Here is an interesting change of pace from the norm. I have created an issue of the Sliberberg Sentinel, the first, most well-regarded (and currently the only) newspaper in the entirety of the Feengrenze. The brainchild of the Knochenvolk Powell Two Peeple (he has bits and pieces memories of two men from someplace called Nu Yark City in the year 1900 who worked for a man named Pulitzer) it’s currently the most successful Knochenvolk enterprise to date and issues can be had in most settlements of the Valley of New Mountainheart and quite a few larger settlements beyond for the small sum of a few copper coins. The following stories are taken from the morning edition of the Sentinel from the tenth of Yulemoon (December 10th), edited for ease of reading in a blog format.

By the way, I have also created a broadsheet version of the same paper in Scribus, and the resulting PDF is not half bad for a first attempt created in a somewhat cumbersome alternative to Microsoft Publisher or Adobe InDesign. If you are interested in seeing the stories laid out in newspaper format, let me know on the poll at the end of the document

The Sliberberg Sentinel

Veritas in Viscera

Tuesday, 10 Yulemoon, 512 N.M.R

Morning Edition — Price: 10 sprigs

COUNTESS OF UNDERBERG UNMASKED AS POPULAR PRIEST IN NACHTGLANZVIERTEL

Ten Years Missing, Countess Jaspera Found Posing as Father Jasper, Beloved Parish Priest of Saint Trinitas

By Rolf Billeter

The actors and thespians of Nachtglanzviertel woke to a ruckus last Sunday at Saint Trinitas church on Theater Way, as Members of Cardinal Ignatius’ personal guard and several watchmen tried and failed to apprehend Father Jasper, the church’s pastor in residence.
According to a statement issued by the Archdiocese, the guard was sent to Saint Trinitas after the Cardinal’s oﬀice received a disturbing report that Father Jasper had hidden several dragon eggs in the rectory’s basement in a purpose-built incubator. The guard was sent to bring Father Jasper in for questioning and to take the eggs into watch custody pending return to their mother.
According to the same statement, the raid was supposed to happen at seven but was delayed by an hour and a half due to the formal request for support received by the Watch, which was smeared with dried buttercream frosting and cake crumbs, rendering it almost illegible. As a result, the force of watchmen tasked with the raid was mistakenly sent to Saint Micheal’s Methodist Church in Hengegate, nearly a mile from the actual target.
As such, the raid occurred during the middle of the 8 o’clock service. A witness, one Miss Leeds (86), attending the service, said, “The Watch and the men in the cardinal guard uniforms burst through the front door with an awful racket as Father Jasper was performing communion. They said awful things about him and said they needed to come with him. Father Jasper made a show of going willingly and walking down the aisle. He had reached the knot of me when he took a deep breath in and let out a mighty exhale, and something changed; it was as if the guards and watchmen’s bodies had become as stiff as a rusty hinge on a cold day. Father Jasper asked us to close our eyes while he dealt with the matter. We did so, and there were a few minutes of thumping and crashes before he returned to the altar and ﬁnished mass as if nothing had happened.”
Corporal Knobs, of the Watch and one of the men assigned to the raid, when later questioned, said, “It was the darnest thing. He looked like any other Christian priest in his purple robes, but when he exhaled, a hot arid wind passed over us, and I felt me joints become stiff as boards. The next thing I knew, the man had turned into a dragon and picked us up one by one, depositing us outside the church in a pile.
I knew from the moment she picked me up that it was Lady Jaspera. When we were all in a pile, she said she would gladly turn herself in once mass was completed. I tell you one thing, my liege is not one to lie, so I decided just to lie there until the mass was over.”
Indeed, once the mass had ended and the church was empty, the guard and watchmen entered to find Countess Jaspera, their majesty’s dragoness and countess of the Undercity, sitting before the altar, looking very displeased with them. According to one anonymous source, she said, “Now look what you’ve done, 10 years of hard research down the drain.”
This whole affair has shocked the entire parish and the entirety of Nachtglanzviertel. Father Jasper had arrived in Saint Trinitas about ten years ago, supposedly fresh out of seminary school. He immediately proved likable to nearly everybody in the Neighborhood; he was kind, thoughtful, and a great orator. However, he did routinely butted heads with the Archdiocese over his interpretation of the bible that emphasized peace, love, and understanding as the teachings of Jesus and his eﬀorts to get his ﬂock to live in peace with the Fey Pagans.
In light of these recent developments, the Archdiocese is closely examining Jaspera/Father Jasper’s actions. According to sources close to the Cardinal, he is absolutely livid that a layperson, and a woman, no less, got away with imitating a priest for so many years and is lobbying for some sort of punishment for the dragon. However, some sources say that Ignatius is more embarrassed about being tricked than anything else and fears potential reprisals from Jaspera if he presses charges. The royal family has said in a statement that they find the situation bemusing but regrettable, and plan no action against the Countess of Underberg.
As for the countess and her eggs, she has returned to her palatial lair in the Underberg to the adoring cheers of kobold subjects who are absolutely delighted to learn that their beloved mother goddess will be an actual mother in the near future.

Local Pagan Leader Breaks Silence on Forming Scisim

By Diego Holderegger

We all love our queen; that much is an undisputed fact. However, Archdruidess Moira Clytemnestra Fernwyck has ﬁnally spoken out against a developing schism within the local fey pagan community. This new faction of the pagans, known as the Aoibheannites, has asserted that Queen Aoibheann is an incarnation of the Lady in the Flesh, in either her aspect of the Maiden or the Mother. Our queen has denied these claims with her usual grace and charm. Still, even a devout Catholic like myself has to admit that the similarities between Her Majesty and depictions of the Fey Pagan’s goddess in her maiden or matron forms are uncanny.
According to Sentinel inquiries, the schism started when Her Majesty participated in the Midsommer rituals at Hengegate Circle. She decided to attend dressed in a living gown of vines and flowers of her own creation (Which, to clarify, she had willed into existence using her not inconsiderable powers) and a crown of flowering vines. By all accounts, it was a festive outfit and quite appropriate given the celebration and her faerie heritage. However, this was also the ﬁrst time that many common folk among the half-fey had been close enough to see that her body was made of the living earth of the valley. Many in the crowd assumed that she was either their beloved earth goddess walking among them or an avatar of the Lady made from the substance of the valley.
Among the misled was a young druidess by the name of Ealasaid Bloomﬁeld, who has emerged as the de facto leader of the Aoibheannites and has been preaching that the queen is the Lady made manifest inﬂesh—claims only bolstered by the queen’s more recent displays of power. Archdruidess Moira issued the following statement: “It saddens me that so many of our ﬂock have been confused by our queen’s choice of wardrobe at the Midsommer rituals. However, with Yule fast approaching, this is a time to reassert our unity in belief in the Lord and the Lady, not to be drawn in by false idols. Our beloved queen is not the Lady and she has asserted as much on multiple occasions. I desperately hope that our wayward sisters and brothers will come to their senses soon”

DROLLS REDECORATE SAINT MARGRET’s HOSPITAL IN BROAD DAYLIGHT

By Tàmhas MacGilleBhràth

The quiet existence of the paupers of Marytrs Hill was shattered yesterday when the drolls descended upon the ordinarily quiet residential neighborhood and its namesake monastery hospital. At noon yesterday, the drolls by the dozen led by the Grand Absurdist herself descended upon the Saint Margaret’s Hospital carrying sacks of who knows what, cans of paint, and giggling and dancing like maniacs.

