Please enjoy this lovely book we put together just for you!

Brought to you by Libera and his heralds.

It would seem that Filstaf has been made Executor of Valour with good

reason. He has been battling the darkness within the land, faithfully

defending his home from its clutches. He may be short of stature, but that

does not diminish his authority. He is keen to the world, and seems to be

willing to fight if it means to protect Valour. Whether he will continue

his stride or be beaten into submission isn't foreseeable, we can only wait

to know.



Libera

Today I had the chance to meet with the new leader of the warlords,
Dorgen Rockbiter. A dwarf of no small reknown.

It seems there must be something about this short creature, some essence of
spirit that forced the immortals to banish every other Warlord in
preparation of his coming. What plans does he have? Let's get right into
the interview.

Rethiel: What qualifications do you have to lead the Warlords?

Dorgen: What meself's got is discipline, honor, and the ability ter teach
others. Meself ain't claimin ter be the best fighter what ever lived or
even the best fighter in the lands.

Rethiel: Doesn't it seem like maybe you should be?

Dorgen: Not till me record's ten times longer'n it is now.

Rethiel: Do you think you're better than the warlords who came before?

Dorgen: It ain't easy ter compare.

Rethiel: Are you preparing for war?

At this point the Warmaster dodged my question. Are the Warlords preparing
for war?

Serin may never know.

It seems that trouble is brewing for the Ivory Towers. According to a
reliable informant within the group, a Bard has gone and made trouble for
the group of scholars for reasons unknown to this reporter. Hopefully there
will be more to know soon, but we shall see as it would take further
investigation and hopefully no lose in heads of my part.

Libera the Bombilating Bee

This just in, fresh from the grapevine. Garv, a Knight of Valour, was
recently seen assaulting innocent Nobles.

Our story begins with Henald, a shaman and Pohla, a bard. As with most
shaman and nobles, Henald was attacking the Duchess, who was defending
herself capably when Sir Garv stepped in to rescue this damsel who was not
in distress. No, such distress came after, when the knight turned on the
young half-elf eyes blinded by his rage at the escape of his enemy. He
struck! Pohla managed to dodge away from his fury, but Henald must have
heard the row and returned to strike the killing blow. Garv failed to slay
Henald, and was seen attacking Pohla again at a latter time, though this did
not result in her death.

Serinites, this may look like a simple case of misplaced heroism, but I urge
you to consider the alternatives. In truth Garv aided on one cause: his
enemy's. Will Garv be forced to stand trail for his two (documented)
assaults against a member of the nobility, or will the Knights sanction his
actions and dismiss them as nothing more than the temper of youth? Answers
to those quesitons, and more, here in your copy of the Mystique.

More reports on the questional warlord Lorne. One of my trusted sources
suggested that he's been making friendly with the new mystic in the tower,
Vos. Like all mystics, Vos is a mage. If their relationship stopped at
drinks and idle chatter, this would be no worthy report. It seems they
adventure together frequently. Lorne himself admitted that they made it all
the way to the end of the Mountain near Mudfall when disaster struck. Lorne
said he needed to call for aid, but could not remember whom he called. My
source told me that he required assistance from a shaman in the form of a
divine summoning. I find it perfectly suspect that Lorne would forget who
he called for help, and that such help was a violation of the ideals he's
expected to live up to.

Lorne is strong, and he's a good fighter, but I think he's missing some of
the other key traits that go along with Warlordship. Time will tell, but I
expect Dorgen won't be nearly so impressed with his new recruit's behavior.

The Knights are currently at war with Keepers, though goodness knows how
long it'll last. The winds shift quite easily these days. With the death
of Keepermaster Crisbin, the new Keepermistress Amiendre is aiming to
maintain her cabal under a waning moon. There are some who say that Keepers
will fade entirely with the rise of the Warlords, but what will truly
transpire remains to be seen.


submitted by Vanisse the Myth Weaver

I don't want to be the one who names names, but there are certain

Warlords, such as Lothgal, who seem to have a twisted sense of honor. First

of all, he shows up out of the blue where Dradge and I are ranking. At

first I thought it was really nice of him to come and help since it was a

little tough with just us two trying to kill all the medics by ourselves.

Imagine my surprise when without word nor warning, he attacked the man who

was defending me, nearly leaving me dead on the ground as collateral damage.



