First Passage of the Ice Moon

Moon owls, also known as silver owls, are a rare sight. Usually they are but a silvery wisp as they glide silently past, their feathers reflecting the moonlight. Among their most unusual traits is a tendency to gather in large groups – a behavior never seen in any other owl.

"They’re gathering to mate," says Marc, a sage who specializes in Old World fauna. "As far as I know, they’ve never been known to gather in a city before!"

The hundreds of nocturnal cries, so loud that talking is difficult, have been heard over the last passage near the edge of the city park, near the River District. During the daytime, huge flocks of crows harass them, creating their own noise.

"I haven’t had a bit of rest," said Gavin, a young merchant who has moved in with his sister near the Dock District until the noise dies down. "Still, it’s pretty vicious."

"The owls will quiet after a few passages," Mark promises, "but the crows will keep things a bit noisy until summertide, when the hatchlings begin to fly and make their way into the woods."

He further urges people to visit the site. "It’s not likely that you’ll ever see a gathering again like this in your lives. We’re truly blessed that they chose our park!"

Of course, not everyone agrees.

Tirian

The artist, famed the world over as the premier sculptor of marble, says it’s a tribute to Queen Ennea’s beauty. Whatever his intentions, Mirus L’Eriaan is delivering a gift to the city that is worth millions of silver.

The statue, a rendering of the Japuran legend where the hero Darijaan befriends a great dragon, is over twenty arms long, and shows the coiled dragon responding to Darijaan’s tenderness. The story is said to represent the hero’s ability to combat ferocity with compassion.

The statue will be installed near the docks of Selarum, as a welcome to the city. It will feature two armed guards who will protect it from harm.

L’Eriaan’s sculptures bring visitors from around the world. Mina’s Quay is home to the Nautilus, a rending of a Sehran legend concerning a baby born from the shell of a nautilus, while Jedda Felsuin has purchased eight of his works, displayed in various cities. Probably the most famous sculptor of all time, he bases all his works on ancient cultural legends.

The Darijaan will be on view at the end of this moon.

Tania

Six dignitaries from Maelmuire have returned to their province after holding talks with Queen Lillian. Although official disclosure of the talks has not been given, it seems that the Maelmuirians were hoping to secure a promise of non-interference from Queen Lillian in the event that Maelmuire goes to war.

"I’d be worried if I were the other provinces," says Antar, a sage at the Library of Aranor who specializes in Maelmuirian culture. "The Maelmuirian military traditionally uses a stealth combat strategy. That they are approaching the possibility of war in such an up-front manner suggests that they have a more powerful military than ever before."

This theory is backed up by reports from immigrants, and Antar suggests that they may have tens of thousands of warriors and over five hundred ships. The only province in the area that could possibly stand against such a force is the Old World. Masalla and Jedda, the other major military powers of the world, would be too far off to help the New World even if they chose to.

Despite such formidable strength, King Lambrodegh is searching for a peaceful solution, and it is rumored that Cowan Faol, the Archmage of Aranor, will serve as an emissary to each of the rulers of the New World in an attempt to negotiate peace.

Although Queen Lillian’s position hasn’t been publicly stated, it is clear that she doesn’t want war. Any conflict would greatly affect the Old World, disrupting trade and creating a huge influx of refugees.

Let’s all hope a peaceful solution can soon be found.

Lord Kieran

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