a meal in high style and all spoke kind words in memory of the departed Bax.
    Almost immediately after the meal, word reached the gathered that the Emissary from the King was approaching. That word was quickly followed by confirmation of what the Lady Danrada had surmised: the King himself was approaching with a contingent of Royal Guard.
    Robin Goodfellow immediately begin instructing the gathered in how to behave before the King. He stressed that the King, though reputed to be fair, was harsh and acted quickly. All were warned to be on their best behavior, avert their eyes, not to speak until spoken to, and so on. Many were sure at least one would loose limb or life at the hands of the King that night.
    Highlord Blacksteel (Mike Nystul) arrived and immediately took charge. He publicly admonished Lord Montrose for his behavior and hubris, and then accepted his resignation. The King ordered the Lord Chamberlain to explain what was going on and then to organize those present. (The King did not seem to approve of the process that was going on before him, but seemed to be aware of the potential political damage if he choose to seemingly act arbitrarily at this point.) Each of the Noble Candidates presented their "evidence". While deciding on their worth, the King walked among the gathered. Pausing to speak to some, such as Slayer whom he criticized for raising a Pantheist army without taking his grievances with the Church of Dain before the King, and Risisin to whom he granted the Kytheri request for an independent homeland. He singled out those he knew by reputation, such as Kayla (Joann Ciswerski) and asked for opinions on the current matter. He also bandied words with Justin Swift as many of the onlookers became certain the night's death was at hand. But the Highlord seemed genuinely amused by Swift's lack of decorum.
The King then returned his attention to the Noble Candidates. In turn, he tore into Lord Deacon Trevor Eaton, Baron of Chathelm, specifically for using his Portal of Desire to pursue the wants and needs of the Church of Dain. He also refused Lord Nicholas Skye,for trying to jump from Viscount to Duke in one day.
    Blacksteel then accepted the Lady Allya Danrada, Countess of Onoras in Dunbarin, as the new Duchess of Evangar. (Later, many would say that it was the Countess's selfless offer to gift the Crown of Wisdom to whomever the King choose as the new leader of Evangar that sealed her appointment.) It was quickly learned that in order to gather support for her efforts, the new Duchess had promised to form a Council comprised of members of the Cabal, Church of Dain, Pantheists, and others to advise her. The repercussions of this act for Evangar, former stalwart partner in the Alliance of the Faithful with Argoth, remain to be seen. The King accepted the new Duchess's fealty and then departed.
    The night thus ended, and a new era for Evangar began.

FROM THE BLACK DESK

It's good to be the King.
Last Session I got to reprise my role as Blacksteel, the barbarian King of Kaleth. It was a lot of fun striding around, bellowing and pontificating while his subjects either cowered or carefully contained their disloyalty. At the end of the session some of the players joked that the most powerful people in Kaleth all seem to look like me. At first I took exception to that because it sounded like I was being accused of snagging all the best parts for myself. I like playing powerful characters but there is more to my casting decisions than my megalomaniac tendencies. When the campaign was young I Hosted all of the sessions. I did that to provide guidance to the game. I have taken on many of these key roles for the same reason and as the campaign evolves fewer and fewer of the powerful characters will be 6'2" and balding. I will not be playing Arthon Jurel Blacksteel, for example, and I already have someone in mind for the Grand Inquisitor. Zayven has 'stepped beyond' and Captain Gray has retired. Eventually I hope to spend most of my time as a player character. For now, I will continue to portray characters like Eldred and the King because no one else has the inside information I do but when the time is right I will hand them over to players who know enough about the setting to do the job right. I have enjoyed the gradual transition from 'my game' to 'our game' and this is one more step in that direction.
I have made a note of the players who had a laugh at my expense and I will have Blacksteel issue a few writs of execution. It's good to be the King.