The Drolls then proceeded to “redecorate” the hospital. They painted graffiti murals on every flat surface they could find. According to one monk who witnessed the whole scene, the murals were a combination of absurd, bizarre, confusing, offensive, and festive all at the same time. They then produce long strings of spoons, forks, sprigs (New Mountainheartian Copper pieces), brass buttons, and seemingly every other remotely shiny thing from their bags and hang them from every wall and bower on the grounds. After making the hospital look festive in an insane sort of way, they rearranged the space on the hospital grounds so that every door led to the wrong room.

One nurse nun stated that, “Trying to make the rounds is really trying with the hospital like this, the laundry room is where the chapel used to be, and none of the patient rooms’ doors lead to patient rooms.” Of course, on their way out, they stole all the hospital’s chamber pots, and The Grand Absurdist gave a big, merry Christmas as she tumbled out.

Watchmen, including an arcane unit, arrived on the scene several hours later. The hospital has been shut down pending completion of the investigation and the reversal of the Drolls’ “redecorating”. Prospects of apprehending the Drolls at this point are looking slim, as one watch captain put it, “How do you catch maniacs who can rewrite reality on a whim and leave my men in stitches?”

Winter got you down?

Don’t wait for spring—visit Caerwaul Bay today!
Where the sea sings, the sun lingers, and reality takes a brief holiday.
Paid by the Grand Caerwaul Bay Resort

City News

Queen to Host Charity Children’s Christmas Ball

By Lisa Lustenberger

Yesterday at noon, Her Majesty announced that on Saturday the 13th, a charity Children’s Christmas and Yuletide Ball will be held in the Great Hall of Castle Sliberberg, to beneﬁt the Silver Moon Coven’s soup kitchens and free schools. Tickets are available at the Town Hall and Courthouse in the Alteberg for 25 Gildemark(gold coins) per family, open to all households of our fair kingdom and beyond, including children under the age of six. Festivities will begin at four o’clock in the afternoon, and the Queen’s announcement promises food, games, music, seasonal cheer, and even a visit from Grandfather Yule himself.

While all know our Queen to be a kind and generous soul, the age restriction has raised some eyebrows, prompting quiet speculation that the event may serve a dual purpose. It is, after all, no secret that the royal princesses have struggled to maintain a circle of playmates. Sources close to the court—who will not be named—describe the youngest, Princess Lillabella, as so sweet and charming that none can help but adore her puppy-faced countenance. Her elder sisters, however, are reportedly more spirited. Princess Whimsy (age four) and Princess Marigold (age three) are said to quarrel constantly, their personalities clashing as sharply as their interests diverge.

Witnesses to past playdates claim these royal gatherings often dissolve into competition for their guests’ aﬀections. Whimsy prefers drawing and musical amusements, while Marigold favors dolls and dramatic play. The result, it seems, is three children playing alone. No wonder little Lillabella remains the only one with a true friend.

Many now speculate that the Yuletide Ball is Her Majesty’s attempt to repair her daughters’ reputations among the kingdom’s under-ﬁve nobility by surrounding them with so many potential playmates that rivalry becomes impossible. If so, the plan appears to be working: inquiries at both the Alteberg and Town Hall conﬁrm that over 200 tickets have already been sold, raising 5,000 Gildemark in a single day—most of the tickets sold to well-to-do families of the Alteberg Ward and noble households in Kronenhöhen, among the conﬁrmed attendees is Princess Kaida von Silverwing of the Grand Duchy of Silverwings and Countess Muirín Uisceanna von Mountainheart, not suprising since the former is her Majesty’s best friend and the latter our fair kingdom’s premenient social butterfly.

IMOS MCDUM BACK IN CUSTODY… AGAIN

By Niall Boid

On Monday, the 8th, Imos McDum proved once again, his name is not for show, by attempting and failing to single-handedly rob the Coastal Limited, not more than 3 days after being released from Saint Margett after a several-month stint in a full body cast after being beaten senseless in an ill-thought-out attempt to rob the Summer Rose. By his own admission, he had tried to stop the train by stepping onto the tracks leading to the elevated rail line through the city and threatening Mary, the locomotive dragon pulling the train, with a crossbow. Mary was neither frightened nor amused, and, apparently unable to stop promptly, ran him down. Imos barely escaped being crushed to death, but has once again broken most, if not all, of his bones.
When questioned by the watch as to what he was thinking the most, the heavily sedated goblin could put together the following: “I did everything by the book, I waved my crossbow menacingly at the lady, and she was supposed to stop, that’s how a hold up is supposed to work in the books, why didn’t she stop?”
This marks the third time that Imos had tried to commit a crime, only to be seriously injured in the attempt. The first was attempting to steal a basket of bread from Silver Moon Bakery, which resulted in him being toasted by Matron Tansy and several weeks in Saint Margret’s for severe burns. His next feat of genius was trying to hold up the Summer Rose, a favorite watering hole and quasi-guild hall for the city’s bounty hunters, which earned him a beating and a hand-delivery to the watch.
The watch is calling for Imos to be institutionalized for an undiagnosed form of insanity unique to him and to prevent him from inconveniencing anyone else. Rumor is that the crown seems to agree and is considering making a pronouncement to that effect in the near future, lest he cause major collateral damage to somebody other than himself with his next attempt.

Watch Reports(Sidebar)

Hole in the Wall Gang Outwits Mouse Police Again, but sustains casualties.

The notorious rodent second-story crew has struck again, raiding Cliff Keep in a brazen daytime heist. The crew stole every crumb of cheese and loaf of bread they could carry from the pantry and every other pastry item that was not nailed down. Mouse patrol mousers who were stationed at the castle after gang scouts were spotted casing the palace were found hogtied with butcher’s twine and stuffed in a barrel. However, the gang apparently suffered a few casualties this time, as dead mice and rats were found at the scene—no comment from the watch at this juncture.

Illegal Snail Street Race broken up.

On the 3rd, the watch deployed its newest asset for the first time. Three specimens of a specially bred Helix velocia, aka the giant high-speed racing snail. Two of these snails were used to corral three members of one of the racing crews into a roadblock consisting of riot wagons and watchmen armed with half pikes. Several arrests were made, including the sons of a baron and a knight.

Riot at the Stacked Deck.

A Watch was called in late on the night of the 5th to deal with a riot that formed at the city’s largest gambling den and entertainment venue. Witnesses claim that one of the acts at the cabaret, an act that the watch has not identified, somehow incited the crowd to take on the belief that they were moral paragons that abhorred drinking, gambling, sex, and all other vices. They smashed up the Deck until the watch riot unit arrived. All participants were taken to St Margaret’s for treatment.

Community Notices & Announcements

LOST AND FOUND

Lost: One enchanted umbrella that sings sea shanties when opened. Last seen leaving the Silver Moon Café in the company of a raccoon. Reward of 15 marks(sp) and a free pastry for safe return.
— Matron Tansy, Silver Moon Bakery
FOUND
Found: Set of antlers on the 3:10 local from the Alteberg line. The owner may reclaim them by describing them and paying the cleaning fee (5 marks).
— Stationmaster Feldwin, Queen’s Heart Station

NOTICE TO PET OWNERS

Due to increased reports of faerie moth infestations, all familiars and pets must be leashed or magically warded within the Market Ward after sundown.
— City Watch, Market Precinct

ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

Miss Juniper Honeyleaf is pleased to announce her engagement to Mr. Cormac Blackthorn, after surviving three separate parental hexes and one mistaken transformation. Blessings to the happy couple!
OBITUARY
Mr. Gildersneeve (formerly a gnome, lately a hatstand) passed away peacefully after 32 years of service in Lady Bramble’s foyer. The memorial will be held at the House of Bones this Saturday.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

The Council of Witches reminds residents that love potions are not to be served at public balls, no matter how lonely you are.

