A reliable source has informed me that there is a problem with the veils between the Outer Realms and the Prime Material Planes. Conjurers and the like have been manipulating these rifts for ages with some success and of course some failures. It never ceases to tickle my ribs when I hear of some such planar magician unsuccessfully commandeering a demon from the abyss and being left in a pile of oozing flesh, only to have the demon take his nicest trinkets and return from whence it came.

It would seem though this is no conjurer's doing and it could spell trouble for most of Thera if left unchecked. I will write more when more I know, but for now. Be wary traveller, for there are foul things afoot.

Yours in Warning,
-PP

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All opinions expressed by the staff of The Poison Pen (tm) are gathered from various official sources. Drunks, prostitutes, ne'er-do-wells, and kobolds mainly.

As I feverishly scribble this scribe, the Demons have been sucked back to the Abyss from whence they came. The gnashing of fangs and cracking of bone was deafening.

All in all the Seekers of Balance held their Island well as no less than a dozen or more so-called Heroes made their way there to capitalize on the chaos. The trio from the abyss brought with them many small fiendish friends to cause problems and cause problems they did. Paskat kept his little lead sack busy whacking demons on the head while Taqutin and others drove through them with great vengeance.

In the end the Eldritch Transfigurist siphoned every last bit of power from the items the demons had bewitched and broke their hold on the plane. Their Theran bodies crumbled under the attacks of Dravon Windgust and the mighty Nexus, and for one pristine moment...harmony rang throughout the land. Some people like happy endings...some do not.

As for me..I can't wait until the next interesting report that comes to my den. Peace and Harmony do NOT keep me in women and drink, that is for certain.

Yours Truly,
-PP

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All opinions expressed by the staff of The Poison Pen (tm) are gathered from various official sources. Drunks, prostitutes, ne'er-do-wells, and kobolds mainly.

Reports being what they are, and couriers being as ill-armed as they are. It has been some time since we have gotten accurate tellings of the items we all dreamed of.

It seems there has been a debacle regarding the Fortress and the Thief Guilds of Thera. Something about a wild-eyed group of Brigade pounding down the doors of various thief guilds to RE-gather some items procured by the more deft swindlers of the realm. I do hope this didn't interfere with their Duty.

I feel though from the reports that are making it in, that this will soon be in conclusion. The Demon Brothers are slowly gaining strength through the betrayal, chaos, and blight that has been caused by the desperate collection of these sacred items, and will soon break forth to reclaim them. If I held one of these items, and I'm not saying whether I do or not, I would expect to be approached sooner rather than later about what should be done.

Anticipating the end,
-PP

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All opinions expressed by the staff of The Poison Pen (tm) are gathered from various official sources. Drunks, prostitutes, ne'er-do-wells, and kobolds mainly.

Therans, I write this in haste but I feel I must share it with you to see if I am alone in being visited with these dreams. Last eve I was filled with these visions and I wonder if you have seen them too. If not, I share them with you in hopes that this mystery may be solved.

Dark and disturbing images trouble your dreams.
You see images of the three Demon Lords wreaking their havoc upon the lands.
All of Thera lies in ruins as Drothkal, Charnmal and Cazrabnal cackle with glee.
Images float back to an earlier time, and you see the Demon Lords instilling their power into various objects.
You follow behind them as dark power flows into ten objects throughout the lands.
Images of these ten objects are burned into your mind.
A stone that is covered in frost.
A brightly polished silver talisman.
A crown covered in bees.
A silken cloak with the appearance of stone.
A thick platinum ring edged with gold.
The notes of a master.
A crown set with ornate stones.
A hexagonally-faceted moonstone.
A bracer covered in fur.
A pulsing blood-red ruby.
You see the Demon Lords sit back and cackle with glee as their power spreads throughout the Lands.
And as your dream ends, you know that you must gather as many of these items as possible to defeat them


Therans I beseech you! I have never been afflicted with the misery of the many, it must stop! Gather these items and quickly. Yours..and apparently my life and existence depends on it.

Yours in anxiety
-PP

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All opinions expressed by the staff of The Poison Pen (tm) are gathered from various official sources. Drunks, prostitutes, ne'er-do-wells, and kobolds mainly.