Dradge was worked up about this, and I decided to take some time to gather

my things, just in case something like that happened to me, being unprepared

as I was. While I'm doing this, the Warlord has the guts to threaten me, as

if I were supposed to lay back and let someone risk my life, just because he

was a Warlord. Some honor, I tell you.


I hung back and watched the fight for a bit, and Dradge ran off when he saw

the new Executor show up, not that I blame him. Then, again without

warning, Lothgal decides that I'm easy pickings or something and tries to

kill me! For doing not a thing more than standing next to Dradge while they

were fighting. Who knew that being guilty by association was how Warlord

claimed their 'honor'.


All I can say is, keep your dagger ready when there's a Warlord around...

Doubly so if it happens to be Lothgal.



Submitted by Rethiel

Nildor and Xylanthia, I am sure you know them, they're that jotun paladin

couple that's been around forever, always hiding in their halls. I decided

to see what their story was, and it turns out they they're so involved one

with the other that they can't even answer any questions! All they want to

do is sit around and pray with each other. I don't know if they're lovers,

or brother and sister, or both. Who can tell if they never come out and

play? They didn't even want to answer any questions when I came to visit

them in their home.


Not only are they insular, but they're rude on top of it. I ask you, good

men and women of Serin, is this the face of the light? Is this the breed of

the new generation? I say to you, Knights, you have a lot of ground to make

up.


submitted by Rethiel, Novice Herald

Word on the street is that the Knights are struggling to fund their war

against the Legion. With no Executor to hold them in check, it seems the

younger Knights have been pressing hard on their nobility, leaving them with

barely two gold pieces to rub together.


The real concern is where they will garner their funds when every one of

their nobles is left destitute on the streets of Valour.

Most recently I found myself heading to Winter with Razix, Guarin, and
Lorne, a Warlord. At first we were just going to kill the Mists, but then
we were after some special boots as well. Guarin died on the way in and
Razix in the final fight. Since no one had requested it before entering
Razix grabbed up the embossed earring and stuck it in his ear. Well, Lorne
thought that because he was more likely to get the set associated, that he
should have the earring. When Razix refused, the Warlord took offense and
uttered a threat over the poor Slyph's head. Where is the honor in
promising vengeance over a trinket? A trinket which cost Razix his life as
he fought for Lorne's prized boots.

Questionable stock, Warmaster.

submitted by Rethiel

Keeping to the shadows as they ever do, the Legion seems to swell in
force. They are slowly amassing what recruits they feel valuable to them
and their cause. Whether they will go forward and cover the realm in shadow
or merely observe for now, doing whatever they can to further their plans is
a mystery to all.

Known members: Darzavius, Cthartu

The Keepers have long been hiding, watching and going after those who are
deemed a threat. They are slowly recruiting those who have a steady hand
and a sound mind. The fight before them is not an easy one. Amiendre the
Keepermistress is very secretive of her operations, but one can't help but
wonder what she has in store to keep the balance of Serin.

Known members: Amiendre, Raxurg

The Warlords haven't been up to much as far as the eye can tell. There
is Lorne, the one who seems to be about and dueling all who wish to take up
the challenge, but their leader the Warmaster Durgen Rockbiter seems to be
absent most days. One can't tell why or how this will be going into
something further, let us hope that their fall won't be as sudden as their
rise.

Known members: Dorgen, Lorne

The Laws are being kept while their watch is there. But without the
Justice around, it seems some seek to murder others in the streets. I for
one know this personally as Uvet has attempted to kill others in Seringale
no less. It seems the Justices are going to have a lot to get their hands
on the matter, let us hope they will keep up their vigilance. If the towns
are safe for all, then how will we really be safe?

Known members: Fynth, Kewlin, Rohandric

The Knights of Valour seem to be doing their job. Safeguarding the
light, as far as I can tell the slight skirmish war that went between them
and the Legion is at a halt for now. They are under the watchful eye of
their General Marest for now, but word is he is a very popular candidate for
Executor. He watches over his Knights and guides them to what they should
be. One can hope that they will only rise up and defend the light with all
they can.

Known members: Marest, Garv, Cronnus

The Mystics are still around and ready to imbue the knowledge they have
to all the young ones of Serin. Our numbers are making it easier for those
who would like to learn about their religions. Varliv is the leader and his
old bones are still getting around. If you get a chance or need help just
let any one of the Mystics know and we will be more then happy to do what we
can for you.

