Draconic Gazette for Feb 16

Emberheart Eve: A Night of Flame and Devotion!

Love is in the air—and the skies—across Eldrathis as preparations for Emberheart Eve reach their peak! This cherished holiday, honoring the unbreakable bonds of heart and hoard, will ignite the island on the Night of the Ember Moon, when both mortal and draconic hearts burn brightest.

This year’s festivities promise excitement and enchantment across the realm:

Honeywood: The Lantern of Longing parade will wind through the village streets, culminating in the lighting of the Everflame Beacon, a symbol of enduring love.

Sanctuary: The Council of Dragons will host the legendary Flamebond Ceremony, where couples pledge their hearts beneath the eternal fire of the Pyre of Unity.

Darkwood: The Firebreather’s Tournament returns! Competitors across the isle will showcase their mastery of fire magic for the coveted Crimson Ember Medallion.

Fun Fact: Legend says that on Emberheart Eve, if you see a shooting ember fall from a dragon’s flame, making a wish will bind your heart to your true love forever.

Council Decree: Martial Innovation Unveiled!

Warriors and scholars alike are abuzz with news from Vaelora—the renowned Weapon Master Thalric Steelvein has revealed a groundbreaking new combat technique: The Dragon Grip Style.

This technique involves wielding two massive greatswords simultaneously, a feat long thought impossible. Thalric claims the method is inspired by the strength and grace of dragons in flight, combining overwhelming power with surprising agility.

"The dragon does not strike once—it strikes with wings, claws, and flame," Master Thalric explained. "So too must a warrior learn to attack with relentless force and fluid grace."

Demonstrations will be held next week in Alaryn Refuge, where Thalric will personally test his skills against the arena’s finest combatants. Rumor has it the Council of Dragons is considering adopting the style for elite guard units.

Think you've got the strength to master the Dragon Grip? Training sessions are available at the Steelvein Forgehall in Vaelora.

Merchant of Marvels: Manfred in Frosthaven!

Adventure-seekers and treasure-hunters, rejoice! The enigmatic merchant, Manfred the Magnificent, is in Frosthaven Port for the remainder of the month.

Manfred's collection of arcane oddities and legendary artifacts draws crowds wherever he travels, and this visit is no exception. Some of the most sought-after wares include:

The Pyreshard Rapier – A sword said to ignite with the wielder’s passion.

The Whispering Compass – Points not north but to what your heart desires most.

The Glacial Heart Gem – A frozen crystal that radiates cold even in dragonfire.

Manfred has also hinted at possessing a Drakebone Gauntlet—an ancient relic once wielded by a dragon knight of old. Adventurers are already clamoring to learn its secrets.

Find Manfred near the Stormsong Docks. Haggling welcome—survival after offending him is not guaranteed.

Mysteries & Murmurs: The Eldrathis Whisper

Darkaris Dilemma – Strange, glowing runes have appeared on the cliffs near Darkaris, visible only at moonrise. Scholars from The Arcane Conclave suspect draconic script, but their meaning remains elusive.

Skyward Surge – Villagers in Alaryn Refuge reported seeing a massive shadow circling the mountain peaks at dusk. A new dragon visitor… or something more sinister?

Honeywood Hive Crisis – Local apiarists rejoice as rangers finally drove off the swarm of giant hornets plaguing the Golden Grove Meadery. The Golden Hive Mead Festival has been rescheduled for next month.

Centaur Attacks on the Rise! Travelers Beware!

The Council of Dragons has issued a formal warning following a sharp increase in centaur raids along major trade routes. The normally elusive Stormhoof Herd has grown unusually aggressive in recent weeks.

Reports from merchants and travelers tell of swift, coordinated ambushes. Caravans have been ransacked, supplies stolen, and several guards wounded by poison-tipped javelins. Survivors claim the centaurs chant in a language unfamiliar even to seasoned linguists.

Travelers are advised to: Report any centaur sightings to local town guards immediately