To those who would wish to secure the items in my dreams. I have many spies throughout Thera who have the ability to...shall we say. Peek? into people's bags and the like. Seeing what they may hold, or may not hold.

I will tell you this, if only for my own amusement but some of the items have already been gathered. Namely a crown with ornate stones, a hexagonal moonstone, and the pulsing red ruby. Quite a paltry collection but they have been secured nonetheless.

My informant did not get the name of the one who carries them but he did say his beard near reached the ground and an air of Scribe-y-ness was palpable around him.

I will leave it up to you Therans as to what this information might be worth to you. As I said, I am only interested in the great dance that is life in Thera.


Yours chuckling,
-PP

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All opinions expressed by the staff of The Poison Pen (tm) are gathered from various official sources. Drunks, prostitutes, ne'er-do-wells, and kobolds mainly.

The latest from my spies in the field tell me that there are many of the items being collected as we speak. Roving bands of Heroes and Heroines have been delving deep into the depths of the nastiest pits of evil, and the most dangerous castles and keeps.

The latest reports tell of a planar magician of the pinnacle of his guild, with a heart as pure as the nightgaunts he conjures (which could be the reason the Lords of Fortress ignore him), carrying several of the desired items.

Let me reiterate my interpretations of these strange visions and the requirement of the items. The faction who comes up with the majority of these items will have their sway over the Demon's power and will do with it what they will. The Nexus may use it to strengthen Magic and therefore stake their claim against the Village. The Tribunal may use it to restore Order to the universe and thus exert their influence back through the Chaos Planes. The Fortress...well they will of course stamp it out as evil with extreme duty and prejudice! The Scions.....well...they have yet to show much interest. Surprising, but not unexpected.

To Arms Therans, the wave of maniacal chaos that is the Demon Brothers may be coming to a crest like a great tsunami, or it could simply break harmlessly on the rocks that is the Heroes of Thera. Only you can end this tale. My interest is piqued, and I await to see the outcomes.

Yours in awe,
-PP

***************************************
All opinions expressed by the staff of The Poison Pen (tm) are gathered from various official sources. Drunks, prostitutes, ne'er-do-wells, and kobolds mainly.

As the cloud of festive drink and song fade from my head, I sit down to write for the first time in what seems like an Age.

Therans, my spies lie all about me having revelled in the fruits of our spoils and the profit of the chaos of the times. I trust my missives have reached even the farmers of the Aturi Plains and as deep as the King of Lower Cragstone.

Hopefully all of you have taken time to learn of who has the items that you need to gather. Soon those who can manipulate their power shall find you and begin the process. I sense this will soon be over Therans, one way or another.

Yours pensively,
-PP

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All opinions expressed by the staff of The Poison Pen (tm) are gathered from various official sources. Drunks, prostitutes, ne'er-do-wells, and kobolds mainly.

Having rested from their recent defeat, the Demon Lords prepare to continue their
assault upon Thera.

Cazrabnal the Putrid, Demonic Lord of Blight recruits Charnmal and Drothkal to his
side with quiet assurances that he will succeed in spreading his Blight where they
have failed.

Large numbers of plague rats begin to leave the confines of the Whistlewood swamp,
and soon warnings are issued to young travelers to stay out of all parts of the
Shadow Grove.


The swamp rats have entered the cities with rivers near them! Young travelers beware!

The plague has begun to spread across the cities of Thera...the ships carrying it
with them to other ports.

The citizens of Thera rejoice as the terrible scourge of rats is driven back into
the swamp.


Though the battle was long and fierce, the armies of Neutrality and Light emerged
successful in defeating the Demon Lords once more.

Nexans rejoice as the Veil thins and magic becomes more powerful.

Somewhere in the darkness, a wicked laughter can be heard as a pen scribbles furiously.



Hail Therans,
Once again, there has been a night of great feats and mighty blunders by the
assorted heroes of Thera, and of course, the spies of yours truly were there
to see every delightful minute. I must admit that even I did not anticipate
the Demons recovering so quickly or striking so powerfully.

