The Forum.

[Lambic]

Amagus *says the dwarf behind the bar* Donovan did forget to mention that the Council is made up of Guild heads and House heads.

Ravinal, I also died that night, so I didn't know that there was anything strange about your return. I figured you died after me and came back before me. I do applaude someone around here deciding to take action when strange things happen to them.

[Amagus]

“So Haven currently stands a state unto itself, with settlements of Beastmen, Lizardmen, and this Woodhold nearby. Also have I heard of a ‘Fishing Village’ and talk of Ga’Vin. Which neighbor is considered ally, which enemy, and how do their strengths compare to ours?”

[Talana Isilisurë]

*When she can catch Donovan's attention, Talana motions to Donovan to indicate she has a question and then waits for audience.*

[Donovan Thynedar]

"Ravinal, I was not aware that you fell in the fight against the dragon. In addition to the Duke's efforts, perhaps we can petition a sage to look into the events surrounding your restoration."

"Amagus, the Haven currently has a truce with the Beastmen and Lizardmen. We have become trading parters and have known no troubles with them for many moons. We also trade with the Fishing Village, and have been friendly with them for as long as I can remember. I am unsure if they recognize the Duke's authority, but perhaps someone else can fill us in on that detail."

"The Ga'vin have been a source of great concern. Until recently we have been in open conflict, however recent events may have put much of that turmoil to rest. One of our number was found to be the grandson of a Ga'vin cheif. He has left us to spend time with his family and hopefully will serve as a emissary of peace."

"Woodhold and its King Roderick have made some claim to the territory now held by the Haven. They may have had the impression that Duke Corbyn was a vassal to their own King, and I don't beleive they took kindly to the news that Haven was independent of their rule. They sent tax collectors at one point, and I'm sure that their emptyhanded return will create tension between our peoples. I expect a difficult, if not hostile, situation to develop."

"Lastly, Lord Malcolm also has some claim to these lands, though the nature of that claim is difficult to explain. We experienced a shifting of the lands many moons ago: places seemed to alter and merge with lands far away. From what we have discerned, the lands of Haven have literally melded with the lands that Lord Malcom inhabited. This creates some difficulty in determining who rules what. As yet, Quen and Toshi are our only connection with Lord Malcom himself, though he has been seen on several occasions. We would hope to arrive at some sort of agreement with him concerning the land and its dispensation, but we have yet to meet with him in person."

*Donovan notices Talana's gesture and nods to her.*

"Talana, did you have something to add?"

[Talana Isilisurë]

*Talana smiles appreciatively and nods to Donovan.*

"I do not have anything to add, so much as I have two questions based on my own confusion of conflicting information."

"Firstly, when I arrived here, I made sure to introduce myself to who I thought was the ruling authority in town, as it is protocol from whence I came to do so, sometimes to pay taxes to that authority, other times to announce intention for residency and also to be taken into a census. I was introduced to Duke Gravesbane at that time and then went to the Inn with the Duke's Ministry of Finance, Arthos, whereby Arthos gave me a list of prices that had apparently been crafted by Arthos and were the prices that the House of the Crescent Moon would be operating by. When I asked if the prices were binding for the rest of the town, I was told by Arthos that although most operated around the same approximate numbers that those prices were neither binding nor official. What Arthos did confirm, as you have just stated, was that there is a Council, which is made up of representatives of all of town, not just the House of the Crescent Moon, that has actually crafted and codified the town laws. Arthos further explained that Duke Gravesbane was in fact the Duke of the House of the Crescent Moon, and NOT the Duke of Final Haven, as the general populous of Final Haven did NOT give the Duke his title, rather the Duke's own house, the House of the Crescent Moon. This is not to say that Arthos mitigated the Duke's authority over the people who have given him the title of 'Duke' but it was made perfectly clear to me that the Duke rules only over his own House and that others may choose to follow his lead or not."

"This is a substantial discrepancy from what you just suggested and that was that the 'people of Final Haven' gave Duke Gravesbane his title and that he has full authority over all of the populous. Which is the true case, if you please, so that I may be certain to follow all protocol?"

