During the early days of the Feralia or Festival of Ereal the Wanderer in 305YR, Acolyte Jaelic of the Nurturing Light held a traditional ritual in the Monlon Shrine.

Traditionally, this Festival heralds the beginning of the winter months when Ereal is distance from our land. Rituals are for its purpose to appease and honor the souls of the dead so that they won't harm those who are still living. Urns are often polished and placed upon the central Domus or house altar locations and honored by family.

This year, Acolyte Jaelic presented an ancient sample of funeral poetry with a dirge of mourning. He played solemn music on his lyre to accompany. The poem was as follows:

"Throughout this journey,
friends have travelled along with me;
they are too many to name here.
But suffice it to say that without them,
my sky would have been gray, cold, poorer;
My plate tasteless and my bucket meaningless.
I have learnt humility, and patience.
I have now keener eye for those I love,
fostered hope, resilience and so much more
from this journey.
And it is to the amazing people
who have been part of my life
that I owe enormous gratitude.
I look behind at the path travelled
and look ahead,
only to realize that I have merely
walked the first step.”

Those attending are reminded that at this terrible time, they are our guardians and heroes at this time. Our times are dark. However, those defending Monlon at this time encourage the distraught and are the light of our Republic.

**

Residents of the Republic of Iridine:

Please be reminded of the following laws as to the legality of covers. Within the Republic, both inside and outside of the city of Iridine:

1. Hoods and masks are illegal, and cannot be used or possessed. These items are considered contraband, and will be seized and destroyed.
2. Faceplated helmets may be used as armor that cover the wearer's face, in the midst of combat, only. Other uses of faceplated helmets, in such a way that covers the wearer's face, violate cover laws.

These laws are straightforward and longstanding. However, should questions arise, seek guidance from law enforcement from the appropriate jurisdiction.

EAGLE CENTURY, LEGIO I

**

Allinius 18, 298

Our weekly outing was a wild success. Though the travel time to and from the Front was abysmal, at least it was uneventful. I really wish the republic would work on some faster systems for travelling. Maybe commission some private vessels to hurriedly move people between the Harbor and the Front. Perhaps build a Penteconter or a Hemoilia which could be commissioned for speedier travel, and have those wishing to go purchase tickets in order to pay for it. If only I had more capital and my father’s business could spare one of their scout ships, I would be rich in just a few months time. But I digress…

A large group went to Franlius, and for almost half of the group it was their first weekly hunt! I am glad the news is spreading and more folks are giving our outings a chance. I was fearful the horror that was the Rock Valley Dumps would turn people off to our adventures. Kenderaela, Thoras, Adeodatus and Naile were all first time attendees! Though sadly, Naile was left city side when the boat docked and then left, and they never seemed to get to Franlius to catch up to us. Stagtus, Bethanie, Khaitoun, and myself were also there. Oddr met us in Franlius and the healer Sethria even joined the group for a small bit part way through the fighting. Luckily, we were good enough to guard her and she sustained no injuries during the fights.

The stream of Cinerans was constant, though at no time did it ever appear too much to handle. To be fair, Oddr gave each Cineran about 4-5 chances to attack before he sent them to meet their maker. Having someone capable downing even the heaviest of troopers quickly ensured the rest of the group could focus on guarding each other while taking advantage of sweeps and stuns. The ranged fighters did well to remain disengaged, while Thoras, Oddr, Stagtus and myself quickly engaged any new arrival. The division of fighting tasks kept us efficient and most importantly, safe.

When the dust cleared, we had downed 98 cinerans in just about 2 candles. Renovatur at one point donated some loot, though I am not sure exactly what, to the group. I do know when we sold, we had a total of about 18 talents, much more than we should have for the 98 troops armor and weapons that we grabbed. The new arrivals made a good portion of coin for their efforts, so hopefully all can spend it towards things they need. And most donated their share of armbands, so whenever we finally have a games night, we have a sack of 223 armbands for some lucky person to win.

