First Passage of the Dark Moon

Some are suggesting that the former Emperor of Jedda is trying to strike back at Queen Lillian. Others take a more pragmatic view. Whatever the case, illegal growers of toko seeds on the isle of Irutoka have had one of the best harvests in recent history, and the Thieves’ District of Aranor has become one of their primary selling grounds.

Sharia, one of the guards who is dealing with the problem, is convinced that there is an organized faction behind the importation of the drug.

"Usually a few people bring some toko from Jedda and sell it – no more than a few stone at most. Now, however, there seems to be an endless supply. Sellers are giving it away free, and as soon as they’ve established an addiction in the victim, they raise the price sharply."

While the consuming of drugs is not illegal, the selling of drugs is. And the guard have arrested several individuals – all Jeddans – for distributing toko seeds. But now, in an aggressive move, the guard has issued a ban on all distribution or possession of toko, and the fines are extreme.

"We hate to impose official laws," Sharia said. "They’re too easily abused. But toko is so dangerous that we feel we have no other choice."

The ban, she explained, will only be temporary. Toko seeds are highly addictive hallucinogens which are smoked. Even a single wrap can cause severe dependence. The guard is warning citizens of both the dangers and the consequences of toko seed use.

Tirian

While some commoners will keep a dagger on their belt, most avoid swords. They’re expensive, dangerous, and cumbersome. But fashion will not be denied, and when a group of commoners from the Merchant District began wearing short swords to give themselves a ‘mercenary’ style, other people started to pick up on the trend.

"We've had a lot of people coming in looking for shortswords in the last passage," said Drake, a worker at Rapier, a sword shoppe in the Merchant District.  "Most leave thinking they're too expensive.  The result is that a few unscrupulous sword-makers have begun to forge cheap blades -- you can purchase one of these for fifty silver or so.  They haven't been properly heat-treated, the handles will probably fall off, and the blade will most likely snap if you so much as hit a straw dummy with it.  You'll only find these sold on the streets -- no respectable swordmaker would sully their name by dealing in such drivel.  These youngsters might buy them thinking they look good, but all they're doing is wasting their gold."

This is probably the first time in centuries that the common folk have seen a weapon emerge as a fashion accessory.  Since many provinces discourage the carrying of such weapons in public, there has been no place for such a trend.  Aranor makes history once again.

Tania

Maelmuirians Speak to Queen Lillian

Three emissaries from Maelmuire have arrived in Aranor to speak to Queen Lillian about their rationale and hopes regarding their recent announcements to the 'member provinces of the New World'.  While Lord Niall of Rilhaven has not yet responded to Maelmuire's query, Casara, Cuan, and Auralay have all rejected Maelmuire's offer.

While the exact reason for Maelmuire's visit hasn't been announced, most suspect they are requesting that the Old World does not step in to defend the New World provinces if war does, indeed, break out.  And there is reason to suspect that it might.  Cuan and Faol are reportedly meeting with the intention of forming an alliance, and rumors have even been afloat that they might lead an aggressive pre-emptive attack on Maelmuire.  Auralay has promised to defend its lands, and Casara seems to be biding its time as it deals with internal conflict emerging from the Tanjaat District. 

Queen Lillian's position on the Maelmuire situation has not been officially disclosed, but many hints suggest that she empathizes with their situation.  Aranor has a Maelmuirian as regent, and has also served as the primary migration point for Maelmuirian immigrants. 

While Maelmuire is historically the aggressor, it seems that the tide may be turning, although many have implied their 'offer for peace' was only a threat in disguise. 

War in the New World would have major effects in our own province, and Queen Lillian has promised that she will do all she can to find a peaceful resolution to this age-old conflict.

Lord Kieran

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