The Oracle
Second Passage of the Frost Moon
Burgenvine Growing Near Aranor
Burgenvine, a dangerous predatory plant with an interesting history, has been found growing near the city of Aranor.
"The plant has never been officially catalogued upon the Old World," said Melantha, a member of Illumination. "Some are speculating that it was brought here and seeded. People should be keenly aware that this is a very dangerous plant."
Dangerous indeed. Be aware of thick tangles of deep red vines. They usually grow in open, wet areas, but small patches may take root in forest glades. They move to entangle their victims, and inject a poison which quickly renders people unable to resist. But avoiding the burgenvine is as simple as being aware and staying well clear of any patches.
Officials of the city are investigating the matter, primarily because of the possibility that someone deliberately imported and planted the vine.
The best advice? Tread with care.
Tirian
Masallans Discover Landing Ground of Strange Ships
The Masallan navy has been aggressively pursuing the sightings of strange ships sailing through their waters. Two passages ago, they found out exactly where the ships are going.
"The Masallan army is doing their best to keep this quiet," said a sailor who preferred to speak on condition of anonymity. "But word is all over the Masallan docks. They’ve traced the ships to a river mouth on the isle of Ciralé. Reports vary, but there are probably thirty of the strange ships there, and they’ve formed a protective ring. Bear in mind that this island’s all rocks and cliffs along the river mouth, so the Masallans have been hesitant about approaching. Some say they’re going to send in mercenaries first, to do some scouting."
We’ve been reporting the sightings, but this news seems to give a new clue to the deepening mystery. Experts still suggest that the ships are of Eldritch origin, and can only speculate as to their purpose on the isle of Ciralé. Perhaps scouts will tell us more, and confirm whether it truly is the Eldritch, a race thought to be either hiding or extinct, who are attending to their purposes upon the isle.
Lord Kieran
First Snow
Aranor saw its first snow of the season, and what a snow it was! On An Ilé it began, and went through nightfall, An Aran dawning with a thick covering of white. Sleds and dancing children throwing snowballs prevailed as the city’s sights, and for the most part the people seemed delighted. But by An Meja it was gone. Word is out that this year will see plenty of snow, however, and the city seems to be taking it seriously as they prepare the plows for the moons ahead. Matthew of the Bridge, a prophet who lives in the park of Aranor, promises this –
"We’ll have plenty of snow, that’s to be sure. But the good news is that it’ll be a warm winter, too, with not too many shivers. Good snow means that hunting will be good in the early days – huntsfolk with their snowshoes will have an easy time at the snow-bogged deer. But the later winter moons might be a little lean – look forward to dried and canned goods, and who knows what’ll happen with the fish?"
Not very prophetic for a prophet, if you ask me.
Tania