THE RUMOR MILL

The attendants of the Ram's Head Inn have had a very difficult set of months. Death, disappearance and insanity have all taken their toll on the source of the Gates. For years skeptics have been decrying the Inn as a haven of rogues. The last few months have shown it to be a poor haven.
    The missing Kayla has returned, but at what price? Kobar, a long-standing pillar of the Inn, has disappeared. Some say that he walked back into the desolation, but wherever he has traveled, he seems even beyond the Gatekeeper's reach. Messengers from the gatekeeper have travelled the lands looking for sightings of the elusive nomad.
    Piers, the jinxed glasser traveled from the shrine of St. Ceruill with the Gatekeeper, wanting help interpreting and putting to rest disturbing dreams. Perhaps the dreams were more ominous that we knew, or perhaps there is stranger work afoot, but just a few months later peasants in Zurek found Piers wandering alone in the night screaming for solace. They pinned him to the ground until a healer could arrive. Unfortunately the healer could do nothing to calm the young man. He was in a delusional state. No one was able to determine if the state was brought on by fever or by possession before a freak fire in the healer's house proved enough distraction to allow Piers to once again disappear into the night. Local authorities are torn between trying to find the man or thanking Dain for ridding them of the accursed man.
    Not all news is bad news, however. Witnesses in Evangar saw Rhianna and her twin brother Rhys exchanging a tearful embrace before the Countess made her way back to her Evangar estate. Perhaps reconciliation is at hand between the Du'Vallier twins. Phantor approached the parents of the twins concerning the new hope of harmony in the troubled family, but both declined to comment.
    The increasingly dour crusader, Andor Orban, was seen on more than one occasion emerging from the Crypt of Kings beneath the deserted royal Winterbourne Castle, ashen-faced and grim. A candle merchant who slept in the room across the hall from the Wielder of Vengeance tells Phantor that he was awakened from his slumber the night of the Feast by a brief flurry of screams from Andor's room. Though uncertain (from being roused suddenly from his sleep), the merchant swears he heard the crusader cry out suddenly, "Oh! I am slain!"
    Since challenging that insufferable bully Moorkoth to a duel, the Lady Catherine has grown reclusive. Word has it she's retreated to Captain Grey's farm. If Phantor were a stickler, he'd point out the impropriety of a lady living with a man like Grey unmarried! Surely, the scandal will be the death of us all!
    You may have already heard tell of the exciting goings-on at the impromptu court of his Majesty, King Blacksteel during the recent Feast of St. Julio in Evengar, but you may not have heard of the exciting event that happened much later that night. Phantor has heard many in the city were in attendance at the Silvered Wurm alehouse that night as the infamous Justin Swift was knighted during a drunken revel by Baron Chellisan of one of the smaller ducal baronies. Sir Swift was proclaimed wrapped in a bright pink Belt of Station hung with botas of the finest mead in the house and was toasted long into the wee hours.
    How did the Lady Cassandra manage to get into a private audience between Justin Swift and Lord Montrose, while he was still Duke of Evangar. Some say that she simply walked in, others say that Montrose's odd advisor "Eldred" escorted her in. One way or another, perhaps the Lady Cassandra has some influence she's been hiding....
    Gretchen has recently been seen in the company of a well dressed lady clearly of some high appointment. Perhaps everyone's favorite artifact expert is working for the nobility?
    Those of you who have been following Evangar politics as closely as Phantor have doubtless heard of the Falcon Guard. Some may even have heard the former Duke's announcement that they were to be reinstated or, more accurately, given the chance to redeem themselves. A rumor suggests that a small parcel of land in the hill-region of Evangar has been signed to Liam for the duration of his lifetime to be used as he sees fit. An associate has recently reminded Phantor of tales goblin slavers in that region from some years back? An fitting task to set before the new Falcon Guard. While we are on the subject of the Falcon Guard the Viscount of Camilliard in Vathos is interested in speaking with the swashbuckling Elestan. Apparently his son recently came staggering home with terrible dueling scars on his cheeks, his face pale. The only word he would speak was "Elestan!" before passing into a deep sleep. Has everyone's favorite lout finally drunk himself into a dangerous stupor?
    Rumor has it that under new evidence, the hapless Ephram is soon to be executed! Will no one come to his defense?!
    A simple priest of Dain living in an outlying town near the Desolation was recently found dead in his chambers. This in itself is not unusual, however those from the Church who examined the body could find no cause of death. Word has reached these old ears, however, that they did find the name "Malachi" printed, inverted, across the man's chest.... apparently burned there freshly, though the man's night clothes were not harmed. Make what you will of this. Phantor has no idea what this portends. We've all heard about that little spectacle in the Ducal Court where Kantr publicly accused Malachi of various heinous deeds, and we've all heard how they're now the best of friends. Word is that Kantr may have earned himself some enemies by backing down over the so-called "Black Wizard" so quickly. As, as some have pointed out, if Malachi is in fact a Namer might he have in fact have forced Kantr to be his buddy?