All in all, it was a wonderful outing. Franlius seems to generate a lot of interest, and is close enough to a baths and healing wards to be a relatively safe and profitable hunting area. The only trouble, is that war is never predictable….and once one begins to take known information for granted, is when the enemy quickly shows you the error of that line of thinking, usually thorough blood and death.

Jemros 28th, 298

Our excursion began wonderfully! I am not sure if we have had a larger group for any of the other hunts. The party consisted of Stagtus, Ikirax, Bethanie, Drayke, Zerge, Oddr, Naemoria, Tulca, Tison, Amarieux, Dummae, Baccas, and myself, in so far as I can remember.

The wagon ride and walk down to the dumps was calm. I remember the road being a bit bumpier. Perhaps it was the good company and conversation that made it a more enjoyable ride. This, sadly, was an antithetical foretelling of what was to come.

Arriving at the dumps, I tried to coordinate our large group into smaller groups, so that we could branch out and explore when we were done our initial examination of the area. 2steps into the dumps area and we would be stonewalled.

8 critters, consisting of a wolverine, some rats, roaches, and a hound halted our progress. Just as we were about to vanquish the enemies, another group enter the fray. For a candle and a half, this went on non-stop, never a break in enemies swarming into the area to combat us. The wolverines proved both elusive and deadly, slipping past many guards and attacking those who were less skilled. Sadly, 2 people were knocked out on this trip. A first for my hunting and exploration parties. The weight on my heart at this has not yet subsided, even days later.

Easily, 300 hundred or more creatures were killed, and we never advanced beyond 2 paces into the dumps. We even took turns grouping corpses to drag to the exit, so others could skin them when they got tired. Even outside the dumps it was not safe, for the Barbarians began making their presence known with arrow attacks. It seemed the evening was steeped in blood, one way or another. And Rock Valley wanted violence this night, however it could be manifested.

We finished up out skinning of the creatures and took them to town to be sold. A candle and a half of constant combat, easily 6 to 8 people fighting at any given time, and our total haul was only 4 talents. Most parties agreed to waive their share of the loot to be given to the 2 newest arrivals to the city.

This trip uncovered nothing in the way of History of the area, nor did it produce any secrets or interesting tales. It was too deadly for the newest among us, even with skilled guards. For now, the Dumps will keep their hidden secrets and treasure. Maybe someday I will return to try and uncover more, but that day will not be for some time.

Jemros 23rd, year 298

Today, Stagtus and I decided to visit Seld. We heard there were bandit traps along the way, so we took a wagon and decided to try and make some money while we walked. Sadly, we did not encounter any traps. It appears someone, an archer maybe, had beat us to the road and had cleared the way for travelers.

However, we almost did not make it. The road was littered with trash from fights and I was beginning to feel a bit peckish. I saw a food ration and inspected it. It seemed to be in good order, and I know the ones sold by Sesquiculus never go bad. Clearly, these were not the same food rations. Had I only examined it, I would have seen how awful it would be for me.

After eating the ration, I felt my stomach rumble. Within moments, I was projectile vomiting all over the road. It was so bad and so furious, that I was immobilized while heaving. Each step brought another round of vomit, and I felt my body slowly give way.

Aching, pained, and quickly tiring, I felt as if I was slowly succumbing to death. Stagtus ran ahead to Vetallun to try and secure my something to settle my violently discharging stomach. I laid down on the ground, praying no bandit happened upon me in this disastrous and immobile state. What felt like 3 eternities passed before I heard the footsteps approaching. As I looked up, Stagtus ran right past me. I gathered all my strength and yelled, quickly he made his way back to me.

He had procured me a vial of Stomach Settler and some herbed boar. I hurriedly drank the vial contents and ate as much boar as I could force down, to halt my quickly vanishing vitality. It appeared to have worked, and I gingerly regained my footing before heading back to Vetallun for a long soak in the baths.

I have learned a new lesson this day. Never eat food one finds on the road, no matter how much it looks like food you have seen before. This lesson will accompany the other unforgettable lesson, never drink ancient vials of liquid given to you by Kered.

- Jageris Aurilius