Hello, I’m Branwyn Two-Moon of Clan Lightridge, and for those that picked up on last week’s hidden message, these are the Ersatz Echoes of Eastfjord Harbor for the week of Salamando Waking, 2019.

Aethercast frequencies being public knowledge and Ersatz Echoes being the best method of mass communication for the valley, I’ve taken measures to ensure I can keep our residents up to date during this crisis, without giving too much away to the invading forces.

Make no mistake, this is an invasion. For intents and purposes, the Pinecrest Valley is fighting a defensive war, and not for the first time.

Here’s what I can tell you:

Both Feralix tribes and the more eastern guilds are using harrying tactics to slow and distract our enemies.  While we’ve been unable to retain control of outlying villages and towns, with a notable exception, we’ve been able to get persons not able to fight out of harm’s way and move them to more significant towns and villages that other guilds and the guards are moving to reinforce.

Shade-casters have been scrying when they can to determine the position, movement, nature, and quantity of our attackers, but it’s a draining process to push beyond areas you know well. We’re also wearing out our Wisp-casters with frequent gating and teleports, though it’s a worthwhile effort to save lives.

The informants and spies Gemrest scattered across the region months ago have managed to pull together evidence of who might be behind this invasion and that evidence has been sent directly to trusted and appropriate authorities in the capital, along with a plan of action should the information prove fruitful. Messengers have already been sent to those that need to be involved.

Tomorrow is a full moon, and to those in The Shrinewatchers League that were searching for places to enact more rituals, be cautious.  While the best thing to do is not to enact any rituals, we know you’re pressed for time. Work with valley residents around you, make sure they know when and where you’re doing what you need to do.

I mentioned earlier that we have one notable exception to losing outlying towns and villages, and that was a poorly-worded statement based on a common misperception, so allow me to elaborate: every town, village, and farm on the eastern ridge that regularly finds itself in  the shadow of Valleywatch Keep is still with us, still updating us multiple times a day on what is going on around them. As of yet, they’re not sure why they remain unassailed. As a result of their current safety, the keep itself is believed to remain in the hands of the houndlings.

For those concerned about the potential for invading forces to approach via the twin tunnels, fear not.  Gnome-casters from Deep Delve have sealed the tunnel entrances on the surface and the guild has prepared countermeasures – their word, not mine – should the invaders unseal them.

For better or worse, we’re not expecting any significant rain or wind this week, though the entire valley rim will be quite warm later in the week, which means military action is more likely closer to sunset and sunrise.

For those asking, the Grand and Eastfjord Harbor councils have already sent messages to the nearest ports, requesting vessels to stand by to evacuate citizens should the need arise.

The Ersatz Echoes of Eastfjord Harbor are brought to you by the Grand Council of the Pinecrest Valley Region: We stand united.

Also brought to you by the Red Wombat Tea Company, purveyors of fine and otherworldly teas. Whether you need a boost of courage or a soothing of your soul, we dig a tea for you.

These have been the Ersatz Echoes of Eastfjord Harbord for the week of Salamando Waking, 2019. Be safe and stay cool.