Submitted by Goron Prophet of Valour

The Heralds are busy, working on many things as well as testing the use
and skills of our applicants. One of the most important ongoing things is
of course gathering news and gossip, making stories and other things for the
Mystique for the enjoyment of all. We are always looking for new talent who
wish to join, so if you think you might be a good fit, do attempt to join.
If nothing else, it is better to try and fail than not try at all.

Libera the Bombilating Bee

On this day, the Day of Alliances, 12th Renewal of the Celestial of

Disregard, Lorne and Guarin met in the arena to test their mettle against

each other. Lorne a young, upcoming Warlord, and Gaurin the handsome,

secretive squire. The fight was over nearly as soon as it began. Lorne

closed in on the squire, dealing too much damage too swiftly for him to

overcome. I expected to regal you with the details of this fight, but it

was little more than a massacre.



Victor: Lorne

The Thrill


A brush of shadows, the lightened purse.
Fingertip touches lighter than air.
A locked door, an uttered curse.
Gone before you think to look.

At home in darkness, one with the crowd.
Daggers sharpened and near at hand.
Time passes, mistakes disallowed,
The moment approaches, just as planned.

A push, a nudge, pardon sir.
What was yours is mine, gone in a blur.
Adrenaline fades as I bask in my prize,
A token stolen from under your eyes.

submitted by Rethiel

Far has the time been where we Heralds have sat around and done nothing,
and I am one of many to be blamed, but no more. I shall endeavor to stir my
Heralds, as well as myself, into fervor to produce works and create events
for the joy of you all. I hope you will enjoy what we are going to be
putting out. Some will be small and simple, other grand and huge, but the
common theme will hopefully that it will be fun. I look forward to all of
you taking part in the events that will come to past, and will be looking
forward to hearing any responses you may have upon the events.

If for some reason you feel that we Heralds are not keeping up with this, do
let us know for I shall strive to correct it. Hopefully it won't have to
come to such, and I will try my best to think of something fun and new or
even bring back a good ol' classic for us all to do. In the meantime, wait
with anticipation as the next even will be coming out soon.

To those whom it may concern,

Some time ago, when I was a younger man and a budding Herald. I wrote a
piece that was, not in the best light for everyone within it. I at the time
felt a bit of vindication of the article due to those who it pertained. But
now, as the years go on and dear friends have passed on, I am finding the
ones I was with then missing and am missing the fondness of our
conversation. I know that it may be too late, but I also know it is never
too late to try. I am deeply and sorrowfully sorry that I let that article
go to be published.

I am hoping that those who are within it know of what I am speaking of, and
will somehow find a way to forgive me.

Libera, High Herald of Serin

A loss was suffered at eight o'clock on the Day of the Alliances, fifth

renewal of the celestial of retribution. Rimera Galanodel died for her

final time. Rimera's story was long and rich, as is her obituary. She was

born into the noble house of Aerinonth. She heard the calling of the Winds

of Zephyr, and joined the halls. After toil, and many writer's cramps, she

became High Herald. She had long since met Ona, and they got married and

took the name Galanodel. After the loss of Ona, at some point she retired

into Strife. Shortly thereafter the Warlords returned, and absorbed her

with the rest of Strife. It was not long before she was overcome, and took

her own life. I only knew her as High Herald, but she was kind and surely

will be missed by many.



written by Prost the Whisper of Influence

Ophalina, Zylinier's most astute follower within the cult of the Shamans
died on the Day of the Horizon, 29th Renewal of the Celesital of Retribution
at 8 o'clock am.

Most people who knew of her either knew her from battling or being with her.
I knew Ophalina not as a person to fight, but as the silent mistress who
always spoke through the use of one's body. She was ever famous for her
inability to speak. While she seemed to not be sure at first, she came into
being a constant being around the realms. There are many who had battled
and even had respect for her, as she was ally, rival and foe to many. It
was also due to her that some of the most influential of the light fell into
the darkest pits of despair. She was true to her faith and the cause of her
Lord, Zylenier. May her name be forever remembered within the halls of his
temple.

