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The Haven Chronicles: Year 2

Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2014 6:12 pm
by GM-Mike
(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)

Navy, Privateer Fleet conduct joint raid. 
By Josiah Mason, 2nd Scribe – The Chronicles of Haven

Forces from the Royal Navy partnered with independent ships to raid and disburse a bandit camp west of the Fishing Village last moon. The joint raid was planned by Captain Zandron of the Royal Navy and Captain Gin Steel of the vessel “Glorious Purpose”. 

Reports of the battle tell of a simultaneous attack on the bandit camp on both land and sea. Royal Naval vessels under Captain Zandron engaged the bandit ships along the coast from the west, prompting the bandit vessels to flee towards deeper water where both the Glorious Purpose and her sister ship “Renewed Valor” were waiting. Cannon fire sent two of the three bandit vessels to the depths while Captain Ark led a boarding action on the remaining ship, capturing it and all hands aboard. 

Meanwhile, Haven Marines under Commander Mahto stormed the bandit campground. 25 bandits were killed as a result of the engagement, with another 18 being captured. While some injuries were reported, none of the Royal Marines lost their lives during the attack. Commander Mahto praised his troops and credited the defensive training they received from Lord Kaylen Chargeender and the Royal Cavaliers. 

Axebeak Ranch the New Amusement Park?
By Carmac Winterwater, Senior Scribe –The Chronicles of Haven
Two kids broke into the famous Axebeak Ranch last night. They were discovered when a loud crashing noise, followed by some squawking, woke the head rancher. Apparently, the kids (8 and 10) were riding the large, horse sized birds, waving wooden swords and sporting “armor” made from old sweaters to play, quote: “the greatest game of chicken, ever!” Four axebeaks received slight head injuries, but the ranchers suggest they’ll recover, given time.

Welcome to Dawnvale - Formerly known as Woodhaven
By Ki'tal Lor'sith, Foreign Correspondent - The Chronicles of Haven
Cartographers will be hard at work editing their maps as the small and insular folk of Woodhaven have a new name! Lady Orien and the community Councilors announced today that they will be renaming the independent kingdom, nestled between Woodhold and Haven, the Commonwealth of Dawnvale. The capital city will be aptly named Dragon's Reach, and their newly founded military academy for Paladins The Thynedar Military Academy of the Light. Celebrations are planned for the historically isolationist community, their well known communal spirit in full swing as the small towns band together for a huge fair once the snows melt. The community outreach programs have announced that they have had a great deal of success re-homing many of the children who had been orphaned during the War of Elven Aggression, and a resurgence in the arts has the artisans of the small community garnering a certain amount of demand in the fine crafts centers of those with the coin to afford it.

Killshandra Relighting the Dwarven Forges
By Ieram Allshead, Foreign Correspondent - The Chronicles of Haven
Deep within the heart of Killshandra lay the ruins of the Dwarven homelands. At the center of the decrepit city rests a burned out husk of a forge. But no longer! The peoples of Killshandra have toiled for years to resurrect the forge and finally succeeded. When it was known that the forge would be relit, Dwarves from all across the lands gathered to watch the simple yet powerful ceremony.

At the lighting, King Vaal whispered words lost forever into the forge after which a spark was seen within. Growing until the heat could be felt to the back of the chamber, his voice carried clearly. “Embers no longer, ever will these fires burn with a fervor known only to our people. As we forge within her belly may she heat our passions, strengthen our spirit and harden our resolve. We. Are. One!” And with the last word, King Vaal raised his fist into the air just as the flames from the forge spat up violently, punctuating his brief speech.

Clearly this has been a life changing event for most of those in attendance, and reverberations from this victory will be felt for years to come across the entirety of the homelands.


Royal keep completes construction in record time. 
By Josiah Mason, 2nd Scribe – The Chronicles of Haven

The people of Haven got their first chance to see the inside of the new Royal Citadel this moon. King Korrigan and Queen Fionna hosted a reception within the great hall the citadel, known as “Blackwatch”. 

Citizens of Haven have marveled at the size of the citadel and the speed of the construction effort. With the assistance of both Elven and Dwarven craftsmen and the use of King Korrigan’s items of power, the 20 year project was completed in just two years. Those who attended the reception described the architecture as being “unique, clearly a blend of influences from many races” and “stalwart and functional, but not without beauty”. 