    The Cabal has a silver tongued diplomat, and no one knows his name -- unless you count Reman as a name. Word has it that the cabal's face man recently talked the new Duchess of Evangar into a permanent cabal advisor as well as a home for the Cabal on her lands. Seeing Evangar's long standing distrust and barring of the Cabal lifted in a single day leads one either to reverent awe of Reman's diplomatic skills or profound suspicion. Phantor has heard that namers can make people do what they want...
    Word has it that with the new Duchess in Thallarin being so amenable the Wood Elves have sent Autumn to speak with her regarding some old issues involving the lands of Evangar. If anyone has any idea what those issues might be, please drop dear old Phantor a line so everyone can know!
    Count Kerrigan has been making the rounds of various nobles and priests of many different religions. Apparently the good count is concerned about a possible religious war. Those who are more generous might say that he is trying to keep the peace. Phantor, however, wonders if that is the true extent of his motives.
    Where is Jacko these days? In days long past Phantor would receive dozens of little letters about his doings a month, but now, almost nothing... Has he gone into semi retirement? Is he advising some noble in secret? Or has he managed to somehow silence all those who knew too much about his goings on?
    There seems to be some confusion in the administrators of the Ram's Head. With all of the new positions opening up, and the new regulations imposed by the Gatekeeper, it has been hard to keep up. If that were not confusing enough, there seems to be a great confusion concerning who will be replacing Captain Grey. If stories can be believed, the villainous and perhaps redeemed Moorkoth has been acting as Captain of the Inn for some time, but on several occasions, the Gatekeeper has spoken of Kobar as if he were the champion of the Ram's Head. Well, which is it Gatekeeper?
    Word has spread like wildfire through the kingdom: Tyler Melwei has a child! Exposed in an unexpected passage during the reading of the will of Count Skye, the child would appear to be the son of Melwei and Lord Whitewater. (Phantor has heard rumors that the elven healer's marriage to Whitewater had been brief but filled with controversy that follows her to this day.) What part could this child play in the story of the curse that seems to be unfolding around Melwei? Phantor will certainly be keeping his eye on this.
    Phantor hears that the rough and tumble Baron of Dunbarin is doing some sort of favor for Hunter. Word is also that it might be in exchange for the Near Elf's "loosing" of some piece of incriminating information related to the former Countess of Onoras, now Duchess of Evangar.
    Countess Rhianna has been improving quickly in her skills. Those who know such things have been astounded with the quality of the work coming from her laboratory these days. Quite fantastic. Some of the members of the Cabal are growing impatient, it seems. The Countess has refused to claim any allegiance to them, but as her skills grow, many think she is selfishly guarding secrets which could improve the work of all enchanters.
    Send flowers and cards to the Happy Begger Inn in Taladren in Vathos. Seems dear Reynn has been recuperating there recently from some illness that has the local healers mystified. (The innkeep was so worried about the plague that he called them in during one of Reynn's moaning and sweating bouts of unconsciousness.) Oddly, Phantor heard a similar report a week or two later from another city in Vathos... Has Reynn caught something that he can't shake?
    Preparations are being made by the Pantheist church to anoint the remains of Bax, killed during events at the Fest of St. Julio, and posthumously proclaim him Saint. It is heard that furthermore, the high priests will pray to the gods to return Bax to them as it is said they had done Slayer some months before. It is feared what might come of this, though, since there is rumored to be some dissention among the priests if not the gods themselves over the late Bax's petitions to induct a new deity among the gods.
    Those close to the Duchess of Thallarin have been speaking in whispers about the visit of a mysterious Black Robe Druid. Although no one knows for certain, Phantor's contacts suggest that the Druid appeared in court to demand recompense for their murdered colleagues. Some have even suggested that he threatened Thallarin with drought should they not comply with the wishes of the Wheel.
    Rumors continue to reach Phantor concerning a number of masked men searching the lands for the sorcerer Xandar. The stories are interspersed with details involving ritual killings and even funeral pyres of slain mages that scream their misery even as they are consumed. Thus far Xandar himself seems unaffected by the men or their rumored quest.
    There's something brewing and Phantor knows all about it, dear reader. It seems that countless artisans are convening at Fallowspire, the old home of you-know-who (begins with Z, ends with N and rhymes with Raven). All these artisans and enchanters and crafters are reporting to none other than the lovable Gwen. Is our impossibly tall Gatekeeper doing some remodeling with Gwen providing the woman's touch?
    And as for Commander Owl... Well. Who knew?