Efforts continue to Free the Tuscarora

By Alex Rohrbach

Efforts continue to free the Tuscarora from the main channel of Sliberberg Harbor after it grounded itself yesterday evening, marking the seventh time the massive clipper ship this year has gotten stuck in local waters.
As of writing, Captain A.B. Stormalong is attempting to drag the ship deeper into the harbor using the ship’s massive anchor chain, while the Harbor Patrol has deployed two galley tugs to pull it seaward. When asked about the seemingly contradictory maneuvers, Mr. Stormalong replied, “I need to get my ship into the harbor, my cargo needs to be delivered directly to the shipyard, and there isn’t a barge in this harbor that won’t sink under the weight of what I’ve got in my hold.”
According to the captain, the Tuscarora’s hold currently contains three cogs, a schooner, and a sloop—all vessels he reportedly rescued from a recent winter gale in the northern Feyglimmer Sea. The smaller ships suffered damage ranging from dismasting to hull breaches. “I’m strong,” the captain added, “but I can’t carry them half a mile along the cliffs or wade through 60-foot deep water to the shipyard.”
Mr. Stormalong has issued a call for assistance and is oﬀering a reward of 30 Gildemark to any wizard capable of casting control water to help reﬂoat the Tuscarora. As of press time, the ship remains ﬁrmly lodged in the harbor channel, to the great frustration of captains and great amusement of dockside onlookers.

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Weather Forecast

Today: Light snow this morning
with thin clouds during the
afternoon
Temperature: 17°
Tomorrow: Clear during the day
With heavy snow overnight.
Temperature: 15°

LOCAL CURIOSITY OF THE WEEK

City gardeners report that the talking tulips in Pixie Court Park have formed a labor union, demanding “fair sunlight distribution” and “better soil conditions.” The mayor has agreed to open negotiations once they stop singing protest songs at 3 a.m.

NEED A NEW NAME?

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SPECIAL THIS WEEK: Half-price for goblins named Imos.

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Your one-stop shop for Dragons, and miniature beasts of all descriptions
5 Wall Street

World news

Signs of Civil War Brewing in Lyonesse

By Griogair GillEasbaig

It is old news to our readers that things are tense in our northern neighbor. The regency council, which rules until Prince John (6)comes of age, started splintering last year as rival factions led by Marshall Henry, Cardinal Raymond, and Queen Mother Emmiline formed within the kingdom’s nobility and knights. Several recent outbreaks of violence suggest that the tenuous truce between the factions is breaking down. The most dramatic incident of this mounting crisis to date occurred less than a week ago at Castle Faerchester, the residence of the Montgomery family. The Count Chandler Coul Montgomery (75), who had not been involved in this whole affair up to that point, had invited several of his vassals to attend his youngest daughter’s wedding; among the assembled knights and barons were members of all three factions, unaware of how vitriolic the mood between the factions had become.
One servant who witnessed everything said, “It started during the banquet. Everything was cordial until somebody brought up the rampant speculation about whom Prince John would be betrothed to. With that innocent question, it was like a spell had been cast. The gentlemen turned into savages. What had started out as innocent gossip became a heated discussion, then a heated argument before becoming a brawl/ foodﬁght.”
Another witness was quoted as saying the Lions and Doves at the banquet lost their temper and started hurling ﬁsts and anything they could lay their hands on at each other.
The count called for order in his hall but, to his horror, discovered that his council and house knights had also joined the fight. The brawl lasted 15 minutes before all the combatants were sprawled out on the ﬂoor, too injured or too tired to move.”
This is only one of many incidents in the last few months that suggest the tenuous balance between the three factions is fading. There has been a 200% uptick in trial by combat between knights and nobles in the last 2 months alone, and a 90% uptick in deaths during these affairs. We have also received sporadic reports that the Regency council has not met in several months, with Henry and Raymond supposedly loath to be in each other’s presence and speaking of each other with thinly veiled contempt.
However, the most alarming evidence that things are going sideways in Lyonesse is that Queen Mother Emmiline and Prince John have been spotted entering Castle Sliberberg with their entourage, something the normally fey-adverse nobility of that kingdom would not do willingly. What happened within the castle walls is a mystery, but it does not bode well that the Queen Mother of Lyonesse is seemingly seeking alliances with New Mountainheart.

An Ominous Lack of Ominousness

Citizenry on edge Due to lack of plots by Queen of Hexmires

By Raphaela Adler

Today marks 7 months and 10 days since His Majesty’s mother-in-law, Ailénach Queen of Hexes, tried and failed to abduct her Majesty and the princesses during the Beltane Ball and drag them back to the Hexmires, the latest plot by the queen of the Hexmires to fall apart. However, since that day, there has been a complete lack of any sign of a plot, scheme, or plan to bring his Majesty or the kingdom low. This has understandably made some of our military and civilian leaders anxious about the possibility that she is preparing an even more dastardly scheme than usual.

“It’s unsettling,” said Lieutenant Marshall Taldwin Ironshoal, commander of the city garrison, “We usually see at least one attempted plot of hers every three months.” His wife, Commander Tamsin Ironshoal of the city watch, agreed, “We usually arrest at least one goblin with her brand who was lottierting around the king’s way with a grappling hook, a black mask, and a cold iron dagger per week, the fact that not one has been seen in the last month is troubling to say the least.”

The Royal Household has not issued any official comment on these developments. However, several eyewitnesses have reported sightings of a seven-foot-tall, muscular man with a wolf’s snout entering the Iron Oak Guildhall and the Summer Rose—both popular gathering places for mercenaries and adventurers.

If these reports are to be believed, His Majesty himself has taken to quietly recruiting scouts and adventurers to reconnoiter the Hexmires. Many citizens take this as confirmation that even the King finds the current lack of villainy most concerning.

U666 SPOTTED oﬀ the coast of Drummont Reef

By Neil Brotbeck

Reports have reached the Sentinel that the notorious infernal pirate submarine U666 has been sighted off the coast of Drummont Reef, a small atoll approximately eighty miles east of Sliberberg, in waters claimed by Cantre’r Gwaelod. The merchant vessel Roebuck, under the command of Captain Isaiah Finn, is said to have witnessed the battle firsthand. According to Captain Finn, “It was a fierce fight. Merfolk warriors bearing the colors of a Gwaelodian noble house were trying to board—or perhaps punch holes in—the submarine’s iron hull, while devils armed with axes and boarding pikes skewered them from the deck.
All the while, there was magic being thrown around, creating steam when a fireball or water bolt landed home.
When asked why the Gwaelodian merfolk might attempt such a daring assault, Captain Finn could only speculate. “Probably to strip it for scrap and sell it for drinking money,” he said. “That’s about all the Gwaelodians ever seem to care about.”
The presence of such a notorious pirate gang so close to New Mountainheartian waters has caused quite a stir among the more pious captains and crews in the docks.
It is unclear at this moment what response the government will take to the threat to shipping in our backyard.