One attendee described Blackwatch as follows: “It’s a grand place, befitting a royal house to be sure, but it’s not like any I’ve seen before. The stone is smooth and thick, like a dwarfhold, but the arches flow and taper like elfwork. It is laid out with the precision of a gnomish device, but visitors will find gardens and green spaces in surprising places. There is no question of its value as a fortress, but for those with a discerning eye it also commands respect for its innovative architecture.”

Situated at the heart of “Redemption”, Haven’s newly christened capital city (formerly the village of Hunter’s Hill), Blackwatch will allow a limited number of tours for citizens of Haven during the afternoons of most days. Interested parties should send a message to Castlemaester Emma Kincade to make an appointment. 

Words from the Wild
Rare Puffer Snail migration witnessed in Gavnir plains
By Snarl Strongjaw, Wildlife Expert - The Chronicles of Haven

Nature has it's wonders throughout the world, but there is something about a stampede that gets the heart pumping. Such was the sight across the plains outside of Gavnir this year. Turns out that the local Puffer Snail population undergoes an annual migration, rolling across the land like a wave of variously-sized wagon wheels. They stopped several times to graze on the abundant flora of the plains, leaving long paths of chewed vegetation in their wake. As this is a new land further observation will be required to see if they follow the same path each year. The migration ended when they reached a large lake to the West, where they wallowed in the shallows for several days spawning.

A reminder to the folks and folkettes that Puffer Snails, though normally slow and docile can be quite aggressive. They range in size from a grape when newly hatched up to the height of a fully grown man. They can weigh up to 500lbs and are capable of inflating themselves with air. Their shells, normally a mismatched series of plates solidify when they grow in size, giving them an almost perfectly circular appearance. They've been known to go rolling in this state at threatening individuals, and can run a person over with ease. If you see a herd of Puffer Snails keep your distance. Try to look smaller in size; Puffer Snails are quick to investigate creatures equal to or greater in size than themselves.

Safe trails from Snarl Strongjaw!

Elven Advisors, Ministry of the Interior conduct tour of Lifetrees. 
By Josiah Mason, 2nd Scribe – The Chronicles of Haven

King Anwyr of Silvan’Dar visited the kingdom last moon to meet with King Korrigan and tour the new Lifetree Orchards planted in Robert’s Field. The two monarchs spent several hours in discussion after the tour and then returned to Blackwatch for a formal dinner and performance by the Grand Chorus of Sylvan’Dar. Minister of the Interior Nellie Duncan attended and made a presentation to the assembly describing the progress of the project. 

The Lifetrees, a new and natural way of moving and cleaning Haven’s water supply, came about as a result of the council of Emissary Alinar, recently appointed Advisor to the Crown and representative of Sylvan’dar. Citizens of Haven will see additional Lifetrees, identifiable by their deep brown color and thick green vines, cropping up across the Haven in the coming days. While the trees themselves are incredibly strong, citizens are asked not to climb, cut or otherwise interfere with them. Each tree will be marked with a sigil for additional clarity, and the Crown has made damaging a Lifetree a criminal act. 


Comments from the Court
Rowdy crowd sentenced to community service
Linnet Summers, 2nd Scribe - The Chronicles of Haven

A celebration of inebriation spilled out of the Tipsy Traveler tavern into the streets of Haven in the early morning hours. Patrons woke townsfolk as they sang and drank wherever they pleased, gaining the ire of local law enforcement. Many were arrested after small scuffles broke out in the crowd, and the windows of a tannery were shattered in the melee.

Judge Mason Hammond sentenced the offenders to 40 days of community service, payments to have the windows of the tannery repaired and a probation on consumption of alcohol. He was quoted as follows:
"I don't know what possessed all of you to leave that tavern in the state you were in, singing about dresses in the wee morning hours, but we can't have that sort of behavior. Let this be a lesson to any who see fit to disturb the peace with public intoxication. You'll be working those hangovers off helping fix the damage you've done."


The probation will be carried out by local healers, who will be testing the offenders daily for alcohol.

The Wedding of the Century
By Zee Zee Mandalay, Special Correspondent—The Chronicles of Haven

Did you attend the wedding between Fionna and Marcus? Why of course you did, since everyone was there, including half of Caldonia, it seemed. And while the guy who ran naked through the ceremony yelling “Long Live the Queen” was in decidedly poor taste, the rest of the ceremony was FABULOUS!

