My name is Athelstain the Scribe. I shall retell to you the story of the discovery of the new land:
The overcrowding in the nation of Gandar forced people to begin quarrels over the already scarce land. People began complaining of the stench of the cities and the lack of available land in the country. Rumours surfaced in the port city of Antilles from sailors about land off to the west. The citizens, already land hungry, immediately began spreading rumours to their fellow countrymen. This rumour spread through the streets like wild fire. Eventually the news of this land reached King Aris. He was quite saddened by the state of his kingdom but his spirits seemed to lift when this news reached his ears. He met with his advisors to discuss what should be done about this rumour. He decided to commission several merchants and some of his navy to investigate this rumour and bring back their findings. After several months of deliberation and several riots by the people, King Aris came to a decision. On a chilly day before the winter solstice, King Aris made his public proclamation:
My Fellow Countrymen:
After some time of deep reflection, I have decided what is to be
done about this land situation. In the spring, I am sending four
ships to this island, two will remain behind to set up a colony while
the other two will return after their cargo is placed on the island.
People who are interested are in dire need of land may inquire
personally to myself. However, I will be sending a contingent of men
led by Lord Darius of the Holy Order of Paladins. Also I will be
sending four mages, each representing one sphere of magic, and several
healers. They are being sent to ensure your safety and the safety of
the colony. I do not intend to split up any families, yet if some
young men wish to join the militia, they should feel free to do so. I
hope this decision is agreeable.
King Aris
The response to the King's proclamation was overwhelming and soon all the rosters on all four ships were filled including the places reserved for the militia. Unfortunately, some people had to be turned away due to the large response. However, the king assured the people that as soon as a colony was formed and situated they would be among the first on the list of passengers.
In the early days of spring came the day which would later be called the Rebirth, for by leaving the old and finding the new, our people began anew. All the pilgrims, as they were called, arrived in the port city of Antilles ready to begin their new lives. What they found was four of the best ships in the entire kingdom waiting to take them. The Defiant, the WindChaser, the Storm Bane, and the Golden Griffin all awaited the long journey. The people were in awe at the generosity of their king and praised his kind heart. As the people were loading supplies and personal items, King Aris himself appeared to wish the people a safe journey. He said, "May the wind be at your backs, the storms few at most, and a smile on your face. I do envy you all for if I was not king I would join you myself. I will miss you all and wish you luck in your new lives." With saying these humble words, he stepped aside to have a word with Lord Darius. As soon as King Aris had stopped speaking, the crowd erupted into cheers and every one wept at the kindness the king expressed to them. "Lord Darius, you are my best knight and my closest friend. I wish you the best of luck. Rule this colony fairly and respect the common man, for we are all really common men with titles," said the king. With saying this, he embraced his closest friend and wished him a safe journey." My liege," said Lord Darius, "your kind words have touched me deeply and I shall follow in your footsteps and rule with compassion. I will miss you, my friend and my lord." With one last bow to his liege, Lord Darius turned and headed towards the Defiant. When the ships were out of port, a stowaway was found aboard the Defiant . Well, replace stowaway with the term "accidental vacationer". He was a kender by the name of Simmias Trapspringer. Lord Darius seemed quite annoyed with Simmias at first but soon his anger cooled when the kender showed he was an expert musician.
After many months at sea, several storms later and several times after the kender had almost fallen or been thrown overboard, the four ships arrived on the western end of the new land. The land itself seemed like something from a dream, the forests were thick and dense. the air seemed to crackle with magic, as one mage recalled. Life seemed to emanate from everywhere. Once the ships were unloaded and the passengers disembarked, they made plans to scout for a prime location for their future city. The group who ventured into the interior of the island were led by Lord Darius and consisted of several knights, a mage of Leviathan, a healer, and some brave settlers. As they ventured deeper inland, the noise of the forest seemed to disappear. The group found a suitable clearing where they could begin to construct their new town. Plans were first started on constructing a wooden palisade around where the buildings would be. Lord Darius always being the cautious leader deemed this top priority since the land was alien to them.
Over several months, a city arose from a simple wooded clearing into a bustling town. Within the town is a library, where I dwell, a mage's tower, a healer's temple, a blacksmith, a tavern (don't ask me - we don't get that many visitors), several shops like a butcher, farmer's stands, and a bakery. There are farms on the outskirts of town. Lord Darius has begun work on a wall for the town and keep for now but later a castle will be built. This land seemed strange for I feel it knows us but yet we know very little about it. Soon, as King Aris promised, more people will be arriving and the Storm Bane and the Golden Griffin had both left shortly after we set up the town, promising to return with supplies and new settlers.
So here we are on this strange land where we don't even know who inhabits this and and if they are friendly or not. Lord Darius has ordered scouting parties to map the island so we can learn more. The tale does not end here, nay but rather it is beginning for the first group has left today and soon I will have to write another entry in The History of the World Volume II: The New Land.
Story by Bob Smylla
We have had our first camping trip out there and while no new installments have been written yet, one of our members did write a poem about it. This is definitely one of the funniest pieces I've read in awhile!! Be sure to check it out.
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