Tales from the Wyrdlands

Odd intact store found in Wyrdback

A local adventuring group based out of Wyrdguard discovered a strange intact store from another world on a recent expedition. The store, described as upside down, sold strange books with plenty of pictures written in a language resembling Lyonesse, packs of cards, dice, and figurines of strange creatures the size of a salt shaker, made from an unknown material.
Speculation is rampant as to the purpose of the items sold in said shop.

Strange encounter in the Wyrdback

Adventures encounter a large group of Faerie knights engaging in a four-way melee in the low depths of the Wyrdback. From the assembled squires and pages, who were having a picnic as their masters and their men-at-arms fought, the whole affair was due to the four groups having been given the same quest by four different faerie lords to hunt a particular chronologically late white rabbit. As per custom, the groups started fighting the moment they met—no word on where the rabbit ended up.

Discovery in the Scraplands

Arriving in Ginkdimblidi on a flatbed car, a salvaging team from said enclave makes a strange discovery: an 80-foot-tall, 12-foot-diameter cylinder with a pointed top. The cylinder is painted olive green and covered with red writing in a language similar to that used by the Grand Principality of New Vladimir-Suzdal, and with yellow circles containing three black triangles in a vague fan shape. The gnomes of Ginkdimblidi are eager to sink their teeth into such an extraordinary new find.

Trade & Commerce Bulletin (Sidebar)

(Compiled by the Sliberberg Chamber of Merchants, edited for decency and legibility.)

Winter Trade Season Opens with Strong Winds and Stronger Coffee

The opening of the Yulemoon trading season finds the docks of Sliberberg abuzz with activity. Coffee imports from the North coast of Habesha have nearly doubled from last year, leading to a minor market glut and much cheer among café owners. The Silver Moon Bakery reports that “it’s the first time in years we’ve been able to afford beans not touched by wyrd mists,” according to proprietor Tansy Fleetfoot.

Shipping Rates to Zelya Nova Rise

Freight captains are grumbling about new tolls at the port of Vineta. The High Council of Vineta insists the increase is “necessary to pay for seawall repairs.” However, skeptics note that said seawalls have not been seen above water for three generations, and many traders assume that the tolls are just an excuse for the Mammonites to skim more off the top. Traders are advised to factor in an additional 5–8 silver marks per ton of cargo for voyages eastward.

Currency Watch

The New Mountainheart Mark remains stable at 12.5 marks to the Qualdrian silver Dinar. Gwaelodian Pearlweight have depreciated again following the sinking of another treasury reef (the third one this year). The Bureau of Exchange advises against speculative trading in pearl currency “unless one enjoys feeding crabs.”

Seasonal Goods Forecast

Wool, honey, and fairy-lantern oil are expected to be the season’s big sellers. Lantern oil, in particular, has seen demand rise sharply due to the long winter nights and the city’s recent shortage of phosphorescent moths. Traders are warned that counterfeit oils—usually distilled from fish instead of flowers—are circulating; they smell dreadful and attract gulls.

New Market Stalls at the Winter Fair

The annual Sliberberg Winter Market opens on Frostmoon 3rd on Market Street. Expect exotic imports from Habesha and Yohualtlan, including sun-dried dates, moonwine, and enchanted glass baubles that hum carols when shaken. Stall applications now closed; latecomers may petition the Guild of Hawkers.

Trade Mission from the Grand Principality of Vladimir-Suzdal Expected

Envoys from Kitzeh are rumored to be arriving before the year’s end to discuss reopening the amber trade. Dockworkers are reminded not to stare directly at the Kitzeh emissaries’ furs hats.

Wanted: Reliable Couriers

The Sliberberg Mercantile Guild seeks experienced couriers for long-distance runs into the Wyrdlands. Hazard pay available. Applicants must provide their own wyrd insurance and be comfortable with temporal displacements of up to two weeks.

Seasonal Reminder

Merchants are reminded that the Fair Folk’s Twelve Nights begin on the Eve of Frostmoon. Avoid conducting major transactions after sunset unless you’ve iron nails in your coinpurse.

Opinions & Observations

Powell’s Points: On Religion, Dragons, and Doctrinal Drift

By Powel Two Peeple

Sliberberg, you marvelous bitch of a city — you’ve outdone yourself this time. Not once in all my years as a newsman have I witnessed a scandal so juicy, so ironic, and so hysterically funny as this: a copper she-dragon and countess masquerading as a Catholic priest for ten whole years, and the good Cardinal so terrified to press charges that he’s hiding in his own Cathedral, trembling like a babe. A perfect capstone to a year already bursting with editorial fodder. It’s going to take a doozy to top this one.
But let us pause a moment to remember: Father Jasper was one of — if not the — most popular priests in Sliberberg. And that’s saying something, since by my estimate we have about two hundred of them, not counting altar boys, deacons, or monks.

His masses were packed to bursting three hundred and sixty-seven days a year, when most parishes would be lucky to see such crowds on Christmas Day. He was, by all accounts, beloved — especially by his congregation of artists and thespians.

So why was Jasper so adored when he was, ultimately, a fraud? To find out, I did something I haven’t done in a decade: I hit the glittering streets of Nachtglanzviertel. It didn’t take long to discover a pattern. Jasper preached a “novel” and “radical” interpretation of the Gospels — one emphasizing reconciliation and tolerance toward the fey pagans. Yet when I actually sat down and read his homilies, I found them almost disappointingly ordinary — simple reflections drawn straight from the words of Christ, the same sort that I sit through every Sunday at Saint Micheals Methodist church in Hengegate.And that, dear reader, is precisely what makes them radical.

Because if you’ve spent any time around the Catholics and their churchs lately, you’ve seen the drift. The Cardinal’s palace rivals that of the counts in splendor. The hierarchy grows fat while the faithful grow thin. The words of peace and humility echo from gilded pulpits, even as their preachers jockey for influence, property, and power with our own realm and the hierarchy of their “most holy” church. The Church has lost its way — and Father Jasper’s so-called “heresy” was simply a return to what the Gospel actually says.

So yes, Jasper was a lady dragon in disguise. But perhaps the greater deceit is how many of our “holy men” wear their own masks in plain sight. Frankly, the Church could use a few more Father Jaspers — be they men, women, or dragons.

The Cynic’s Almanac

Collected Wisdom for the Disillusioned Reader
(as compiled from letters to the Sentinel)

Never trust a smiling goblin or a noble citing scripture.
Love may be blind, but matrimony restores the eyesight in a hurry.
An explorer is someone who gets lost on purpose and prays they can find their way back.
The primary use of statistics in our day and age is to make misleading statements about the world with greater confidence.
Magic kills brain cells. Why else would wizards be scatterbrained to a man?
Three things you should never steal: a dragon’s gold, a wizard’s staff, and a witch’s heart—hell hath no fury like a sorceress scorned.
“It will be easy,” when said in relation to stunts or heists, is a surefire sign of stupidity.

Results of Last Weeks Polls

By Patrick McDonald
We have a bit of a paradox on our hands. I was expecting to announce the results of the 4-question poll I posted on this blog last week, but there are no results to post. The post in question has had only one view since I put it up, and I know for a fact that I was that one view. Yet I promised to announce the results in this post, so here we are, looking awkwardly across the table from each other, waiting for something meaningful to happen. It will not. So it falls to me to decide (or not decide what the answers will be to the four questions)

For the question of what became of the wish in A Beltane to Remember, part 3, I decided to roll a d3. The result was… Number 2! From now on, it is canon that the wish was for Muririn to get a version of Fredrick for herself, in the form of his twin brother, Admiral Klaus. Fionnuala the Fair has done quite a bit of rearranging of people’s minds and history itself to make the change work. The Von Mountainhearts are satisfied with the new state of affairs, and Muirín is delighted to be able to live out her fairytale happily ever after with Klaus. We will have a brief word from her shortly.
As for vibe and style of SLiberberg, I will be staying the course with the same sort of mad mash up that Anhk Morpork is, but folding a lot of Regency and Victorian flavor to represent how far removed New Mountainheart is from contemporaries, most of whom are struggling to get out of the same rut they landed in centuries ago.

