Fourth Passage of the Cricket Moon

Aranor is already famous for its many unique restaurants, but Terick’s Lodge may just be the most unusual yet.

With special permission from the city, Seraan and Emilia Tourick have created a restaurant and inn constructed ten paces off the ground in one of Aranor’s largest trees.

"Our surname, Tourick, has always brought about conversation," Emilia told me. "People often thought it was Terick, and would ask us if we knew anything about the legendary creatures. Well, eventually it became too much, and we did some research, learning all about them. Fascinating beings, they are! Circumstances led us down a path, and it’s culminated in this – a restaurant that mimics the lifeways we imagine Terick to lead."

Guests begin their experience by climbing a spiral stairway that leads around the outside of the tree. From there they enter the main dining hall, a broad deck that is open to the sky. The food is unusual, too, being ‘Terick-style’ cuisine. And for the very adventurous, hanging willow baskets serve as ‘rooms’ where up to two people can stay for the night.

Located between the Merchant District and the River District, Terick’s Lodge will only be open seasonally due to the difficulty of maintaining the rope bridges safely during the winter. Because of the open-air construction, also expect the Lodge to close during rainy weather.

Tania

Aranorian warships investigating the lost vessels south of Teran’s Point have sent back word that it is, indeed, a sea-creature that has been taking the ships. The classification of such creatures is difficult, but for now it is being called a ‘Kraken’.

This is not a Kraken such as we have known before, read the report, but I know not what else to call it. It is immense and tentacled, with flesh that readily shifts hue. It can even go ‘clear’, making it very difficult to see it under the water. In addition, the creature utilizes methods of luring and deceit not before documented in Krakens – it can mold its flesh so that it appears like mer-folk, fish, or people – this seems to be most often accomplished by shaping the end of a tentacle. Of course, we haven’t been fooled by any of these ploys.

The Aranorian fleet managed to wound the creature, who retreated north along the coast of Teran’s Point. The fleet will remain there to protect passing ships and keep the trade route open. As to the fate of the people lost thus far, no clues have yet been found, but the Aranorian warships are scouring the coast in search of bodies or the remains of ships.

Lord Kieran

In their annual pilgrimage throughout the Known Lands, the Nightfaire is returning to Aranor. This time they will land their ship, the Mourning Moon, at the docks of Aranor. Last year they based themselves in Selarum and went overland to the major cities of the Old World. This year they’ll be based here, and the dock authorities are already preparing for the crowd that will greet their ship, said to be the most unusual ship in all of Carador.

Flying strange flags, covered with cages containing odd creatures, and manned by the most diverse assortment of men and women, the Mourning Moon is said to be a truly unbelievable sight.

The ship is scheduled to arrive within the next few passages, and the Nightfaire will stage its first show upon the same ground it used last year. Announcements will be posted throughout the city.

Tirian

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