Hello, I’m Branwyn Two-Moon of Clan Lightridge and these are the Ersatz Echoes of Eastfjord Harbor for the week of Dryad Waking, 2019.

Work continues apace on expanding and remodeling the Fjord’s Tail Tavern while several groups from the Dawnshear Guild are supplementing the guards at the tunnels at the east end of the valley, though according to reports they’ve been more emergency support than defense against houndlings. The Salamando-casters working to keep the lower ends of the tunnels clear of snow seem to appreciate their efforts, even if it’s not the kind of danger Dawnshear was expecting.

The Druid’s Circle Guild has its own news to share: Revna has indeed passed Undine’s Trials. The newly-minted Champion of Water is on her way home to us and is expected to arrive in three to four weeks as her group now travels against current and breeze alike. With a bit of luck, they’ll make it in time for the journeymen’s festival.

Speaking of the journeymen’s festival, a casual look around town reveals preparations underway. Jewelers, gold and silversmiths, and even tailors are working constantly, though no new wares are appearing in their windows. The tradition of keeping apprentices and journeymen in the dark about potential impending advancement by moving work to rival shops not only continues to be effective, but reveals the true secret of the competitiveness and reaffirms to the people has a whole that all our crafters are truly worthy.

The same kind of respect can be seen between the White and Black Mountain clans of Feralix.  Though seldom seen to socialize between each other, they can and do work together well, and call upon each other when they feel it is appropriate. That said, normally they would just send runners of their own directly between themselves.  According to numerous sources, a runner from either clan is going to the headquarters of the Messengers’ Guild every few days, usually followed by a messenger heading towards the other clan. It apparently took over a week for people to realize what was happening, so who knows when we’ll find out what the purpose is.

Next week, most people should have a purpose of outdoor work.  Sylph-casters report no storms, calm winds, and clear skies, albeit still cold throughout the region.  It will be a good time to clear snow and ice from rooftops, patch roofs, and even start on some planting according to Dryad-casters, farmers, and gardners.

Adventuring groups looking for work are encouraged to stop by town hall and check job boards.  A number of messengers have come in from the east recently and this is the time of year when the farms and villages around Valleywatch Keep usually request assistance with raiding houndlings and wildlife. While the houndling raids have dropped off in recent years, the wildlife and bandit raids have increased in response. Given the increased guard patrols after the Hisenwatch incident, whether the bandits continue to be so bold remains to be seen.

Lastly, a bit of cheerful news this week – and one that comes from an appropriately-named Herpesti. Irzuka Sharesjoy of Northpond has announced that both her Dracog dams are pregnant. Dracogs are usually only fertile once every three years and she considers herself lucky that both Lucy and Amy will be having puppies in a few weeks. Dracog pups are uncommon, and Irzuka reports that a number are already spoken for.  She also notes that if Amy is anything like her mother Lucy, upwards of twenty pups can be expected and she’ll announce when they’re ready to have visitors and possibly be adopted.

The Ersatz Echoes of Eastfjord Harbor are brought you by Reb Wombat Tea Company, purveyors of fine and otherwordly tea.  Red Wombat: We Dig Tea.

Also brought to you by the Royal Messengers: when even magic can’t reach, we will! We’ll be in Eastfjord Harbor the week of Dryad Waning looking hire long-run runners and riders.

These have been the Ersatz Echoes of Eastfjord Harbor for the week of Dryad Waking, 2019. Take care, and stay warm.