Ferran Azelle

UP: Catskills

    As I have reported previously, the people ofWinterfell, along with their allies, have been battling Lord Ventryn for quitesome time in a conflict sparked by Ventryn's desire for the ancient Relics ofStormguard. This desire has resulted in him attempting to destroy all in hisway. Ventryn's obsession with the relics has only escalated since he acquiredthem. His intentions have now shifted from merely locating the relics, tosuccessfully utilizing them for his unknown cause.

Recently I have been informed that a fifth relic exists, which in actuality isthe Fallshorn blade, passed down by the Fallshorn family and once owned by therecently deceased Thain Fallshorn. Apparently this information comes from aunique source, the spirit of Ventryn's daughter who was slain in battle long agodefending the ancient community of Stormguard. Apparently Ardian Pythos, thebrother of Ventryn, sent her into battle before her training was complete. Bothbrothers served on the Council of Stormguard and had been at odds with oneanother for quite sometime in regards to power. Ventryn's differences with hisbrother manifested into intense hatred when his daughter was killed. Accordingto those familiar with the Ventryn conflict, Ventryn blames Ardian entirely forthe untimely death of his daughter and has been consumed by hatred, jealousy,revenge and most recently power. The energy that Ventryn harnesses from therelics has only fueled his destructive anger.

As of late, Ventryn's attacks upon the people of Winterfell and their allies hasincreased dramatically as defenders of the recently constructed Winterfell Keepfight off previously unseen undead. More aggressive and violent undead attackthe Keep almost daily, and when they do not, larger attacks compensate for thelost time. Ventryn himself, restored to his human form by the relics, oftenaccompanies his army to taunt those who bravely defend against him. Theelementalist Qua'Tel has attempted to offer his aid, only to be halted byVentryn's newly acquired power. Ardian Pythos, once confident that he was safefrom Ventryn as a spirit manifestation, has recently been weakened immensely bythe energy Ventryn commands.

Although, perhaps there is hope. Earlier I mentioned the Fallshorn blade, thefifth relic. The relic itself is essential to both Ventryn, and those who opposehim. Ardian believes that if this sword can be located it can be used againstVentryn to temporarily break his hold upon the relics. If Pythos is correct,there could be hope. All of this is mere theory, however - but the fact remainsthat if Ventryn locates the relic first, he will undoubtedly reach the peakpotential of his power. Even now, Winterfell, their allies and the PurpleGuardians of Honor devise a strategy to locate the Fallshorn blade and harnessit's energy against Ventryn. If Ventryn locates it first, if he has not already,then I fear the battle is lost.

Good luck brave adventurers, I eagerly await good news.

From the Town Cryer - The Journal of Ultima Online, Wednesday, August 2nd 2000