"Fishwrap Magazine: read it in the morning, wrap your leftover Island
Panther Pie with it in the afternoon"
Issue #31: "Monks, Music, and the Mist Key"
[February 23, 2001]
Circulation: 149

Note: Fishwrap Magazine is now available on the World Wide Webscrolly-
thingy.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fishwrapmagazine
You can subscribe here and also read all the back issues.

#####
SPONSORS

This issue of the Fishwrap Magazine is brought to you by the following
sponsors:
* Babajaga the Sylvan:
http://www.red-quill.com/babajaga/
* Clan Pogue Mahone:
http://www.poguemahone.org/
* Lark: Scribia 0.1.4-alpha can be downloaded from:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/scribia/
* "Mending by Malloc":
Box 1828, Puddleby Post
* Gurgi, for the Foothills Reward Fund:
http://www.puddleby.dk/gurgi/reward.html
* Fishmonger: Puddleby's News Kiosk:
http://www.geocities.com/mikeswanson_98/fishmonger.html

#####
THOOM HEADLINE NEWS
THE NEWS IN BRIEF FOR BUSY EXILES
"Fishwrap Magazine: Thoom News You Can Use"

brought to you by Fishwrap reporters:
* New caves under town discovered by Biff the Thoom
* Exiles debate name for new caves: "Underground"? "Catacombs"?
"Tunnels of Biff"?
* Trainer found in newly discovered caves: Digger
* Museum expanded
* Bounty-takers moved to hut in East Farms
* Bakery open
* Bracis is now training followers in the monastery (see below for
more)

brought to you by Babajaga's Diary:
* Umbrion's Island appearing soon?
* Detailed instructions for killing Yor the Zo
* The Separ
for more information on the above stories, see Babajaga's Diary
http://www.red-quill.com/babajaga/

brought to you by Norm's Diary
* The Dreadful Passage and the Foothills
* The Pyramid of Thoughtful Flag-Waving Thooms
* The Results of Norm's Art Contest
for more information on the above stories, see Norm's Adventures
http://members.aol.com/NormsDiary

brought to you by Koric's Journal
* Large Death Vermine ravage unprepared exiles
* New builder for planting more trees
* Biff the Thoom biffed in Mid-Pass
for more information in the above stories, see Koric's Journal
http://dingram.phys.tcu.edu/koric.html

#####
NEWS FEATURES

Recent ballot results:
#172: Should we burn the bakery to the ground if it doesn't open up
soon?
19 (42%): Yes! Those halflings keep eating the goods!
10 (22%): No, I don't mind waiting forever and being tortured by the
smell of fresh bread I can't buy.
9 (20%): Who cares, I like Haricot's cooking just fine. Love those
socks!
3 (7%): None of the above.
3 (7%): None of the above
1 (2%): Abstain

The Gubara report:
Gubara says, "The most esteemed citizens are: Madame H, Gurgi, Astrid,
John Junkar, Axell."
Gubara says, "The most reviled citizens are: Mac-arena, John Junkar,
Arocet, Algernon, Gurgi."

Court Records:
Clerus says, "Case #pcl_0541_004_03_18 on 4 Winter, 541 at 4:08..."
Clerus says, "Icy accused Zaroff of putting my fire out..."
Clerus says, "The verdict was guilty; 569 minutes in jail, 6948c fine
and 0 days banished."
Clerus says, "Case #pcl_0541_004_22_40 on 4 Winter, 541 at 23:22..."
Clerus says, "Domino accused Super Chicken of Visciously slaughtering
his frog..."
Clerus says, "The verdict was innocent."
Clerus says, "Case #pcl_0541_016_09_53 on 16 Winter, 541 at 10:54..."
Clerus says, "Tarf accused Mefin of being himself (a jerk)..."
Clerus says, "The verdict was guilty; 373 minutes in jail, 2607c fine
and 0 days banished."
Clerus says, "Case #pcl_0541_020_12_02 on 20 Winter, 541 at 13:24..."
Clerus says, "Icy accused Artesia of killing the bigger and improved
zoo...."
Clerus says, "The verdict was frivolous; 51 minutes in jail, 0c fine
and 0 days banished."

#####
HELP WANTED

Fishwrap Magazine is looking for a few more contributors, reporters and
advertisers.

