PAXLAIR - June 2, 1998 - Submitted by Nero

Ridley the skeleton, victim of Zephram's failed alchemic experiments, appeared in the fair city of Paxlair last night (June 2, 10:45pm EDT). He was escorted by a cohort of zombies. An important meeting on necromancy was interrupted just as it began by the news. Citizens and visitors alike rushed to the bloody well at the foot of the mage's tower, first with a mind to attack the zombies then, upon discovering the nature of their visit, to listen and observe. The vigilant civilians kept their wepons at the ready.

Ridley, turned undead by Zephram's failed experiments into necromantic arts, has vowed revenge upon the ambitious alchemist. The skeleton conversed easily with the citizens of Paxlair. He answered all questions posed by the crowd and even spoke briefly on the mixed blessings of being among the undead. Most importantly, he insisted several times that he and his zombies meant no harm to the people of Paxlair. He would not make any such promises to Zephram.

The visitors remained in Paxlair for nearly fifteen minutes. Zombies roamed the streets, frightening citizens and travelers and searching for the alchemist. Zephram was not found, but a piece of laboratory glass bearing his name was uncovered by one of Ridley's minions. Ridley gathered his forces, convinced that he had found all that would be found, and departed.

Paxlair, still reeling from the horrific "adjustment" to its spring by Mazrim, has been subject to necromantic occurrences and attacks by orcs and undead. With the addition of Ridley's interest in the small town, Paxlair is quickly becoming an unwilling hub of events. Perhaps, the citizens wonder, these events are all linked together.