The Haven Chronicles: Year 4

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GM-Mike
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The Haven Chronicles: Year 4

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(GM NOTE: The Haven Chronicles is a periodic publication which originated during the first year following the Red Tear's Decimation. The following are excerpts from that publication)

New Schools of Magic debated at Brandybrook Academy
By Josiah Mason, 2nd Scribe – The Chronicles of Haven

Scholars at Brandybrook Academy recently debated with a variety of magic users from across the realm in a series of discussions exploring the nature of magic.

One of the more controversial topics concerned the nature and practice of “essence magic”, with many of the scholars present having differing ideas about the subject. At one point during the proceedings, several of the scholars retreated to the inner rooms of the library for a demonstration and returned a short while later in an excited state. Scholars continued to argue about the differences between “old” and “new” essence magic well into the night.

Several of the scholars were asked about recent rumors that a magic school has been founded on the outskirts of the kingdom, but none would confirm that any such school existed.

Knights of the Green Bloom.
By Carmac Winterwater, Senior Scribe –The Chronicles of Haven
Queen Fionna has recently dedicated a garden on the outskirts of Redemption to the Knights of the Green, an order originating from Gateway dedicated as much to protecting plants as people. The garden has at its center one of the newly planted Lifetrees, and some members of the order have moved to Haven to see to its tending.

Words from the Wild
Diseased Garagons stump wildlife expert
Linnet Summers, 2nd Scribe - The Chronicles of Haven

A sort of unspoken record was shattered recently when Garagons began to attack outlying settlements on the frontier. Garagons, for those who are not aware are 13ft tall bipedal carnivorous reptiles. They have 4 muscular arms, strong legs and stubby tails. Normally they keep their distance from villages and people in general unless provoked. But in recent months Garagons have begun to make unpredictable and devastating attacks on towns near their territory. And most worrying of all, they appear to be afflicted with some form of disease.

Renowned wildlife expert Snarl Strongjaw has been trying to determine the cause of the disease that, according to him, is driving the Garagons into a sort of hunger-induced frenzy. The attacks have claimed the lives of several individuals. Snarl had this to say on the matter.

"I've neva seen anything like it in all mah time out 'ere. Usually us reptiles don't have problems o' this sort, what with being cold in the blood. But these Garagons, they've caught somethin' fierce."


Snarl stated that all Garagons should be avoided if sighted. Signs of the disease appear as red welts breaking through the otherwise dull tan scales of the creatures, and a constant rabid look with foaming at the mouth. To date the disease does not appear to be contagious. If you see any creatures matching this description word is requested to be sent to the Chronicle.

Fishing Village rebuilt after catastrophic fire
By Josiah Mason, 2nd Scribe – The Chronicles of Haven

Residents of the Fishing Village gathered for the opening of their new Town Hall, coming together just three months after the devastating fire that essentially leveled their village.

Fishing Village resident Magan Netweaver spoke during the opening, calling on her neighbors to remember all they had endured.

“We didn’t let the cataclysm stop us, or the undead hordes, or the undead kracken, or the Great Puffer Snail Swarm of HR 20. We rebuilt after the sky rocks fell, after the worm-men ate our homes and after the Sand Beatles reduced our village to nothing but soupy bug vomit. When the hate elementals raped our ships, we fixed them. When the fog sprites stole our children we stood strong until the heroes of Haven rescued them. Nothing, not the face-eating vampire squids, nor the surprisingly angry turtles, nor the sentient, acid-breathing pubic lice could drive us from our home. If we can survive the three-dicked flying wombats, we can survive a little fire, can’t we?”

The crowd cheered and enjoyed some refreshments before being scattered by the sudden appearance of several hairy, knife-wielding ape monsters.

A Second Mysterious Riddle!
By Liar Luris, scribe - The Chronicles of Haven
On the anniversary of the appearance of the mysterious Tears of Gold riddle, many fortunes have been spent and lost. Some say it is a fool's errand, while others still maintain that a huge fortune is almost theirs. What is certain is that this tantalizing puzzle still drives folks young and old to seek the treasure regardless of the time or cost.

Treasure seekers were rewarded with another piece of the puzzle when, once again, worn parchments appeared in every settlement with no hint of who might have left them.

Kissed by wind and stormborn fire,
Lost within the Roseguard's Ire,
The gift to Winter's Hand Unmade,
Unlocked the Poisonthorne palisade.

