The First Land Herald/435-01-39

Article Number: 40

Dateline: 435-01-39

BARGE HEIST HITS NORTHERN PRIDE The First Land Herald recently received an anonymous tip regarding a heist in Therengia, upon the barge the Northern Pride. Certain passengers reportedly donned masks, revealed that they were armored as well as armed with weapons, and proceeded to rob the other passengers and the casino. Among the missing funds were casino, jackpot, and charity monies. This all took place while the barge was in motion, and as frightened passengers came running out of the casino yelling it had been robbed, all suspects quietly escaped into the woods. The note also specified that the Theren Guard was warned about this event. Of course, after hearing all of this, I felt compelled to visit the province to see if I could confirm anything for the Herald. After several rides on the Northern Pride without seeing any signs of trouble, I reached out to the Theren Guard to find out if they had more information. Rairken met me at the Half Pint's Saloon and shared that an Empath named Beniago of Zoluren was the first to report the trouble brewing. Beniago had been inside the Crossing Alchemy Society when he overheard some cloaked figures discussing plans for criminal activity up north. They noticed him listening and made a grab for him. He managed to escape to Theren and notified the Guard of what he had heard immediately. According to Rairken, not long after Beniago's reports, the Northern Pride was held up and robbed. He said, "No one was harmed, and everyone followed directions. With exception of the wheelman, who had a small scratch across his neck from being held with a knife." I asked if he could set up a meeting between Beniago and myself. Beniago agreed to meet, but only under the protection of the Theren Guard. We linked up at the Lion's Den, under the protection of Dame Felicini, where a nervous Beniago elaborated on Rairken's story for us. Beniago had been staying at the Theren Inn, asking questions of those drunk enough not to remember him in an effort to obtain more information and protect his identity. He wasn't sure the cloaked figures had followed him all the way to this new city, but he felt an uncomfortable presence, as if he were being watched. Beniago spoke of whispers from fellow travelers staying at the inn. He heard about a large group that had appeared from a dark alley in Riverhaven, filthy all over, especially their hands, right before the hit on the barge. I must stress that, in the absence of first-hand witnesses, this is all hearsay. The Guard has actively been patrolling the barges ever since, and Dame Felicini, a Paladin, has offered Beniago additional security if needed. After speaking with Beniago, we escorted him to the safety of an undisclosed location, where he will remain until further notice, or when the culprits are apprehended. If anyone has any new information on these suspicious activities or people, we ask that you please report it to the Theren Guard or the First Land Herald. Sincerely, Shaylynne Kendialahle Assistant Reporter of the First Land Herald

Real Date: Unknown Date

Subject(s): Alchemy Society (Crossing) Crossing Half Pint Inn Northern Pride Riverhaven Therengia Theren Guard Zoluren

Author(s): Shaylynne