Getting Hot In Dreven City

Be on the alert! It's being whispered in Dreven City that something strange is afoot. Rumors are flying about fires starting mysteriously in various quarters of the city. A stable went up in flames not but a few nights ago, scorching several horses. Fortunately, people were roused quickly enough to douse the flames before the entire building was destroyed. The owner claims there is absolutely no way a fire could have started; there was no one in the stables at the time, and no lighted lamps or candles of any kind. He complains over how much rebuilding will need to be done, and demands an explanation for the series of such fires that have sprung up seemingly overnight. The first few fires were initially dismissed as mere accidents, but now suspicions are high for a possible arson.

Moreover, there were bodies found amongst the ashes, of two barely recognizable corpses. They were identified as rather notorious figures among the poorer quarters, and not regarded to favorably by the Magistrate's office. Considering their less-than outstanding citizen status, the deaths did not justify more than a cursory investigation, but a source claims that one was scorched almost beyond recognition, and the second had been burned right through the chest. Although deductions are left silent, this crime has a work of a pyromancer written all over it.

Fight Erupts Amidst Returning Knights

Although the riots among the Merchants Tents have faded along with the harsh winter's chill, there continued to be reports of unrest throughout the city of Dreven and the outlying villages. In order to maintain peace and assure the safety of the citizens of Dreven, a contingent of Silver Moon Knights were dispatched on an extended reconnaissance mission covering all the villages on the outskirts of Dreven. The mission lasted a little more than a cycle, and was completed successfully, with no more accounts of disturbances, either in the city or the surrounding towns.

Upon return many Silver Moon Knights were heard to say the mission had been long and arduous, and they were pleased to be again in Dreven. Most found comfort in the hospitality of the Crosswinds Tavern, drinking ale and relaxing among the patrons. The peaceful atmosphere of the Tavern however was interrupted as a brawl broke out between two of the Knights. The Knights were identified as Sir Samuel Courescant, currently stationed at Taysàyad Keep, and his older brother Sir Camerron Courescant, famed for his heroism in the Goblin Wars of Luminii. According to observers the fight erupted suddenly while the brothers were conversing in the common room, when the normally amiable Sir Samuel leaping over the table and tackled Sir Camerron to the floor. The angered Knight proceeded to pummel his older brother with his fists, loudly demanding that he should "confess to his lies." Sir Camerron merely shielded himself, not offering any returning blows, while vehemently refusing to retract his statements. At first opportunity he threw off his brother and strode from the Tavern, leaving a bewildered Sir Samuel behind. Neither were injured in the fight, and the Magistrate reported that no charges have been filed in regard to the incident.

Bounty Hunter Takes Part-time Tenderess Into Custody

Anastasia Moorwood, a part-time tenderess at the Crosswinds Tavern, was taken into custody on seventeenth day of the Second Cycle by Bounty Hunter Tiberius Darklaw, after a short altercation and attempted flight from the Tavern. She'll be taken to her native village of Hillan to answer to unspecified charges there. A companion of Anastasia's, Jonathan Valentine, insisted on accompanying the bounty hunter and his captive back to Hillan.

A Birth in the Crosswinds Tavern

We have something of a belated congratulations to Nadya Silvermoon, now a proud new mother. Towards the very end of last month a new life was brought into our midst, born in Nadya's room upstairs in our very own Crosswinds Tavern. Renee Silvermoon, a nice even five-and-a-half pounds, let out her first hearty cry shortly after midnight under the high moon. Much to the relief of the mother this child seemed eager to come into the world, and thus the birth proved not so drawn out as it might have been. The proud father, Onyx, proved he had what it takes as he delivered his daughter with his own hands... and then promptly fainted. Congratulations to both parents (conscious and unconscious). Nostrella be praised for this wonderful new life, and may Renee Silvermoon enjoy a fruitful future!

The Bigger They Are

A sudden growth spurt seems to be affecting the women of Wadi Medani and it has the men more than a bit disgruntled having to look up to their wives—literally. Ger Yennola, local shoe smith in the Oasis, has designed his latest creation which is being bought up faster than he can make it: The Lift Sandal.

