Massacre on the water!

There are reports of a massacre on the colonization ship Tangara. Witnesses claim that while in route from Deliverance to Chastity several passengers began Lycanthropic transformations. Some claim those in the midst of transformation were promptly attacked by Mythas Bulga's soldiers. Others claim the soldiers were themselves attacked. Although most witnesses report that the Lycanthropes were exclusively Werebears, there were also several reports of Wererats and Werewolves. Over 70 soldiers were slain and all the Lycanthropes escaped. 11 peasants were believed to be killed by the soldiers, but none by the Lycanthropes. Bulga's soldiers claim some peasants may have assisted the Lycanthropes escape. It is estimated that there were 8-12 Lycanthropes. Bulga's second in command has promised an investigation.

Military Governor Lord Konda Ignacious Fallen?

Lord Konda Ignacious the Military Governor of Norwold has not been seen for several weeks and is rumored to have been assassinated. There are reportedly unofficial denials of any assassination of Konda, yet no explanations for his absence. Meanwhile, his forces have been divided among the other dominions of Norwold. 

A group of prominent merchants demanded answers from Lord Konda's close friend, the wizard Azi Hazami. When hard pressed on the question of Lord Konda's state, Azi Hazami turned one interrogator into a frog. After which, the group seemed satisfied and there where no further questions.

The people of Norwold can only hope for the well being of Lord Konda as he has proven a faithful and extremely effective protector of the citizenry.   

Second Wave Arrives in Norwold

The second wave of colonists has arrived in Deliverance. Lord Corbo of Deliverance and Lady Bulga of Chastity were both present to welcome the fleet from Alphatia. The fleet consisted of the Ishmael, Tangara, Antos, Mugger's Fate, Blue and Mershun Eagle. The fleet reportedly transported to Norwold over 5,000 peasants, 800 dwarves and 60 knights with warhorses.

Upon arrival, the knights swore oaths of loyalty to Lord Corbo and in turn were given manors within the Barony of Deliverance. Meanwhile, Lady Bulga hastily redirected the Ishmael and Tangara, along with their 3,000 peasant passengers, to the Barony of Chastity.

Of the remaining 2,000 peasants, Lord Corbo has declared 1,000 to be his subjects with the remaining 1,000 free to be divided among the other Lords of Norwold.

The 800 dwarves, indifferent to human affairs, are preparing for the long march to the New Camp Koract.

In Deliverance, representatives of Lords Yantra, Varegar and Kaberblade all lodged formal complaints asking Lady Bulga to wait for a council meeting before taking the peasants to Chastity and for Lord Corbo to also refrain from declarations without council agreement. Both complaints were ignored.

Shrines of Norwold and NPC Monk Advancement

Level 0 monk applicants must train with a Master to attain level 1. Each month a Master may teach a maximum number of pupils equal to half his number of levels rounded up. After a full month of study, each student has the following chance of successfully attaining level 1. If unsuccessful, the student may continue learning another month if the Master is available.

Chance of success % = (Master's Level + Master's Wisdom + Master's Charisma)/2

Once a monk reaches level 1, he may train with the other monks and does not require special attention from the Master. Each month of training, adverturing or tending shrines/inns a monk has a chance of advancing a level up to level 10 (see table below).

Monk Level	Monthly Advance %
1	20
2	20
3	15
4	15
5	15
6	10
7	10
8	10
9	5
10	5

New Keep in Chastity Completed!

The Barony of Chastity has recently completed an impressive keep on the edge of the initial fortified camp. The new home for the Baroness Mythas Bulga will also serve as the seat of power for The Righteous Tower in Norwold. If rumors are correct, the construction was hurriedly completed in anticipation of the pending arrival in Norwold of a yet unnamed temple master of The Excoriation. The keep is already equipped with ballistas and is expected to eventually have an extensive underground to house a large civilian population in times of need. Expansion plans are rumored that include curtain walls and tower complexes. The order is known for extravagant fortifications and it seems this is just the beginning in Norwold.   

Improved Monk Reaches Norwold?

New Monk Rules

Dragon Magazine #53

New Paladin Lord to arrive in Norwold?

There are rumors from the great halls of Deliverance and Chastity of a new Paladin Lord arriving soon in Norwold. The exact identity of the Lord is shrouded secrecy. The main point of speculation is the Paladin's Holy Order membership. Will Lord Mythas Bulga be joined by another member of The Castrametation? If this is to be the case, which Paladin will be subordinate? Surely, they could not be equals. It would be an even more interesting development if the new Paladin were to be of The Excoriation. Would this lead to an inter-order conflict within the new Norwold colonies?

The Order of the Holy Blade, The Excoriation, Purifiers:

The Excoriation is led by The Order of Holy Blade with the stated purpose of the destruction of Evil. The Holy Blade is the oldest Alphatian religious military order and predates the Righteous Tower by over 1,000 years. In the past few centuries, the Holy Blade has been surpassed by the Righteous Tower in membership and is now almost half the size of the younger order. However, the Knights of the Excoriation are still considered by most to be superior one-on-one to the Knights of The Castrametation.

The Most Holy Order of the Righteous Tower, The Castrametation, Guardians:

The ongoing rivalry and conflict between The Castrametation and The Excoriation has almost reached the point of open warfare. It seems unthinkable that two orders dedicated respectively to the destruction of evil and protection against evil could be in such opposition. This conflict reaches back to the schism within the Holy Blade which gave birth to the Righteous Tower. The Excoriation considers Guardians to be misguided and untrustworthy at best. At worst, the Excoriation considers Purifiers to be traitors requiring redemption through abscission. Meanwhile, Guardians consider Purifiers to be crazed with blood lust and fallen from grace. While the Excoriation is dedicated to the destruction of Evil, The Castemetation is dedicated to the protection of the righteous.