The Oracle
First Passage of the Frost Moon
Casara Struggles with Sereg
In the north of Casara lies the huge holding of Vellun, long known for its dirty streets and population of misfits, outlaws, and miners. The city has ever been dealing with its own problems, but as of last moon, it has struggled with perhaps the most organized attack by Sereg since the days of Velsuna.
"The word in Casara," we were told by a traveler, "is that Vellun is fighting Sereg both inside and outside its walls. Some say trolls are in the fray, too, and darker tales even tell of dire wolves prowling the perimeter. At any rate, Casara’s sending in troops, and they’ll soon discover the power of Casaran steel."
Casaran warriors are known for their highly advanced weaponry and armor. But at least one expert cautions against too much confidence. Her name is Gwen, and she’s Aranor’s resident sage on all matters Casaran.
"The Casaran people are in a state of political unease right now, caught between the influences of Queen Lillian and Lord Niall. This event has doubtless taken them by surprise.
"The troops coming in won’t be expecting the kind of fight they’re going to get from the Sereg. They’re not well seasoned. And the Sereg of that area are a mountain breed – tall, broad, and thick-skinned. People are likely spreading rumors about trolls because some of those Sereg can almost match a troll in stature and breadth."
Word comes slowly from Casara. By now, the Sereg are undoubtedly either routed, or in control of Vellun. When word comes, it will be passed to you.
Tania
Spinner Threatens Aranor
Yes, he’s crazy. You’d be able to tell by his wild eyes, twitching lips, and perpetual scowl. Many of you have probably seen him around. But since he unveiled his ‘master plan’ for subduing the city of Aranor, he’ll likely be spending some time in the dungeons.
How he did it, no one knows, but as dawn of An Maad came upon us last passage, a message was delivered to the guardhouse. It read thus—
My future subjects,
I have thoughtfully positioned a stone ball upon Faerie Hill road, and will unleash it to roll upon the city if my demands are not most immediately met. You can find me atop the hill, and present me with a document declaring me the undisputed King of Aranor. If you meet my demands, the ball shall not roll.
Guards approached the area carefully, and found the man atop the hill, standing next to a huge stone ball nearly as tall as a man. The road and buildings below were quickly cleared of people, and the guard put their plan into action. A guardswoman approached from the front with a scroll tube, supposedly containing the ‘document’. From behind, a group of guardsmen snuck up, spreading out to protect the ball from the man’s approach. The spinner was swiftly subdued.
The mystery of it all lies in the stone ball. It’s five arms high and immensely heavy – he had it secured by a small rock which he would have levered out of the way to allow the ball to roll down the hill. Magicians report that they can feel no magic in the object – that it is not transmogrified. How it was brought to its location by a single man defies explanation. As a memorial to the rather silly (but almost disastrous) event, the ball has been carefully hauled by a team of horses to the very top of the hill, where it is in no danger of rolling away, and a secure base has been built around it. So in the end, Aranor has gained a new and mysterious sight.
Tirian
Celedian Ruby Stolen
The third largest cut ruby in the world, and arguably the most vivid and rich in color, the Celedian has been owned by the Mirden family of Selarum for quite some time. It is of an unusual cut, long in profile, and has been kept for four generations in a glass case protected by both mundane and magical traps and protections. Last passage, someone snuck into the Mirden residence, eluded the three family dogs, the two night watchmen, and the ruby’s protections. All that was left, of course, was an empty case.
"It is a horrible tragedy," said Lord Mirden. "The ruby is more valuable to us as a family memento than as an object of wealth. But it is fascinating, as well, that anyone could so thoroughly foil our guardianship of the stone."
As of yet, the guard of Selarum have no clues, and a diviner is being brought in to attempt to narrow the search.
What is the fate of such stolen objects?
"Usually," said Lord Mirden, "they are sold for a ridiculously low price to a wealthy collector. We can only help that the collector feels a need to display their new find, and that someone has the honesty to report the foul deed."
Lord Kieran
