2 Deluge 2165 - Best Wishes for a New Year
The winter storms broke in time for the close of the Midwinter Festival, giving Lebensbrüke citizens wonderful weather for the final parade and ceremonies. Queen Anissette knighted sixty heroes of the realm and hailed the White Hand for its contributions to the safety of the nation over the past several years. In addition, Lizelle Kagaard, Minister of Finance, announced the plan to create a multi-tiered trade pact that would provide important benefits for corporations, merchant enterprises, and family tradespeople in the coming year.

17 Deluge 2165 - Northern Road to Sekkady Opened
The greatest goblin threat to travel through the Tablelands of Sekkady has been removed and a new trade road offers more rapid access to Arkadia from Lebensbrüke through Chan Zhou. Deep snow is cleared regularly and the road is patrolled from Chan Zhou through Fort Schiffgen to Arkadia. This is expected to increase relations and trade between Lebensbrüke and the like-minded Barony of Sekkady.

18 Deluge 2165 - Mothers' Day Protests
Women gathered across the Four Kingdoms and Lebensbrüke on Mothers' Day to protest the war with Amazonia. Thousands of women chanting, "Balance the scales! No blood for sales!" called upon their local government chambers for an end to the war.

21 Deluge 2165 - Landers Debates War
Lord Sylus Ferrano issued a proposal on 17 Deluge in the Landers House of Wealth that the war between the Saltwave Alliance and Amazonia be ended. Debate on the proposal continued for nearly three days with definite positions becoming evident. Many corporate interests pushed for continued action to secure free trade rights across all the seas of the world. A strong faction of business and land owners called for an end to a war that supported the interests of the great dragon, Zkydraksis, more than those of Landishmen. A third countering faction called for the alliance to rebuff the arrogance of a pirate-turned-royal and her elvish allies who had always gouged honest merchants and citizens in their trading. The proposal was defeated 78 to 17, with 5 abstentions.

26 Deluge 2165 - Zkydraksis Addresses Alliance
The great dragon, Zkydraksis, addressed the Saltwave Alliance High Council Twosday to express his regret at the loss of life and property that the Amazonians attributed to his interests in the war. He repeated his position that freedom of trade was important to all citizens of the Four Kingdoms without military barriers or perils of Amazonian piracy. He explained that he had direct investment in many Landish and Technikorean companies, but that "the great majority of ownership in each of these companies is by ordinary humans and dwarves who strive daily to make and sell things that enrich the lives of people not just here in the Kingdoms, but across the whole world, as well. When commerce is strong, people are well fed, well educated, healthy, and happy." The dragon pledged to devote his own severely depleted wealth to helping the war effort.

1 Mist 2165 - Aspen Glen Reveals Extent of Draconic Influence
In the Awakening worship ceremonies, Aspen Glen priestesses worked a cooperative spell to magically mark all products made, transported, or sold worldwide in which a dragon has at least a 25% ownership. Such items may be noted by the distinctive green glow surrounding them. According to the Aspen Glen, this marking will last for one week. Irrissa Melondy, spokeswoman for the Aspen Glen, made this explanation of the reason for the spell, "This will show everyone just how much of our trade is controlled or influenced by dragons. The figure is truly startling. While we do not wish to alarm anyone, it is important that people know what might be behind the current war between the Saltwave Alliance and Amazonia." When questioned about the dragons' motives, Lady Melondy replied, "It isn't that dragons are bad, or that they are bent on controlling everything. They have a lot of wealth and power that people don't realize. As with anything else, this could be used for good, for evil, or merely for selfish ends." In a reaction to the development, the great dragon Zkydraksis commented, "What the Aspen Glen has done is misleading and bad for everyone. People will naturally be frightened and suspicious of magically glowing items. Rather than trying to foster good relations, this will heighten suspicions and animosity. Is making money selfish when it benefits everyone? If so, then I take pride in what the selfishness of dragons and other business owners achieves every day for people everywhere."

6 Mist 2165 - Amazonian Fleet Blockades Catalina
An Amazonian fleet established a blockade of all shipping attempting to enter or leave the port of Catalina, on Landers' western coast. The famous Catalina Windriders sallied to attack the fleet, but were soundly beaten by Amazonian aircraft and magery. Merchant shipping is being diverted to Veldassa. We wait to see what Landers' reaction to the blockade might be.