Advertising rates are quite affordable. Your ad will be read by well
over 140 exiles!

Contact Paramedic if you are interested.

#####
FROM THE FEN NEWS BUREAU:
BY JEANNE

1) Finding Bracis

[OOC February 11, 2001]
I was participating in my weekly clan (Light & Shadow) hunt when I got
a message from Amon Yret saying that he had information about a new
Monastery trainer. As I was in the middle of attacking ferals and
making sure I didn't lose sight of my clan, I asked him where he was.
When he said that he was in the Monastery, I suddenly remembered who he
was. He's the NPC that told us for many weeks of Sensei Ja'chan's
disappearance. I quickly excused myself and ran back to the Monastery
to talk to him because I knew that something big was about to happen.

Amon told me that the new teacher could be found in a secluded valley
in the east forest and that his name is Bracis. I contacted Eek, a
fellow Light & Shadow member, and a monk, to come to the Monastery. He
quickly came and insisted on listening to Amon's message for himself.
Amon suggested that we ask our fellow exiles for help and opinionated
that many would be willing to help us. Eek and I went to town center
and I announced to everyone that we were going to find a new Monastery
teacher and we needed help. Many came and we decided to go the New East
Forest. Angela, a fellow Light & Shadow member came along to lend her
pathfinding skills. Since Angela knew that area, I said that she would
give instructions about where we should go. In each snell, we
investigated every nook and cranny and kept other exiles appraised of
our status via sunstone.

Then a breakthrough! Newton told us that he found an empty valley with
a hut that had the same carpet as the Monastery. He came to where we
were and we all followed him to a hidden valley with an empty hut. When
I left the hut, everyone had surrounded Bracis who was none too happy
about us interrupting his solitude. He went back to the hut and we all
followed him in. We apologized for intruding but told him that we were
missing a teacher who taught us the art of empty-handed combat. He
wanted us all to leave right away because he valued his privacy. He was
given sake which did much to persuade him to listen to us. We told him
of the changes that Puddleby had undergone since he had visited it. We
described the Monastery and how peaceful it is with a Koi Pond, leafy
trees, a training room, a ceremony room, and a meditation room. We told
him about how many people were training with Sensei Ja'chan, how we had
suffered without a teacher to continue our training, and that his
skills would be valued by many exiles. Finally, he agreed to come and
look at the Monastery.

We left his valley and he rolled a rock over the entrance so that it
would remain undisturbed. Logical, but the valley would have been
great as a safe place when being chased by critters. Newton led the way
and I yelled out where we were going so that no one would get lost.
Along the way, we came across a herd of Wendeckas which we easily
handled with the help of our healers. Bracis was particularly
impressive and dispatched a Wendecka in two hits. The rest of the way
home went without incident and we met Sutai, Grandmaster of the
Monastery, at the north entrance. Sutai and Bracis made introductions
and we went to the Monastery for a look around. Bracis was impressed
with everything and liked the extensive library, the ceremony room, and
the Koi Pond. We went to the Training Room last of all and Bracis
talked to Amon Yret. Bracis mentioned our flooded basement and asked
that it be fixed at the earliest possible moment. Amon explained that
they had no time to fix it because they were looking for a new teacher
which showed how important he was to the monks and to Puddleby. Amon
promised to fix the basement and exited via a hidden doorway. Bracis
then became the teacher for many of us and took his place where Amon
used to be.

I hope that Bracis is happy with the Monastery and with Puddleby and
remains our teacher for a long time. If you ever want to train in the
use of empty-handed combat and use bracers instead of swords and axes,
visit Bracis in the Monastery.

2) Why would you train with Bracis?

There's no doubt that there a dozens of trainers in Puddleby, all
willing to take your hard-earned ranks for valuable training. As we
train it becomes harder to gain new ranks. This is probably why Sensei
Ja'chan and now Bracis are ignored by many exiles. Most exiles use the
axe for fighting, or more rarely the long sword and the shiny dagger.
These weapons don't require training to use and coins can be easily
gotten. However, empty-handed combat has several advantages that make
it well worth the training.

At 10 ranks you get cloth bracers, 25 ranks you get leather bracers,
and 50 ranks gets you metal bracers. These numbers worked with Sensei
Ja'chan but I believe Bracis works the same way. I have used both
cloth and leather and can talk about the strengths and weaknesses of
each of these weapons.