SIR SWIFTY MEETS THE KING

Robin Goodfellow has apparently been hard at work on some sort of sweeping drama involving a brave young hero named Toad. Though the play has yet to be performed -- apparently, Goodfellow is waiting to perform it for someone "important" -- word has spread through polite society of the details of the play.
In it, Toad uncovers a plot to seize the throne being orchestrated by the wicked followers of a Demon lord. The Demon Lord desires to take the throne for he is a master of pride and vanity. Toad, a young horse groom, finds himself on the scene when a number of great heroes loyal to the King are killed by the pagans. He manages to escape only by hiding under a bundle of blankets.
Toad swears he will continue the great tradition of these knights and he will lend his blade to the King however he might. The play follows Toad as he learns to be a man skilled in the arts of blade and the skills of a gentleman. Along the way, Toad is befriended by Sir Swifty, who makes an extended appearance in the play. Swifty instructs Toad in how to be a Knight, singing a little song about the ten things a Knight must always remember. With passages like:

A Knight must be an honest man,
Unless you owe one money.
Then the truth fends for itself:
More bees are caught with honey.
A Knight must stand on ramparts tall,
No force shall make him flee,
Unless that force is very large,
Then to the hills for me!

Toad learns more, however, from various great teachers. Though he comes to travel with Swifty, but always he maintains the noble path and seeks to aid the King.
    Toad resolves that he must get a message through to the King. He and Swifty join a troupe of wandering fools who are going to perform a play for the King. The leader of the troupe is a vainglorious fop by the name of Bobbin Boob. Bobbin is quite certain that he can instruct the King in how to rule the kingdom and seeks to perform a play for the man which will set "the bullish fellow" straight on the details of the crown.
    While Toad finds Bobbin to be insufferable, Swifty and he get along quite well. Bobbin asks the two to join their troupe to perform for the King.
    Eventually, the troupe comes to meet the King, and the Highlord immediately spots Swifty, knowing him to me the famous rakish knight. The dialogue of their meeting has already circulated among common rooms:

King: Are you as great an ass as they say, Swifty?
Swifty: I am only as great as your majesty.
King: You think yourself as great as I?
Swifty: No, your majesty. I meant only that I'm as great an ass.
King: You're not very good at this clever wordplay, Swifty. You've just called me a great ass.
Swifty: Uhh...No! That's not what I meant, your majesty. I meant that I am an ass, yes, but not as GREAT an ass as--
King: You really want to stop there, Swifty.
Swifty: Begging your pardon, my King. But is it not true that you have a great ass?
King: Yes, that is true. My ass comes from mountain stock and she can pull 50 stones. I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt that you mean my animal. You do, don't you?
Swifty: Of course, your majesty. I ask because I have a great interest in asses. I was raised by one.
King: I'm almost afraid to ask -- you were raised by an ass?
Swifty: Yes. My father kept his barn near to our house... King: Ah! You mean you were raised NEAR an ass.
Swifty: Yes, that too.
King: So, then, tell your King why you asked after my great ass.
Swifty: Because when I have been out drinking, I have heard villainous looking men toast to the royal great ass, and I have seen great numbers of righteous looking men give them beatings. It is always my way to speak up for the underdog, and I wondered if I might defend these men by crying out in the common houses, "Hold! They speak true! The King has a huge ass!"
King: I really should just kill you and be done with it...
Swifty: No one's perfect, milord.
King: Oh, Swifty.

