The Oracle
Fourth Passage of the Snow Moon
Fae Overrun 'New Jedda'
It's difficult to sift through the reports, but one thing is clear -- a massive group of fae, numbering in the hundreds, flooded over the walls of 'New Jedda'. The ruined keep was being used by the former Emperor of Jedda as a stage for his new attempt to form an independent province.
In recent passages, over a hundred ships had taken refuge in the bay under the keep to avoid ice floes drifting down from the north. In the days before the attack, it became suspected that the Emperor was using enchantment magics to secure the loyalties of the sailors. Those who escaped said that many of the sailors had 'decided' to stay on at the keep -- to help the Emperor build a settlement on the cliffs and begin trade with other provinces.
Experts on fae say that the former Emperor's action quickly drove the human population to 'critical numbers', high enough that the fae of the island naturally rebelled. Others, however, fear that this is an example of the growing boldness of faerie creatures throughout the world.
Although growing human populations on new islands have always been linked to increased fae predations, this instance seems different. Most significantly, the attack appeared pre-planned, and involved numerous varieties of fae. Escapees said that creatures were 'pouring over the walls, emerging from tunnels beneath the keep, and flying down into the courtyard.' The attack came during one of the nightly balls, and the Emperor's magicians and warriors, guarding the perimeters, were swiftly beaten down, allowing the fae to force their way into the ballroom. One man says that an 'immense, chimera-like creature burst through the doors, flinging people about like toys'. Both beast-like and human-like fae were involved.
Sailors fled to their ships, but most were plucked from the pathways and ship-decks by agile, flying creatures. Of the hundred or more ships that were in the bay, only four arrived safely in Aranor. It is not known how many made it back to Moraithe, how many people were killed, if fleeing ships were crushed by the ice floes, or what the situation at the fae keep is. We'll report more as it unfolds.
Tirian
Pirates Retaliate Against Jedda
Two Irutokan villages were ravaged by pirates last passage -- the ships came upon the villages at night, and presented a surprisingly organized raid. Messages left at the sites indicated that the pirate raids were the work of Jaradin, as revenge for the loss of the Kaelen princess that he abducted. Jeddan authorities have bolstered their defenses along the border.
"I have doubts that this was actually Jaradin," said Lady Emily, of Illumination. "He was recently defeated, and without ships. Unless he is as good at rallying people as the legends say, he'd have difficulty in mounting such an attack so swiftly."
Over twenty ships were involved in each raid.
"It is more likely that this is the action of other pirates, hoping to instigate an attack on Jedda by Jaradin and the established pirate hierarchy."
She refers to the common consensus that few pirates work alone, but are actually involved in a complex social structure governed by leaders in the so-called 'pirate cities'. Some rogue pirates would like nothing better than to have these cities demolished, making way for the 'old-time pirate' who can ply the seas with freedom.
Thus far Irutoka has not responded to the attacks, other than to warn that further attacks will be met with 'lethal resistance'. Hundreds of Shai-kan warriors have been based in small villages throughout the island.
'Winter Magic' Parade to Light the Dark Moon
"This is sure proof that we're on the verge of falling into desolation, just like Antara," said an anonymous nobleman. He refers to the upcoming 'Winter Magic' Parade, which will begin just after nightfall this upcoming An Sel.
The parade will feature all the usual delights, with shoppes handing out samples, dancing and music, and talent from throughout the city coming to show their skills. This parade, however, will be a little different. Cowan Faol has been recruited by the Queen to enhance 'The Queen's Float' -- a four-hundred pace train of musicians, magicians, exotic animals, and delights. The Queen will ride in the middle of the float, upon a levitating carriage drawn by 'pure white unicorns from far-off lands'.
Though the display will feature mostly illusion magics, the Queen is still drawing criticism in her decision to have the Archmage engage in such a blatant public display of magic. A few nobles who strongly disagree with Queen Lillian's magic policies have vowed to boycott the parade.
"My family surely won't be attending," grumped the anonymous nobleman.
The entire parade will be lit by magic, and will feature numerous illusions incredible to behold, including 'magical candies of a like you'll never forget'.
I, for one, am looking forward to the event.
Tania
To the Oracle Collection-- Fourth Year