But two questions remain. I need answers to them, so I’m reposting the last two polls from that post here for your consideration. I would love to know what I should be focusing on in the new year, so please click one of the options bellow

Feengrenze Historia Poll

What about the Tone

The Feengrenze is a massive farce derived from a thousand ongoing farces. Everybody is stuck in decades- and century-long loops, stories denied their conclusions and forced to return to the beginning with a slightly different cast. Nobody notices this because everybody is operating on mythic and fairytale logic.

How should I deliver my Worldbuilding

Last question. I am a worldbuilder, that much is clear. I do worldbuilding essays, adventures, and fiction on this blog set in the Feengrenze. Which would you prefer I do more of? I will use this to determine what projects I work on next year.

Muirín’s Corner

by Countess Muirín Uisceanna von Mountainheart

Darlings, if you’re anything like me, the moment the first frost touches the pines of the Valley, you simply know it’s time to dust off the holiday sparkle. Yulemoon is upon us, and with it comes my favorite season: the Season of Delight.

Little Aeliana has already discovered the joy of ribbon (and how delicious it apparently is), and our household hasn’t stopped glittering since the first wreath went up. Truly, life with a baby princess teaches you the most profound lesson of all: every moment is improved by adding one more bow. If you take nothing else from this month’s column, take that.

Now, I know some of you fret over finding balance between tradition and fun during the holidays. Here is my simple, three-step rule:

If it twinkles, keep it.
Candles, crystals, enchanted snowflakes—yes, yes, and absolutely yes.
If it stresses you, delegate it.
The world is full of competent footmen who adore carrying parcels, even if they pretend otherwise.
If it brings joy to your child, embrace it wholeheartedly.
Even if said joy is a sticky-fingered march through the pastry table. (Aeliana has impeccable instincts for buttercream.)

This is my first winter season as a mother, and I must say, everything feels new. The lights seem brighter, the songs sweeter, the parties more marvelous. Perhaps it is motherhood… or perhaps it is simply that we are allowed to choose joy, again and again, no matter what shadows lie behind us.

So indulge, my loves. Wear too much velvet. Drink the spiced cider. Let the season carry you like the softest sleigh. And when in doubt, place a baby—your own or a borrowed niece—into a decorative basket. Trust me. It brings a room together.

Wishing you warmth, wonder, and a fabulous Yulemoon.

—Muirín

Letters to the Editor

The State of Our Streets

Sir—
As a longtime resident of Upper Lantern Row, I must protest the state of our cobblestones. It is disgraceful when one cannot stroll home from the theater without tripping over at least three loose stones and a drunken brownie. I demand that the City Watch do their duty and either repair the road or at least install warning lanterns.
Yours,
Mrs. Petronella Harkspur

A Menace to the Gardens

Dear Editor,
The squirrels of East Sliberberg have become organized. I watched, horrified, as they coordinated an attack upon my rose beds, stealing bulbs in perfect formation. This can only be the work of a druid. I call upon the authorities to investigate before they unionize.
Sincerely,
R.F. Bumbletree

Disgraceful Decorum at the Opera

Sir—
Last week’s performance of The Ballad of the Nine Bells was nearly ruined by a gentleman in the front row who applauded between arias. Between! Civilization itself teeters on the brink. If we permit such barbarism, next we’ll have werewolves howling along to the chorus.
Appalled,
Lady Dorothea von Bracken

Street Snail Racing: A Civic Blight

To the Editor,
These so-called “street snail enthusiasts” claim their pastime brings joy. What it brings is slime, noise, and sleepless nights! My doorstep has become a pit stop for mollusks. Sanctioning these races only encourages delinquency.
Yours in outrage,
Constable Merriweather (ret.)

A Matter of Proper Illumination

Editor,
Why must our city lamps glow that dreadful violet hue? It makes everyone look like a corpse. I propose the Lampwrights’ Guild consider a warmer, more flattering tone—perhaps amber, or something less suggestive of necromancy.
With aesthetic concern,
Henrietta Bloom

On Dragons and Deception\

Sir,
So a copper dragon can masquerade as a parish priest for a decade, and no one notices? Frankly, I think the dragon’s sermons were probably better than most. Perhaps the Church should consider hiring more dragons—they at least keep their congregations awake.
Faithfully,
Reverend E. Tallowwick (ret.)

On the Price of Paper

Dear Sentinel,
As a humble scholar, I can no longer afford to take notes. The price of paper has doubled since last year! I’ve resorted to writing on old posters, napkins, and one side of my landlady’s cat (don’t ask). Something must be done!
Ink-stained and impoverished,
Dr. Millie Greaves

A Word in Defense of the Fey

To the Editor,
I’m tired of mortals complaining about mischievous faeries. If a brownie rearranges your furniture or swaps your sugar for salt, consider it a lesson in humility. At least they care enough to visit!
With mild exasperation,
Anonymous (but small, winged, and glowing)

Letters not fit to print that we printed anyways

“Your horoscope told me to ‘embrace transformation,’ so I did. Now I’m a frog. Kindly advise.”
— Ribbet (formerly Miriam L.)

“How dare you refuse to print my 47-stanza poem on the virtues of municipal sewage? It is an allegory for the soul!”
— A. Flushworthy, Poet Laureate (self-appointed)

“I have written seven letters warning you that my neighbor’s hedge is whispering profanities at night. If no one from City Maintenance arrives by tomorrow, I will take matters into my own hands—with pruning shears.”
— Name withheld by request

“Your paper has gone downhill ever since you stopped including the daily mushroom prices. Bring them back or face divine retribution.”
— ‘Concerned Citizen,’ Lower Market District

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Arts, Magic & Oddities

FIRST TRAIN TO PARADISE ARRIVES — SORT OF

By Erik Schottel

At 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday the 9th, the inaugural run of the Paradise Limited, pulled by Elizabeth the locomotive dragon, arrived in the village of Mahadeva in the Lower Shambhalan Valley, signaling the completion—well, almost—of the Shambala Line of the SSG.
I had the pleasure of being aboard the Paradise Limited on its maiden run. The line passes through some of the most breathtaking scenery on Tír na Caillte. Elizabeth herself seemed in high spirits, alternating between singing and gasping at the mountain vistas along the route. I cannot fault her enthusiasm; the Moonmounts are among the most stunning sights on the continent.
The completion of the northern line of the railroad has been delayed for three months as negotiations between the railroad board and the top officials of the Great Monastery of Shangri-la dragged on. Sources within the Shambhalian government say that the elder monks do not want something as dirty, loud, and disharmonious as a locomotive dragon anywhere near their sacred valley, let alone their most holy site.
Ultimately, the SSG has resorted to building the terminus at Mahadeva, a charming enough farming village, a day’s stagecoach ride on a good road to Shangri-La. Of course, no such road exists, and the SSG had been forced to construct a road skirting the base of Mount Kailmar and a coaching inn, amusingly named the End of the Line Inn in the village. It is currently unclear who will operate the stagecoach line between Mahadeva and Shangri-La.