The stars will line the Hunter's shot,
And point to the Tears that Time forgot.
A promise kept so long unknown.
And the Lost again will find their Home.

No one knows for sure what these additional lines, currently dubbed the Lost Addendum, might mean. Clearly scholars and treasure seekers alike have their work cut out for them. What is certain is that this mystery is far from solved and the addition of this new information will spur even more to take up the cause of finding the Tears of Gold treasure.

Featured Focus - Gargoyles
By Ieram Allshead, Foreign Correspondent - The Chronicles of Haven
They came in the fading light of the dusk, what can only be assumed the bulk of their clan, if that is the word that they use. There was great diversity in their sizes and shapes, the smallest being no more than three feet tall, the largest reaching at least eight. They walked out of the woods that surround Haven, silent all.

One stepped forward, his bearing and size identifying him as their chief.

“I am Tsurand, Rhal Vockorm of the Terurn Den. For long enough have our people existed as nothing more than monsters to you people. No longer.”

Long was the counsel between Tsurand and the leadership of the Vanguard Alliance as they were called for a meeting to introduce themselves. They spoke eloquent common, something they had learned; Tsurand, from who we may call ‘High Chieftain’ Onyx. He had taught them they were not monsters, but had just as much right as anyone else to stand as a free and recognized people.

So begins the first tentative steps toward relations with a people whom most have learned to fear. Not all, it seems, agree with Tsurand's decision to bring their people forward and there is much conflict, he relates. Still, it is an impressive step and one that most look at with positive anticipation.

A Boy’s Life
By Zee Zee Manderlay, Special Correspondent, The Haven Chronicles
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Illund, that adorable young boy who was featured so prominently at the Wedding of the Century, first reported here at the Chronicle. He has grown into a very polite young man with fierce loyalty to friends and a strong desire for exploration.

“I hope I get the opportunity to explore the world,” he told me.

To that end, he is often seen talking to Marcus, trying to learn everything he needs to learn to be the man he so desperately wants to be, perhaps a few years earlier than he should. It’s a trend I’m seeing more and more, that despite relative peace, the younger generation is feeling antsy, bored even, wanting to grow up before any of us are ready to let them go. I wish I could get them to understand that there’s plenty of time to grow old; it’s okay to be a kid, to play.

There are so many of us adults who wish we could do the same.

Vanguard Circle assigns ownership of the Wildlands to the Kingdom of Haven
By Josiah Mason, 2nd Scribe – The Chronicles of Haven

In an unexpected announcement, the leaders of the Vanguard Circle declared that the entirety of the region known as the Wildlands would henceforth be the sole property of the Kingdom of Haven.
The Wildlands, now known as the Wildlands of Haven, add a considerable expanse of territory to our growing kingdom. The total area now possessed and administered by Haven has nearly doubled in the past three years and has more than tripled since King Korrigan and Queen Fionna ascended to the throne.

King Korrigan, in a statement made shortly after the Vanguard Circle’s announcement, declared that the Crown would be offering incentives for Havenites willing to settle in the Wildlands over the next several years. Queen Fionna added that the people of the Wildlands were immediately eligible for all Crown programs and encouraged peaceful cooperation in the days to come.

Funnies (answers at end of publication)
1. Why do milking stools only have three legs?
2. Which side of the cheetah has the most spots?
3. What kind of horses go out after dark?
4. What do you call a man with no arms and no legs playing in the leaves?
5. Why was the sand wet?

Howling Fang Tribe accepts post in Killeshandra
By Josiah Mason, 2nd Scribe – The Chronicles of Haven

King Vaal of Killeshandra and Chief Rothek of the Howling Fang made it known that the Howling Fang Tribe would begin serving as guards for the Portal outside Killeshandra this moon.

The Howling Fang, longtime allies of both Haven and Killeshandra, have accepted this role in cooperation with both countries. King Vaal described it as a "mutually beneficial" arrangement for all parties. Chief Rothek stated that the brave warriors of the Howling Fang would serve with "honor, power and pride".

Ga’Vin Raid At Crooked Tree
By Carmac Winterwater, Senior Scribe –The Chronicles of Haven
Ga’vin attacked Crooked Tree, a small hamlet near the Wildlands, two days ago, but were run off by a group of Cavaliers. The Cavaliers were tipped off by a hermit who stumbled upon the tribe’s activity. The Ga’Vin have been seen on the borders of Haven in increasing numbers, say the Cavaliers, claiming a good chunk of that land beyond for themselves. “We just have to stay vigilant.”

