TEXT:  
   
  The Marner Morning Star 
  Dweornite Discovered Near Ratikhill 
  Reports have come in that Armat Ukakane, a dwarf of the prestigious Ukakane clan, has found a 
  vein of dweornite in the mountains southwest of Ratikhill. Dweornite is a mineral of great 
  importance to spellcasters as well as a popular exported good. Sources close to the venture have 
  declared a need for adventurers to augment the sparse military forces assigned to protect the mining 
  operation. Those interested should report to the Ukakane offices in Ratikhill. 
   
  Merchant Guilds Announce New Contracts 
   
  The Farriers Guild and the Gold Merchants Association jointly announced yesterday that they have 
  signed contracts with Coastal Navigation and Trading, one of the largest shipping firms run by the 
  Sea Barons. As part of the agreement, the Sea Barons have agreed to train Ratikkan sailors. “We 
  know we’re paying high rates up front,” said Valdimar Moenua, head of the Farriers Guild, “but we 
  expect to encourage Ratikkans to form our own trading fleet. If things work out well, we may be 
  able to persuade Baroness Evaleigh to sign a treaty. Then we will have assured trading routes for our 
  valuable cargoes.” 
   
  In related news, an unnamed source in the Merchant’s Council said that plans are being made to 
  build ocean-going ships, with an eye to establishing a whaling fleet. “We need tough, competent 
  adventurers to protect the ships from sea monsters and raiders,” we were told. 
  We are looking for a few good adventurers for a confidential assignment.  High 
  risk, good pay. Contact Morning Star Box AX17. 
   
  Laird Charges Baroness Unavailable 
   
  Laird Arlen Reclaw was indignant today after waiting all morning to discuss the plans to improve 
  the fortification at Ratikhill. “She’s spending way too much time with her relatives from County 
  Knurl. I don’t know where her priorities are,” was all he was willing to tell us as he stormed out of 
  the Baroness’ waiting room. 
   
  Ratikhill has been a bastion against incursions by orcs and orges from the Bone March. Efforts to 
  strengthen the nearby fortifications at Broaq-Nobar have been in progress since the defeat of Baron 
  Alain’s invasion into the Bone March, five years ago. The status of Alain, last seen being dragged 
  from his horse by gnolls of the Shining Tooth Band, remains unknown. Several adventuring parties 
  “All the news we find.” 
   
  Reaping 10, 591
  2 cp
  
   
   
  have returned in a severely weakened 
  condition, and others have failed to return. 
  Though most people believe Alain to be dead, 
  there are repeated reports that he has been 
  seen alive. No definite proof, however, has 
  been forthcoming. Anyone with information 
  on Alain’s fate should contact Lady Evaleigh 
  at Marner Keep. 
  RATIK: LAND OF OPPORTUNITY 
  We have only begun to scratch the surface of the wealth that can be found in our 
  land. 
  Not a merchant, miner, farmer, woodsman or fisherman? Well, we have plenty of 
  opportunity for adventurers, too! The monsters of the Bone March have been a 
  constant threat. The Rakers, the natural rampart to our west, are chock full of 
  abominations, and there are rumors of treasures to match. 
  As we build our fishing and trading fleets, valiant adventurers of all types 
  will be needed to protect them from raiders and sea monsters. 
  Help us find out what has happened to the Arch-Baron’s son, Alain.  This will 
  require journeying into the heart of the Bone March. And there shall be 
  political intrigue of the first order. Is that challenging enough? 
  See your local recruiter now! 
   
   
   
  Jeff Mejia 
  ehu6@hawaii.rr.com 
   
  The Triad of Ratik 
  Matt Lau 
  mattador5@hotmail.com 
   
  Andrew Rothstein 
  AndyRHI@hawaii.rr.com 
   
  Ratik is populated primarily by 
  humans, but it has a significant 
  number of dwarves and an important 
  settlement of gnomes. While wizards 
  are rare in our land, sorcerers, bards, 
  barbarians, druids, fighters, rangers 
  and rogues are common. There even 
  is a monastery somewhere in the 
  fringes of the Rakers, and we have 
  clerics of Procan, Xerbo, Kord, 
  Norebo, Trithereon, and Phyton. 
  Given the nature of these faiths, 
  paladins are rare. However, we are a 
  growing country and newcomers are 
  welcome. 
   
  
SOURCE: textdata/thevault/Living Greyhawk/Modules/Ratik/Ratik Gazetteer.pdf