Upon our arrival in Mahadeva, we were met by a relatively large crowd of onlookers from the surrounding villages and monasteries. The crowd seemed more bemused than anything else, like they had no clue what to make of the strange creature pulling carriages into their town. Notably absent from the crowd were any representatives from Shangri-La; apparently, the elder monks are still not pleased with the Locomotive Dragons.

Adaption of Shakespearian Comedy is a Tragedy

By Katharina Löffler

The Bard Street Players have once again proven that good intentions are no substitute for talent. Their latest misadventure, a Mountainheartian adaptation of William Shakespeare’s The Comedy of the Twelfth Night, opened last Friday at the Tulip Theater — and promptly collapsed under the weight of its own ambition.
Now, I adore the Bard as much as anyone. The Royal Sliberbergian Players’ English-language productions at Elmwood Hall are nothing short of transcendent. But what I witnessed on Friday was an unforgivable transgression against both art and sanity. I left sincerely wishing someone would cast a modified memory spell upon me.
Let us begin with the translation. “Clunky” and “flat” hardly suffice. I learned English specifically to appreciate Shakespeare’s verse — his rhythm, his wit, his delicate wordplay. The Bard Street adaptation reduced that brilliance to a drab paraphrase, stripping every line of poetry and replacing it with the emotional equivalent of a government memo.
As for the performances: wooden, halting, and utterly passionless, several actors seemed to have learned their lines five minutes before curtain. At least twice, stage directions were forgotten entirely, leaving long, awkward silences during which I briefly considered leaving — only to discover most of the other attendees had already done so.
In short, the production was a catastrophe from overture to curtain. The Bard Street Players’ history with Shakespeare has always been uneven, but this was a new low — a tragedy disguised as comedy, and not even intentionally so.

A delightful Holiday Pagent at Elmwood Hall

By Nayla Löffler

Once again, our fair city’s magnus of the arts and “amateur” playwright Panthor Silverhorn has outdone himself yet again with his latest holiday pageant performed at his own Elmwood Hall.
The pageant this year is supposedly inspired by a novelle titled A Christmas Carol, which Panthor supposedly found in a second-hand bookstore in Slibermond. The story follows a miserly, self-centered old nobleman named Baron Scrooge, who is blind to the suffering his miserly ways inflict on his servants and tenants. On a cold Christmas Eve, alone in his sprawling city mansion, he is visited by a host of spirits—first the ghost of a deceased friend, then the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future—who show him what his mark-pinching ways have wrought, and the grim fate that awaits him if he fails to change.
It is a timely message for our own age, and, from the staunchly royalist Panthor, not an unexpected one.
As always, Panthor spared no expense, and it shows. The sets—evoking the slums of Martyrs Hill and Dunkelwinkel—were remarkably lifelike, and the costumes, as ever, exquisite. Clever use of stage magic brought the spirits of past, present, and future to glittering life, transforming Elmwood Hall into a wonder of light and shadow. The result is a production both heartwarming and haunting, a testament to Panthor’s flair for spectacle and his keen sense of moral theatre.

Supposed Breakthrough in Wyrd Studies draws Skepticism

By Simon Häfeli Sentinel Magic Reporter

A recent supposed breakthrough in the study of wyrd magic has been drawing increasing backlash and skepticism from the magical community. Professor Norbert Lemberger of the Coláiste Draoidheil announced two weeks ago that he had discovered that wyrd magic emits a constant stream of sound at a volume and pitch too low for mortals or fey to hear.
Supposedly, he had successfully captured the sound of a small, cold iron flask of the notoriously dangerous substance in liquid form using sound bottles and, with an especially modified bottle stereo set, made it understandable. According to the professor, the sound is a flow of frustrated mumbling to oneself about making changes to something.
Professor Norbert’s supposed discovery has received a great deal of pushback from his fellows at the university, mainly because Professor Norbert suffered a mental breakdown the previous academic year and is considered functionally insane by the magical community at large. According to his current students, Norbert has been going through a series of delusions over the semester while still somehow teaching his course. His current delusion is that he is a giant awakened bat, and he has taken to wearing a bat-wing-like cloak and no other clothing, eating bugs, flying about in the nude, and teaching his class while hanging upside down from the ceiling.
Questions also remain about the provenance of his equipment. The university has no record of any purchase requests, and local merchants deny selling stereo or recording apparatus to anyone matching his description. Lemberger has refused to admit anyone into his laboratory or share his recordings, claiming his colleagues are “plotting to steal his ideas.”
Until further verification, the wider magical community has declined to recognize the discovery. Few expect Professor Lemberger’s so-called “wyrd song” to withstand independent scrutiny.

First BIRTH OF LOCOMOTIVE DRAGON AT SLIBERBERG YARD

By Thomas Weir and Duncan Cole

In a rare first for the press, the Sliberberg Sentinel was granted permission to witness the birth of a locomotive dragon. Sentinel artist Duncan and I were on hand at the Sliberberg Yard, where SSG lady locomotive dragon Patty welcomed her first hatchling.
The egg itself, roughly the size of a large wagon and seemingly forged of iron, had already begun to crack when we arrived. For several minutes, the dragon handlers and press watched in reverent silence as the fissures widened. At last, a small dragon’s head pushed through, followed moments later by the rest of the hatchling.

The newborn, promptly named Michael by his proud mother, measures about five feet long and four feet high. His scales are a soft dusty tan, and his frame mirrors his father’s Garratt wheel arrangement, albeit as a much smaller 0-2-0+0-2-0 arrangement. Though hornless, he bears the cherubic features typical of wyrmlings and an insatiable curiosity about anything paper-based. Patty, radiant and clearly exhausted, told us she was “over the moon” and eager to “curl up with my baby boy.” She will remain in the yard for several months while Michael grows and bonds, then return to mainline service. She expressed regret that Cinderthrax, Michael’s father, could not be present for the occasion.

As for baby Michael, he had no comment. He spent the entire interview alternating between looking around in wide-eyed confusion and awe, staying close to his mother, and generally acting like a baby dragon. He did attempt to eat my notebook, which provoked great laughter among those present. If early signs are any indication, he’ll have a healthy appetite for both coal and attention.

Announcements & Opportunities

Ravens for Hire

Guild-certified professional with reasonable rates
Why settle for amateur unpleasantness when you can have proper ominiouness
Inquire at the oak tree on Raven Way, Grand Fey Marketplace.

Sliberberg to Shambhala in One Day?

Only on the Paradise Limited!
Departing 9 a.m. daily from Queen Heart’s Station. Courtesy of the Slanach, Sliberberg & Ginkdimblid Railway.

New in stock

The latest recordings from
Aelwyn O’Malley and the Junebugs.
Jeff and Rat Tavern Gang
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Only at Echos in a bottle
7th Amharclann Circus, suite 3

Holiday Vacation SALE

All timepieces in stock are 20% off until Noon, December 24, when I take off for the Caerwall Bay.
Master Thistledown of Master Thistledown’s shop of Wonders, 301Harbor Road Slibermond

The Enchanting Caravan Emporium.

The Friendliest magic shop in town
Flying Carpet Sale
All flying carpets are 5% off for a limited time only.
31 Harbor Street

Are Your Girls Bumpkins?

Send them to Madam Mag’s Finishing school.We’ll turn even the most uncouth country lass into a proper princess.Winter enrollment now open — 5 Newberry Street, Zollstock, Sliberberg.

