News and Rumors - Late April NR707

The following news and rumors have come to the characters' attention during their recent stay in Linden.

• World - Tense relations between the Kingdoms of Mercia and Romney have devolved into open raids and skirmishing along their borders. People fear a war.
• World - The early spring caravans have more activity from the west out of Mirraddi than is usual. Mirraddians speak Westreth as their primary tongue and are known for all sorts of intricately braided hair and beards as well as elaborate tattoos. Many consider them barbarians, but that may be an unfair generalization.
• World - Word out of the south is that the Chinderoth people are rebelling against Florian rule. The Chinderoth are nomadic tribes that roam the vast plains that extend into northwest Floria. The overlapping area of Chinderoth lands claimed to be within Florian borders is the area of contention.
• World - There is increased pirate activity out of the Oranthian Isles (off the coasts of Romney, Mercia and Alsberg).
• Shearingvale (heard) - The problem of disappearing sheep and goats has stopped.
• Shearingvale (witnessed) - Narsan of Ilaresh (Red Moon Traders) and an out of town trader came to blows in the Rusty Nail tavern.
• Shearingvale (heard) - Mack, one of Narsan's lackeys, was caught sabotaging a rival's wagons, and is serving time in Linden's jail. Narsan denies any involvement, but has paid restitution.
• Shearingvale (heard) - A band of 35-40 dwarves from the Umbral mountains (SW) passed through Linden and Olmsby on the way north to seek out fallen dwarf realms. They were heavily armed and armored and had a large pack train of mules and ponies. They were led by a dwarven elder named Turgel of the Peakdelver clan.
• Shearingvale (heard) - There is unusually frequent ogre activity in the eastern Silver Hills and even encroaching into the Vale. There is word that Rolan of Wegely, Sentinel ranger, slayed two west of Draharr just a few days ago.
• Shearingvale (heard) - A company of adventurers came to Linden looking for information on old Onorian sites. After spending a day or two in town they left heading south toward Bornil and the Greenreach Woods.