An Ominous Sorrow

Seventy Third Hiqba Following the Revelations of Occulem, Third Mahj

Spread in hushed rumour across the twin seas

Over several recent weeks, association and contact with inhabitants from the Ibesh Sultanate have proven increasingly worrying and unusual. The typically unwavering stoicism or outright joy of their people has diminished drastically, to the extent of casting their most prized cultural taboo to the forefront of daily life - intense melancholy and despair spreading throughout the marshes. Any passing by trader would be presently turned away, witnessing from afar only crowds of Ibeshi sobbing together.

The cause of this extreme distress remains a mystery to foreigners, though what remains true amidst various speculation is that the nation has entirely withdrawn from any diplomatic engagements for the time being. Even mercantile has suffered exponentially from this strange break in contact. Vessels bearing the mark of the Sultan have set sail back for Sulhufaa, many ships throwing down anchor outside of the harbour due to the capacity of the coastal bastion being exceeded. Emirs from throughout the swamp have ridden out from their seats of influence for a surely significant proceeding of domestic importance.

No matter what has happened, the north grieves for a loss that cannot be expressed currently.

Paratis Weeps