Cazrabnal took the lead early, hoping to repeat the early successes of Charnmal
by spreading Blight through the lands. Plagues broke out through the lands
as the Demon Lords sought to overwhelm and dishearten all who would fight
against them with a devastating first blow. Rats swarmed through the cities
of Thera spreading plague, and the citizens were hard pressed to fight them back.

Once again, the young Avatar of the Code, Farigno Tallanthoralis offered to the
Fortress an opportunity to strike a grievous blow at the mighty Demon Lords.
Seeking a true victory, the members of the Fortress were forced to abandon the
cities to plague as they learned of two items that could be used to trace
dark energies back to that which held a greater portion of the Demon's power.

The Scions burst onto the scene, seeking the same items as the others for
reasons of their own. Victory was within the Scions grasp until it was literally
stolen from them by the Nexan Dravon. Though they were not successful in the end,
it is worthy to note that they fought with great vigor and purpose against terrible
odds, causing a delightful bloodbath in the Lost Elven Vaults.

After a seeming eternity, the puzzle of the Lost Elven Vaults was finally solved,
Dravon brought a dagger named 'Icepick' and a mace of Despair to the Elven Lord
Farigno. Farigno was able to trace the dark energies within back to a stoneform
amulet, which held far more of the Demon Lords Power.

As the heroes approached, they found that the rats in the Whistlewood Swamp had
greatly multiplied in numbers with the help of Cazrabnal's powers. As the mighty
army wandered through the swamp, the Demons struck out with their rats at those
who became separated from the main army. Finally, with their mighty army fallen
to ruin and nearly all within it slain one by one, the cunning thief Dravon
managed to barely escape with the stoneform amulet.

Though the cost in lives was terrible (or amusing depending on your outlook),
the Demon Lords' attempts to break forth onto this plane were finally defeated.

Mourn well for the fallen, Thera, but shed your black garb soon, for while
the battle has been won, the war is far from over.

Yours always,
-PP

***************************************
All opinions expressed by the staff of The Poison Pen (tm) are gathered from various official sources. Drunks, prostitutes, ne'er-do-wells, and kobolds mainly.

Having regained their strength, the Demon Lords of Carnage, Betrayal
and Blight decide to wreak their havoc on Thera once more.

Drothkal and Cazrabnal agree to aid Charnmal the Hated, Demonic Lord
of Betrayal as he spreads his lies and deceit across the lands.

Word spreads of the golden spirits of the Waters of the Deep leaving
their watery home, using their swords to aid in rebellions as they
break out across Thera.

Young travelers are advised to stay clear of the elven nation of Darsylon,
as word spreads of civil war breaking out within.

Greetings fellow Therans,
In the great events of the world there are always things that are seen by the
masses, and things that would forever remain unrevealed. It is fortunate
indeed for the masses that I am willing to share the information that I glean
from spies that are embedded in nearly every brothel, pub, and thieves guild
in Thera.

A man more vain than I would openly take great pleasure in having successfully
predicted the great calamities that befell Thera, though I am able to keep my
pride in check.

The Demon Lord Charnmal unleashed his Betrayal with great precision. As he
possessed the golden spirits from the Waters of the Deep he managed deal
powerful blows to both the Fortress of the Light and the Elven Nation of
Darsylon. I must profess to finding some amusement in the irony of the
Elder Acolyte Ethelle being tricked into slaying the Elven King Adrianar.

With the Fortress in disarray, and Charnmal's powers amplified greatly
from his success in bringing Betrayal to the lands. And so, with gloom
hanging over the heads of the members of the Fortress, the Demon Brothers
halted their attacks to absorb more power from the Lands.


The Fortress of Light dims a little bit as the golden spirits convince them to slay
the Elven King.

As the Fortress lies in disarray, the Scions seek to gain advantage in the situation
as the Nightwalker gives them instructions.

An unseen spy hidden near the Nightwalker relays the information to the Village of
the Battleragers.


And so it was, with the Demon Lords poised to break through the bonds keepking them
from fully entering our plane, a few glimmers of hope arose. Tahren, the ancient and
honored villager learned of a way to stop the demons. Through the knowledge
gleaned from unseen spies *cough, mine* he learned that the Demon Lords had invested
their power into an item that allowed them to control the minds of those near. I
will not spend time speaking of the village, however, for they made little use of
the precious information that was given to them at great expense.