And when her brother came forward to give her away, hmmm, not a dry eye in the crowd, or at least no one with a heart. And the food! I must be half a hog heavier than I was before the ceremony and I was already a couple hogs too heavy, but it was WORTH IT!

And the boy, Illund, did he look all grown up in those clothes? How cute was he, sitting in the front, smiling the whole time. He's going to break hearts when he gets older, let me tell you!


Funnies (answers at end of publication)
1. What do Clouds Wear under their Britches
2. Why did the Skeleton go to the party alone?
3. Who does a pharaoh talk to when he's sad?
4. What is the definition of a good farmer?
5. What do you call a deer with no eye?

The Final Extermination of the Red Tear
By Josiah Mason, 2nd Scribe – The Chronicles of Haven

A report released by the Crown, in cooperation with the Vanguard Alliance, indicates that all traces of the group known as the Red Tear have been exterminated from Phanterra. King Korrigan made the report available to the Chronicle and the Messengers after making a brief statement. 

“The nations of the Vanguard Alliance, using techniques both magical and mundane, have scoured the land for any remnants of the accursed cult known as the Red Tear. With the knowledge we gained fighting against the Master, we are confident that our techniques have allowed us to track down any of those bearing his essence. None surrendered willingly, and all that resisted capture have been put to the torch and purged from the land. This great darkness has been burned out of existence, and their elimination is a victory for Haven and her allies.” 

Copies of the report are available at Blackwatch, The Haven Academy and at Brandybrook.


Caldonian Wine flows through streets
By Ieram Allshead, Foreign Correspondent - The Chronicles of Haven
In anticipation of a celebration not seen since before the Second Cataclysm, the citizenry of Caledonia are teaming on the streets of Springhurst. In a city known for producing very ‘effective’ wine, the anticipation begun when Geldan Kel’elma produced his one thousandth barrel. This, of course, would not have been possible if the villainous Red Tear had not been wiped out to the man.

“Now that they’re all gone, I have more time spendt on my drink then watching for the next strange beasty coming for to destroy us,” said Geldan. “This started with me fixing to give away the drink and, well, the neighbors just hopped up and started donating their drink too!”

And donate they did. Over the course of the last three months, producers of wine, ale, beer, whiskey, and all other varieties of alcohol have gathered and donated to this accidental celebration. Geldan has specified the last day of Harvest for the booze to begin flowing, giving producers from other countries and kingdoms time to donate as well. A general invite to all freed from the tyranny of the Red Tear is being sent out across all of Phanterra.

Free booze, joyous songs, and comradery? This reporter will be there to ‘judge’ the quality of this new, hopefully annual, celebration.


Retraction:
By Carmac Winterwater, Senior Scribe –The Chronicles of Haven
Last edition we reported that a dentally challenged orc was mourning the loss of his human bride. This was incorrect. When tracked down, orcish jeweler Elgouain Froggripper informed us his bride was actually dwarven, “wid wings, an’ a plaaaant growin’ ouda har head, an’ a smile thadda strip da fur off a weasel…her naaame was Aurora, and she wad parfect.” Almost exactly one year ago a quiet funeral was held for a dwarf matching this description (well, minus the furless weasel). Elgouan returns to his orcish brothers next moon to recount his tragic loss. Our condolences to the bereaved family.

Trolls, Lizardmen visit Haven
By Josiah Mason, 2nd Scribe – The Chronicles of Haven

Queen Fionna and Counselor Toritaka escorted an assortment of emissaries through the villages over the last moon. Representatives from the Troll Kingdom were introduced to the commoners in an effort to dispel rumors about them that surfaced after they attended a conference in Redemption two moons ago. Many townsfolk were concerned and distressed at the sight of Trolls within the kingdom, and Queen Fionna sought to introduce our Troll neighbors to the people. 

Though some were initially hesitant to approach, the presence of numerous Royal Cavaliers eased tensions and soon a pleasant dialogue began. A similar event, organized by Counselor Toritaka and involving several dignitaries from a local tribe of Lizardmen, took place a few days after the visit from the Trolls. The Lizardmen were well received and Counselor Toritaka suggested that some may have a permanent presence in Redemption. 

