NOVEMBER POST-GATHERING NOTES:
I return from Nebulonde to our new settlement, Greystone! Of personal note, it is wonderful for me to be able to venture out into the field of battle once again. For far too long, I've been unable to directly engage those whom have been threatening our citizenry. With the Curse I labored under lifted, I am now wielding staff and mace as well as magical powers in the cause of Earth and Life.
Nebulonde presented challenges to the Nobility and goodfolk of Avendale, but those challenges were well met. One of note: a hostile creature with unique abilities, now named "saternine cats" were encountered. These cats morphed their abilites quickly, demonstrating the ability to perfectly mimic the striking power dealt upon them, returning the attack in kind. Avendale's adventurers, after some confusion as to the nature of this remarkable foe, did some adapting of their own, and were vanquishing the "copy cats" soon after each appeared with valiant dispatch.
As to the Healers Guild, we had a number of resurections to perform during the Gathering, though given the strength and numbers of adversaries, there were not nearly as many as I had feared. Two of the resurrections were needed for those who attempted the Archwizardry tests, and were not a result of battle or similar misfortune.
Of special note, two resurrections were required of Dale at this Gathering. Both were successful, however. Dale has informed me that he will be taking his leave of Avendale for a time. Under the circumstances, I can't say I blame him! On behalf of the Guild, I wish him "safe journey" and look forward to his return to these lands.
The Healers' Guild expresses warm congradulations to its Healers Lilaiethyn Phellanyrastralae and Seronia. Both have achieved the 9th Circle of Earth Magic, and the rank of Archwizard. Well done!
While Earth Guard Captain Greylore remains on extended leave, he and I agree that Bling will be appointed Brevet Captain of the Earth Guard. Bling has served Avendale and the Guild with honor and dedication, and we look forward to witnessing his continued ventures on behalf of both.
As many are now aware, the Guild received a generous number of Formal Magic Scrolls from the Royal Academy of the Arcane Arts and Sciences at the prior Gathering at Greystone. As noted in this space previously, we believe that we received the smaller of two such shipments. The larger shipment, we understand, was intercepted by bandits, and we believe the shipment also included a quantity of magical components that we so desperately need. Indeed, with the copying of scrolls that we needed to do, we expended what few components we had, and now our holdings are so depleted that we are unable to perform any Formal Magic as of this writing. Now that we have returned to Greystone, our Guild Healers and Earth Guard arel be directed to seek out information on this lost caravan. Recovery of the magical treasures intended for us are a top priority!
I had hoped to raise some components through the creation of Earth Magic Weapons, as the scrolls we were gifted included Earth Magic Aura and Render Indestructible Improved. However, both of these were consumed in magical flame during the creation of a Barbarian Racial Weapon. While we rejoice in the creation of such a mighty weapon for the cause of Earth, we are once again without the means to earn the components we need to perform our work on behalf of Avendale.
Needless to say, we are keen upon setting our Guild Healers and Earth Guard onto adventures that would provide a reward of components in quantity!
Our year of 602 began in hardship and sorrow, with the funeral of our beloved Queen Niomi Avendale. As the year progressed, the foes of Avendale, both old and new, were met with bravery and force by our Nobilty and citizenry. We also were priviledged to witness and benefit from the valiant efforts of those who travel our lands and who joined these often perilous efforts without asking compensation or reward. Indeed, we were able to extend special attention to the lands of Silvermyst and Nebulonde this year. Of no small matter was the establishment of our new settlement here in Greystone, as well. So, it is with a look to the future, Avendale -- and the Healers' Guild -- venture onward!
We look forward to this upcoming year of 603!
Andvar
Guildmaster