The Oracle
Second Passage of the Rain Moon
Due to the historic nature of these events, there will only be a single story reported in the Oracle this passage. The next two passages will have no Oracles published, as we will be in Rilhaven attending this historic event. Our intention is to give you first-hand knowledge of the proceedings.
Oracle Travels to Lord Niall’s Coronation
It is a historical moment – ten days from now, Lord Niall of Rilhaven will officially announce his rulership over the New World, and will be coronated as King Niall of the New World.
Although the official ruler of the New World, Lord Niall has followed the example of his forebears who established the New World’s government. In those initial dealings, treaties were drawn up which clearly established the relationship of each of the province’s cities to one another. Because the cities were so distant from each other, they were granted near-independence, and have long been treated almost as if they were separate provinces. It is a fact, however, that none of the provinces have breached the treaties, and in some cases, this has caused difficulties for the provinces in question.
With Rilhaven, and thus Lord Niall’s power, weakening in recent years, sages have speculated that one or more of the city/provinces might attempt to secede from Lord Niall’s governance. Such an action would free them from the treaties, and allow them to ignore trade restrictions which were developed long ago to ensure the stability and health of each of the cities.
Faol and Casara in particular, who would be in a position to monopolize trade that otherwise would move to Cuan, Rilhaven, or Auralay, would benefit from seceding.
With Maelmuire seen as an ever-increasing threat, tension has been looming.
Now Lord Niall has made a bold move – and a necessary one, say many sages. He has announced that he will re-establish formal rulership over the cities of the New World, collecting taxes, providing protection by negotiating with Maelmuire, and re-granting himself the title of King. Other rulers, such as Lord Tirlaan of Faol, who commonly calls himself King Tirlaan within his own city, would be reduced to the title of Baron, and would answer to King Niall’s dictates.
By holding an official coronation and inviting the rulers of the Known Provinces, Lord Niall is forcing other rulers to either acknowledge his rule or to voice their dissention. It will be very telling to see if the rulers of Cuan, Auralay, Casara, and Faol attend the coronation.
Rumour has it that Archmage Cowan Faol has visited Lord Niall on behalf of Queen Lillian, and that a negotiation has been reached between Maelmuire and Rilhaven. Lord Niall’s next step, after the coronation, will likely be to announce the nature of that negotiation.
Complex political issues surround the unfolding of these events, and we intend to be present for their unveiling. In three passages we shall return to Aranor and publish our report on the coronation. Until then, be prepared to bear witness to one of the most important political events of this generation.
Lord Kieran, Tirian, Tania
To the Oracle Collection-- Fourth Year