Assassination attempt made on leaders of the Vanguard Alliance 
By Josiah Mason, 2nd Scribe – The Chronicles of Haven

Several armed assailants were slain in an attempted assassination attempt upon members of the Vanguard Circle earlier this moon. Details of the attack have not yet been released, but Lord Chargeender did confirm reports that a group of armed individuals attempted to assault King Anwyr or Silvan’Dar, King Vaal of Killeshandra and our own King Korrigan while they were traveling back from the seasonal Vanguard Alliance meeting in Woodhold. 

Lord Chargeender indicated that the Royal Guard was investigating the incident and that none of the monarchs had been injured. He also refuted previous stories that claimed the monarchs had been without a security detail at the time of the attack. Lord Chargeender stated that a full guard was present at the time, but did not comment on the eyewitness reports suggesting that King Korrigan and King Vaal were involved in the fighting. 

Inpiracy on the Rise. Rare books. Great library.
By Carmac Winterwater, Senior Scribe –The Chronicles of Haven
Several rare books detailing pre-cataclysm history, elvish and human intertwined, were discovered in an unused guild hall in Redemption, presumably deposited during the elven invasion of Hunter's Hill. The conflict of ownership –Sylvan’Dar or Haven- was amicably settled by having a third party care for the books: the Inpiracy. Sources site the elves’ preference for the Inpiracy over Brandybrook due to its secure nature; one librarian with perfect memory is said to retain the knowledge, while the actual book itself is sealed away, or in very rare cases destroyed. Originally from Gateway, membership in the Inpiracy has grown in Haven over the last year. Last week they began construction of their “great library” in Redemption (though who knows if anyone will actually get to see the books!). Their members sport geometrical and/or numerical tattoos, and are sometimes mistaken for Valken’Vi, though they come from all different races. King Korrigan himself has consulted with them on occasion, and is recorded as saying that their ability to search through large quantities of data in a short period of time is extraordinary. 


Florick’s Monument dedicated, declaration of Florick’s Day.
By Josiah Mason, 2nd Scribe – The Chronicles of Haven

Dignitaries from around the Kingdom attended the dedication of “Florick’s Beacon” in the capital city of Redemption earlier this moon. 

Queen Fionna opened the ceremony by addressing the people and telling the story of Florick’s life and the battle against the Master. After her remarks, Sir Marcus Gideon led a contingent of the Knights of the Silver Stag to the center of the square and placed a plaque upon the Lifetree planted there. As he did so, a ball of soft light began to shine from atop the tree and the crowd observed a moment of silence. The bells of Blackwatch then tolled three times and the Knights of the Silver Stag raised their blades in a salute. 

Several of those in attendance stopped to lay flowers at the foot of the tree, dubbed “Florick’s Beacon” by Royal Decree. The Fifth day of the Farmer’s Month has also been declared “Florick’s Day” and is to be celebrated by gathering with loved ones and planting a tree, flower or other plant. The text of the plaque upon the tree has been reproduced below: 
Florick’s Beacon.

On this, the Fifth Day of the Farmer’s Month, in the 19th year of the Haven Reckoning, let it be known that this tree is hereby declared to be a sacrosanct memorial to the man known as Florick. 
An innocent man who brought harm to none, Florick’s life and untimely death should stand as a reminder that fear and hate stand in opposition to justice and hope. His final words gave birth to a new age, and may they serve as inspiration for all of Haven’s people. 
“Korrigan, 

Thanks. For the gift unearned but gratefully received. For remembering what it’s like to be a son, a brother, a friend. For reliving the warmth of hot cider on a bitterly cold day, the joy of stories told around a raging fire, the soft melody of a woman’s voice, the incredible softness of her skin. For the glimpse of what life could have been, what it might have been like to be in love, to have a son. For all of this and countless other things, I have an unpayable debt of gratitude to you. You had faith in me when no one else would have. May your faith in the good in people not only guide you but be a guide for others. 

–Florick”

Following the ceremony several witnesses reported seeing King Korrigan lingering at the site, but these reports are unconfirmed. 

Do I Stay or Do I Go? - How Immigration will change the Vanguard Alliance
By Liar Luris, scribe - The Chronicles of Haven
The journey of a single ship, The Fancy Doctor, has singularly introduced a multitude of new peoples and lands to our corner of the world. On a mission funded on the grace of Queen Regnant Fionna, the ship and her crew have sought new routes of trade as well as new exotic goods with a message of peace and prosperity.

