The Oracle

Fourth Passage of the Ice Moon

Three hunting parties have gone missing north of Aranor in the last passage – leading city authorities to suspect that this is more than the usual losses associated with hunting the wilds. The three parties total eight men and four women.

"There are dangers in the wildlands," says Tamen, the guard in charge of the case. "Storms and exposure, animals, fae . . . we’re investigating this, but haven’t ruled out the possibility that this is simply the woods claiming victims."

Lord Mirin, however, who employs one of the parties, has another theory.

"Banditing is on the rise," he says. "The varied weather this year has made the roads difficult to travel, and they aren’t being guarded as they should. Two of my caravans that do trade between Aranor and Cirané have been raided in the last two moons. These bandits are killing huntsfolk, taking their horses and weaponry, and hiding the bodies in the swamps. Let’s not blame it on mystical beings."

Mercenary scouts have been hired by the guards to search the area and attempt to discover any clues.

Tirian

After a conflict over a mine which almost led to battle, Faol and Casara have grudgingly began talks. Faol continues to hold all the gems from the mine in its keeping, creating continued resentment, but the re-opened pass has reduced the bulk of the tension.

The two provinces are in the process of drawing out a treaty which would spell out, in no uncertain terms, the nature of relations between the two provinces.

"This is a process which could take years," said Lady Emily of Illumination. "You’re not going to find much ‘give’ on either side."

She may be correct, but both provinces would benefit from a speedy establishment of their relations. Both are attempting to forge relations with the rest of the Known Lands, and their internal conflicts are causing merchants to look elsewhere.

"It’s a nightmare," said Captain Bren, who has long done trade between Masalla and Faol. "There’s no proper authority in Faol. Each dockmaster, each city official – they all have different taxes and shipping regulations. I was held in port three extra days on my last visit, trying to work through a mound of paper issues. We had to unload our ship for dock inspectors – it was insane."

He went on to say that the delays cost him gold, and he’s considered attempting to negotiate trade with Aranorian officials, where, he said, ‘trade is relatively uncomplicated.’

Lord Kieran

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