It is a sad day for the Heralds as one of our most beloved friends has
passed away. We mourn the death of Gundder the Bouncer of Heralds. He was
a dear friend to all of us who took up the quill. He was always vowing to
protect us even at the risk of breaking the tavern's code, but never going
so far to do so. Not only was he a bouncer for the Heralds, but he was an
avid adventurer and someone to have as a companion for many battles. There
are many who shall no doubt miss the berserker who came to befriend many.
May he forever be remembered in the songs and tales written and performed
within Mocker's Tavern, for that was truly his home.

At 9 o'clock am, Day of the Great War, 22nd Renewal of the Celestial of
Disregard, Gundder the Volcano of Infinite Smashing, Bouncer of Heralds died
for the final time.

The Heralds are sad to announce the death of one of their own. Irion the
Silver-Tounged, Herald of Legion fell in his sleep to an eternal rest.
There was no knowledge to what could have caused it, but this is written
with a sorrow that isn't known to many. I knew Irion for some time before I
became a Herald and he was always a helpful man. Willing to aid those who
needed it and well as being a fantastic writer and able to come up with many
ideas at almost the drop of a hat. His death will be difficult to overcome
as a whole, but the Heralds have endured much worse.

At 6 o'clock am, Day of the Fall of Thalos, 1st Renewal of the Celestial of
Vanity, Irion the Silver-Tounged, Herald of Legion died for the final time.

To many people within in the Knights, Euriah was an unseen legend of
sorts. He was a paladin who was stalwart in his faith, seeking to rid evil
and fight back the Legion at every turn. He was a devastatingly good
fighter and was most often standing triumphant over his foes. It seems that
the eventuality of it caught up with him though and as the wheel turns, he
slowly succumbed to death himself. Euriah had once been Executor, but due
to warring with the Legion, there had been others who had stepped up to lead
the role in his absence. Let the Castle of Valour ring out with praise for
this worthy Knight who defended it and its city with a holy fervor.

At 4 o'clock pm, Day of the Fall of Thalos, 1st Renewal of the Celestial of
Vanity, Euriah the Holy Knight, General of Valour died for the final time.

Praise be to those who fell either by their hand, time or battle. May
there memory live on in those dear to them. Let their souls come to rest in
the beyond.

At 8 o'clock am, Day of the Dragon Wars, 10th Renewal of the Celestial of
Vanity, Koivul the Forest Patrician died for the final time.

At 7 o'clock am, Day of the Fall of Thalos, 1st Renewal of the Celestial of
Vanity, Issith the Mistress of the Miyama Ryu, Officer of Seringale died for
the final time.

At 3 o'clock am, Day of the Taekir War, 7th Renewal of the Celestial of
Vanity, Hathnrak the Battlemaster died for the final time.

At 6 o'clock am, Day of the Fall of Thalos, 9th Renewal of the Celestial of
Vanity, Thyson the Lieutenant of Armaments died for the final time.

At 5 o'clock am, Day of the Great War, 8th Renewal of the Celestial of
Vanity, Jyijin the Master of Displacement died for the final time.

At 11 o'clock pm, Day of the Dark Ages, 5th Renewal of the Celestial of
Vanity, Vos the Sage of Arcane Power died for the final time.

At 7 o'clock am, Day of the Taekir War, 1st Renewal of the Celestial of
Vanity, Leaghf the Grand Master of Assassins died for the final time.


At 11 o'clock pm, Day of the Horizon, 5th Renewal of the Celestial of
Vanity, Henald the Holy Shaman died for the final time.

At 4 o'clock am, Day of the Alliances, 5th Renewal of the Celestial of
Vanity, Draku the Holy Knight, Knight of Valour died for the final time.

At 5 o'clock am, Day of the Horizon, 2nd Renewal of the Celestial of Vanity,
Rezinthal the Knight of the Apocalypse died for the final time.

At 6 o'clock pm, Day of the Taekir War, 1st Renewal of the Celestial of
Vanity, Guerzo the Battlemaster died for the final time.

At 5 o'clock pm, Day of the Fall of Thalos, 1st Renewal of the Celestial of
Vanity, Kyrste the Holy Shaman died for the final time.

At 3 o'clock pm, Day of the Fall of Thalos, 1st Renewal of the Celestial of
Vanity, Geutha the Guardian of Fire died for the final time.