13 Mist 2165 - Landing Day Attack Destroys Alliance Shipyards
Amazonian fleets took advantage of the national holiday to destroy the shipyards in Dwithers, Wayzata, Catalina, Lieno, and Dieleck. Few people were at work and loss of life was minimal. However, the attack will severely hamper Landers' effort to rebuild its sea power.

15 Mist 2165 - Blockading Amazonian Cruiser and Destroyer Sunk
Special strike teams from Landers boarded and sank two of the vessels blockading Catalina. No Landish vessels or flyers were involved in the action, so the destruction of the warships is attributed entirely to the action of the special teams. Two carriers and nine other ships remain in the area to continue the blockade.

18 Mist 2165 - White Hand Uncovers, Stops Mind Flayer Plot
Ever vigilant against evil influence, the White Hand discovered and put an end to a threat caused by a cult of illithid mind flayers in Benaaflen. The investigators were led by Major Anderian Haansa, a young White Hand officer with several major cases already to his credit. This group of mind flayers was attempting to exert control over local business owners to divert a portion of their funds and employees to illicit activity. This criminal activity has now been ended, thanks to the White Hand investigators' abilities.

21 Mist 2165 - Contradina Port berths 100 Ships a Day
Contradina reaches an economic milestone, serving 100 ships in a single day. On the 16th of Mist, Contradina received and offloaded cargo from 101 ships. The railway line from Contradina to Voyreem remains one of the busiest in the world

26 Mist 2165 - Prrani Empire Makes Sekkady Trade Stop
The Prrani ambassador and Baron Sekkady agreed to make the city of Arkadia a trade port for Prrani goods. This is expected to greatly increase the market for Sekkadian alpaca and raw materials. Rumors abound that Sekkady will become a Prrani ally in its campaign to pacify the occupied United Draconic Patriarchies. If this were the case, the dragons of the South would sure turn an unfavorable eye on the upstart nation to their north.

2 Greening 2165 - Schniedarkraft Site of Theft
The Schniedarkraft (SK) offices in Contradina were subject to a break-in and theft of company property, according to local constabulary reports. A bulletin has been issued for information leading to the capture and arrest of a gnomish female with light hair who was on SK property the night of the 1st of Greening. The thief made off with SK property valued at 100,000 marks. A reward of 10,000 marks has been issued.

4 Greening 2165 - Highwall Citizens Missing
Twelve residents of Highwall, in northwestern Aalfa County, were reported missing the morning of the 3rd of Greening. There are no apparent common features or connections among this group, other than that they live in the Highwall area and disappeared from their homes on the night of the 3rd. The missing range in age from 8 to 53 years old, are of mixed races and genders, and have no special religious or political affiliations. The White Hand has been called in to investigate. There is a reward of 5,000 marks for information leading to the return of the missing people.

7 Greening 2165 - Landers Launches New Ships
Vorstener shipyards in Technikor have completed work on several new naval vessels. Military observers reported anonymously that these are of a dramatically different design from previous High Fleet ships and are fitted with newer weapons. General Alexandro Keltenscher of Lebensbrüke commented, "While I salute the Saltwave Alliance for their ingenuity and desire to defend their interests, I fear that they have chosen the wrong response to Amazonia's military might. Amazonia is defending its declared right to control its economy. Landers and Technikor continue to blindly ignore the restraint Amazonia has already shown toward their citizens. If the Alliance uses more powerful weapons against Amazonia, then the Amazonians may not be able to choose tactics that prevent loss of civilian life."

18 Greening 2165 - Planting Festival Celebrations Mark End of Winter
The annual Planting Festival in Lebensbrüke was a grand affair. The defeat of Dark Valpex's humanoids last year made for a prosperous and relatively peaceful winter and allowed farmers to get a good start on planting. Ishan priests, Dianic priestesses, and druids united for this year's festival to show support for the Queen's leadership. As is often said, "A good time was had by all."

