The First Land Herald/436-02-30

Article Number: 43

Dateline: 436-02-30

MERELEW DELEGATE FORMALLY ASKS FOR AID As I reported in the last issue, the Merelew island of Andreshlew is unwell, made "unhappy" by pieces of spider-shrapnel after the giant mechanical spider exploded in the ocean. Delegate Kolanem arrived recently in the Crossing to speak on behalf of King Galpelus, accompanied by the diplomat Cotovatre. Included is a sketch of two Merelew holding themselves with stately poise, one appearing male and the other female. Although rendered in the typical black and white of the newsletter, their ichthyic features are striking; each bears delicate scales, a snub nose, gently webbed fingers, and pointed ears partially hiding a set of gills on the neck. The male's head is bald but features a spiraling tattoo of thick black lines, while the woman has a single strip of hair down the center of her scalp, worn to the left. Kolanem told us that King Galpelus had been speaking of bringing the island to the surface of the ocean, a fact he found curious because Cotovatre's recent visit to our seers told her of a vision of just that. Once the king learned of this vision, he decided to act upon his desire, and the island will indeed rise. Kolanem admitted that there was some disagreement over the king's choice. Some would apparently prefer to handle the matter of Andreshlew's illness internally. But the king's say is, naturally, final. Kolanem explained further the situation on Andreshlew. "Is know a little of what happened. We hear stories [of the mechanical spider]. But we did not realize how far damage went until too late. The sea is sick, and we need your help. King Galpelus will be raising Andreshlew and opening borders to all. King Galpelus asks that you aid in cleaning our waters, and that you enjoy our lands. We is rather, actually, some, are excited for this exchange. While we trade with the Elves along the rivers, there is much we do not know of you, and much we both have to gain." Kolanem further warned us about the sea and the dangers it may produce. "The seas are sick, and they are very angry. Never safe, always must be cautious, but this is new. The sea is very sick, and we have been fighting very hard. And the sea is coming for you too now. Is come not only asking your help, but also to tell you to prepare. Migrations are in chaos, and they circle further from us. They will be here in a matter of days. Be vigilant. They are angered, and seem to be attracted to the source of sickness, the body of the spider and the gods' weight. Defend your temples. We have had to defend our altars." He also later suggested finding pieces of the broken spider to study. When asked who or what he meant by "they," Kolanem said, "Creatures. Things of the deep, some of which once alive." It became clear with further questioning that he spoke of the undead. Somehow, it seems, the spider made them "very mad," which caused them to grow and roam further. They can even make it inland, though "not much far." "They walk. Breathe air for short time, not too long, but long enough." He also mentioned that there is a purple glow in the seas around the broken spider, which corresponded exactly to a vision shared by Visionist Miskton during the conversation. When asked for more information on how to defeat the creatures, Kolanem said, "They are predators. They cooperate. They are also all prey. They are smart, and will defend themselves. Watch them well, and work as team. You will need, and I mean this, you will need to work together. Healers, guards, attackers. Move in and out. Is never seen magic do what some of them can do. But they fall to spear and spell alike." Expect the rise of the magnificent city soon, and prepare yourselves for invasions of undead. Sincerely, Navesi Daerthon True Bard, Zoluren's Herald Editor in Chief of the First Land Herald MERELEW FACTS, PART 2 The Merelew enjoy cooking. Kolanem and his staff provided a number of types of seafood, such as raw tuna, boiled clams, and seared swordfish, in addition to a hard cheese that was made of whale milk. When asked how one milks a whale, Cotovatre responded, "Take much effort. Make whale happy, so whale cooperate." Kolanem added, "We keep whale herd safe. They trust us and come back." He also said about Merelew cooking, "Merelew have no sweet fruits, no berries. Trade for them. They find their way into our dishes, much improve. But also, original dishes have importance." There was also an alcoholic drink called zuoganaas, which is "kelp wine that has been heated to steam, making stronger. Name translates close to 'burnt water.'" Underwater lava is a feature of their lives. Not only might it be involved in making their metals and their meals, but Cotovatre said, "Lava is much problem." The Merelew mages do not receive visions as ours do. Kolanem said, "Our mages of tides and moonlight do not dream like yours do." Of their priests and priestesses, he said, "Ours hear Her always, others sometimes," presumably referring to Aluna. He also said, "Is joke that priests not willing to teach more, priests demand you learn more." Merelew can stay on land for any amount of time, but over time their scales dry out and become itchy. Only the Merelew queen and princesses wear their hair to the right. All others wear it to the left. Other jewelry and body decorations have no particular meaning, though they favor painting the hands rather than wearing rings, which can damage their webbing. Coralite is a type of metal unique to the Merelew. When the city of Andreshlew is underwater, it is entirely so. They do not keep pockets or areas filled with air.

Real Date: Unknown Date

Subject(s): Andreshlew Coralite Cotovatre Eluned Galpelus Kolanem Merelew Undead

Author(s): Navesi