Fourth Passage of the Plowing Moon

Two legendary Japuran tigers have escaped into the Old World, adding to the superstition surrounding them.

The tigers were apparently illegally captured by a woman named Arasha – a huntress of half-Japuran descent who did not have permission to port in Japura. She and her crew of twelve men landed on the south-eastern portion of Japura and traveled inland, managing to trap two of the huge, black tigers. Legends say that the tigers can shapeshift, and that they cannot be held by chains or bars. Some also say that ill luck befalls those who try to kill or abuse them.

On route to Faol, Arasha’s ship was taken by a storm, its remains scattered onto the northern shore of the Old World. When another ship came to its aid, it found only one of the crew still alive – from him we learned this tale. Arasha and most of the other men were washed upon the shores – three are still missing. And the cages with the tigers were found in shallow water, both of them open, with no sign of the tigers. Presumably they are loose upon the Old World.

Northgard, the elite guards of Liramelle, have been sent out to track the animals and attempt to capture them to return them to Japura. The task, most think, is impossible.

No one knows if Japuran tigers can survive the Old World winter, but area huntsfolk have been warned to beware the creatures.

Tirian

The tribal peoples of Shavay have always kept to the isle of Shavay. Until now. The village of Evira, on the eastern edge of the Lantrielle islands, was surprised last moon by a violent raid.

"The people were of Shavay origin, and used weapons of bone and wood," said Lord Aralinne, who is visiting Aranor. "Evira was devastated."

The Shavay warriors took slaves -- though oddly enough only those of Shavay blood – as well as goods. The entire Evira guard – consisting of eight trained men – were injured or killed.

Tribal raiding has always originated from the isle of Tirané prior to this, and is rather rare in modern times.

Lord Kieran

Some say that it is Jedda’s beauty secret. And others are wishing that it was never discovered by Old World peoples.

"My daughter is ruined," mourned Alexa, a mother of three in Aranor. "She spends her nights out, and never comes home till the early mornings. It’s that Erusha!"

‘That Erusha’ is a drink long known in Jedda Felsuin – and its secret has been jealously guarded. The drink was originally discovered being used by Jeddan jungle peoples, and consisted of a mushroom which was aged, fermented, and then evaporated to a certain concentration. The result is a bitter-tasting concoction much enjoyed by the jungle tribefolk. Once Jeddan civilization discovered the drink, however, it didn’t take long to find that the addition of spices and honeys made for a delicious, rich brew. It was also discovered that the drink had various properties, granting vigorous health and a feeling of energy and vitality, imparting a ‘glow’ which is actually a combination of increased muscle tone, dilated pupils, and a slight flush, as well as the creation of vivid, lovely dreams. But Erusha has a downside as well. It is reported to be extremely addictive, and for hours after drinking it, the imbiber feels a sense of lowered inhibitions, a sense of daring and heightened sex drive, and an overall sensation of ‘rightness’, often described as a feeling of ‘no consequence’. Users quickly find that life is ‘better’ when using Erusha constantly, and defend their use by citing the drink’s beneficial health effects.

"She spends all her gold on Erusha," Alexa went on, "and she’s already been to the healer’s twice, worried that she’s pregnant. She won’t go to work any more, and doesn’t seem to think anything’s wrong!"

The Aranorian guard has not announced a policy on Erusha, but a decision will soon have to be made since it is being imported in even greater amounts, and its price is dropping.

Tania

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