It was then that the immortal paladin Farigno offered the Fortress a chance to
redeem their failures and strike a blow against the Demon Lords. He also knew of
the Demon Lords investing their power in an item, but needed two other items in
which the Demons had invested lesser portions of their power to divine the true
item he saught. After his initial offerings of assistance were foolishly ignored
by a ranger whose identiy Farigno was unwilling to share, and I was saddly unable
to learn, a motley group of Fortressites set out to gather a mace with the head
of a screaming demon and a longsword named Windfang.

Somewhere in the middle, their numbers were bolstered by the forces of the Nexans
as they sought to stop the Demon Lords from unleashing a permanent imbalance upon
Thera. The gathered armies of the Fortress and the Nexans were soon able to
bring the objects back, and the Nexan Dravon gave them to Farigno. Through what
can only be described as a mixture of magical and holy powers, Farigno was able
to reveal that the Demon Lords had invested their power within the Sword of Tcar.

The gathered armies set off to the Waters of the Deep to gather the mighty sword,
but found that it was nowhere to be found. They returned to Farigno with only a
cheap replica of the mighty sword. Farigno once again used a combination of
magical and holy powers to learn that the Charnmal had moved the Sword of Tcar to
a more secure location, deep within the dark confines of Yzekon.

And so the forces of Light set out once more, though this time unbolstered by the
forces of the Nexans, who were forced to defend their home from an attack. After
the forces of Light battled their way through Yzekon, Charnmal attempted to
unleash his betrayal once more by planting the Sword on one of the members of
the party and revealing it to all. Having already succumbed to the powers of
betrayal once, the Fortressites sadly resisted committing another betrayal in
Charnmal's name.

And so, the Sword of Tcar was at long last, and in spite of severe blunders,
finally brought back to Farigno. He combined the magical energies
of all those present with his own magical and holy powers, imbueing his
mighty sword "Spellbinder" with incredible power. With a mighty swing of
"Spellbinder", Farigno dealt the Demon Lords a crippling blow by destroying
the Sword of Tcar, and with it, the power that Charnmal had place in it.


A powerful shockwave ripples through Thera as the Demon Lords shriek in pain.

Celebrations sweep through the lands as many vicious rebellions falter and fail.

The Demon Lords retreat once more into hiding, defeated by a vast assortment of heroes.

Cazrabnal glares angrily at Charnmal and Drothkal, assuring them that when they
regain their powers, he will succeed through his Blight, where they have failed.

Somewhere in the darkness, a dark laughter can be heard as a pen scribbles furiously.


Although it was too late to help the Demon Lords, the Imp god Lyristeon and I
both cackled in glee at the chaos brought forth when the Emperor Draktel struck
powerfully at the exposed sides of the unprepared Fortressites, slaying several
members of the powerful army even though he was greatly outnumbered.


Until next time, Therans
-PP

***************************************
All opinions expressed by the staff of The Poison Pen (tm) are gathered from various official sources. Drunks, prostitutes, ne'er-do-wells, and kobolds mainly.

Beware Therans, for trying times await. The Demon Brothers have bided
their time and gathered their strength, and are once again ready to
unleash their mighty fury upon the citizens of Thera. Cower in fear, dear
Therans, for an eternity in the Ninth Circle of Hell awaits those of you
who succumb to the temptations of Charnmal's Betrayal.

My embedded spies tell me of unrest spreading rapidly through the lands.
Brothers will kill brothers. Loyal servants will poison their masters.
Royal vassals will rise up in rebellion against kings they have long
served with great zeal. They tell me at the apex of this very eve, there could be much chaos in the lands,
gird your loins and steel your nerves if you dare. I shall be watching closely as always.


Beware the deep-seeded jealosies the lurk in the recesses of your heart.
Beware the petty ambitions of greatness striving to be set free.
Treacherous souls of Thera, beware!
Those of you who harbor thoughts of Betrayal would be far better off
tying yourselfs up in your cellars and starving to death than succumbing
to Charnmal's honeyed promises.

