Third Passage of the Storm Moon

Tavis Karashay doubtless considers himself as having ‘pulled one over’ on Queen Lillian and the Old World.

He was arrested two passages ago in Jalpa, hawking powerful magical items on the street.

"He would approach wealthy-looking folk," said Raj, the Jalpan guard in charge of his case, "and offer them potent magical artifacts. Prices were exorbitant – we’re talking from 10,000 to 200,000 silver."

When someone reported him, the guards staged a capture, and recovered eight items from his possession – including such things as a ring which allows the user to fly, a medallion enchanted with transmogrification magic, and a small, golden golem.

"These are the sorts of creations which caused the downfall of Antara," Raj said. "When non-magic using folks get a hold of these things, magic just gets out of control."

For that reason, Queen Lillian forbade the selling of any but the most benign of magical items in the Old World.

The items likely came from Antara. Sages tell us that when Antara fell, most of the magical items were lost in the city, and remain there to this day. But thousands more of these items left the city in the possession of those who fled, and if disseminated into the world, could cause great havoc.

It is not known how many items Tavis already sold. During his transport to Aranor, where he was to be held in the magically-negated dungeons, Tavis escaped under mysterious circumstances, and is still missing. Tavis was thought to be working alone.

Anyone who purchased magical items from Tavis is being asked to return them to Jalpan authorities.

"I know it will be difficult to part with these items," said Raj, "but they are illegally gained, and we will be tracking them down. Willful return will gain you a full recompense of your purchase price."

Tirian

It is called ‘Miyano’, and it has long been enjoyed by the high class folk of Adiera. Just as cold as iced cream, miyano comes in a variety of smooth flavours, and those who enjoy it claim that it has a ‘superior, creamier texture’, ‘more depth of flavour’, and ‘doesn’t bite the tongue like iced cream’.

A shoppe, also called Miyano, has opened in the River District, in the vicinity of Lolita’s. Cups of the creation are selling for ten silver each – much more than iced cream – which puts it out of the reach of most commoners. But nobles are raving.

"I’ll never have iced cream again," said Lord Emerick, who tried the tea-flavoured variety.

Iced cream makers in the city aren’t worried.

"It’s just not as hearty as iced cream," said Jonathon, who works at the Cream Shoppe near the docks. "Sure, some uppity nobles might like it, but it’s actually pretty insipid stuff – I compare it to eating just the sauce, and missing out on the rest of the meal."

I did try miyano, and was impressed with its delicate nature. I don’t think it could ever replace iced cream in my heart, but it is worth trying, just to see what you think.

Tania

After what they called a ‘restructuring’ of their government and the beginning of a treaty negotiation between them, Faol and Casara are reaching out to the leaders of other provinces and attempting to create relations.

"There’s a lot which has to be done," I was told by Emily, a political sage at the library of Aranor (and not to be confused with our own Lady Emily of Illumination). "The two provinces are now free to dictate their own pricing of exported goods, to re-negotiate trading agreements with other provinces, and to demand the respect due to provincial leaders. Many feel, however, that this will be a short-lived experiment, and are not quite ready to spend the time necessary to re-establish ties with provinces which have a history of crossing other provincial leaders. These two have to undo a lot of past damages before they can expect to be welcomed into the world political community."

She refers to practices ranging from price-fixing of gemstones to the arrest of political figures from other lands. The most famous case is that of Ikara Samita, the daughter of a powerful Kaelen in Irutoka. Of legendary beauty, Ikara was also known for her ability to participate in parties, and was arrested in Faol for ‘indecent behavior’. She has been held for over a year, despite continued threats and negotiations from her father.

With this being only one of many examples, it is clear that Faol and Casara have a long path ahead of them as they begin to establish themselves as independent provinces.

Lord Kieran

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