Cloth bracers seemed to be about the equivalent of the club and had
very little attack power but good accuracy. Leather bracers are much
better and seem to be only a bit weaker than the axe, which I had
before. I kill most Ferals in 3 to 5 hits with my 50 Darkus and miss
them infrequently with my approximately 125 Atkus. I had exactly 2
swings with my axe and now have a bit over 3 swings with leather
bracers.

What's great about the leather bracers is that you can use the shield
with them and, at only cost 50 coins to buy, are much cheaper than the
axe and shiny dagger. If you're a healer or mystic, I don't see much of
a reason to go beyond this since the accuracy and damage of the leather
bracers will be enough for you. You will probably be tagging instead of
killing the strong critters yourself so you won't need the damage of
the metal bracers. The shiny dagger is well known for being a tagging
weapon but you need to find a piece of metal and you need to repair it
when it turns into a dull dagger. I don't know how much it costs but
since it costs nothing to repair bracers, they are a better deal and
finding metal isn't easy at all.

So you have an investment of 25 ranks to use a weapon with good damage
and accuracy, ability to be used with the shield, inexpensive at only
50 coins, and is a good weapon at tagging. For fighters who need more
power, I recommend training for the metal bracers. I'll write another
report about them once I am able to use them.

#####
TENEBRION COMMISSIONS MUSIC
BY PERKUSI

At this most recent bard concert and audition, a cloaked person with
the name Sarir appeared. But as soon as he spoke we knew he was not the
usual exile. It was Tenebrion, speaking through a "vessel" that he
claims to have created. That was plenty creepy enough for me, and I
quickly hid my purgatory pendant deep in my pack.

Then he informed us that he would like to commission a piece of music
for his minstrel to play. He requested the title of "Ethereal Plane."
The prize for the winning composition would be antlers and 100 coins.
Phineas and I were the bard masters present. We asked him to wait a
moment as we discussed the guild's potential involvement. He was kind
enough to accomodate us.

Phineas and I decided the guild might be better off keeping its hands
somewhat free of this situation. We told him we would announce it to
the bards, but the guild would do nothing official beyond that. He
agreed to the terms, and eventually he disappeared.

Maz appeared in the lands a little later, and we told him of the
development. After some discussion, we decided that the guild should be
more involved, but Tenebrion would have to put up more coins if the
guild was going to help him. Tenebrion happened to still be about in
his keep, so I asked his permission to speak with him. He offered me
safe passage from his courtyard into his conference room. I reluctantly
went off with Relkin to Tenebrion's Island.

I didn't fare too well on the island. I managed to get surrounded and
fall just east of the west beach. Kodo was kind enough to come chain
me, with Relkin beating a path for us. My squished body finally made it
to Tenebrion's conference room. Tenebrion announced that a healer for
me would be welcomed, and Tyking and Papa came to help. (Tyking did his
best to interfere with my business with Tenebrion, even though
Tenebrion had given me permission to be there.)

I explained to Tenebrion that my boss had requested that the guild be
more involved in this commission in order to make sure it was handled
with the utmost care. Tenebrion was agreeable to that. Then I told him
that we would prefer a larger prize, due to the politically sensitive
nature of this relationship. After a great deal of haggling, he decided
to reduce his minstrel's pay for a while (citing lack of composition
skills as the reason), and we settled on 250 coins, and the antlers of
course.

He ordered the guards in the courtyard to stand down and we left
without incident. And so ends my tale. The commission will be paid on
OOC: March 3 at 3:00pm PST to the winning bard or quester. The winner
will be paid once the sheet music is handed over to Tenebrion.

#####
ADVERTISEMENT

"Mending by Malloc!"

Great! You can solo Hatreds! But look at you! Your clothes are in
tatters!

Be the talk of the town with neat and spiffy stitching.

* Need a quick stitch-up? I come to to you!

* Discounts for healers and mystics that rescue my fallen body.