20 Greening 2165 - Vargas Games Begin with New Event
The 6th Annual Vargas Games have drawn athletes from several more nations, this year. In addition to the traditional Lebensbruke and Gurdish warriors, Amazonia is competing again, as are contestants from Sekkady, Chan Zhou, Qoolm, and Honura. The Prince of the Aelvenwode has also sent a group of elves to compete in the games. Queen Anissette opened the Games with a challenge to all contestants. "As the finest athletes and warriors of your peoples and lands, all look to you for leadership. I challenge each of you to lead your people to victory against the forces of evil, and not against each other. You have trained long and hard for these games thinking that you must defeat the other competitors. This year, there is a special prize and honor for a new event--the Challenge of Mezclados. It is named in honor of a great Qoolmian knight who brought quarreling neighbors together to defeat a terrible evil. This challenge is open only to teams of mixed nationality. It will require strength, stamina, quick wits, and, above all, teamwork. Do your best and show the world what you can really accomplish!"

25 Greening 2165 - Amazonia withdraws Catalina Blockade
Amazonia withdrew its battle group from the waters near Catalina and sent a message allowing shipping to return to the Landish port. After more than six weeks of the blockade, the Alliance has not been successful in forcing the Amazonians to depart. This unexpected withdrawal may be due to negotiation or the unknown capabilities of the new Landish warships. For now, it appears that there will be work for suffering Catalina merchants and dockworkers again.

27 Greening 2165 - Protectors of Legend Defeat Demon Plot
The Protectors of Legend, a knightly order loyal to the great dragon Zkydraksis, recently broke up a ring of wizards seeking to gain control of the Te-Qal Outlands. The cabal of wizards were doing the bidding of a powerful demon lord, whose name was not released to our bards for reasons of public safety. The Te-Qal Tribal Council praised the knights' actions. Zkydraksis was traveling on business, but made this comment. "I remain very proud of the work that the Protectors do. This is another example of their bravery and valiant qualities. Lives have been saved and that is the most important thing to remember."

32 Greening 2165 - Amazonia Places Highly in 6th Annual Vargas Games; Two Teams Pass Challenge of Mezclados
Amazonian women won first, second, or third in all events this year at the Vargas Games. Lebensbrüke and Gurdish competitors also did very well. Two teams made up of warriors from Amazonia, Lebensbrüke, Sekkady, Gurdish tribes, and Qoolm passed the Challenge of Mezclados, winning special honors from Queen Anissette. Kal-then Khan was reportedly pleased at his people's achievements, but exhorted them to defeat the Amazonians next year. The annual competition has been very successful in promoting peaceful competition between our nation and the Gurdish tribes under Kal-then Khan. The Khan has turned his war machine against other nations in central Jaastenland, like Lyborg and Sekkady. Who knows what next year's games might bring?

9 Growing 2165 - Regular Travel between Voyreem and Qoolm Now Available
A sorcerer's gate between Voyreem and Bandar al-Said has been completed. Two portals allow traffic to flow in both directions at the same time. Voyreem now has more portal traffic to more destinations than any other city. From Voyreem, it is possible to travel instantly to Lieno, Shalecourt, Dwithers, Bandar al-Said, Catalina, Cherry End, Griffon Peak, Contradina, Brulhafen, Norton, Baen, Kiir-Hoch, K'aoll-Graach, Gallsboro, and Meisaka. Sources close to the Queen suggest that portals to the Prreshtuwan Federation and Sekkady may be next.

10 Growing 2165 - Citizens Reminded of Weapons Laws
Amid a growing number of accidents and crimes involving advanced weaponry, Queen Anissette issued a reminder today that firearms are still restricted and energy beam weapons prohibited within the country of Lebensbrüke. The penalty for illegal private possession of beam weapons is confiscation, a minimum fine of 500 crowns, and two weeks imprisonment. The penalty for unlicensed private possession of firearms is confiscation and a minimum fine of 500 cr. The crown is taking steps to make certain that all visitors to the country understand these laws before setting foot on Lebensbrüke soil.

