Third Passage of the Ice Moon

When guards cornered a man in an alley in the Dock District, they gave the usual warnings for him to throw down his knife. The man had stolen an expensive shirt from an area business, and they had no intention of using force. But when the man charged, brandishing his knife, they fired crossbow bolts into his legs.

"There were four of us, and three were sure that our bolts marked home," said Marin, one of the guards at the scene. Nevertheless, the man barely stumbled, and pushed through them with great force. Many guards are suggesting that there is only one explanation – the man was undead.

"If he was undead, there are two possibilities," said Marin. "One is that he is emancipated – if his maker is dead, he would be free-willed. The other possibility is that he is owned and controlled by someone."

Whatever the case, the hunt is on for the undead thief, and the guards are searching for the possibility of a necromancer, as well. While there are no clear policies on animating the dead in Aranor, there have been two cases of exile as punishment for killing and animating residents of the city. In all other provinces, there are strict laws forbidding the possession of animated corpses. Due to the nature of modern necromancy, however, some corpses are nearly indistinguishable from normal people, making them very difficult to detect.

The ‘undead’ thief is described as tall and lanky, with long black hair and a scraggly beard. The guards are warning citizens not to attempt to stop criminals of that description until the thief is caught.

Tirian

Old stories tell of a type of stone from Jedda, which, when powdered and treated with alchemical processes, creates a legendary cosmetic. This paste was applied to the lips, and would stain them a deep red even as they made the flesh swell, plumping the lips significantly. The stone was found in only one area – a mining camp south-east of Naldan Sunir on the isle of Irutoka. The jungle here is dense, and the natives rather hostile – three hundred years ago they shut down the roads to the camp and forbid the Jeddans from any further mining.

Now a team of entrepreneurs has fought their way to the camp and re-cut the road, and for the first time in three centuries, redstone can once again be purchased. Though expensive, its effects are indisputable and fantastic, and definitely worth the gold. Unfortunately, the entrepreneurs claim that their prices must remain high due to the dangers of the area and the constant attacks by the natives.

If you can afford it, give redstone a try – I’ve found it in numerous shoppes throughout the city, selling for eighty to a hundred silver for a small vial, which should be enough for ten applications or so. The stain itself will last for over a passage, while the plumping effects fade in three to four days.

Tania

The Archmage of Aranor will begin his journey this passage – a journey that will take him to each of the leaders of the New World in an attempt to create a peaceful solution to the conflict between the New World and Maelmuire.

The conflict began over three hundred years ago, and some sages estimate that over twelve thousand men have lost their lives in the various skirmishes that have taken place over those three centuries. A peaceful solution would certainly be an historical event.

Some sages, however, worry that there is a growing magic in Maelmuire – and that the ancient Eldritch, long quiet in the world, are behind Maelmuire’s actions. If Maelmuire’s energies were freed from upkeeping their military, some fear that the Maelmuirians would turn to refining their magics and would soon become a danger to the world.

Despite worries, it is a clear fact that the Maelmuirians possess a devastating military, and that armed conflict would permanently alter the New World as we know it.

We will keep you informed as matters progress.

Lord Kieran

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