Yours Faithfully, even in these dark times,
PP

***************************************
All opinions expressed by the staff of The Poison Pen (tm) are gathered from various official sources. Drunks, prostitutes, ne'er-do-wells, and kobolds mainly.

I am sorry friends but recent unrest in the halfling lands has forced me to vacate my study for a time, until the vicious attacks have ceased. Bloodshed, the clang of sword and mace, the screams of dying halflings. Horrid sounds to write to...but I digress.

Moving across the lands at night, stealing from safehouse to safehouse in secret, I have gained a bit more insight on the Demon Brothers who caused such chaos previously.

They seem to be trapped in a limbo between their plane and ours. Siphoning power from an unknown source they gain enough to break through and launch an attack on your poor, *cough* I mean our poor souls. I suspect another attack is imminent but I shall attempt to warn you as soon as I know. If only to make certain there are many of you, *cough* I mean us to battle them.

You will know of impending activity by my warnings Therans, and I will attempt to give you at least a day to prepare should I have as much time myself. It is only fair for those of us 'in the know' to aid those of you who will fight and die for my idle amusement. (Did I say that out loud?)

So as I settle in my new hideout, I send out my network of spies. I suspect the brothers will mount another attack within the next few days. You will know when I know, Thera. Keep watch on your neighbor and friend. The hour of Betrayal will soon be upon us.

Yours Faithfully,
-PP

***************************************
All opinions expressed by the staff of The Poison Pen (tm) are gathered from various official sources. Drunks, prostitutes, ne'er-do-wells, and kobolds mainly.

My responsibility as the quill of the people will not only be to keep you current on what has gone on in the public eye. But also to inform you of the trials and tribulations of the mortal adventurer as I come to know it. Through informant, drunken rambling and raucous tale of woe.


The events of last eve as I forewarned were of great magnitude and great chaos. There were triumphs and despair, victories and defeats.

As the demons stepped through the veil between their plane and ours, I set my network of eavesdroppers and informants into motion. The Seekers of Balance took interest in it almost immediately searching the realms for any sign of those that might turn their tables so to speak. The Seekers of the Prophecy, or Scions also took interest but their numbers were quite small as always and a subterfuge effort was undertaken to try and capitalize on the chaos.

The Empire and Tribunal showed strong at the site of the first attack. The peaceful city of Hillcrest. Upon finding utter pandemonium and countless enemies, you could scarcely tell who was helping those of the neutral city, and who was hindering them.

The streets ran red and the screams of wolf and man became muddled together as the battle raged on. It would seem as if those of Order were causing more chaos than the demon itself. And it fed, and grew on this.

Far away the Poet Laureate's body dropped dead from rot, and she was approached by a darkly cowled figure. Malzuuloth, my old friend. Or enemy, I can never tell these days. Malzuuloth long having a preponderence for perpetuating situations such as this attempted to impart some knowledge to the dark beauty Edimus but it would seem that she also has a preponderence for perpetuating her ghostly state.

Tahren the Noldarian Smith warned the Villagers of Battle that this veil must be thickened and if they could procure for him an ancient spell book of Thar-Acacia he might be able to help them accomplish this. After what seemed like weeks of wandering the shapechanger's mists, the duo of Drakgrak and Tirvak finally made it into the secluded Tower and procured their item of power. Although once this was completed they ran into a completely new conundrum. Getting out.

The Fortress having given great effort to remain alive while helping the wolf-ridden towns were now approached by Farigno and as he was imparting the last bit of knowledge to them, it was coincidentally reaching most of the others involved.

A spiral amulet, found in the Pine Forest where the wolves originated had channeled the demon's power and focused it enough that he could have an affect in this realm. To procure it would be a boon to any faction, whatever their purpose.

And so, as I sat chuckling in my deep chair, it was a race. A map of Thera laid out in front of me with figurines representing all those involved were infused with a magical cantrip and I watched...grinning as they all converged on the Pine Forest. Seeking out a frightened old man wearing a spiral amulet, surrounded by dire wolves.

Quite a battle I scryed, and I enjoyed a bottle of Dorwinion wine while it all played out, with sadly only a few casualties but more a comedy of errors which caused a guffaw or two and at least a half a goblet of spilled wine.