Urban Legends of Storms Elves Resurface
By Idyyrilah Enthrada, Foreign Correspondant - The Chronicles of Haven
Reports of strange ships to the far south have begin coming in as naval traffic in the region has increased. It has always been reported by the sailors of the Corsair Isles that to sail the far southern waters is to court death. Those who travel too close to what some describe as the Sea of Mist, are never heard from again. Legends of the regions tell tales of ultra fast ships that ride the storms manned by white skinned elves with cold eyes.

Some of the Havanites seem to have an answer, saying that they have a name for this sailor's doom: Storm Elves. Some even claim to have met one.

When asked about the people, the elven folk declined comment, saying that such a people were nothing more than stories. The Corsair, however, disagree.

“Came right outta nowhere, that storm did, fit to break us apart. Swells taller than the high mast everywhere. And then, riding the waves like they were nothin', came those black ships with their white sails, small, but with hulls like an arrowhead and lined in some kinda metal. Watched the damned thing ride the wave atop our sister ship and cut 'er in half. Oh they're real alright. Stay outta those gray waters. If the sun don't shine there, you're in their seas... and you're not like to sail back out if they spot ya.”

Whether these tales of black ships and Storm Elves are true or nothing more than old sailor's legends, this fact remains: Black ships with white sails have been spotted in the far southern seas, seas which have, indeed, claimed more than their fair share of ships and sailors alike.

Whiskey Crossings
By Ieram Allshead, Foreign Correspondent - The Chronicles of Haven
It has been two years since the incident at Springhurst; that fateful festival that destroyed the town. Thankfully, King Galen saw fit to help the town rebuild and the town looks fabulous!

Rechristened ‘Whiskey Crossings’, the town plans to begin the annual festival anew next year. Better planning and a single weeklong festival should prevent the fires that ravaged the buildings, helped along by plentiful soakings in all manners of alcohol.

Geldan Kel’elma, the coordinator who lost his home and business at the original festival, is excited to begin again. “ A week of games, drinking, songs, drinking, stories and more drinking. Canna wait!” On the last day of the festival, all of the alcohol in the town is free as the month following is mandated by law to be a dry month. Any unfinished alcohol is required to be poured into the river that runs through the center of the town. So stay all week, and help finish the lot!

Construction of Border Fortresses completed ahead of schedule.
By Josiah Mason, 2nd Scribe – The Chronicles of Haven

The Crown provided the Haven Chronicle with a notice declaring that the final border fortress will be finished within the month. The completion of the last of Haven’s border fortresses marks the end of a four-year effort to stabilize Haven’s frontier.

Located along Haven’s official borders, this string of fortresses was scheduled for a 10 year construction period but appears to have enjoyed many of the same advantages that allowed for the expedient completion of Blackwatch two years ago. Similar fortresses were constructed by Dawnvale and will form a solid line of defense for the two countries.

Crown representatives were asked whether any plans were being made to extend the string of border fortresses to the recently-acquired Wildlands of Haven, to which they answered that no such plans had been made as of yet.

The Silent War Kindles Friendship
By Ki'tal Lor'sith, Foreign Correspondent - The Chronicles of Haven
Said the High Oracle of Time upon the conclusion of talks with the elves of Sylv'An'dar, “The Circle is Dead. Long live the Circle. The time to look back at the old tapestry is done. It is time now to build a new tapestry.”

To that end, the Circle met with King Anwyr of the Elves and, as a gift to the Valkin'vi to encourage their unique and independent identity, the elves have granted the Valkin'vi a parcel of independent land to call their own. For the first time in history, the Harlequin people will have a homeland to call their own.

“We will call this new home 'Va'tala', which means New Beginning in the language of our origins. It is an homage to that past, but a message as well. It is time for the Valkin'vi to start looking forward, not always back. Our failings have always been in defining ourselves by a people and land that is little more than a memory of a dream. Now is the time to decide for ourselves who we shall be. We will take the best of our traditions and cast off those that have held us back.”

Not everyone is comfortable with this dramatic shift from ways the Valkin'vi have always known. This has many both excited and uncertain. Such a dramatic break from the past goes against thousands of years of culture. What lies ahead for this people, perhaps even their Seers do not know.