The King expels Swifty from his presence, and Boob performs his absurd play, a most comic bit. The King has his hung by his ears, and all the troupe scatters. Only one remains -- the young Toad looking apprehensive. The king confronts the lad, and the lad speaks plainly his devotion of the King. He tells him of his masters who were killed, and of his desire to tell the king of the enemy that seeks to topple the throne. In sublime words, Toad pledges his love for the King.
    The King rises and puts his hand on Toad's head. He takes his advice, that these emenies must be stopped, and raises his guard. The army marches out to face the servants of the Demon of Pride, and in a massive and elaborate scene, Toad and the King battle countless men from the ramparts of a castle wall. A huge battle is staged, with cries and great tumult.
    Toward the end of the battle, a great and looming enemy approaches the king unseen and Toad throws himself in the way, shouting the warning the King needs. Toad is dealt a deadly blow, and the king and the terrible Captain duel on the ramparts. The Captain is bested and the King has him hauled to his dungeons. Then the King goes to Toad's side, where the young man proclaims, "A thousand deaths would I die for House Blacksteel and her first King. I regret that I can serve you no longer."
    The young Toad is borne away in state, but only after the King kisses his hand.

AND YOUR FAVORITE PLAYERS WERE...

The winners for Session 16 (using the new system) were:

Bax (James Silverstein)
Lady Elimer Whitewolf/Commander Owl (Corrie Hrubes)
Newt (Joshua Rowe)
Umbar (Dan Grendel)
Kantr (Tony Hrubes)

And NPCs:

Lady (Duchess) Danrada (Dawn Nystul) and
ex-Duke Montrose (Tom Peters)

THE GOLDEN KEY

I have been very impressed with the support many of you have given the campaign and I have tried to recognize that support as often as I can but it never really felt like enough. I am instituting a system to recognize the efforts of the players to keep the game going.
    Starting next session I will be inducting players into the Order of the Golden Key. When a player is first named he will be awarded the First Circle. If he is named multiple times he will gain additional Ranks (Second Circle, Third Circle and so on).
    Ranks in the Order act like Karma points that come back every session. If a player has achieved the Second Circle he has two Karma points he can spend without having to dip into the reserve of points he has earned. These points cannot be used to buy Experience or Boons (they can only be used to affect game play).
    The Golden Key is a player award and isn't attached to a specific character so it can be used with whatever character you are playing.
    A player who has achieved the third Circle or better can prevent the death of one of his characters if the death could reasonably be prevented or reversed by permanently spending three of his special Karma points.
    So, how do you get this award? Do whatever you can to support the game. Next session I will be inducting several players at various Ranks to recognize past service but after that I will only be giving out one or two of these awards per session. The Golden Key is given out by me and is entirely subject to my whim.

This edition of the Gateway Chronicle was created by:

War Stories (Session 16)— Tom Dowd
State of the Union— Dave Simkins
From The Black Desk, Etc.—Mike Nystul
“Sir Swifty Meets The King”—Aaron Loeb
Rumor Mill—Chad Brinkley, Tom Dowd, Aaron Loeb, Mike Nystul, Dave Simkins, and Doug Tabb
Layout, Production, and additional writing: Tom Dowd

The Gateway Chronicles Staff

Primarch: Mike Nystul (PariahMike@aol.com)
Game Coordinator: Dawn Nystul (ElvenDawn@aol.com)
Treasurer: Aaron Loeb (aaron@gamepen.com)
Archivist: Dan Grendel (udun@aol.com)
Chronicler/Webmaster: Tom Dowd (tom.dowd@ix.netcom.com)

Storytellers:
Chad Brinkley
Tom Dowd (tom.dowd@ix.netcom.com)
Aaron Loeb (aloeb@hotmail.com)
Dave Simkins (dsimkins@jaka.ece.uiuc.edu)
Doug Tabb (dougtabb@aol.com)