* Contact via SS or box 1828

-Malloc

#####
THE TENEBRION REPORT
BY TYKING II, SERVANT OF TENEBRION

I recently met with Tenebrion, and I've gotten a lot of new
information. Tenebrion, as you all probably know, has 4 brothers, one
of them being Umbrion, the hot tempered pyromaniac. Due to Tenebrion's
contact with Puddleby, his brothers have become suspicious of him. The
spell of protection that shields Umbrion's island from our eyes has
been weakening. His brothers blame it on Tenebrion, and now Umbrion
wants him dead. All of the 'brions met a while ago to try and
strengthen the spell of protection around Umbrion's island. I'm not
sure of the outcome, but if the spell fails, Umbrion's island will be
accesible.

Don't start to think that going to Umbrion's is the same as visiting
Tenebrion. Unlike Tenebrion, Umbrion wants nothing to do with Puddleby,
and would destroy us in an instant. I urge all exiles to stay away from
Umbrion, as he has the power to kill us. When I say kill us, I mean
death! No healing, no departing, death! Please stay away from Umbrion,
the last thing we want is Umbrion coming to Puddleby.

I have also heard from Tenebrion that J'jh is storing a large number of
crystal shards. I urge her to please give those crystals back. After
discussing thoroughly with Tenebrion, I have become aware of exactly
what the crystals do. The crystals are more dangerous to Tenebrion than
Puddleby, Tenebrion can stop the crystals from destroying him, but us
Puddlebeans cannot. If we keep the crystals, we will endanger Puddleby,
Tenebrion, and the entire Lok'Groton island chain! Please don't take
crystal shards!

Lastly, I have heard news of Astral Drakes in Purgatory. I expected no
less from the creature. The creature is after Tenebrion and anybody who
ventures into Purgatory. It harnesses the power of the plane to create
these manifestations we now call Astral Drakes. Rest assured though,
Tenebrion's work with his pendants did not create the Astral Drakes or
the creature. Tenebrion has not damaged purgatory in any way.

I remain worried for myself and all of Puddleby, Tyking II
Servant of Tenebrion

P.S. No, I don't hate Tenebrion. That time I was saying that was one of
my bouts of insanity. I continue to be Tenebrion's servant.

#####
ADVERTISEMENT

Greetings fellow exiles!

I would like to announce that, as of this moment, I am offering a
reward for anyone that reveals to me the location of the foothills.
The reward amount, at this time is 20065. The reward will grow as more
people donate money to it. Go to http://www.puddleby.dk/gurgi/
reward.html to see the latest figure.

To collect the reward, the collector must be the first person to supply
Gurgi with confirmed directions to the foothills. Directions are
confirmed when Gurgi has reached the foothills by following the
directions supplied by the collector or by being lead there by the
collector. The reward is paid to the collector upon confirmation.

The collector will remain anonymous. The collector does not even have
to reveal their identity to Gurgi if he/she can meet the requirements
and collect without doing so. Gurgi will not reveal the identity to
anyone, even the donators.

All donations are to be given over to Gurgi and he will be keeping them
all together. The reward is always equal to the total amount of the
donations. Donations must be paid in full before they are counted,
however, exiles may make as many donations as they wish. There are no
refunds on donations.

Donators will also be kept annonymous. If donators wish, they can give
Gurgi have their mailbox address and he will directly send them the
confirmed directions to the foothills when the reward is collected.
The list of mailbox addresses will also be kept confidential of course.

Gurgi will also publish the directions and/or a map to the location for
the general public.

Signed,
Gurgi

#####
RIZAL'S STORY
PRESENTED BY THE WEST FOUNDATION

The West Foundation is still alive and functioning. Ser Sadraz is
taking a less active role in running the foundation is gradually
turning over the reins to Lady Yazza, who will provide a new energy to
the Foundation. Lord Bizob of OWE has joined the Board of Directors,
and a sad adieu was said to Lady Polgara, who undertook a large study
project and rarely ventures from the library. Any who are interested in
serving on the board are welcome to join.

The Foundation has had several grantees and would like to acknowledge
them for their good work. Congratulations go to Kelan, Scota, Arteress
Lai, Tyking, Shepherd, Blue, Farhope, Rizal and Scathach. There have
been some who criticized the Foundation for granting Tyking an award.
However, the Foundation is a neutral organization and the primary
criteria for obtaining a grant is the writing of a good tale that tells
us something about the exile and not his political affiliation or moral
direction.