19 Growing 2165 - Naval Battle in Te-Qal Straight
The Landish High Fleet engaged an Amazonian battle group in the Te-Qal straight early on the morning of the 17th. True to earlier reports, the Landish navy has much improved warships with advanced armor, weaponry, and power. Apparently, these vessels also have some sort of magical ability to resist or negate much of the Amazonian weaponry. Sages from the War College at the University of Voyreem speculate that the Landish defenses were created with high level magical spells. Despite the relative invulnerability of the High Fleet, the Amazonian ships were able to withdraw with minimal damage.

26 Growing 2165 - White Hand Stops Plague of Red Ribbons
In southeastern Lebensbrüke, a White Hand team under the command of Major Anderian Haansa put a stop to a mystically generated plague. The bleeding rents in the victims' flesh give rise to the common name of the magical disease, the "plague of red ribbons." Sheep were first spotted with the disease seven days ago. Local authorities immediately requested help. Talishant H'sor-Kaasi, high priestess of Ishan, was sent with a group of other priests to help cure the disease while Major Haansa's team was dispatched to investigate the cause. According to White Hand reports, the disease was generated and spread by a vampire necromancer and his minions. The threat was eliminated by Major Haansa's team. His actions in this investigation earned the young Kraanicher officer a promotion to head his own branch of the famous White Hand organization.

32 Growing 2165 - Saltwave Alliance Retakes Trulane Island
In a well coordinated attack, the Landish High Fleet attacked the Amazonian naval base on Trulane Island. While the Amazonians were engaging the fleet, a regiment of Landish knights supported by Technikorean and Confederate infantry assaulted the port through several magical gates. Amazonian infantry and cavalry counterattacked but lost the advantage of their defensive positions to the Alliance infantry. The High Fleet concentrated its attack on the Amazonian carriers and sank one along with three escort vessels. Another gate opened on the south side of the airfield and another Orcish regiment emerged to capture this key target. General Wheaton of Landers credits the Amazonian commander with an excellent defense, saying, "These ladies fight better than any force we've ever faced, and their weapons are excellent. We just had the advantages of numbers, surprise, and position. No one can stand against all that. Look forward to the next bout." The Amazonian fleet was forced to retreat leaving many soldiers and civilians behind to be taken prisoner by the Alliance forces. Casualties were heavy on both sides.

5 Flowers 2165 - Uvikfarnis Summons Demons to Harass UDP
From her mountain hideaway, the great dragon Uvikfarnis continued her resistance efforts against the Prreshtuwan Federation troops occupying the United Draconic Patriarchies. In the latest round, the dragon and her cohorts summoned a series of demons to conduct free hit and run attacks against the prrexi. Prrex spiritualists and psions aided elite samurai in taming the threat, but the morale of kzinti, prrexi, and demihuman residents was shaken by the fiendish attacks. Some demons remain at large and are expected to cause problems as long as they are able.

17 Flowers 2165 - Roxy Candleflame Prevents Demonic Catastrophe
One of our favorite heroes from the War of Falling Stars, Lady Roxy Candleflame, stopped Uvikfarnis from releasing an extremely powerful demon prince from a magical prison. Few details are available from the Prreshtuwan embassy that apparently sponsored the mission. Lady Roxy declined to comment on the mission, but her smile spoke volumes to the Herald. Others involved with the adventure offered anonymous tidbits about the great dragon's plan. They suggested that Uvikfarnis has been seeking out the location of long-forgotten demons in order to build a fiendish army to drive out the prrexi and reclaim her throne. Apparently, Lady Roxy and her elvish companion conducted an extremely risky operation to foil the dragon's plans. We expect more news of this reclusive elven wizard in days ahead.

28 Flowers 2165 - White Hand ends Petrification Curse
Investigating rumors of monstrous activity in the village of Respite in western Lebensbrüke, Colonel Anderian Haansa of the White Hand and his investigators discovered and ended a fell plot. Respite is known locally for its hospital and mineral baths. Some form of curse had caused most of the villagers to fall into a lethargy and turn into stone. A handful of people escaped before the curse took full effect and prompted the investigation. Colonel Haansa discovered a cult of gargoyles commanded by a gargoyle priest occupying the village and hospital. The fell rituals of the priest had created a strange death golem that emanated the petrifying curse. The gargoyles, being stone already, were immune to the curse and hoped to use the golem as a weapon against other "soft-fleshed" folk. Colonel Haansa destroyed the golem and the cult, ending the curse. Ishan priests raised and aided many of the victims.