Lifetrees functioning at full capacity, Glowstones installed in Redemption
By Josiah Mason, 2nd Scribe – The Chronicles of Haven

Minister of the Interior Nellie Duncan issued a report today stating that all of Haven’s Lifetrees have reached maturity and are functioning as intended. The Lifetrees, one of many products of Haven’s continuing relationship with Emissary Alinar and the Kingdom of Sylvan’dar, are now filtering and providing significantly more fresh water than Haven requires, according to Minister Duncan.

Emissary Alinar joined Minister Duncan to explain the incandescent bricks that many residents of Redemption noticed over the past several days. Known as “Glowstones”, these bricks emit a soft light throughout the night that allows for safe travel throughout the city. Residents of Redemption who are bothered by the new Glowstones may see Finance Minister Francis for a voucher that can be redeemed for cloth window coverings.

Dawnvale Celebrates!
By Ki'tal Lor'sith, Foreign Correspondent - The Chronicles of Haven
A great feast was held in the independent Commonwealth of Dawnvale yesterday as the people there celebrated the anniversary Dawnvale's entry into the Vanguard Alliance. The Lady Orien signed the Vanguard Treaty with the other Alliance members four years ago to much celebration.

Captain Vagard, Commander of Dawnvale's Dragonguard gave us a moment of his time to comment on the historic event.

“Our Templars are as ready today as they were then to help safeguard peace and healing wherever we might be needed. The Lady has always stood as an ally of Haven and anyone who protects the common folk. We remain excited to be given this opportunity to share our warrior healer ethos with others in the hopes that all lands can enjoy the equality, peace, and prosperity that we have worked so hard to achieve here.”

Rumors
Forest fires in the distance? A fire bug on the loose? Arson?!?

Officials deny these outrageous claims and say that the smoke and fires that have recently popped up are nothing more than the seasonal try timbers catching during the early spring storms. This natural occurrence seems to have them convinced that there is nothing at all to be concerned about, though locals are less convinced.

"I think it's arson," said one worried farmer. "Seems to me they're too deliberate to be natural. I mean, it's not like it's the deep woods that are alight. S' the fields!"

Unless solid evidence is presented, officials are likely to continue to believe the fires are nothing more than natural.

Rumors
Fleet of Old's Ensign identified, flying secondary colors
By Arvellon Talmin, "Eyes and Ears" - The Chronicles of Haven

The old eyes have finally confirmed the name of the Silverthorne Fleet sighted off Haven's waters. Flying upon the Ensign are wings of white, identifying them as the "Seraphim." Thus they will be mentioned further as the Seraphim Fleet. The mind does not remember one such as this from the days of old, simply the meaning of the symbol.

Earlier a second set of colors were added to the Seraphim Fleet. The colors belong to the Commonwealth of Dawnvale, and word has reached the ears of much movement in the name of the independent kingdom. Supplies and militia have been seen utilizing Seraphim Fleet's size to their advantage, traveling swiftly across it's coastal cities. Dawnvale Paladins appear to be stationed at all times aboard each vessel, bolstering the Fleet's melee capabilities greatly.

One of the frigates appears to have departed from the fleet, and the eyes have sighted it numerous times speeding up and down the coast. Perhaps on a mission of it's own. To date it is yet to engage an enemy in single combat, but the mind knows who would come out the victor.

Personal Ads
House Toevass seeking adventurers for long quest
Posted by Nicodemus, 6th Tome of House Toevass

House Toevass looking for able crew of adventurers. Long expedition to find answers to questions regarding the shape of the world!! Duration of trip unknown, but excellent pay, and all who join will be forever written as those who answered the great question!

Contact Nicodemus via any House Toevass member if interested!

The Pick a Peck of Pickles Club is meeting tomorrow night at the second cucumber field from the far end, or field 9 of the Baker Farm at twenty minutes past the eighth hour. Children welcome.

Retraction
In a previous issue, we grievously reported the passing of Haven’s beloved Sir Bartholomew. It appears now that he was in what can only be called a deep hibernation. By the grace of those closest to him, he was never buried, as they insistently and incessantly kept repeating the same three words, “Wait for it.” Although initially called insane, they were eventually vindicated, when, seemingly months later Sir Bart awoke with a chipper “Happy Birthday!” It was not believed to actually be his birthday, but there was a celebration nonetheless.

Funnies answers
1. Because the cow’s got the udder
2. The outside
3. Nightmares
4. Russell
5. Because the sea weed
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