Not long ago, the calm of a spring afternoon in the Vashnars was split
by a bloodcurdling, high-pitched scream. Had others been present, they
would have seen the desperate form of Jansen, a dock worker from the
nearby port in the Thraasi Foothills, pleading for his life and that of
his wife, Marella. The two ogre knights who had surprised them from the
shadows would hear none of his pleas, however, as they hoisted the
hapless couple on their shoulders and returned them to Baron Vukub in
Dun Fortress, who ordered them thrown in the holding cell.

The diabolical baron, eager to show off his minions' might, announced to
Sapience that anyone who wished to see the prisoners again must pay the
tidy sum of ten million gold sovereigns. However, while Vukub inquired
as to Jansen's employer, adventurers were already closing in on the
Fortress. While one or two were slain by the sentries, many more,
including Nyderrasethi, Runei, Amami, Lyndee, and Jasmyne, fought their
way into the heart of the fortress. Though Vukub tried to flee the
small, invading horde, he was located and slain by Nyderrasethi Moonwolf
within his secret stairway, putting a temporary end to his criminal
plans.

With a key that fell from Vukub's dying hands, Eschilde and Rean
Moliuvia were quick to free Jansen and Marella from their cell. Though
the couple was understandably baffled by the whirlwind of activity
surrounding them, they managed to inform the crowd that they had been on
their way to Thraasi Harbour from Tasur'ke, where Marella had been
settling their affairs before preparing to move across the continent.
After they recovered from their shock, Rean graciously offered to lead
Jansen and his wife to their new home.

As adventurers assembled within the shipyard of Thraasi, Captain
Maelstrom himself appeared on the scene, escorted by Favonius
Stormcrow-Xanatov and inquiring as to the safety and well-being of
Jansen and Marella. New faces continued to join the crowd, and a few of
the prominent new residents of the harbour were introduced, including
the new harbourmaster, Nicholon, and the tavernkeeper, Malkos. All
expressed joy at the rescued couple's safe return, and in between
remarks about the area's excellent crab and carp some were heard to
worry that the ogres might once again set their sights on travelers, or
even the harbour itself...

Thraasi Harbour is now fully open to support a variety of commerce, its
stone buildings repaired and expanded and its quay shored up. Beneath
the restored facade, however, rests an ancient history, long-forgotten.
The new harbourmaster longs to know just what sights the weathered
stones of Thraasi have seen, but the wind-battered foothills have so far
kept their secrets.

Penned by My hand on the 12th of Daedalan, in the year 563 AF.