Archdruid-

I write to you from the Koalitio world called Hanbaishi. The entire planet is an ongoing city, which is very unusual to experience!

We successfully ended the threat against the people of Bral, and my understanding is that Commander Ashine is now working on their recovery.

The crew I find myself traveling with are most unusual, and most amazing! Minaeva Rinn “Mina” of the Star Tribe is a capable warrior, and a wise companion. MAC is a creative and clever woman from a planet made entirely of discarded things. Arwik is an exiled fighter who has pledged to his Moon Goddess to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Fluke is, to the best of my understanding, an artificial person who is endlessly kind and endlessly capable of great wonders. Morti is a devotee of the Raven Queen, and a religious scholar in pursuit of knowledge about the Great Cycle. Captain Fourbeard is cold company, but intense and devoted to his honor. The rest of the crew are deeply loyal to the Captain. The Path has brought me to an unexpected and auspicious group of travelers.

As I have traveled to a number of different Koalitio worlds and walked among the people there, I have learned about some of the feelings they have about life under the Koalitio union. I have heard many who feel strongly that the Koalitio is an important unifier that brings worlds together and offers support and protection, while others feel they are oppressive and force their ideals on the member worlds. In contrast, many are afraid of the organization known as The Return (the group responsible for the attack and abduction of our people), yet many respect their position in opposition to Koalitio expansion. I find myself increasingly unsure of how to advise you, as life out here is quite different to our culture and customs. I have rarely yet seen a single tree, let alone anything that matches our home forests. I have struggled to find wild friends. The culture here seems to be about coin and stature.

In our travels, I have seen creatures beyond my imaginings! A dragon made of gemstones, whales that live in the astral sea, and some unknown creatures that seem to fish other creatures out of the very fabric of the skies. I have begun a journal of these wonderful creatures, and hope that I can also follow in a version of Belanor’s studies!

I have learned of a threat of attack from the Return here, so I hope to either remain safe or to find a way to learn more or to take a stand. In the meantime, we are heading to the Koalitio embassy here in hopes of news of our missing people and news of home. I hope this letter reaches you well. Please inform my family of the contents within at your discernment, as well as with Folas and his family.

Under the light of increasingly infinite moons,
Rusco

Post Script - I write to you from the Embassy. We have just endured an attack from The Return, and while we successfully thwarted the danger, two of them escaped. Prior to the attack, I was able to receive news of home and of our missing people. They have still not been found, and the Governor suggested that as the only known surviving members of the original party, the decision about joining the Koalitio is now in the hands of myself and Mina. I feel it is too soon to make a definitive choice, but I feel hopeful that the Koalitio will prove to be a respectful and beneficial organization.

It is my understanding that I am now able to receive letters from any Koalitio posting, so please send me news as you are able, and please let my family know that they can do the same. I am told that privacy is maintained in these correspondences. We will remain on Hanbaishi for a few days to receive an honors from the Governor of Hanbaishi and a high-ranking Mage within the Koalitio, and then I expect we will return to Bral to complete a task for an employer.