First Passage of the Autumn Moon

Lord Tavender, who commands the sole shipping route transporting Casaran diamonds to Masalla, was arrested recently for an alleged theft on Faol’s docks. While the authorities of Faol insist that Lord Tavender and his crew were smuggling Faol diamonds and selling them as Casaran stones, Casara has demanded his release.

The new treaty between Faol and Casara prohibits the sale of Casaran stones under the Faol name. In the past, nearly all stones mined in both provinces were labeled ‘sourced in Faol’, making Faol gemstones world-famous. Now, however, some dealers are insisting that Casaran stones are the more beautiful and valuable. In most markets, Faol stones are seeing a steady decline in value, and many experts feel that within a few years, they will find themselves equal in status to Casaran gems.

"Faol is desperate," we were told by Lady Emiralai, Casara’s new emissary to Aranor. "If they cut off our supply routes – say, by arresting key merchant traders – they can keep Casaran stones from entering foreign markets. Lord Tavender was fiercely loyal to Casara – that’s likely another reason for his arrest. We know, for a fact, that Faol has been bribing merchant captains, trying to entice them to re-label exported stones. They don’t have any intention of following the dictates of the treaty."

Since Faol serves as Casara’s only ocean access, some sages feel that continued conflicts of this nature could lead to war.

Lord Kieran

As of last An Maad, the Thieves’ District guardhouse has reported eight separate sightings of a strange creature haunting the alleys and streets at night.

"People come in pretty frightened," said Max, a pureblood Tirané who has been assigned to the case. "They say they’ve seen a huge, hairy man – a werewolf is the usual description."

But when Max talked to sages, the descriptions didn’t match.

"Lycanthropy is a complete change from human to wolf form," he explained. "There are legends of half-turned creatures, but none that have ever been verified."

The creature, described as having a ‘rotting smell’ and huge, dirty teeth, typically corners a victim and demands, in a rough voice, that they drop their belongings.

"No one’s been brave enough to attack the thing," said Max. "It’s described as huge and hideous."

While some are panicking, and rumours of lycanthropes or undead MorDuraan creations abound, Max has other ideas.

"Yes, it’s certainly possible that this is some ancient beast forged of MorDuraan magics. But come on, folks. What kind of creature walks up and demands a person’s pouch? This is a man in a suit. Simple as that. And he’s scaring people enough so that they surrender their valuables without a fight."

Max is using dogs in an attempt to scent down the whereabouts of the costume.

Tirian

Lord Murae of Selarum has once again secured rights to export firesilk from Jedda. The silk has not been successfully marketed in the Old World for over eighty years.

"It’s incredibly expensive, and the Jeddans reserve it for their nobility," Lord Murae explained. "In Jedda, you can be hung for possessing it – if you’re not of the proper social class."

Lord Murae, who was just securing rights to import the silk when King Goddard fell, has only now re-established his ties and managed to bring the silks back to the Old World. Six dresses, crafted by the designer Lady Vivien of Aranor, will be auctioned at a private gathering in the Provincial Room in the Theater of Aranor.

Firesilk is renowned for its ability to keep the wearer warm in cold weather, and cool in hot weather. Its beauty, as well, is legendary.

The dresses will begin auctioning at one hundred thousand silver, and already nobles are traveling from as far away as Masalla to bid on the pieces. The auction will be held at noon next An Tir.

Tania

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