Third Passage of the Dry Moon

Not since Captain Trell ravaged the seas has a pirate made such a name for himself as Captain Jaradin. Last moon, the daughter of one of Jedda’s most famous Kaelen lords was intercepted by Jaradin on her way to a holiday in Aranor. Only one of her escort ships escaped to tell the tale. They described a group of eighteen ships which descended on the fleet from all sides. The Kaelen princess had three ships, all heavily armed. Both the escort ships attempted to break out of the formation after they saw that the battle was fruitless, but one was sunk. The other, heavily damaged, crawled into Aranor’s port last passage.

This is not the first confirmed report of Jaradin, in his ship, the Kraken, commanding large numbers of pirate ships in coordinated attacks.

"Jaradin is tremendously charismatic," I was told by a former pirate, who wanted his name kept secret. "And also tremendously ruthless. He’s killed numerous pirates who won’t follow his leadership, and is attempting to become the ‘king’ of pirates everywhere. He demands obedience, and rewards those who follow him. This could be the first time someone managed to gather all the sea’s pirates into a single force."

Not if Jedda has anything to say about it. The Emperor has vowed to rescue the Kaelen princess and destroy Jaradin, and has sent over eighty well-armed warships on the search.

"This could be a real war," said my contact. "Jaradin has wizards, warriors, mercenaries, and perhaps even monsters on his side. Some say his ships are crewed partially by Sereg and Trolls. But then again, Jaradin is steeped in legend. In any case, he’s certainly not ill-equipped to deal with resistance."

We will follow the story as it develops.

Tirian

The King of Faol has offered Rel Morde an official apology after the missive which apparently threatened the province if King Mark did not abide by Faol’s wishes.

Part of the missive read -- The King has been subject to tremendous stress of late, and offers his sincere apology for a letter which was written during a time of emotional duress.

Some fear that King Tirlaan is buckling under the pressure of forming a new province, and that he should be succeeded by the next in line. That situation is not without its troubles, however. His eldest son, Andrew Tirlaan, left Faol eight years ago after witnessing atrocities committed at the mines, where slaves are used as labor. He demanded change, but when his father refused, Andrew left the province to make a statement regarding his position on Faol’s policies. He currently resides in Casara. The next male heir, Matthew Tirlaan, has been described as ‘hot tempered’, ‘lascivious’, and, by one source, ‘an idiot’. King Tirlaan also has three daughters, all of which are ineligible for the throne due to the fact that they are female.

Casara has been put into a difficult situation by King Tirlaan’s actions. While Casara has been busy negotiating treaties and relationships with all of the other provinces, they depend on Faol for shipping access. Due to their close ties with Faol, King Tirlaan’s actions reflect poorly on Casara’s image.

King Tirlaan will reportedly be requesting an audience with Queen Lillian before winter, in which he hopes to forge a positive relationship with the Old World.

Lord Kieran

Businesses from throughout the city are sponsoring the first annual Park Walk in Aranor three An Maads hence. The event will highlight city parks, with free carriage rides provided from park to park. Each park will house stands by various merchants, and walkers can purchase such delicacies as chocolate, wine, olives, and fine cheeses. Jewelry, glassware, pottery, and clothing will also be among the offerings.

"A person could see all of the city’s parks in this single day," said Lord Jasson, who heads up the project. "And taste some of the city’s most wonderful foods and drinks. The new bird park and the chime park will be among the tours offered."

Lord Jasson hopes that the event will encourage more citizens to use the beautiful parks Aranor has to offer.

Tania

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