Hello, I’m Branwyn Two-Moon of Clan Lightridge and these are the Ersatz Echoes of Eastfjord Harbor for the week of Gnome Fading, 2020.

Snow, snow, and more snow. Not only this week’s unexpected influx, but next week’s forecast. I, for one, am lucky enough to be able to decide I don’t want to deal with it and teleport to work.

It should come as no surprise after the significant snowfall of the fourth and fifth days that the passes in the Black and White Mountains are blocked until the weather turns warm.  Town councils throughout the region are working to clear their roads, while the Pinecrest Council does the same for major thoroughfares in the region.

In places where clearing the roads would take an exceptional amount of effort, sledges and sleighs have come out of storage and quadrupedal raptors are going to work. Rumor has it that Reynard of Reynard’s Raptors has had no luck breeding the widefoot trait that makes such raptors particularly useful this time of year and hasn’t been able to convince anyone who owns one to sell or offer stud services.  Is there a competitor forming out there?

The Cordellian Embassy has assured me that the snow and cold won’t interfere with their open house, though they are increasing the amount and variety of warm beverages that will be available.

No reports of wandering virl this year, though the East Valley Trekkers have identified the source of wandering lights within Valleywatch Keep: houndlings.  Apparently, the houndlings feel comfortable enough to reduce the number of guards they keep against us and have repurposed the guards and old raiding parties into explorers, who are actively exploring the abandoned castle. While houndlings are known to have excellent low-light vision, they are carrying lights because they’ve learned that some of the things left behind react well to light.  No word on what they’re looking for or what they intend to do with what they find.

Ice fishers are out in full force on Wickerby Pond, and they report a good year thus far. Even better, there have been no reported incidents of people falling through the ice. There are apparently people from very northern climates choosing to jump in to the freezing cold water.  I’m trying to catch some of them to find out if this is a ritual or what. Personally, you’re not likely to find me participating, regardless of the reason, without a bit more practice in Salamando magic. 

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

Also brought to you by Marie’s Pies – we’re opening a second location in Petrosk and we’re looking to hire. Check us out on the south side of the town square.

These have been the Ersatz Echoes of Eastfjord Harbor for the week of Gnome Fading, 2020. Take care, and stay warm.