The Foundation records are a bit messy, but Sadraz thinks that the
ladies Farhope, Rizal and Scathach have not yet been given their awards
and requests that they come see her or the Lady Yazza to collect. The
Foundation still has plenty of money to grant, and new and old exiles
are welcome to submit a story. New exiles are granted 500 coins and
older, established exiles can receive 300 coins.

What follows is a sample of the stories the West Foundation receives.

Sadraz M'Nako
Knight of the Lily
West Foundation Director

Rizal's Story

I'd like to start by saying that I never imagined that I would be here.
Becoming an exile was just about the most unlikely thing I could have
guessed would happen to me. But I can't change the past, so I will tell
you the story of how I came to Puddleby.

I was born in a town on the western border of the Thoom lands, on the
mainland. We were across the river from a Sylvan town, and we had a lot
of trade and contact with the Sylvans. They were very friendly. Some of
my fondest memories were swimming in the river with my Thoom friends
and the Sylvan children.

My family had a long history of being healers -- both my mother and my
father were healers, they provided medical help at the local clinic,
which served both the Thoom and the Sylvans across the river. I was
named after a great-uncle on my mother's side, he too was a healer who
provided medical assistance to the Halflings and Fen'neko during the
Uli Rebellion. Perhaps my parents gave me his name because they wanted
a boy Thoom. But they got a girl. I didn't have any brothers or
sisters, I was an only Thoom.

We didn't have much contact with the other races -- sometimes some
Dwarves would come to visit, and occasionally a Human patrol of
Ascendancy guards would come through our town as well, but mostly, we
kept to ourselves. As you know, while the Thooms are officially
governed by the Ascendancy, we mostly take care of our own affairs, and
the Ascendancy did not bother us much at all.

Once, an Ascendancy patrol came through our town, and of all things, a
Ghorak Zo soldier was in the patrol. I had heard of them, but of course
I had never seen one until that day. I found them fascinating! Of
course, being an Ascendancy guard, he was not very friendly and did
not let us approach him closely, but still, even from a distance, I
could tell that there was something about the Zo which I wanted to know
more about.

In any event, time flies when you're a young Thoom, and before I knew
it I was applying to medical school. I did not get in to the Thoom
Academy, which is every Thoom's dream, but I did get into a respectable
medical school in Mer d'Syl, which, coincidentally, both of my parents
attended. So I spent two years there, learning the fine arts of the
medical profession, along with many other Thooms and Sylvans.

In my second year in the medical school, when I was twenty, it was
announced that there would be a medical exchange program -- with a
Ghorak Zo hospital in Mountain's Reach! Even though I was only a second
year student, and the medical exchanges are usually reserved for the
fourth year students, I had to apply. I never had the opportunity to
travel when I was younger, and I still had this fascination with the
Zo. So I applied, and somehow, I was selected! I was so excited. I
would be spending my third year of medical school in Mountain's Reach,
spreading advanced Thoom medical knowledge to another race, and
learning more about the Zo than most other Thooms would ever have the
opportunity to learn.

So, that summer as school ended, I made arrangements to travel to
Mountain's Reach. The first part of the journey was with a Dwarven
trading caravan which started in Mer d'Syl and passed through my
hometown, so I had the opportunity to visit my parents. If only I knew
it would probably be the last time I would ever see them!

I spent my time with the caravan providing minor medical assistance for
those bumps and bruises you can get on the road, and helping to care
for the pack animals. The trip was a lot of work, but it was also fun,
as every night, the Dwarves would gather around the campfire and sing
jolly songs and drink beer until they passed out. That may not sound
like much fun, but at the time, it was new and different for me.

The Dwarves then went to their home of Stonybrook. From there, I had
the opportunity to go to the Human Capital with another caravan, and
then go to Mountain's Reach from there, or I could stay with the first
caravan which was going to make a long trip to the Fen'neko and
Halfling lands, and then visit Mountain's Reach at the end of the
summer. I thought to myself, I have the time, and I may not have a
chance to ever visit the Fen or Halfling lands, so why not take the
scenic route?

So after a few days in Stonybrook, we set off for the Rennod Pass, our
destination being the Fen'neko lands just west of the Sword of the
World mountains. By the time we reached our first Fen'neko town, it
was almost mid-summer, which, as everyone knows, is one of the high
holidays throughout the Ascendancy. It was here in this town, which I
never knew the name of, that I learned more about the Ascendancy than
I ever wanted to know.

