By Ida

As many of you already know, the White Raccoon has been freed.

Not long after the Blessing, the White Raccoon was trapped inside the metal form we all knew as the Guardian. Recently, this was discovered by a couple animals, including Ramal of the Gated Place and the author of this article. As knowledge of this fact spread, the White Raccoon was able to break free from their prison.

Of course, for the worshippers of the Guardian, this has left more questions than answers. Rust, a key figure in the Gated Place, expressed uncertainty for the future of this isolated community, who have now opened to animals wishing to visit the White Raccoon.

The arrival of the White Raccoon provides hope against the desolation of the present hard Winter. The White Raccoon has promised to help against the dangers posed by Winter and It That Hungers, as have several other spirits. But keeping ourselves safe is going to take all of us, and as such if you wish to help against this threat, please do.

To the surprise of all, the famously reclusive Gated Place has opened its walls to outsiders following the reveal of the White Raccoon’s release. A party was held there this past month, organised by the inhabitants with particular help from the jerboa, Ramal Bayda, in which the inhabitants mingled with the outside world freely for the first time in living memory.

According to those who attended, the event was a surprising success, and much fun was had by all. When asked to comment, Rust, the de-facto leader, expressed a desire to change the Gated Place’s reputation, and to open it up on a more permanent basis.

An update, by Ida

A coalition of Spirits and animals has seemingly managed to push Winter into backing down! Spring is hopefully on the way again!

A plan is also underway to de-escalate the conflict with It That Hungers, though the resolution here is far from certain, and it may be that we still need to surrender a Concept to return It to Its slumber.

This author would like to extend deep thanks to everyone who took part in these events. For the first time in a long time, hope is on the horizon.

Many of the Empress’ non-feathered followers, and some Shore animals who were staying with her for community’s sake, migrated temporarily to the vacant homes in the Squirrel Nation recently. These insulated houses should shield those who are less resistant to the cold from the worst of the rest of Winter.

The Empress extends her personal thanks to Hyssop for organising this, and to the Squirrel King for allowing it.

A further update, by Ida, who wishes she had waited a little longer before publishing

After the heroic efforts of many animals, It That Hungers was calmed recently, and its expansion has ceased, though not reversed. It has invited the animals to send five animals to the Shore to speak to It soon. Only time will tell if these efforts will bear any fruit.

[OC: this shall take place at 8pm session 6. You may decide between yourselves who attends.]