First Passage of the Plowing Moon

King Niall’s Coronation

When the cities of Faol, Casara, Cuan, and Auralay were founded generations ago, the communities were small, isolated, and unable to defend themselves against the many dangers of the New World. Each settlement petitioned with the ruler in Rilhaven (sometimes a Niall, sometimes a Sheridaan), and pledged their allegiance in exchange for protection. Things were off to a good start, but as each city outgrew its need for protection, it also began to ignore Rilhaven’s sovereignty.

Sages have long suggested that some of the cities – especially Faol or Casara – would soon announce their independence. With Maelmuire’s recent demands, the issue has been forced, and Lord Niall made a bold move – he announced his desire to make peace with Maelmuire, and to enforce that peace, he announced his renewed rulership over the cities of the New World.

Each city had an important decision to make – side with Niall and accept his terms, or announce independence and forge their own relationship with Maelmuire and the rest of the world.

We’ve covered each of the major cities and explained their reactions to the events. For your knowledge, the landmass of the New World will now be officially known as the Maelmuirian Province, while Lord Niall’s territories will be the Province of Rilhaven. Sages note, however, that in everyday language, the isle will probably be referred to as the New World for decades to come.

Auralay – Lord and Lady Kaelus depend heavily on the trade of Eldritch artifacts, and the new treaty with Maelmuire gives no allowances for plundering Eldritch ruins on the isle.  Indeed, under the new rules, there are no allowances for any non-sanctioned individual even setting foot upon the ruins. Maelmuirian guardians will kill trespassers on sight.

Nevertheless, Auralay has accepted King Niall’s rulership, and will continue to be an official territory of Rilhaven. Auralay will find challenges in keeping enough gold in its coffers, and will likely be expanding its Latallan beef trade, as well as making new efforts to export the works of the city’s numerous talented artists. Their biggest concern will be illegal pillaging of the Eldritch ruins in the area – thought to be the largest concentration in upon the isle. They point out that making trade in Eldritch artifacts illegal will only boost the price of the items and create a smuggler’s market. This could strain the already-tense relationship between Auralay and Maelmuire, and it is hoped that King Niall’s good relationship with Maelmuire will prevent any full-blown conflict.

Faol – The city of Faol firmly announced its intention to secede from Niall’s rule, and will henceforth be known as the Province of Faol. This will have a wide range of effects, including the fact that Faol will now have full decision-making ability on the prices of their gem exports. Buyers fear that this will create a monopoly, since Faol, in the past, has claimed ‘shortages’ of gemstones in order to raise prices, and such transgressions have been remedied only by intervention from the former Lord Niall. Although Faol has promised that no such practices will be forthcoming, numerous traders are looking to Rel Morde and hoping to open trading with that province, since King Mark is well-known for his fair trade relationships.

Lord and Lady Tirlaan will henceforth be known as King and Queen Tirlaan, though it remains to be seen whether they will be able to establish themselves as an independent province in the eyes of the world. Their relationship with other rulers at the coronation seemed strained – even with King and Queen Avorine of Masalla, who have been long-time allies of Faol.

Faol will also be seeking independent negotiations with the province of Maelmuire, and it is unknown what restrictions Maelmuire might attempt to impose.

Casara – After great deliberation, those members of the Council that were present decided to announce their independence as a free province. Though the decision won’t be final until it is taken before the Casaran Council, it is highly likely that Casara, too, will announce its secession. They will part with King Niall on good terms, but will now be on their own regarding trade relations with Faol – Casara’s only access to the outside world. Indeed, it was largely due to relations with Faol that Casara chose to announce its independence. Casara will also have to negotiate relations with Maelmuire, as well as the rest of the Known Lands, as they attempt to establish their place in world politics.

Cuan – No one had any doubt that Cuan would embrace the new treaty with Maelmuire, and embrace it they did, lending their full support to King Niall and strengthening their already strong ties with King Lambrodegh. Baron and Baroness Tavelle were among the most well-liked and enthusiastic of the visitors.

One of the highlights of the coronation was the signing of the Rilhaven/Maelmuire treaty. This turned over the majority of the landmass (most of which is simply wilderness) to the Maelmuirian people, and gave King Niall and his descendants permanent title to certain areas of land around the major cities, as well as land along important travel corridors. Since King Niall officially owned the lands of Faol and Casara, those too have been signed over as Maelmuirian territory, and it will be up to the new provinces of Faol and Casara to speak to Maelmuire regarding their presence on Maelmuirian lands.

While many common folk were outraged at the trading of land, Maelmuire enacted its first move of goodwill by sending three hundred of its Aragaad warriors to aid in a massive hunt led by King Niall’s huntsmen. The hunt was meant to cleanse the area of Kraven – diseased creatures which have been plaguing Rilhaven for years. Over eighty of the beasts were slain in a single night – the most successful hunt ever held.

Maelmuire has granted people of all lands the right to travel, explore, and hunt upon the isle formerly known as the New World, but has asked (and will enforce if necessary), that Eldritch ruins are left untouched. There are reported to be thousands of such ruins dotting the island, most concentrated in certain remote locales, and although Maelmuire will not be able to patrol them all, they warn that looters will be killed. King Lambrodegh insisted that he is not concerned with adventurers or explorers, but with those who have made it their business to loot the old temples and sell the artifacts to collectors. Maelmuirian guards will also be searching the cargoes of random ships doing trade with Rilhaven’s holdings (and likely Faol’s as well once negotiations are worked out) to ensure that smuggling is not being practiced.

Our stay allowed us to bear witness to some fabulous dramas, as the coronation brought more rulers together in one place than has been seen in centuries. Some wounds were healed, while others were made, but all in all the event transpired without obvious conflict.

Next passage will see the Oracle back to its usual format, and we’ll once again look forward to bringing you news from all the provinces!

Lord Kieran, Tirian, and Tania

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