Second Passage of the Dark Moon

It is said that the first Delven Ruby was presented by King Mark to Queen Lillian last moon. Since then, everyone with a fancy for gems has been all astir. The stones are rare at best, and a single drop-sized stone is currently selling for 12,000 silver or more.

The rocks are a bright cherry-red – some say overly bright – and have been criticized as gaudy. But they also possess a brilliant fire comparable to diamonds.

"They are the ultimate in ostentatious," says Tarian, the owner of Firecloak, a gem shoppe in the Merchant District. "You have to be sure of yourself to wear a stone like this."

Rel Morde is being secretive about the origins of the stone, but it has emerged that artisans begin with a normal stone – probably a ruby – and subject it to some of the same processes used in making Rel Morde steel. The result is a Delven Ruby, named for the legendary creatures that live beneath the mountains of Rel Morde, who supposedly mine the rubies far deeper into the earth’s bones than any man would dare travel.

Keep your eye out in Aranor – you’ll see a few of the highest folk wearing these vivid stones. They’ll be sure to capture your gaze.

Tania

"It was just getting too unsafe along Dampshine Street," said Cairon, Captain of the Aranorian guard.

Dampshine is infamous, along with a few other streets in the Thieves’ District, for being the haunt of miscreants after dark. Most of the buildings have fallen to ruin, and all the lamps are broken. Even guardsfolk don’t go down the street after dark.

"This was the refuge and marketplace for a host of illegal activities," Cairon said.

Utilizing guards from all the districts, the operation employed six teams of eight guards each. Each team was headed by a member of the Elite Guard. They surrounded the street shortly before midnight, and then advanced in unison.

"We took thirty-two people to the dungeons," Cairon said. "We found slaves being sold, drugs, and stolen goods."

Dampshine Street is currently being re-built by residents of the Thieves’ District who have promised to reclaim the street as a legitimate marketplace.

If only this could be done with the rest of the Thieves’ District!

Tirian

Jedda Felsuin continues to see bloodshed as the Emperor pushes the Empress’ forces back. The Empress is ensconced on her isle of Mymé, and is reportedly being forced to pull from the ranks of the common folk.

"The Emperor was decisive," says our own Lord Anthony Marsaela. "He has pinned the Empress down and now effectively controls all water travel. This is significant because the Empress’ most powerful weapons are clandestine tools of deceit, subterfuge, and intrigue. With her communication lines broken down, the Empress is limited to direct confrontation – and here the Emperor has a distinct advantage."

The isle of Mymé is effectively cut off from the rest of the world, Lord Marsaela went on to explain. And the Emperor is offering citizens of Mymé a place on his isle. By these methods he is securing the surrender of thousands of potential soldiers and placing the former citizens into camps. After the war he is promising them a secure place under his rule.

Thus far the Empress has managed to prevent a major entry onto the isle, but the Emperor is establishing small camps all along the coast.

Historians stand amazed. In the history of Jedda, such a sway of power as now appears inevitable has never been recorded.

We will, of course, keep you abreast of all that transpires.

Lord Kieran

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