Fourth Passage of the Dark Moon

Once a much-feared Masallan warcraft during the MorDuraan wars, the Phoenix was a unique ship – crafted all of red-orange resin, it was light, swift, and well-armored.

On the northern shore of the isle of Masalla, the ship was finally sunk, dragged under the waves by an undead beast forged of MorDuraan magic. It wasn’t until three years ago that the search for the lost ship began, headed by a man named Morus Bren. Now, he has found it.

"By piecing together clues found in a journal of Kijra MorDuraan, we finally discovered the ship under about forty arms of water. We’ve spent the last year crafting rigging able to pull it up, and now it’s on the docks of Mina’s Quay."

As if the ship itself were not treasure enough, there were numerous magical items dating from the war, as well treasures of gold, brass, and porcelain.

"This is not just a living piece of history," said Morus. "We intend to restore the ship to its original glory, and offer historical outings around the islands."

He plans to expand his business to include land-based guided adventures where holiday travellers can see the sites of famous ruins, battles, and legends.

Queen Annabelle, meanwhile, has contacted Morus and is making him offers to purchase the craft. As beautiful as it is rumored to be, it would certainly make a royal ship.

Tirian

In a breach of ancient tradition, the regent Emperor of Irutoka, who holds power only until a true Emperor can be found, has approached the Empress of Mymé. According to tradition and Jeddan law, his job is only to maintain a steady peace until the Emperor is delivered to the throne.

He approached the Empress with apologies, after making a brief but moving declaration to the council who elected him. He remained in talks with the Empress for two days, and together the two sister provinces drafted a temporary treaty which, among other things, brings workers from Irutoka to help rebuild the damage done by the war, and opens ‘defecting’ privileges for the space of one year. Under normal circumstances, a Jeddan can defect only once in their lifetime, but for the next year moving between the provinces will be unregulated, after which time a census will establish each person’s citizenship. All citizens will then be granted one more defection within their lifetimes, regardless of whether they used their defection in the past.

It is the hope of both provinces that men of Irutoka will choose to move to Mymé, where many men were lost in fighting.

The various policies are all an attempt to re-balance the power structure of Jedda, which was tipping heavily in the favor of the Irutokans. It is well known, however, to all the educated people of Jedda, that the province is built on a healthy but conflictual relationship between Irutoka and Mymé. If either should succeed in gaining too much power, it is likely that the society as we know it would crumble.

Surprisingly, the regent Emperor’s policies are gaining little criticism, but it is rumored that assassination attempts may soon be coming, staged by some of the more radical Irutokan political factions.

Lord Kieran

Burgenvine, a predatory plant inhabiting the Old World, has a rich history. It has long been used to create a cosmetic that firms and softens the skin, giving flesh a smooth, buttery-soft appearance and feel. Prolonged use of the extract, however, led to terrible afflictions of the skin, and thus its use has been avoided for many years.

The alchemists at Essence, however, claim to have changed this.

"The burgenvine extract, in its natural form, basically digests the flesh. It is the first stages of digestion which soften the skin that have given the extract its legendary status for enhancing beauty. With too much application, however, the skin begins to actually break down, causing the adverse effects.

"Our extract is combined with secret ingredients that speed the healing process. If used according to our directions, which indicate that you should add a specific amount to a daily hot bath, there is absolutely no danger of injury. You’ll simply see your beauty enhance twenty-fold."

Not so, says Kennin, a sage at the Library of Aranor who has long studied alchemy and beauty products, both historical and modern.

"Burgenvine is insidious, and we know that it has long-lasting effects which build up over time. This extract has only been tested for seven moons. What happens after a year or two years, when the flesh begins to slough off your skeleton?"

He points to the fact that the extract would additionally cause the body to be in a perpetual state of healing, which, in his words, "can hardly be good for you."

We urge purchasers of the extract to use it at their own risk. I did, however, give it a test, and the effects were remarkable. It makes the pores nearly invisible, gives your skin the softest feel you can imagine, and tightens up ‘soft spots’. Even pure burgenvine extract can be used in moderation, so there can hardly be a danger in giving this new cosmetic a try.

Tania

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