Before we continue, I just have to say this about the Thooms. We
celebrate all holidays, regardless of their origin. Any excuse for a
party, is what it comes down to. Mid-summer's day was always one of my
favorite holidays, since there was no school or work, and it was always
very hot, but we got to swim in the river all day. I realize now that
the Ascendancy holidays are not always looked upon favorably by
everybody, but since we Thooms never really felt any oppression from
the Ascendancy, we always treated the Ascendandy holidays like a Thoom
holiday.

And on mid-summer's day of 536, I was in this Fen'neko trading town in
the shadows of the Sword of the World Mountains, and I was expecting,
well, a party. However,the way the Fen'neko celebrated this "holiday"
was more like a funeral. There was a silent procession through town,
and everyone in town, as well as any visitors, were required to stand
silently to watch the procession go by. Everyone was quiet, and
everyone had their heads down, even the dwarves. I was thinking to
myself, "This isn't a proper holiday! This place needs some holiday
cheer!" So I tried to lighten things up.

I thoomed.

The effect was not exactly what I had in mind. The procession stopped,
and everyone looked at me. I realized I had made a mistake, but I did
not understand just how badly I had offended my hosts.

Now, I'm not ignorant, and we do study history in our Thoom
universities, so I knew that there were some bad feelings between the
Fen'neko and the Ascendancy. But until you've really spent time in a
place, you just can't understand how the people feel. I realize now
that the silent atmosphere of the Ascendancy's biggest holiday is the
People's traditional way of showing their "respect" for the
Ascendancy. And by breaking the silence and celebrating the holiday, I
was, in effect, showing support for the Ascendancy.

Never mind that this was not my intention. I tried to apologize, but
the local townsfens wouldn't listen. I have never been so frightened in
my life, with all of the People looking at me with venom in their eyes
-- especially remembering the campfire stories that my friends and I
used to tell, about the fierce cat-people of the north who like to eat
Thooms. I was taken away by the local authorities and held in a dark
cell for several days. I never saw my friends among the dwarves again.
I only hope they tried to see me but the Fen'neko wouldn't let them. I
guess I'll never know.

A trial was held, and the town elders made the decision to have me
serve the Ascendancy's highest criminal penalty, since in their eyes, I
loved the Ascendancy so much. After another month in the Fen'neko town,
an Ascendancy guard patrol came by to pick up prisoners. The next four
months were a neverending series of dark cells and rides in a locked
wagon to the next cell. Other prisoners,of every race, joined the
caravan along the way. I tried to use my medical knowledge to keep the
other prisoners alive, but some didn't make it, the conditions were too
harsh.

We finally reached the Capital, and after another month in a prison, we
were herded aboard a boat bound for Puddleby. We arrived in the spring
of 537. And that's how I came to be an exile.

As a footnote -- I've been here for two years now, and I have to say
that it's not as bad as I thought it would be. There is a very
pleasant Thoom community here, and they were kind enough to take me in
and almost make me feel like I was at home. I've been fortunate enough
to find a group of Thoom healers who wish to provide Puddleby with the
best medical service, so I've joined ThoomCare, and I spend a lot of
time in the South Forest hospital. And even though I never made it to
Mountain's Reach, I'm still considered the ThoomCare expert on Ghorak
Zo medicine. I've had the opportunity to work with many wonderful Zo
fighters in the South Forest hospital.

And on a personal note -- for a long time after my arrest, I thought I
would never be able to thoom again. Fortunately, with the help and
support of the Thoom community here in Puddleby, I am comfortable
enough to thoom once again.

-Rizal

#####
A VOICE, A BOOK, AND THE MIST KEY
BY INDIGO

Recently, my friend Drenn has been hearing a girl's voice when he
visits Tenebrion's Island. On Day 4 of Winter 541 I joined Drenn on the
island to look for clues to this voice. After some discussion, Drenn's
party and I decided to look in the keep. We went carefully and
methodically. Sadly, we found nothing. We spent some time in
Tenebrion's conference room healing and planning our return trip. As we
tried to leave, we saw that the number of guards outside had increased
dramatically. Our group was quickly fragmented and we fell, scattered
about in the courtyard. Our first impulse was to depart, but then Gurgi
inquired after me. I suggested that we wait to see if Gurgi could come
to us with a speedy rescue.