At 2 o'clock pm, Day of the Fall of Thalos, 1st Renewal of the Celestial of
Vanity, Zenay the Evil Incarnate died for the final time.

At 10 o'clock am, Day of the Fall of Thalos, 1st Renewal of the Celestial of
Vanity, Barbao the Militant died for the final time.

At 5 o'clock am, Day of the Fall of Thalos, 1st Renewal of the Celestial of
Vanity, Iivia the Keeper of the Grove died for the final time.

At 3 o'clock am, Day of the Fall of Thalos, 1st Renewal of the Celestial of
Vanity, Rizenth the Grand Master of Assassins died for the final time.

At 2 o'clock am, Day of the Fall of Thalos, 1st Renewal of the Celestial of
Vanity, Hechezryuk the Invoker of Suffering died for the final time.

At 8 o'clock pm, Day of the Taekir War, 1st Renewal of the Celestial of
Vanity, Ederran the Harai Goshi died for the final time.

At 8 o'clock pm, Day of the Taekir War, 1st Renewal of the Celestial of
Vanity, Argos the Holy Knight died for the final time.

At 5 o'clock pm, Day of the Taekir War, 1st Renewal of the Celestial of
Vanity, Glaoron the Healer-Knight died for the final time.

At 2 o'clock pm, Day of the Taekir War, 1st Renewal of the Celestial of
Vanity, Valdrak the Knight of the Apocalypse died for the final time.

At 10 o'clock am, Day of the Taekir War, 1st Renewal of the Celestial of
Vanity, Mirozah the Executor of Hurricanes died for the final time.

At 8 o'clock pm, Day of the Great War, 1st Renewal of the Celestial of
Disregard, Zytota the Grand Master of Assassins died for the final time.

At 1 o'clock pm, Day of the Alliances, 29th Renewal of the Celestial of
Disregard, Haeber the Master of Existence died for the final time.

At 6 o'clock pm, Day of the Alliances, 28th Renewal of the Celestial of
Disregard, Arliwes the Master of Harmony died for the final time.

At 7 o'clock pm, Day of the Horizon, 19th Renewal of the Celestial of
Disregard, Lenne the Cleanser of Maledictions died for the final time.

At 7 o'clock am, Day of the Taekir War, 14th Renewal of the Celestial of
Disregard, Khalesras the Mistress of Reality died for the final time.

At 2 o'clock pm, Day of the Dark Ages, 1st Renewal of the Celestial of
Disregard, Fexis the Sage of Arcane Power died for the final time.

At 5 o'clock am, Day of the Fall of Thalos, 14th Renewal of the Celestial of
Disregard, Astea the Shapeshifter died for the final time.

At 4 o'clock pm, Day of the Horizon, 11th Renewal of the Celestial of
Disregard, Ulvok the Volcano of Infinite Rage died for the final time.

At 2 o'clock am, Day of the Fall of Thalos, 9th Renewal of the Celestial of
Disregard, Asarec the Unholy Knight died for the final time.

At 5 o'clock am, Day of the Dark Ages, 9th Renewal of the Celestial of
Disregard, Fusilio the Master of Silence died for the final time.

At 7 o'clock pm, Day of the Dragon Wars, 7th Renewal of the Celestial of
Disregard, Jeief the Battlemaster died for the final time.

At 8 o'clock pm, Day of the Dark Ages, 4th Renewal of the Celestial of
Disregard, Habbidas the Wrath of Nature died for the final time.

At 9 o'clock pm, Day of the Alliances, 4th Renewal of the Celestial of
Disregard, Lothgal the Wrath of Nature died for the final time.

At 9 o'clock pm, Day of the Dragon Wars, 2nd Renewal of the Celestial of
Disregard, Bazzel the Sage of Arcane Power died for the final time.

Filstaf was the former Executor before death came to claim him. He was
strong, his prowess known to all despite his size. He was a halfling but he
fought with the strength of a giant. No one can deny his fervor in
defending the Light; he worked his way up, doing what he was supposed to
ensuring that Valour would have another day of peace. He was dauntless,
never fearing a challenge even if the odds were against him. It is sad that
I must write of his passing. He was stalwart and devout, a Knight for
future Knights to look up to. There's no way to describe him in certainty.
Everyone had a different opinion of him, but may his soul rest in peace for
his duty is done.