As Reported by the Avalon Press

There is a new Hierarch and it is none other than the former Baron of Eastguard, Etrigant. In our top story, back in December, Etrigant had been executed by members of the High Nobility. This was part of a sentence Etrigant was carrying out for over twenty five years issued by Duke Swansong. However, when Etrigant was executed, he had somehow managed to become a “human enigma box,” a powerful magical artifact. In an article on the subject from October 1113, then Consul Aldien explained, “They were created to collect, store and transmute different types of energy. These boxes were originally meant to collect massive amounts of energy needed for ritual experimentation. The boxes were created for the storage of fantastical amounts of energy. The arcane enigma box is square with ornate carvings of each side of it. It is approximately 4 cubits in size. Each box does have a limited usage however, while the box can absorb as much energy as it is given, it can only release that energy once. The records indicate that it can store an unlimited amount of energy for an indefinite amount of time. Current magical theory suggests that there is a limit, but that it would still be a massive quantity.” In the past, such boxes had been used to help beings ascend to seats, providing the power needed for a Divine Spark. Through this process, Etrigant was somehow able to override Ophidia’s seat. In this process, Etrigant became a new Hierarch, similar to how Margos was able to become a new Hierarch back in 1119. Etrigant is now being called the Deceiver and has taken control of the creatures once in Ophidia’s domain, such as Guile Demons and Doppelgangers. This is believed why there had been a sharp increase in Guile Demon and Doppelganger activity during the past few gatherings. In addition, Etrigant has been taking active steps to isolate Avalon from her allies and is attempting a number of schemes at this time that are still being uncovered. For more details on this cosmic change.

Despite this massive reveal, the March gathering was also dominated by another massive story: the successful thickening of the Veil and the Avalonian Druid Kenai’s sacrifice to do so. For years, since before the beginning of the Nymidian War, Kenai has been preparing to gain a Divine Spark necessary to ascend. At first, the goal was to ascend to become the new Forestal Nymidia, whom Avalon believed at the time was badly wounded. However, when it was revealed that Nymidia was not wounded, Kenai was given a new task: to repair the World Tree and the veil that existed between Midlantia, Elysium and Hell. To this end, Kenai and the Druids and Initiates of the Mother went on a series of missions to the various Forestals across the world. For those unaware, Forestals are the Mother’s equivalent of Dragons and Hierarchs. Each looks after the major geographic regions they are named after, with Forestals such as Avalon, The Seven Seas, Kai Ling, and others. During each of those missions, each Forestal helped prepare Kenai for the task of repairing the World Tree. However, many different forces wished to either help repair the World Tree and thicken the veil between worlds or fight to keep the veil thin. Demons and solars and celestials arrived in droves upon Midlantia to fight for their causes. This also includes Hierarchs arriving in Midlantia to try and push their plans before they would be stuck in Hell. On Friday evening of the gathering, there were reports of the hierarchs Tiv’anarius and Shaun Vicks appearing outside the Five Lions Inn. Amongst them was Rodmilla, the First Ghoul, and allegedly Shaun Vicks significant other. Tiv’anarius was present, demanding to speak with Lady Cora about a “door knob,” while Shaun Vicks appeared to be pushing his own agenda. As the fighting grew increasingly intense amongst the forces of Good and Evil, the Heroes of Avalon were approached by the Forestal Seven Seas. This Forestal was going to help guide the Heroes to the Plains of Faith, where this final battle would take place. As all the Heroes arrived on the Plains of Faith, they were greeted by the Forestals Ghenna, Almedia, Kai Ling, Telvenden (formerly the Avalonian Zev) and a Lion from the Divine Lands Kijana. When the Heroes reached the World Tree, there was also the Dragons Nivane and Drae, Sir Duncan, a since fallen Hero of Avalon, the Hierarchs Balphagor, Bain, Pid, Etrigant, Tiv’anarius, and Doom, and finally Lady Chaos.

What followed was an intensely chaotic There were several points of control the Heroes had to attempt to secure while protecting Kenai as he completed his task. Several people were Sleeping Beauty poisoned, while at least one Hero, Ruben, died during the fighting. However, Kenai was successful in his task and the World Tree was repaired. All the Heroes were able to return from the Plains of Faith without issue. Onto our next story, there were reports of Shadows and portals to the Shadowfold opening on Friday evening. There was also an appearance of the being known as the Pharaoh on Friday evening as well. This Pharaoh was last seen in May, 1124, and had interfered with the Pharaoh Trials. During this gathering, “he believed he was the true inheritor of the Carthidian that wrote the Book of Shadows. As such, he believed he should become Pharaoh, trials be damned.” The Heroes were able to stop his plot at the time, but only succeeded in driving him off. The Pharaoh appeared in the Five Lions Inn in an attempt to kidnap Ekko for previous insults she made against him. However, it is unclear what his further plans are at this time. In other news, there have been confirmed reports of the Mistwood erecting a barrier around its borders. This border aims to keep out all non-full blooded Elves from entering its borders. However, according to our reports, a guile version of Councilman Al’dien was the one who aiding in raising this barrier. It is believed to be the Hierarch Etrigant’s doing, and according to reports has corrupted Queen Yana Ne’Fay. We will be keeping an eye on the situation as it develops. Moving on, there were multiple reports of Heroes from Avalon jumping into Fae Portals, specifically ones believed linked to Lady Autumn. Some of these Heroes faced shocking consequences from this action, including an instance where three Avalonians spent three years in Fae while only thirty minutes had passed in Midlantia. We strongly recommend not jumping into strange portals, as it could have unforeseen and possibly dire consequences. However, many have noted it is strange Lady Autumn’s portal is open during Spring’s season, prompting some worry amongst observers.