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

There is so much news from the council meeting, I’m not sure where to start.  Not only was a decision made for future housing in a most unexpected fashion, but another announcement was made that I feel will have more of an impact on the socioeconomic dynamics of the Pinecrest Valley region that anyone really predict at this time.

Effective immediately, the Town Council of Easfjord Harbor as it was is no more.  And I quote: “In recognition of the growth of Pinecrest Valley region; past, present, and predicted, it is the unanimous decision of this council that its name and duties change. To that end, this governing body shall henceforth be known as Pinecrest Valley Grand Council and elections to establish a new town council with responsibilities focused solely on the needs of Eastfjord Harbor be held in two month’s time at the end of the week of Aura Shining.”

The Grand Council went on to explain the specific details of establishing candidacy and rules for election, all of which can be found in the Eastfjord Harbor town hall.

The announcement also continued with the statement that all other towns, villages, and similar within the region are encouraged to establish their own leadership councils by the end of Salamando Burning, so that immediately thereafter the process of filling any vacated positions within the Grand Council itself can begin.

That is a lot of new leaders being selected, and there’s still more to come.

In its second unexpected proclamation, the Grand Council announced that not one, but two new towns will be established in the region and that settlers looking to establish new towns should be arriving early in the month of Wisp.  Current residents of the region looking to help establish the new towns should contact the town hall in Eastfjord Harbor. Details of what is being looked for in the founders of such towns is being distributed across the region this coming week.

The first of the two new towns named by the Grand Council is Ocean’s Watch. Ocean’s Watch will primarily be a milling and livestock community located, as one would expect, in the area around the Ocean’s Watch lighthouse. Plans already call for a significant messenger’s guild outpost to be established here, which should greatly improve the speed of non-magical communication with the villages in the foothills of the Black Mountains.

The second town will be established on the southeast shore of Wickerby Pond, where the White Cliff Creek enters the pond.  In recognition of the efforts of Loboan Petrov Timberguard, who developed and shared plans to address the runoff concerns from mills, the town will be named Petrosk.  In addition to providing lumber mill services on a larger scale than is currently available, Petrosk is expected to become a waypoint for traders moving goods across the valley in all directions.

Both Ocean’s Watch and Petrosk have been charged with establishing their own town councils and electing representatives to the Grand Council by the end of Salamando Burning next year.

If all this talk about Salamando Burning is making you feel warm, it’s not all in your head.  The week of Dryad Blooming is living up to its name: the first early buds are appearing on trees and the Slyph-casters are calling for light to moderate rain for the valley and rim intermittently throughout the week, with snow in the mountains.  Cold temperatures at night will mean ice in the mornings, so prepare accordingly.

Before we get to our sponsors, two important reminders:

First and foremost, the East Valley Trekkers report they have taken down one virl, but there are signs of three more in the area. There are indications the virl may be moving westward.  Do not engage without experienced help.

Secondly, the Royal Messengers will be recruiting in Eastfjord Harbor next week, starting on the second day.

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

Also brought to you by Walker’s Walkers, specializing in sturdy footwear for all occasions.

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