The Oracle
First Passage of the Harvest Moon
Llewellyn Struggles
On the isle of Gwynned, newly settled this year, things are off to a prosperous beginning. Each of the provinces is swiftly gaining in settlers, and Cullen, René, Gwynned, and Shara Brae have already established trade with numerous provinces. Llewellyn, however is struggling.
“My visits to Llewellyn are troubled,” says Marick, a grizzled trader who does overland trade between the provinces of Gwynned. “I have to fight off bandits along all the roads, but the wayfare to Llewellyn is worst of all. Then, if I arrive with my goods intact, I have to worry my way through a political mess before I can get any gold for them.”
He refers to the lack of a stable royalty. Since Llewellyn’s beginnings, there has been one usurping after another, with the right to rule often decided by contest. As a result, rules and laws can change with the moon. As Llewellyn now stands, there is no official ruler who has announced him or herself to the other provinces. Llewellyn has no official trade, and by all accounts, it’s becoming a den for thieves and miscreants.
There has even, some say, been talk among the other provinces of ousting the current groups vying for rulership and appointing a regent to govern under the jurisdiction of all the other provinces. Such an act, however, might violate the Treaty of Gwynned, whereby all participating provinces, which included Llewellyn at that time, promised to refrain from forcefully taking over any other province. The treaty further states that any province violating the treaty will be subject to action by an alliance of the non-offending provinces.
Sages agree on one thing – Llewellyn will not survive unless an able leader steps forth.
Lord Kieran
Riding Cats?
The people of Aranor stood amazed as a well-dressed man rode through Aranor on a Great Forest Cat last An Ilé. Within moments he was surrounded by guards, which seemed to be his intent. Before the guardforce and a gathering group of citizens, he demonstrated without doubt that his cat was exquisitely trained. Throughout the demonstration, which included the gentleman placing his body in the animal’s maw, the cat remained docile. He then announced that he had six of the cats who were similarly trained, and informed the crowd that he was selling them for sixty-thousand silver each.
It was a creative business scheme which instantly netted him his desired customers. Apparently the demonstration was enough for the guards to allow the sale, along with permission for the buyers to ride the animals in the city. Evidently the gentleman is training more of the animals, and will be selling more in the spring.
Could this be the beginning of a new steed? Time will tell, since the guards warned that riding permissions may be revoked if the citizens of Aranor react with fear.
For now, though, keep a watch for on the wild’s most elusive and powerful animals – you might just see one under the saddle of a nobleman.
Tirian
Winter Fashions Approach
Keeping up with its reputation as the center for new styles, shoppes in Aranor are beginning to sell the latest winter fashions.
This year black fur is in demand, with fur hats, boots, and jackets topping sales.
“Contrast,” says Tila, who sells the new fashions at Miriam’s in the River District. “Cosmetics have taken on a contrasting feel as bright colors stay popular, thanks to the many magical cosmetics shoppes in the city. Black serves the same purpose for winter clothing – black to contrast with the white of the snow. Black fur is being paired with deep, rich-colored leathers and velvets to create a royal appeal. Once the snow falls, the results will be spectacular.”
As always, other provinces are expected to follow, though they will likely be a moon or two behind. Due to the early arrival of this particular fashion, however, travelers can probably expect to see black fur in all the lands once the snows start falling.
Tania
To the Oracle Collection- Year Three