Third Passage of the Autumn Moon

It was a dubious job for Raven Takai, a mercenary based in Aranor: to find the sister of the famous Lolita, of Lolita’s Chocolates. The woman, Swan, disappeared twenty-seven years ago when she and a contingent of nobles and huntsfolk did not return from an excursion north of Selarum. Faced with what most considered an impossible assignment, Raven ventured into the forestlands and returned, not a moon after being hired, with Swan in hand.

"I am still shocked and overjoyed every morning when I wake up, " Lolita shared in an interview. "Raven has given me the most precious gift possible- a new life with my only sister. This is a dream come true that I never thought possible."

When asked to comment on her situation, Swan said, "I can’t begin to describe what I’ve been through, though the authorities of the Old World have been informed. All I can say is that Raven Takai is an incredible mercenary and that he made me feel safe and cared for through the entire ordeal. And, that I’m astounded to be the sister of such a deliciously famous woman. I’m very proud of Lolita and very happy to be here with her again."

While Raven, a specialist in recovering missing people, has already moved on to his next case, rumor has it that Lolita and Swan will be opening a joint café sometime soon, and that chocolate is definitely involved.

Tania

The sign that hangs over the Mermaid, one of Aranor’s most infamous taverns, was stolen last An Ilé. By An Meja the guard had recovered it, but the famous sign was very missed during its two-day absence.

The sign is well-known as the most provocative image on the docks – the mermaid is portrayed in what has been described as a ‘lascivious’ pose, and her bared breasts encourage most parents to cover the eyes of their children as they walk by.

Although the tavern isn’t known for notable food, its sign has gained it much fame.

"It’s well protected," says Shane, the tavern’s proprietor. "Hung high and strongly attached." But that wasn’t enough to keep Rennin and Chan, two commoners from the Merchant’s District, from securing it for themselves. The guards followed what is known as a ‘bragging chain’ until they found it in the house that the two thieves share.

A punishment has not yet been decided upon, but will probably consist of a very large fine. Large enough to require the two to perform services for the city.

Shane has put the sign back up, secured it with "even stronger chains", and is ready to attract sailors once again.

Tirian

In a gesture of goodwill toward all Masallan people, the new King has declared that he will give each citizen of the isle of Masalla a ‘piece of the dragon’s treasure’ that was recently recovered from north of Velsuna.

"Masalla is traditionally abundant," the King was reported as saying. "And those traditions will only grow under my rule. The Masallan Renaissance, which has delivered the world from its rustic roots, is experiencing renewed vigor. It is a good time to be a Masallan."

Although the King will be giving away perhaps millions of silver’s worth of treasure, one critic in the Old World says that "this is only the tiniest fraction of what was recovered from the dragon’s hoard, and it is said that peasants and common people will likely receive only a single silver coin. Romantic, yes, but this will hardly serve as a boon to the average citizen."

On the other hand, members of the noble class and high gentry will likely be receiving objects of rare and unaccounted value, for the treasure is said to be filled with artifacts of uncertain origin.

"Some of these things are doubtless of magical origin," I was told by the same critic, who prefers to keep her name unknown, "and who can say what will happen when such uncatalogued and misunderstood objects are spread into ignorant hands? We might be seeing some interesting things in Masalla pretty soon."

Whatever the case, this is clearly another attempt by King Avorine to demonstrate Masalla’s superiority.

Lord Kieran

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