2 Heat 2165 - Midsummer Spirits Bright
The Midsummer Festival offered several surprises for citizens of Lebensbrüke this year. A glowing portal opened over many groves and holy sites and wispy spirits emerged and fled the scene. Most spirits were reported to be of benign nature, but some are fey creatures of mischief. Some spirits remained for a short while before returning to wherever they came from. Others remain. It remains to be seen what this will mean for regular folk.

2 Glow 2165 - High Ranking Ishan Priests Assassinated
Over the past two nights, 33 senior Ishan priests have been slain in and around Voyreem. Reports have also reached this office of hundreds of similar killings across the globe. In Voyreem, each of the victims was surprised at night while alone and stabbed to death. The world-spanning nature of this plot is highly disturbing. Worse yet, some fell magic prevented the raising of the slain priests. Her Majesty, Queen Anissette, has commanded a broad investigation. The White Hand have put their best people on the job. Because the slayings started on Plague Day, one wonders if there is some significance to this evil activity.

17 Glow 2165 - White Hand Brings Priests' Assassins to Justice
In a single swift raid on a secret hideout, Colonel Anderian Haansa's team of White Hand investigators brought the assassins responsible for the slaying of Ishan priests in Voyreem to justice. An elite band or guild of humanoid assassins had apparently been hired to kill as many of the most senior of the Ishan priests in Voyreem and neighboring districts as possible. Colonel Haansa's efforts resulted in the capture or death of more than two dozen expert killers-for-hire. The White Hand spokeswoman, Eileen Bey, reminded the Herald that this cell was just responsible for the local killings, and that the extent of the assassination plot spread worldwide. Colonel Haansa's team is now expected to expand to provide assistance to other investigations.

23 Glow 2165 - Earthquakes Rattle Vargas Region
Minor earthquakes shook the Vargas region early on the morning of the 23rd. Little damage occured but the shocks surprised and upset many people. No more quakes are expected and the tremors were noted as being from natural causes.

28 Glow 2165 - Amazonia Extends Peace Offer
Queen Sally sent an envoy to the Saltwave Alliance to suggest terms by which the war could be ended without further bloodshed. The queen also enlisted the aid of a dragon ambassador to explain her case and terms to the great dragon, Zkydraksis. The results of these discussions may not be known for some time, but the world awaits news.

3 Colors 2165 - Landers Royal Academy makes Magical Research Breakthrough
The research team led by Professor Carlos Kestrel at the Royal Academy of Magic and Science in Lieno announced their success in devising techniques to greatly extend the range of cast spells. This technique was paired with an enchanted device, called a "farcaster," that further extends spell distance using the new technique. The technique allows a spell's power to attenuate naturally with distance, instead of reaching a certain limit and expiring altogether.

15 Colors 2165 - Scrollware Algorithms Created
Of particular note to wizards and other spellcasters with a technical bent, Dr. Catherine Murphy of the Hedgerton Institute in Landers has discovered a way in which magical spells may be recorded for later use in a quantronic device, like a datapad. Apparently, this will work for both arcane and divine spells, just as spellcasters have used written scrolls for centuries. The particular methods simply replace the individual paper or parchment with quantronic optical media. The process of scribing a spell is otherwise unaltered.

19 Colors 2165 - Baron Sekkady Falls in Battle
Baron Andaar Sekkady fell in battle against the Gurdish cavalry of Kal-then Khan yesterday in the struggle for the town of Shorum. The Sekkadian army had been hard pressed by the Gurds' mounted archery tactics for most of a week. The Baron had hoped to take advantage of the Gurdish druids' Warmwane observances to push the invaders from the Shorum area, but this did not seem to have hindered the Gurdish army. Kal-then Khan himself met the Baron in combat. After many charges and counters, the Khan felled Baron Sekkady. Sekkadian General Hannah Lake was also killed by Gurdish fire magic. Sekkadian forces suffered heavy casualties and were forced to withdraw from the field. Most civilians have already withdrawn from Shorum to Beltran.