Having long heard complaints from the nomadic troops passing through Wadi and the scavengers who collect what plant-life can be found outside the walls about their feet sinking into soft sand and making walking more difficult, Ger improved the design of city sandals by nailing three platforms of wood to the bottoms of the shoes, each an inch or two in height and a quarter-inch thick, fastened to support the ball, arch and heel of the foot. The sandal works by putting more space between sand and foot, allowing the platforms to sink into the sand and compress it for stability, leaving the actual sole of the shoe above the sand level.

Both men and women praise him for the invention, returning from hikes with less sandy soles and making better journey time because of easier traction, but it seems the women have started wearing their shoes indoors, enjoying the extra height. Quick to see the added appeal his shoes have had, Ger now works on the creative aspect of his Lift Sandal, targeting women of Wadi and even those in the other realms. He is said to be taking orders for all colors and is beginning to experiment with stylish cloth and dyed leather to accent the shoes. Though other men seem uncomfortable with taller women walking about, Ger has voiced no protest against having to look up a little higher; he believes more money falls harder from bigger heights.

End of Winter Migration?

The reports of unrest in outlying villages have had an unexpected effect on the population of Dreven. Apparently many villagers, fearful of possible skirmishes, have begun flocking to the city, where they are at least reassured by the presence of the Silver Moon Knights. Reports indicate that despite the recent reconnaissance mission by the Knights, or perhaps because of it, many villagers are seeking the security found in a larger city.

The local druid foresees the next seven-day cycle to be filled with hazy skies, and cool rolling winds. The seven-day following will bring scattered showers, and a southwardly zephyr.

Top Ten Bachelor Still Can't Make Up His Mind

Luminii's own Iannon Destyranos just seems to be destined to have two women falling for him. Only this time, Lady Aslin's out of the picture. Who're the lucky two? Both are employed at the Crosswinds Tavern - he's been seen heading upstairs on a couple of occasions with Zharyka "I Dare You to Spell My Name" Jelahldoran and giving cooking lessons to Anna "Quiet as a Mouse" Little. Perhaps he has a taste for the foreign and exotic (or perhaps just penniless barmaids) ? What's wrong with the Domestic varieties, Vivomancer?

Goblin Horde Chased from the Crosswinds

More proof that a look can kill... or at least cause severe pain. When a horde of rowdy, thirsty goblins swarmed into the Tavern a few nights ago, they were promptly chased out. What hero committed this feat of daring? None other than Zharyka, the formerly mentioned exotic barmaid, who simply stared them down. One of the despicable creatures actually had the audacity to leap onto the bar and dance atop it - upon which she gave him a withering glare. Only a moment later, the smarmy little fellow started complaining his feet were on fire and eventually he ran out. Several of his compatriots, after falling under Zee's gaze, followed suit and the common room was soon cleared. Unfortunately, one straggler managed to knock Zee down in his hurry to flee after his comrades.

Of course, who was on hand to tend the brave heroine's bump on the head? Vivomancer Destyranos of course.

Brothers At Odds

Attention maidens! The Silver Moon Knights have again returned to our midst after their long mission on the outskirts of Dreven, and I suspect many are eager to find comfort and companionship after the extended tour. One Knight may be in particular need of solace following the scandalous brawl between he and his brother. I refer, of course, to the devastatingly handsome Sir Camerron Courescant, whose scuffle with his equally attractive brother Sir Samuel, has left the populus of Dreven abuzz as to what could possibly be the cause of such a fight. What could provoke the normally peace loving Sir Samuel to attack his brother so violently? Fear not, dear readers, for I have sought the answers for you.

Apparently right before the younger Courescant's dramatic leap over the table towards his brother, voices were raised regarding Sir Samuel's lady love, artist Mechella d'Virte. The two, as reported here previously, have been seen together quite often both in the Tavern and about the city. Was Sir Camerron objecting to his brother's decidedly provincial taste? Perhaps ... and perhaps not. After all, it was Sir Camerron who had previously announced the relationship between Sir Samuel and the artist -- in a booming toast to the entirety of the Tavern, with typical Sir Camerron confidence and swagger. Further questions abound regarding the two, for while unleashing a rain of fists on his prone brother, Sir Samuel was also heard to demand that Sir Camerron "take back his lies."

Could it be related to earlier reports that Mechella was seen exiting the tavern at quite a late hour with a presently unidentified and exceedingly well dressed gentleman? Far be it from me to speculate. But is it possible that soon Sir Samuel Courescant will return to the Ten Most Eligible Bachelors List? Take heart ladies...