Arsonist Still On The Loose

A few moons past, a mysterious arson was reported to be wreaking havoc in the Dreven City. Unfortunately, Magistrate's attempts to locate the culprit has been unsuccessful while the fires continue. While these latest fires are likely attributable to the same person who burned down the stable a few moons past, the recent string of crimes seemed to be concentrated in a less savory district, namely the poor River District of Dreven City. Sources say that two particular fires were definitely labeled a work of an arson, although there were few to no leads as to whom. A brothel was burned to the ground only a few tendays ago, as well as a cobbler shop. The Magistrate has stated that he is on the destructive and costly trail of these crimes, and does not intend to relent until the threat of arson is completely extinguished.

Dark Law In The Streets

With the upcoming Tivili and the Emperor's Ball, much scrutiny has fallen to the affairs of the Emperor's City and its state of welfare since the Dreven War. While most of the city proper seems to be regaining its prosperity of the prewar times, there is one district that is glaringly lacking in the splendor and goodwill of the Spring Festival. The River District of Dreven is well known within the circles of the well-to-do, that its streets are to be avoided because they sorely lack in the number of guards, in comparison to the vast number of smaller streets and alleyways that are prevalent in the mazelike River District. There are commonly many open fights in the streets, and the area is notorious for its large population of beggars, pickpockets, and prostitutes.

It seems that the latest breakout of violence in the district is attributable to the three unnamed factions, who are warring with each other for control of the notorious quarter. One source warns that the Brothel Region should be avoided for the next few tendays, for it seems to be the center of the conflict lately.

Unfortunately, due to the poverty of the area, the River District's need for more law enforcement falls to the last rung in the ladder of the Magistrate's priorities, especially with the increased security required for the upcoming festival. But the latest news from within the poor quarter is that there is apparently a new vigilante in town, who proclaims himself to be Dark Law. Whoever he may be, witnesses say that he deals violently and efficiently with all criminals, proven or even just under suspicion, and he is on a vicious campaign to clean out the River District. Speculations are abound whether the Magistrate will help this crusader, or if, eventually, Dark Law will find the law visited upon him.

Merchants Return to the Bazaar

Although spring heralds the arrival of Tivili, it is also the season that brings the merchants once again to the Merchants' Bazaar, located in the town square in the city of Dreven. During the cold winter months the area is commonly referred to as the Merchants' Tents, for the enclosed canvas tents which house the few sellers and their goods. However, with the warm sunshine and cool breezes of spring returning, the tents have been stricken and replaced by expansive tables, booths and stands, covered from end to end with goods hailing from lands as far as Thermador and Oceanuus.

These Merchants have flooded the city in recent tendays, hoping to capture the growing market that Tivili will provide. The Merchants, taking further advantage of the spring festival, have also increased their prices, making local citizens and out of town visitors meet their inflated demands. Shoppers who may be encouraged to take their business elsewhere, however, will be disappointed to find that the wide array of goods and items found at the Bazaar can be found nowhere else in Dreven.

The local druid says that Gaia's blessing is indeed with the Emperor, for fare blue skies, lazy white clouds, and sunshine will smile upon the Spring Festival and the next tendays.

Trial Date Set

Zharyka Jelahldoran will be tried for Attempted Murder on 4/13/1258. Dreven's Magistrate will act as prosecutor, and Aeolus Corindu of the Order of the Rising Sun will speak for the defendant. Information on who will sit in judgment is not available at this time.

Thieves & Swindlers Abound in Tivili

With Tivili fast approaching, Dreven is rushing to prepare for the added crowds and events in the city. The Magistrate has issued a warning to all citizens to be careful in keeping their possessions and purses close to them at all times. In recent tendays there has been a rash of pickpocketing and petty robberies, reported by traders in the Merchants' Bazaar and consumers alike. The situation is only expected to worsen as the festival nears, and the city becomes crowded with tourists and visitors unaccustomed to Dreven. To combat the problem, the Magistrate reports that there will be additional Silver Moon Knights assigned to the city area, and if a citizen falls victim to one of these crimes, the Magistrate encourages that the theft be reported immediately to expedite the possible apprehension of the offender.

In addition to an increase in crime, the Magistrate has also issued a warning for citizens to be on the look out for con artists and swindlers that are sure to be looking to make profits during the Tivili festivities. The Magistrate wishes to remind the citizens that all merchants who have been licensed are required to have that license prominently displayed on their stand, and that the quality and authenticity of all non-licensed goods are not guaranteed. Therefore, while the increased prices may drive citizens to purchase products from street peddlers, the practice is discouraged, as is the patronage of street fortune tellers and shoe shiners.

No Beds or Baths

While seamstresses are in great demand currently, it is expected that lodgings and privies will similarly become increasingly so, as the days wear on and Tivili approaches. The Crosswinds Tavern is expecting to have no vacancies for the tenday of Tivili (although Huckleberry Axechucker assures he will find a room for any patron with enough coins!), and even other, less reputable establishments, are predicting the same. In conjunction to the quickly filling lodging, there is also an expected increase in the necessity for the number of privies and bathhouses available to the public. Citizens and visitors of the city who are planning to attend the Tivili events are encouraged to be aware of the long lines which will most probably plague the bathhouses, particularly, the ones reserved for ladies.

Ladies!

Women of Shadokhan, two major hunks of our town are dateless for the Emperor's Ball. Hank Thanosin, resident bartender and cook at the Crosswinds Tavern, and an Apprentice Troubadour who simply goes by Marius, are both available at the moment. Now, it is my opinion that these two gentlemen are a great catch, so if you are interested, be sure to let them know!

~Unsigned

Tuff Luv

SWH (short white halfling) seeks potential mate. Must be under 5'. Nice legs won't hurt. No whiskers, no faeries. PLEASE no kenders. Must be willing and able to forget and forgive multiple times, and must respond well to dwarven war dirges. Also must be willing to "experiment" with new and interesting culinary creations. Inquire with "Hucky" at the Crosswinds Tavern.