As reported by the Avalon Press

The December Heroes gathering was anything but quiet, suggesting 1125 may be a quiet busy year. In our top story, the Heroes successfully defeated the Blightwalker, ending the Weeping Pox plague in Avalon. As we reported last edition, the Blightwalker reappeared in Avalon in November. While the Heroes worked between moons to contain the plague, the Blightwalker still held a stronghold in Baron’s Brook in the Dale.

The Heroes received a call from the Dale Guard to head to the town to help finish off the Blightwalker’s forces. Once they arrived, the Heroes fought demons and helped heal the sick. They also encountered stone statues of villagers, having been turned to stone by Druids believed to be from the Highlands. These Druids, commanding some of those infected, argued that nature should take its natural course and only the strong should survive. The Heroes fought these Druids and saved those infected and turned to stone. As the Heroes pushed deeper into the town, they fought rats, Skaven, oozes and slimes. Eventually, they encountered the Blightwalker surrounded by a seemingly endless army of demons. However, the Heroes managed to defeat the Blightwalker and his demons. 

However, this was not the only higher being the Heroes faced this past gathering. On Sunday, the Heroes felt several higher powers crossover. It was confirmed that the unseated hierarch Tev’Inarius began to attack Selena in Eastguard. It is believed he did so because the newly appointed Lady of Selena, Lady Cora, was there. The Heroes fought Tev’Inarius several times. Unfortunately, the hierarch kidnapped one of the Host, Tribbon (formerly known as Cloth). He is currently believed to be in Hell at this time. 

Moving on, there were multiple reports of kidnapping during the December gathering. On Friday evening, several Avalonians were captured by Dark Elves. While the Heroes were successful in retrieving most of them, one was spirited to the Deepening Realm. The next day, Dark Elves came to the Inn to negotiate this Avalonian’s release. While the details are unclear, it appears the Dark Elves returned this Avalonian because he was a pacifist and unsuited to their needs. 

This was not the only kidnapping. On Saturday evening after the Yule feast, the Dale lodgings were attacked by vampires. In the attack, one Avalonian, Erlan, was captured. It is unclear why the vampires attacked or why they took this specific Avalonian. 

In our next story, there was an increase in creatures crossing over into our plain. We have received reports of increasing numbers of demons and solars appearing in Midlantia. It is believed that this is because of the Veil situation as, according to our reports, many higher beings are concerned about how this thickening of the veil process. 

In other news, there were some ominous warnings given on Sunday. An old woman possibly one of the Fates or an agent of the Fates, delivered news to Avalon. The Heroes first encountered the Fates in April 1122 in the Terris Republic, where they gave warnings about a missing Hero at the time. This woman gave the following message: “Eight people must fill the longboat. Should eight people not sit in the long boat, fate itself will crumble and a land will die.” This matches recent rumors of a long boat appearing in New Briton, believed to be from Værinheimr. 

However, not was all was doom and gloom: Yule celebrations meant we had new elevations. There were a massive nine elevations this year of all ranks and positions. Most importantly, Countess Nimue Silverpool successfully drank from the Cup of Avalon. Previously, it was believed only those who were human could drink from it and become Duke or Duchess. Those unworthy of the position would be Obliterated. Thanks to changes brought by raising the cups last moon, any race can now become Duke or Duchess. With her success in drinking from the cup, Countess Silverpool became Duchess Silverpool. 

Sir Termina became Baroness Termina, taking over from Lord Etrigant upon him stepping down. Squire Ilium became Sir Roland: many present were confused by the change in name. However, Roland is confirmed to be his birth name. Squire Dogfang became Sir Dogfang. Seneshal Lily of New Briton became Lady Lily of New Briton. Seneschal Cora of Eastguard became Lady Cora of Eastguard. Wesley of Islewatch, Julia of New Briton, and Willow became Squire Wesley, Squire Julia and Squire Willow. Huzzah to all those who were elevated!