As we waited for Gurgi's party, Tenebrion stepped into the courtyard.
He asked me if I was the leader of the "raid." I explained it was not a
raid, but a search for something. He asked me what we were looking for,
to which I replied "clues." I am sure I did not please him with this
answer. He began to chain me. Drenn then explained about the voice.
Tenebrion stopped and inquired about the voice. As Drenn explained the
voice, I insisted that he not punish Drenn or his party. I assured
Tenebrion that I was responsible for leading the party into the keep. I
did not want them to suffer.

As he stood there with my body on a chain, Gurgi's party arrived.
Tenebrion fled with into the tower, taking me with him. He took me to
the roof and he stood up there, looking down at the people in the
courtyard. He took out a small sharp knife and looked at me. The
rescuers asked for my release, but of course Tenebrion had the upper
hand. He took me back into the tower then. In Tenebrion's private
chambers we stopped by a book that he seemed very interested in. Almost
distracted. But then he returned his attention to me, taking me to his
private yard.

A most frightening thing happened then. With the knife he tried to open
my head. He cut deeply into my forehead, and searing pain cursed
through my nerves. But before he could finish this act, he seemed to
become nervous, then scared. He stopped cutting and ran. He took my
body to the top of the tower so Morty could collect it, then he
disappeared into hiding. Luckily, Axell's caduceus training spared my
life. I was healed at the very moment Morty took me to the cool storage
room. I allowed myself to heal for some time before I ran for my life
through a gauntlet of guards.

I made it safely to the hut somehow. I don't recall much from the
moments after that, except that my mind was clear about one thing: WE
MUST GET THAT BOOK. There were answers there, significant answers. And
I did not believe for a moment that Tenebrion would ever share those
answers with the general population. And so, with the help of Gurgi and
Elenis, we gathered a force willing to help me in my quest. I cannot
thank enough the 22 exiles that came. They knew our party might be
doomed. They accepted their fate, and with that we entered Tenebrion's
Tower.

In brief, the battle was swift. We fought well and with purpose. We
progressed to the very top floor of the tower, the Orb Room. Once we
were all healed again, we entered the magical floating mist that leads
to Tenebrion's private chamber. We struggled against the powerful
undine abominations that protect that chamber. Again, our forces fought
well and with purpose, and efficiently cleared the room. The holder of
the Mist Key was slain, and Mac picked up the key. Asmodean found the
book that I sought, and he quickly handed it to me. For that I am most
grateful.

Our retreat was equally arduous, yet swift. We decided to use the mist
key and enter the crystal chamber on the west side of the courtyard.
Once inside and secured, we explored as much as we could. We found a
room north of the river with six small crystal obelisks. We also found
a small plot of land with eight graves.

My mind began to ache then, as did my body. I was not able to last any
longer. Rest was imminent, be it there in the mist room, or somewhere
else. I had no choice. And so Gurgi and others helped me back to town
where I fell into an immediate sleep in the library. I wrote this
account as I rest and peruse the book. It is in a language I cannot
decipher. I am determined to find a way to translate it.

Respectfully,
Indigo

#####
COMING SOON TO THE FISHWRAP

"The Witch Is Back": The New Prue Interview, coming right at you
"Behind the Mystic"

#####
Fishwrap Magazine is part of the ThoomCare Media Network.

Publisher and Editor: Paramedic

Senior reporters: Crippler, Charlos

Roving reporters and contributors: Althea, Babajaga, Bones, Callia,
Jeanne, Koric, K'Pyn, Monolith, Norm, Tyking II

A newspaper is only as good as its reporters, and we are always looking
for new stories. If you have news you think belongs in Fishwrap
Magazine, send Paramedic some mail (mailbox #1047) or email him at his
scroll:
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Highrise/2084/

There's no baloney for my sammich
Mayonnaise gone bad
Someone drank my sody-pop
And Zorak's feelin' sad
The record player's broken
And I got bubblegum on my shoes
Ain't nothing going right today
Zorak's got the blues
- Zorak the Mantis