The Oracle
Third Passage of the Summer Moon
Japuran Vine Invades Moraithian Jungles
The few who have ventured to Japura have often commented on the prevalence of a beautiful, mottled vine which is the dominant sight in Japura’s jungles.
“The Japurans call it Turina,” said Rai, a Japuran sage and scholar who now lives in Moraithe.
The vine grows out of living trees, and as it has no roots it is therefore difficult to kill. Although it blooms with small, orange flowers which have a sickly-sweet scent, its fruits are prized by the Japurans. The tiny, elongated fruits are about the size of a wild strawberry, but are composed almost entirely of a thick, smooth juice which encases seeds nearly too small to be seen. The juice is reportedly used in numerous ways by the Japurans, from cosmetics to flavourings.
“There is a legend in Japura,” said Rai, “of a great Queen named Satara, who, among her other eccentricities, would drink three large cupfuls of Turina juice every day. It was carefully strained of seeds by a group of slaves, who would be fed to tigers if they failed to remove even a single seed. It was this juice which Satara claimed granted her her legendary beauty and seemingly endless youthfulness, as well as many of the magical powers she supposedly possessed.”
The vine has now been found near Staladin, and the city is in turmoil about what to do concerning the matter. The vine seems to be quickly spreading, and is choking off many of the prized native flowers and fruits upon which it seems to feed somewhat like a vampire. While many Moraithians are taking to the jungles with axe and sickle in an attempt to slay the vines, others welcome the new plant, excited about the possibilities the new fruit may present.
While they argue, the vine continues to flourish, and visitors to Staladin may soon see a new plant growing throughout the city.
Tania
Monster Hysteria Grips Aranor
The hatching of a strange egg from the Museum of Aranor has led to a rash of sightings of strange creatures throughout the city. The problem is that the creature seems to be everywhere at once, and to be taking all sorts of guises.
“We’re being flooded with reports,” says Cassandra of the city guard. “Some people have seen strange flying things, others strange burrowing things, others odd things in the riverways. What’s happening is that a hysteria has begun, and people are beginning to see native but unusual animals and confuse them with monsters. For instance, one report of a ‘swift-moving, strange, flying creature that traveled like a dart’ turned out to be a flying squirrel.”
Other reports, however, present a more daunting picture.
“I was coming home rather late,” said Gael, a commoner who works in the Merchant District. “It was pretty quiet, and I was really tired. So when I stepped on a slick place in the road, I almost fell. Well, I had been hearing scary stories, so when I looked down and saw a glistening puddle, I thought it was blood. But when I bent and touched it, I noted that it was actually sort of a yellowish color, and glowed with a faint luminescence. That’s when I saw a large shape off in the trees to the right, and I quickly made my way home as fast as I could.”
I spoke to a sage about the creature. He has asked me not to use his name.
“People’s minds are growing colorful,” he said softly. “They are seeing things that have always been there, but they haven’t noticed before. It’s a common phenomenon, when you’re looking. Then they think it’s this monster. But I’d wager that the real monster is really out there, slowly growing into an alien form. We’d best watch out for the real thing, and stop imagining shadows.”
A sobering thought, indeed.
Tirian
Renowned Gypsy Dancer Asked to Leave Casara
Talaea, possibly the world’s most famous gypsy dancer, has visited nearly every province and every city, displaying to some of the most influential people in the world the beauty of gypsy dancing.
To see her move is said to haunt the eyes. To watch her supple belly undulate is said to enchant.
And now, for the first time in her career, she has been banned from a province.
“They said my dancing was ‘too erotic, and would taint the minds of men, women, and the children,’” she said, with an amused smile upon her face. “It was my first time in Casara, and I guess it was my last, as well!”
She had performed only half a dance at the Spire Theater in the city of Casara when officials came upon the stage and asked her to pack up and leave.
“I’m really not sure what they were expecting to see,” she said. “Everyone knows that gypsy dancing shows a little belly. But I guess it aroused them a bit too much, so to speak.”
Talaea, of the bewitching eyes, unforgettable body, and passion-stirring lips, has returned to Aranor, her favorite place to dance.
“People are appreciative here,” she said. “And I certainly don’t mind a little of that!”
Lord Kieran
