**TITLE: From the Helm: June's Seafaring Updates**

**HOOK: Straight from the Frestagon Signal folks. Trust it as far as you can throw it.**

**CROWN ACTIVITY:** The HMS Relentless was clocked at 24°N, heading east-northeast. She's got two frigates tagging along, but their names are anyone's guess. Likely they're sweeping the Amber Coast trade lane. If you're piloting cargo in those waters, better steer south until the coast's clear. We sail smart or we don't sail at all.

**FACTION MOVEMENTS:** Captain de la Cruz and his Corsair Collective are steering three ships toward the eastern islands. They claim it's for "exploratory trade," but anyone with a nose can smell they're after arms. Over at Jade Harbor, our ears tell us the Dutch trading post has been hawking more gunpowder than usual. Keep your bearings sharp and your powder dry.

**MERCHANT TRAFFIC:** Fourteen merchant ships rolled in at Port Vanguard this month, a drop from the twenty-one in May. The Crown's tightening the noose, plain and simple. Sugar's up by 40%. If you're in the smuggling game, now's your cue. No sense dressing it up.

**WEATHER ADVISORY:** There's a monsoon brewing in the southeast, with barometers pointing to a landfall in three weeks. Ships anchored at Brine Harbor better check their hulls and secure their spots. Storm moorings are set at Sections 8 through 12. Batten down or stay ashore.

**PERSONNEL NOTE:** The crew of the Phantom Bride are buzzing about their ship's cat popping out seven kittens. Good omen, they say. The quartermaster sees a headache. Either way, watch where you step. Plain as day, that’s the way of it.