The Cauldron Chronicle - Issue 02
Kidnapping Victims Saved, Underdark Slaver Slain
The recent kidnappings that have plagued Cauldron are now a thing of the past, thanks to the heroic actions of some brave strangers in town. After a grueling mission into the depths of a long-forgotten gnomish city buried deep underground our streets, this group of adventurers, currently unnamed, tracked down and killed the vile slaver behind the kidnappings, a monsterish troll creature named Kazmojen. The fiend was apparently selling his victims to evil slavers from the underdark - fortunately, these brave souls arrived just in time to prevent the four kidnapped orphans from suffering such a fate.
Gretchen, caretaker of the Lantern Street Orphanage, said that the heroes were “exactly what this city needs.” Furthermore, one of the heroes has found love with one of the kidnap victims! Morate Windwalker, a young dwarf cleric, announced his retirement from adventuring and plans to wed Morgana Splitstone, a local dwarf maiden who was kidnapped weeks ago.
The mystery that had stumped the entire city - how the kidnappers were unlocking the locks on buildings in town - turned out to be right in front of our faces. Master locksmith Keygan Ghelve was allegedly forced to provide Kazmojen’s minions with master keys to all the town’s locks. Details on how they ensured his cooperation are unknown at this time, but will likely become public knowledge at Ghelve’s trial in a few weeks. Lord Mayor Navalant personally thanked the adventurers for their deeds. Finally, citizens can sleep easy knowing that they will not be snatched away from their homes in the middle of the night.
Stormblades Collapse Tunnels
The Stormblades accompanied local wizard Vortimax Weer underground yesterday to permanently destroy tunnels leading to a recently-rediscovered underground gnomish city, at the request of the Lord Mayor.
“After some research into the matter, we discovered that the city of Gnomeregan was abandoned after a magical plague ravaged its people. Therefore I believe it is wise to swiftly and permanently close off the tunnels leading to the city before any dangerous magics rise to the surface.”
Cauldron’s most prominent young heroes accompanied local wizard Vortimax Weer, to guard Weer and ensure that he would have enough time to cast the powerful magics needed to destroy the tunnels and stairways.
Annah Taskerhill, leader of the Stormblades, said that in addition to sealing off any dangerous magic, that it was also important to make sure foul creatures from the Underdark did not have ready access to the city. “It’s a good thing we’re around,” said Taskerhill. “Cauldron was exposed to all sorts of potential danger from below due to some people not finishing what they started.” When questioned who she meant, Taskerhill declined to elaborate, but added that some things “should be left in the hands of professionals.”
Flood Festival Preparations Continue
Preparations for the Flood Festival are almost complete! This year’s festivities are shaping up to be the best in the Festival’s 32 year history! In addition to the physical competitions planned by the Temple of Kord, the Church of the Raven Queen has also announced nightly displays of magical entertainment, and special midnight communions with the dead where citizens can speak to loved ones who have passed on. The winter rains are likely only a few weeks away, so be sure to prepare your homes for the weather!
Counterfeit Coins Still Circulating
More reports have arisen about the counterfeit coins circulating throughout town. Guard Captain Skellerang reminds all citizens that these coins, easily identifiable by the jester’s mark imprint, are not legal currency and must be reported to authorities at once. However, many citizens have stopped turning them in to the guard, as the coins are confiscated and the fake coins are not replaced with legitimate ones.
Tax Increases Announced
In the latest town council meeting, the Lord Mayor announced a tax increase on all merchants and vendors in Cauldron, effective next year. Chancellor Alahind was strongly opposed to the decision, but was overruled by the Lord Mayor. Whispers around town are that many of the business owners are very displeased with what they call an unnecessary drain on their incomes.
Construction Begins on Raven Queen Cathedral
The Church of the Raven Queen has started construction on their cathedral of a manificent tower extending into the sky. Head Priestess Embril has called the new addition to the cathedral “the bridge that adjoins the earth to the heavens, so that the departed can make their journey in peace.”
Paladin Coming Home
Cauldron’s most honorable bachelor is returning home! Paladin of Bahamut Alek Tercival sent word via messenger last week that his travels are drawing to a close, and he should be home in time for the Flood Festival.
On This Day...
It was on this date 10 years ago that Zenith Splintershield led a squadron of warriors into the Underdark to cleanse it of evil, but nothing was heard from them again. Take a moment today to remember their valor.
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