20 Colors 2165 - Shorum Beseiged
The Sekkadian army has taken to its defensive works at the town of Shorum, hoping to outlast the Gurdish invaders until reinforcements can arrive. The farmers' fields around Shorum have already been pillaged and most civilians have fled the town under the protection of the Sekkadian army. General Keltenscher of Lebensbrüke said in an interview that he expects the Sekkadian troops to be supplied by air with no difficulty. "Sekkady has the advantage in this matter, of course. The Gurds have to spend valuable time living off the land and what spoils they can gain. Meanwhile, the Baron's forces can be supplied and refreshed by Prreshtuwan allies. The Khan has won control of the central plains, but the result of the campaign is still undecided."

21 Colors 2165 - Vargas Air Market Opens
A new air market in Vargas opened with great acclaim. The Scirocco Air Wing, Prreshtuwan Demonstration Flyers, and Amazonian Pegasi acrobatic group performed in the celebration to mark the event. Shortly after the opening, several thousand citizens visited the market to shop for all manner of goods from Lebensbrüke and foreign nations

24 Colors 2165 - Toxic Druid Unmasked and Captured in Sekkady
It takes a powerful threat to stir Lebensbrüke's most powerful heroes from their daily routines, so it must have been a danger beyond mortal ken to rally Sir Leo, General Keltenscher, and even the Queen herself to a single task. As a result of work done by the White Hand and the 3rd Battalion of the 6th Ranger Regiment, a terrible treachery was discovered. The mighty druid, Eagle Brother, advisor and mentor to the great Gurdish warlord Kal-then Khan, was revealed to be a devotee of foul and corrupt toxic magic beyond the cycle of nature. Reports suggest that Eagle Brother, long a respected figure to the Gurds, had manipulated Kal-then Khan's mind toward his own brand of revenge against Kraanichers for more than twenty-five years. This treachery culminated in a plot to assassinate Queen Anissette and Sir Drake during diplomatic talks with the Khan. To our great fortune (and with no great surprise), this plot was uncovered and the nest of vipers unraveled with no harm to our monarchs. The corrupt druid was subdued and brought to a special hospital in Voyreem to be imprisoned until he can be cured of his insanity.

25 Colors 2165 - Schniedarkraft announces Executive Changes
Dieter Sprinkle, President of Schniedarkraft, Ltd., announced several changes in the executive management of the corporation, this morning. Olvard Bentesohn, a senior vice president of the heavy industry division, will retire at the end of the year. He will be succeeded by his current vice president of sales, Gertabel Jolson. Genossos Adler, senior vice president of the industrial safety division, is also retiring for health reasons, effective immediately. The manufacturing waste clean up functions and staff of his division will be reassigned to the major operating divisions.

25 Colors 2165 - Queen Anissette creates Kyriaborean Plains Royal Preserve
In a move intended to show friendship to the Gurds, Queen Anissette is creating a Royal Preserve in southern Vargas province. The plains beween Blegen, New Kantraal and Vargas will be restored to natural prairie and use of the land restricted to traditional tribal harvesting and hunting. Current residents of this area will be relocated at the expense of the Crown and provided means to either continue the current occupations or receive education for new trades within the Lebensbrüke economy.

26 Colors 2165 - Ustgaard Falls to Barbarian Elemental Colossus
The Sekkadian port town of Ustgaard fell to the Gurdish raiders after an early morning assault by another elemental colossus. The colossus destroyed the town walls and defensive works, allowing the Gurdish horsemen to enter the town. Hundreds of refugees sailed to Port Teufel, the last major Drachenmeer port Sekkady holds. Fort Grake remains in control of the Sekkadian army in the central hills of the barony, but it is surrounded by large bands of veteran raiders.

26 Colors 2165 - Fort Grake Falls to Dragons
In a development quite unexpected by either side in the Sekkadian War, two enormous red dragons attacked and captured Fort Grake. They paid little attention to the Gurdish tribespeople except to slay those who approached too near the fort. The Sekkadian army at Fort Grake is presumed entirely lost or enslaved. As yet, the dragons have issued no ransom or surrender demands.