The Oasis - Edition 8 - Mirtul 1388

                      THE OASIS
     Mirtul, 1388 DR   -   Edition 8
     Sibayad News   -   Sibayad

HEADLINE: New People, New Faces

Not surprising to our little slice of the desert, new traders and merchants come from all over the seas to partake in our markets and services. While we so enjoy our visitors, those who decide to remain here and make names for themselves are even more of a delight under the sun.

Abeni, a relatively new name, has struck a cord it seems with the Vizier and stepped up to take the place of Steward after Thendry's sudden departure. Already having been performing the work to cover for the former Steward, Abeni is a welcome sight and lets hope a boon to the town!

Others have come with, names like Angelina, Ullurk, Malviroth, Baz, and many more. Some have taken up the mantle to be our merchant guards, the Arbiters. Others are spreading their influence and stepping in where they can. Never think we can not see you. A welcome to all!

Travel Advisory! The North Calls for Blood

While there is often little desire to take focus away from our merchanting sands, it would not do if we did not inform of the terrors of the northern isles. It seems the Fortress City has taken issues with Andunor, more specifically the Sharps District, and conflict has spilled forth. Raids are ongoing both ways, The Black Maul of the Sharps declaring the price of blood for the acts of Guldorand's Garrison in their city.

Its advised to avoid these cities during this conflict, and a reminder that visitors to Sibayad should come to spend gold, not shed blood!

Birds Taking Flight?

An often overlooked aspect of our Desert Jewel is the feathered Kenku who roam the market and burst people's eardrums. One of them by the name of Bell is even part of the council as Mistress of Coin! Yet it is unknown what so many of them do, what they plan and partake in.

A keen eye may have noticed that their little flock held quite a number of rooms and homes here in Sibayad, yet in recent tendays they've packed up and moved on. In an attempt to get comment on their murder's plans, we were cut off by a display of rampant avian noises which destroyed any attempt at proper conversation.

Whatever they are up to, they are keeping their beaks shut. Or drowning out any answer, take your pick.

Culinary: Marblings of Murrl!

Sweeping the markets from Chessenta and The Reach, Murrl is being baked with gusto from chefs and bakers to meet demand! This nut-based dessert is a sweet treat packed full of nuts, berries, and sesame. Long lasting, a perfect addition to any adventurer wanting to explore the dunes with the best tastes in their pocket.

For those not from Chessenta or The Reach, or those simply uninformed, Murrl sometimes has regional names with slight differences, such as Calimshan's Mraed, Anauroch's Vauv, or Unther and Mulhorand's Tal. Get a cook book and try all the different recipes, get your desert desserts baking!

Spotlight: Gold!

Sibayad wasn't picked at random to settle down their tents, disregarding the long history of former empires. One of the key prizes for the Merchant League was the abundance of Gold buried under the sandstone cliffs across the stone ridges. Near The Drunken Dead Saloon, Sibayad's old gold mine still remains open to the public, but these days its only adventurers going in, not miners.

Korreds, earth fey, and Zuka Ants have taken over the tunnels and laid claim to the remaining gold. The Merchant League has long drained most of the mine of its gold, however some veins remain for the prospecting adventurer who dares delve against the ant and fey.

Interestingly, the mines holds the remnants of what happens when someone attempts to construct a temple. No clues remain who this church was to other than some rather fiendish looking statues.

For the adventurer and researchers, Zuka ants often fight for territory with ankhegs, and have the unusual quality to imbibe arcane energy from nearby magical wells. They use this for boons in the way of phasing and regenerative properties, and who knows what else!

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        Day 17, Month 5 (Mirtul), 188 AR (1388 DR)
        ''The Oasis''