Since this ship has left port, no fewer than six formerly unknown foreign countries have presented themselves formally to the VA with at least another fourteen still rumored. This sudden influx of travel over the seas and through the portals has brought the need to more security among the means of ingress to the cities.

The VA has begun the creation of a ‘Port Authority’ to deal with the comings and goings through the seaports, portals, and other means of ingress and egress to, from. and through the lands. The introduction of a simple regulated way of travel would easily reduce the costs involved for local business and allow expansion among the members of the VA. Meetings to form this new inter-alliance group begin next month.

Featured Focus - The Valkin'vi
By Idyyrilah Enthrada, Foreign Correspondant - The Chronicles of Haven
In my time among the strange and introverted Valkin'vi, I have noticed some nuances that would have been lost on me before. I have heard whispers of a change in what the harlequin folk seem to regard as their leadership, though when I have inquired I received only the usually celestial and existential answers I have come to expect from this mysterious folk. Their Circle of High Seers have been replaced, it seems, and they have adopted a new 'tapestry' which the Valkin'vi say is their collective Fate. They remain, as is their habit, apart from the goings on of other folk, uncertainty in their future as a people making them even more withdrawn and secretive than usual. For a people whose entire cultural identity is based on portents, a belief in a shared and irrevocable fate, and a communal longing for their lost past, this uncertainty seems to have them all on edge and at a loss. What this means for their future, this reporter can only guess.

Beastmen of the Howling Fang to be visiting Haven
By Josiah Mason, 2nd Scribe – The Chronicles of Haven

Notice to the Citizens of Haven

Residents of Redemption and the surrounding villages may notice large, wolf-like Beastmen on the roads in the evening hours over the next several moons. These Beastmen are friendly members of the Howling Fang tribe and are led by Rothek, hero of Haven and friend of the Crown. The Howling Fang, with guidance from Rothek’s son Rendak, will be working with various Crown agencies and the Brandybrook Academy for the forseeable future. 

Citizens are asked not to taunt or provoke the Beastmen and to remain aware that, despite their savage appearance, they are intelligent and quite conversational. 

House of Chance
By Zee Zee Mandalay, Special Correspondent—The Chronicles of Haven
I was at the Grand Reopening of the House of Chance last night, and boy was that the place to be! There were games, ale, food, frivolity, occasional naughtiness, but overall clean, good fun. I for one am excited to see this fine establishment succeed well into the future. It's just what was needed after a stressful day at work, to be able to kick back with friends, place a few wagers, and share a few laughs.

Personal Ads: 

-Wanted for Purchase: Intact pig bladders. Bulk numbers preferred, reasonable offers made. Will pick up. Contact Cirrus at The Tipsy Traveler, Message Box 7.

-Laborers required for new shop
Posted by Var'Rumsh NotBigOrc

Call for workers interested in construction of a new shop in Gavnir. Profitable work in Haven has lead to the expansion of "Green Elf Engineering." Laborers who sign on will be offered steady work once new building is completed.

See Var'Rumsh himself in Haven at current "Green Elf Engineering" for more information.

-The Haven Knitters are meeting on the Fourth Day of the Third Week of this Weaver's Month. We'll be in the Second House South of Morton the Third's residence.


Rumors
Silverthorne Fleet does indeed sail again
By Arvellon Talmin, "Eyes and Ears" - The Chronicles of Haven

Sight has reached the eyes in regards to the aforementioned quartet of Silverthorne vessels. What had been believed to be but 4 has actually shown to be 6 as this year a Heavy Frigate flying the same ensign arrived with it a smaller Sloop. This makes the Sloop the smallest vessel of the fleet, and an incredible addition of firepower with the arrival of the Heavy Frigate. The vessels came after an aforementioned joint raid, and the sight of the battle reminds the eyes of the Silverthorne Navy at it's prime.

All 6 ships anchored off the coast in a bay to weather a seasonal storm, coming out with scant to no damage. A sign of the superb construction of the vessels, even after so many years on the sea. Once the storm passed the Sloop moved in, picking up supplies from nearby villages and ferrying them to it's larger sisters. While it did so a small fleet flying the colors of the Corsair Isles passed. They were approached by the Brig, and after what might have been negotiations by flag passed on without incident.

The eyes see that the Royal Navy isn't the only force protecting the waters of the coast.

Funnies Answers
1. Thunderpants
2. He had no body to go with him
3. His mummy
4. A man outstanding in his field
5. No Idear!