Dance the Night away at

DAMNATION

The only place in town with authentic infernal dance music
Don’t wait — hit the hottest dance hall in the Underberg tonight.
The Pits, Red Lantern Warren, Underberg

Bradforth and Sons Quality Coaches and Buggies

Handmade from the best materials by qualified craftsmen
Smooth running and durable
Custom interiors and upulstorey
Reasonable prices!
7 Coastal Highway

Ashwood Magical Supply

Your one stop for high-quality
ALchemical Ingerdiants
Spell components
Magical Crafting materials
Alchemical Equipment
Low prices every day, quality assured.
8 Fireball Road, SLibermond

Looking for a place to hang your Wizard Hat?

Tower Condos is here.
Tower Condos offers large units in authentic wizard towers with every modern amenity.
Reasonable rents — magical views!
7 Fireball Road, Slibermond.

Tulip Theater presents the Muse Street Players production of

The Twelfth Night

Weekdays at 6:00 p.m. | Weekends at 5:00 p.m.
Tulip Theater, 12 Muse Street.

GINGERBREAD

At the Silver Moon Bakery
Need we say anything else?

Now Playing at Elmwood Hall

A Christmas Carol

A timely Christmas Pagent for the whole family, based on a novella of the same name and adapted by Panthor Silverhoof.
Saturdays starting at 7 pm.

Having trouble with your master?

Call upon the law offices of Finch, Jay & Crow.

Specialists in New Mountainheartian animal law. We handle everything from labor disputes to custody battles.
The Elm on Raven way, Sliberberg

Need somebody to talk to?

Rent A Friend

offers companions for dining, dancing, or just a quiet chat.
Available by the hour — all personalities and species welcome!
Visit 5 Market Street, Grand Fey Marketplace.

Tournaments & Diversions

Sports news

Lobbiest group successful petitions for official Street Snail races

By Ualraig MacCeallaig Sentienl sports desk

A group of local barons, calling themselves the Society for Competitive Helices, has successfully petitioned the city government to hold a series of Helix velocia, aka the High Speed Racing Snail, next year.
The races will take place on tracks laid out on SLiberberg street and scheduled for the 7th of Greenleaf, the 21st of Greenleaf, the 14th of Suncrest, the 28th of Suncrest, and the 7th of Highsun.
The plan has met some pushback from local law enforcement. The society claims that sanctioned races will provide a safe, regulated outlet for upper-class youths who frequently engage in illegal street snail racing. However, prominent members of the Watch believe that official races may only exacerbate the problem.
Some observers note that the society’s membership — staunchly noble and including several parents of known members of the shellshaker gangs involved in the illegal street races— may also contribute to the Watch’s tepid response to the proposal.

Schedule announced for official Kings Ground’s stadium tournaments for next year

By Jeremiah Barrett

The New Mountainheartian Chivalric Society and the International Tourament Regulatory Board have officially announced the dates of next year’s tournaments to be held in King’s Stadium in Pixie Court.

Blossombud 28th. Opening day: Royal Sliberbergian Open Jousting tournament
Greenleaf 1st: Beltane Sliberbergian Open sword tournament
Greenleaf 17th: IAA open archery tournament national preliminaries
Greenleaf 27th ITRB Junior League Jousting Tournament
Suncrest 9th Royal Grand sword and jousting tournament
Suncrest 20th ITRB Grand Tournement Regional Preliminaries
Highsun 5th, The NMCS annual Grand Melee
Highsun 10th IAA open archery tournament
Highsun 18th ITRB Grand Tournement Regional semifinals
Highsun 23rd ITRB Grand Tournement Regional finals
Harvestmoon 10-13th: The NMHMS annual spell duel series and magical tournament.

Scores and Tournament Results

Jousting and Chivalric Tournaments

Grand Tourney of the Three Roses (Slanach Town) – Count Lucien de Mornay (Slanach) unhorsed Sir Brannoc the Blue (Ker Ys) in the finals after a sudden-death tilt.
The Silver Lance Invitational (Rosenberg) – Sir Aedric of Thornwell (Rosenberg) defeated Lady Corinne Brightbloom(Barony Saint-Cirelle) 3 lances to 1.
Order of the Griffin Open (Ker Ys)– Victory to Sir Jarl Vintergard(Slanach), with Dame Evynne Rell(New Mountainheart) runner-up after a broken girth strap in Round 4.

Archery and Marksman Events

Emerald Archery Open(Slanach) – Faelar Greenbow (First), Ilyra Dovetail (Second), Miklos Strath (Third).
Seaside Bowmasters Cup(Carewaul Bay) – Team Wavefletch narrowly beat The Broadleaf Rangers 128–124.

Sword & Melee

Continental Grand Melee(Dún Donagh) – Captain Elric Dawnbreaker’s Company swept the field, defeating The Crimson Band 5 bouts to 2.
Twin Suns Swordmasters’ Challenge (Lyonesse) – Maestra Inari Wex of the Ivory School defeated Ronan “the Red” Falcrest in a tense 9-minute duel.
Dueling League Finals(Ker Ys) – Eldrin “Whispersteel” Vayne claimed victory on points; Tessa Vale took silver.

Magical and Spellcasting Tournaments

Elemental Confluence Games Vineta) – Gold: Team Azureflame (Fire Division); Silver: Team Glimmervine (Earth Division).
Grand Collegium Spell Duel Championship (Lyonesse) – Professor Anwen Starling defeated Archmage Thol Verin 2–1 in rounds of a structured duel.

Jokes and Riddles

Submitted to the Sentinel by you our dear readers

Q) What do you call a disagreeable dandy with more money than brains?
A) A nobelist

Q) How many brownies does it take to fix a leaky roof?
A) Just one — but he’ll redecorate the entire house while he’s at it.

Q) Did you hear about the devil that opened a second-hand shoe store?
A) Yeah, apparently he wanted people to sell their soles to him.

I told a banshee she was off-key.
Haven’t heard the end of it. Literally.

INSANE HOLIDAY SALE

At Joker’s Choice

The only choice in Pranks and Novelty toys
Fake vomit 20% Off
Woopie Cushions 10 for five silver
Itching Powder 50 copper for a half-pound box
AND MUCH MUCH MORE….
So do not wait, come down to Joker’s Choice today
7 Brewer Street, Grand Fey Marketplace, SLiberberg

Crossword Puzzle

Across
1. Demonic temptress
5. a poisonous flying lizard
6. Draconic Bootlicker
9. monstrous mount
11. Necrotic lackey
13. Hard to kill
14. Manufactured Minion
15. nightmarish giantkin
16. Melodramatic Blood Sucker
`7. Corpse back for vengence

Down
2. Elusive equine
3. fat and dumb brutes
4. Ravenous despoilers
5. big bad wolf
7. Flying Gold Hoarder
8. unpleasant to ride
10. Fey Trickster
12. Stale Wizard
14. big men
17. Tricky magical ladies

Feeling worn out and thirsty?
Try Dr Gossling’s Energy Tonic
Naturally refreshing and lemon-flavored

The Social Register

Society reports

Compiled by our own Miss Annie Francis

Balls and Events

The long-awaited opening of the Winter Social Season was marked by the Marquis and Marchioness of Gloamhollow hosting a grand masquerade ball at their newly re-enchanted manor. Guests were required to wear masks representing “their truest selves,” which led to spirited debate after several attendees appeared as toads, ravens, and in one unfortunate case, a tax collector.
The Pixiewood’s annual Winter Wonderland Gala was somewhat marred when several snowmen conjured by roiling feyfolk achieved sentience and promptly demanded fair wages. Negotiations are, we are told, ongoing.

