Ladies and gentlefolk, it has been many moons since we have all gathered in Ravenwood! We all remember the fun and festivity of last Christmas; our visit from King Rupert of East Anglia, helping Father Christmas deliver his gifts, and all of the joy that accompanied the day. Much has occurred since, some glad events, and some less-than-glad. As a result of our hiatus on sharing the news of the wood, it is imperative that all the events of the past months be recounted now.
In the past months, plague has occurred within Ravenwood. For a series of months, the wood’s best healers and magicians worked to combat its negative effects and preserve our way of life. Even with the best of intentions, however, our locals struggled with the scourge. Only recently have we adopted an old mousling tradition, being offered a rare brew in exchange for our help in their time of need. Mousling brew has aided in our ability to control the illness, and has rescued a number of our elderly and infirm from an untimely demise.
In lighter news, the work on Ravenwood town’s first private housing expansion was at last completed this year. The Hut is now open for business – though its inhabitants would remind you that it legally remains outside of town jurisdiction – with shops, food, and drink available, as well as Ravenwood’s first gambling establishment.
During the lull of activity in town, different denizens of Ravenwood occupied themselves with different activities. Brennus of Caide travelled to explore West Anglia beyond the forest, while Mistress Ashedowne endeavored to keep supplies in stock at the Blue Boar Inn during shortages. When drinks began to run low, she sent Thokk down to the river to retrieve a new shipment. Only, Thokk didn’t return. With Ivan on business in Poke and Ada filibustering for financial aid to mousling refugees, Mistress Ashedowne tasked Illyn and his group of warriors with Thokk’s retrieval. Before Thokk could be found, dangers such as mercenary bandits, artificers, and acolytes of a mysterious cult were all encountered by Illyn’s taskforce. The details of how they rescued Thokk, only they know.
Additionally, after over a year since the initial burning of Mousling Village, funding and zoning rights have at last been secured to aid the refugees and reconstruct a new Mousling Village. The current plans are to erect a new settlement for them within Ravenwood township. Ada has spearheaded this project since the construction of the Hut was finished. Ideally, the new Mousling Village will help to ensure peace and security for the surviving mouslings.
-Mertag