First Passage of the Frost Moon

Over thirty people confirmed to Moraithian authorities that they saw a mermaid just north of Staladin.

The witnesses were on a pleasure tour up toward the northern islands when the creature was sighted on a rock near the shoreline. Almost immediately the mermaid splashed into the water, only to re-emerge moments later near the ship.

"It seemed to be curious – studying us," said Matthew, one of the witnesses.

While mermaids are often spotted by lone sailors or fishermen, and no one in their right minds doubts their existence, they are rarely seen by large groups of people.

Apparently the shipping tour has seen a definite increase in its business since the sighting, as hopeful Moraithians flock to the location intent on seeing their first mermaid.

Tania

There are portions of the Thieves’ District that are considered too dangerous, even for guards, after nightfall. But now there is one street that the guards don’t even explore during daylight.

The locals call it ‘Trouble Street’, and barricades on either end seal it off from unauthorized entry. And according to the signs placed last passage, ‘unauthorized’ includes the city authorities.

Two city guards from the River District visited the street early last passage to follow up on a lead regarding a kidnapped noblewoman. When they attempted to force entry to the street, they met armed resistance, and both of them were forced to flee. Both reported to the healers’ with heavy injuries.

The Thieves’ District guards have apparently allowed the street to remain as it is, after a guardsman disappeared two moons ago while patrolling near the area. A contingent of the elite guard assaulted the street two days ago, only to be repelled by magicians and fighters.

While the visibly frustrated guards refused an interview, they let me know that the problem would be ‘dealt with’. The question is how. There are reports that the street contains slave auction services, drug labs, and a centralized outlet for thieves to sell stolen goods. It is guarded by potent magicians – likely from the Tanjaat District of Maejen Lor. And the thugs who have decided this is ‘their home’ aren’t going to give it up easily.

Let’s hope the guard can deal with it sooner than later.

Tirian

With trade in Eldritch artifacts now illegal, Auralay has turned, in part, to mining in order to keep itself healthy in matters of gold. Despite the warnings of sages, who point out that the area around Auralay hides numerous entrances to the ‘World Caves’, miners have fought off the shackles of superstition and made their way down into the extensive caverns.

Their initial discoveries were incredible – gemstones and metals that have only been seen in Eldritch artifacts – but not a passage after the first treasures were brought back to Auralay, the attacks began.

"These are creatures that we aren’t familiar with," said Kevin, a sage at the Library of Aranor. "Dark-skinned, vaguely humanoid, quite ferocious and terrible in appearance." He went on to explain that they are likely a subterranean creature of unknown variety that has emerged from the depths as humans disturb their homes. The attacks came at night, and though light seemed to frighten the creatures, they used their remarkable agility to stay to the shadows. They entered homes, where they committed unspeakable acts of violence to the people within.

Four of the creatures were killed and are being studied by sages, who hope to find some clue to their nature in the history texts.

Another sage, who asked to remain unnamed, had an even more intriguing explanation.

"The caves around Auralay, though immense and unmapped, have long been known to be empty of metals or precious stones. What’s actually happening here is that the ‘miners’ of Auralay are melting down Eldritch artifacts and selling the metals and gemstones. A priceless loss of history. And these creatures? King Lambrodegh warned that illegal pillaging of sacred Eldritch sites would result in repercussions. These creatures aren’t from underground. They are Eldritch creations – magically grown by the emerging Eldritch people – and sent to avenge the continued desecration of their sacred temples."

Whatever the case, Auralay is braced for a second attack.

Lord Kieran

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