Engagements and Marriages

Betrothals

The engagement of Sir Rowan Dapplecoat, Knight of the Oak, to Miss Briony Mothwing is joyfully proclaimed.
Bardic sensation Aelwyn O’Malley has announced his engagement to fellow Junebug member Beitris MacAonghais. Fangirls remain in uproar over the surprise announcement.

Weddings

The wedding of Captain Torvald Ironhill to Lady Junia Starpetal took place under the canopy of the Glass Garden house on Yulemoon 8th.
The marriage of Mistress of the Exchequer Mirielle and Baron Mifagan of the Rosepath, Pixiewood, was held on Yulemoon 7th. May this union last longer

Gossip

Young Duke Lorcan Ó Ceallaigh was spotted in the company of a young lady bearing a striking resemblance to Cassidy Rose, the Sliberberg Bounty Hunter Union’s youthful boss—save for the courtly pink gown she wore. Are the young duke’s tastes trending toward cowgirls and leather?
The Sliberberg Men’s Literary and Drinking Society met Tuesday evening to discuss philosophy and ale. Both discussions ended in tears
Countess Rósín Dubh has reportedly converted to Christianity “for the Christmas presents.” Sources say she is already composing a rather ambitious list for Santa.
Unconfirmed rumors swirl that Fionnuala will be spending the winter holidays with her “favorite goddaughter,” which is almost certainly her Majesty.
Aisling Bellefontaine was spotted Last Friday in the company of an unidentified sidhe at Lovebirds Terrace. Has the notorious hack romance novelist herself found romance?
The day before yesterday, Tansy Fleetfoot was seen by an anonymous source at the Enchanted Wardrobe, trying on expensive ball gowns. Is the city the most powerful witch secretly a debutant?
Commodore Riona Byrne of the Sliberberg Free Navy was seen wearing a stunning pink dress at a ball at Stagwood house in the company of an unearthly handsome, unidentified man of Qualdiran stock.
And finally, congratulations to the newly opened Silver Lute Tea Room, whose grand opening drew nearly half of Sliberberg’s upper crust—and several actual slices of cake thereof

Horoscopes

Frostfang— Old instincts stir as the snow deepens. Beware of distant howls and family dinners that last too long. An opportunity for loyalty will arise; seize it before it bites someone else.
Snowdrift— Wisdom is your ally, but only if you remember to use it. The stars advise fewer late-night brooding sessions and more practical action—perhaps even making that list and checking it twice.
Thawscale — Your charm warms even the coldest hearth, but not everyone enjoys a surprise shedding. This month favors reinvention—just mind where you leave the old skin.
Blossomborn (Butterfly) — A flutter of inspiration lands upon you! Sadly, it may be sitting on your grocery list instead of your manuscript. Still, small joys bloom in unlikely places.
Greenhart (Stag) — Duty calls, but so does the mulled cider. Balance your responsibilities with well-earned rest, or you’ll find your antlers tangled in mistletoe again.

Blossomborn— A flutter of inspiration lands upon you! Sadly, it may be sitting on your grocery list instead of your manuscript. Still, small joys bloom in unlikely places.
Greenhart — Duty calls, but so does the mulled cider. Balance your responsibilities with well-earned rest, or you’ll find your antlers tangled in mistletoe again.
Sunflare — Your inner fire burns bright, perhaps too bright for polite company. Temper your passions with patience, or risk setting off the Yule tree early this year.

Highmane — The spotlight finds you, whether you’re ready or not. Roar with confidence, but don’t forget to purr when praised.
Harvestborn — Cozy lairs and full cupboards define your season. Expect surprise visitors, possibly with fruitcake. You may find warmth in unexpected friendships.
Goldtalon — Your vision soars, but your talons may grasp too tightly. Step back and let events unfold. The wind is your ally—unless it’s gossip.

Emberclaw — Clever plans multiply, but even a fox can slip on the ice. Keep one scheme in reserve, and one paw on solid ground.
Shadowpelt — Secrets whisper in the frost. Trust your instincts but not every shadow—they may be whispering back.
Yulehorn — The stars align in your antlers. Tradition favors you; the old songs hum in your dreams. Lead others gently into the new year.

Classifieds

For Sale
Used Broom of Flying, light singed.
Inquire at 1 Fireball Road

Guards Wanted
For the caravan heading towards Drumbane Via Sliberdorf
Good pay, equipment provided
Inquire at Mires and Sons, 17 Brewers Rd ,Sliberberg

Ship in Search of Crew
The good ship Fulmar is seeking able-bodied crewmates for a voyage to Atazlan.
Please inquire by Frostmoon 15th at Pier Seven in the docks.

Missing Bard
John the Meldramatic has gone missing. Red-haired, fancy duds has a wooden thingie with strings.
Last seen at the Iron Oak Inn, drinking with the rest of the gang.
Skullcracker Jack and the Bone gang

Sheepdog seeking employment
Fully trained; excellent references.
Currently lodging at Saint Polly’s Animal Hostel—ask for Lassie.

Personal Notice
To Aoibheann von Mountainheart:
COME BACK HOME THIS INSTANT OR I SHALL TEAR DOWN THIS KINGDOM AND TURN THAT NO-GOOD SPAWN OF AN OATHBREAKER, FREDRICK, INTO A CARPET FOR MY BATHROOM. MARK MY WORDS.
— Your Mummy

Salves and Potions for Sale
For maladies and misfortunes of all kinds.
Love potions, curse removals, bumps, coughs, and regrets.
Seek Miss Fowl’s Atelier, Little Berry Alley.

House for Sale
Large townhouse in Zollstock. New wood paneling, breathtaking garden, view of the Lower City, and only lightly haunted.
5 Dreary Street.

Adventurers Wanted for a Matter of utmost secrecy
Please inquire at Gastly Place in the village of Nosemore

Estate Sale
At 10 a.m. on the 19th of Yulemoon, an estate sale will be held at Juniper Hall, Zollstock, to liquidate the possessions of the late Old Man Grunsbottom.

Christmas Mass schedule at the Cathedral of Saint Lukas Lindemann of the Silver Mountain
Yulemoon 24th: Midnight Mass with full choir and candlelight procession.
Yulemoon 25th: Morning Mass at 9 a.m. and Evening Benediction at 6 p.m.
All are welcome. Please leave familiars and enchanted instruments outside the nave.

Ship Seeking Captain
I, The Mileham, seek a competent captain to replace the foolish dandy who previously steered me.
Fools, morons, and dandies need not apply.
Currently moored at Pier 12, Dock Ward.

Help Wanted (Urgent)
AB Stormlong seeks any wizard with mastery of water to assist in refloating the Tuscarora, currently grounded in the city harbor, and towing her to the shipyard for offloading.

Missing Pet
Baby harbor seal named Flipper. Grey pelt with mottled black spots, big soulful eyes, and a cute nose.
If found, return to Earwyna in Fasgadhmara.

Found Pet
Baby harbor seal wearing a collar labeled Flipper: grey pelt, mottled black spots, big eyes, cute nose.
Currently hale and happy with Mrs. Jennings, 3 Shell Alley, Dock Ward.

Warrior seeking Party
23-year-old warrior seeks adventuring party. Experienced—has delved three dungeons (and survived). Currently staying at the Iron Oak Inn. Ask for Vincent Lotz.

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