The Tribunal came out on top as it were, huzzah to the Thankless who patrol our cities and they raced to the Executioner, meeting with the newly ascended godling Linolaques.

Chanting and sweating, sweating and chanting. It finally blew sparks and fire about the room, and threw a shockwave back knocking most of the Tribunals in the room to the backsides. A position most of them are quite familiar with.

The demons were beaten back and descended into a flurry of infighting and name-calling only to restore their strength and return one day soon.

Therans I would be wary. These sorts of occurrences do not seem to be random and insignificant, but more a part of some grand scheme.

Eyes to the skies, Therans. I'll keep my ear to the ground.

Still Chuckling,
-PP

***************************************
All opinions expressed by the staff of The Poison Pen (tm) are gathered from various official sources. Drunks, prostitutes, ne'er-do-wells, and kobolds mainly.

The blue skies of Thera change to a blood red color as a powerful thunderclap echoes across the land.

Plagues break out throughout the lands as Cazrabnal the Putrid, Demonic Lord of Blight steps through a breach in the veil between Thera and the Abyss.

Intrigue and plots of murder break out as Charnmal the Hated, Demonic Lord of Betrayal enters the Prime Plane.

Bloody wars engulf the lands as Drothkal the Monstrosity, Demonic Lord of Carnage looses his dark magic.

After a brief argument, the three brothers agree that they will first focus on spreading the Carnage of Drothkal through the lands.

Word spreads of packs of dire wolves from the pine forest hunting for human flesh outside of their woods.


Warnings spread to young travelers to stay clear of Hillcrest, as the wolves have somehow found their way into the walls of the gnome village.

The guards at the gates of Hillcrest are no match for the ferocious claws of the pack hunters.

Though the wolves have been driven from the peaceful village of Hillcrest by many of Thera's heroes, they continue to rampage.

Citizens of Tir'Talath have been advised to barricade themselves indoors until the town watch can drive the attacking wolves back outside the walls.

The screams echoing from Tir-Talath are being heard for miles around.

Though the pack of wolves in Tir'Talath was slain by the heroes of Thera, word spreads that another pack has made its way through the mountains, and is now attacking Akan.

The wolves have intruded upon the palace of the Empire!

The maran reports dire wolves have stormed the Fortress!

he dire wolves meet heavy resistance by the black wolves of the Prosimy and are driven out!

Running on the winds with an unholy mist of black, the wolves cross the see and enter the Rift!

The wolves have stormed the hall of the gods! The gods soundly beat them back with rolled up scrolls.

The dread dire wolves have entered the academy, only to be confronted by the leaders of the races and driven out!

The dire wolves have charged the spire and beginning crapping all over the place!

The item of power finally identified, several factions make a mad race for the demon's source of power.

For what purpose, and what they might do with the demon's gift of carnage, remains to be seen.

The cries of rattlesnake and dire wolf are mixed with the hurried gasps of frantic adventurers crashing through the forest.

Word reaches the cities that the Blood Tribunal landed the felling blow and secured the source of the demon's power.

Upon acquiring the spiral amulet, Paskat leads the victorious Tribunals to the Spire, where it is given to the young godling Linolaques.

Having invested their magic into the spiral amulet, the Demon Lords become weaker as the young god destroys the portion of their magic that has been infused into the amulet.'

Screams of agony from the Demon Lords spread through the lands as a portion of their power is painfully destroyed.'

Charnmal and Cazrabnal glare angrily at Drothkal for his failure, and decide that when they have regained their powers, Cazrabnal will use his powers of Betrayal to wreak havoc on the lands.

The citizens of the protected cities break out in sudden celebrations, praising the fine work of the thankless Tribunal in keeping them safe.

Somewhere in a dark chamber, at an ancient desk. The quill of the Poison Pen scribbles furiously on pristine parchment.

'The plot thickens it seems.' he says as he emits an amused chuckle.

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All opinions expressed by the staff of The Poison Pen (tm) are gathered from various official sources. Drunks, prostitutes, ne'er-do-wells, and kobolds mainly.