*Talana waits for the answer to this question before she poses the second question.*

[Donovan Thynedar]

"To be entirely honest, Talana, I understand your confusion and share in it to some extent myself. I know that there are some within the Haven who do not support the Duke, but at the time of his ascention to nobility more than just the House of the Crescent Moon supported him. We met, both as individuals and as members of the Council, to discuss how the Duke and the Council would interact. In all of those meetings, it was inferred that the Duke would have authority over Haven. Even some of the conflicts we had later concerning the Magistrate and Constable stemmed from the concept that those officers acted on the Duke's authority, not that of the Council. Arthos may have the right of it, as I have removed myself from politics as of late, but my understanding was what I spoke of earlier."

[Nelkie]

*Arthos speaks up*

As most people of Haven see Lord Corbyn as Leader of Haven, not all do, and from that there is discord.
Lord Corbyn speaks and makes descision on behalf of Haven with the Concile input. When time permits he discuss the issues with the concile and from that a descison for Haven is made. In times of great peril and stress where time is no an opition, Lord Corbyn makes the hard decsions for the town. So he is leader of Haven supported by the concile, even if not all view him as such.

Does this clear some of the confusion up, for Havens politcal system confusing at best.

[Nelkie]

I have a couple other questions and point of concern for this Forum and the concile. The magistrate has not been seen for some moons. Does anyone know where he is and if he will be returning to Haven to take up his duties? Same goes for the Constable. And in this state where these postions are empty, is the concile taking over their duties? Will temporary magistrate and constable be elected?

I look for feedback from people on the agreed upon trade ratio's that ws set a couple moons ago. Are they working out for people, does something need to be changed?

What are people's opinion about a town jail? Should one be built? What other buildings should be constructed for the town?

[Onyksi Rin'oviryn]

Fancy words do not change the fact that Corbyn Gravesbane is only the duke of those in his own house. Most, if not all, of those outside of that house do not view him as such.

I also have a question.

Why is it that someone who has only very recently come to these lands, and whom we know almost nothing about, been accepted with open arms and given access to the whole of magical research of the town? With all of the dangers we face, I'd think that more careful consideration would be warranted as far as whom we choose to share our most dangerous knowledge with.

[Corbyn]

*Corbyn sits and listens, looking unconcerned at the issues raised*

As I and others have mentioned Talana, our governing body has and will continue to evolve. I believe we will be able to soon have something which the vast majority of citizens will be able to fully support. I have and will continue to act in the best interests of the town, according to my judgement and input from other leaders. My understanding is the magistrate will return soon, but I am uncertain of the status of our constable. I will consult with Atrum and bring a recommendation to the council.

[Nelkie]

*Arthos in a calm voice ask's*

Nuk, who would you like be the leader of Haven if not Lord Corbyn. Some one needs to lead this town, it being a person or a concile, someone needs to lead. There has been talk of joint leadership of Corbyn and Atrum, but that is to be worked by them, and only has been talk so far.

As for the giving of magic knowledge to a stranger, I'm at a lost. Yes I believe Ug is going to work with Amagus teaching him the new art of magic. But during this process Ug will see if he is worthy of the knowledge and loyal to this town. I never have heard Ug say he would give the Town's magical knowledge to anyone who ask for it. Ug is a fine elf and would not be so foolish. No offense Amagus, but we as a town have been bitten to many times when we offered the hand of friendship so we are alot more cauious. It is nothing against you.

[Donovan Thynedar]

"Thank you, Arthos, for your input on this topic. I fear, however, that the confusion about Duke Corbyn's authority stems from the fact that there are contrary perceptions about how far that authority extends. Some view him as the voice of the Haven, while others see him as representing only a select few. Despite the diffculties this situation presents, I am pleased that this has come into the open, as this sort of thing is exactly what this forum is intended to reveal."

"To restate some of the questions currently before us, Talana asks for greater insight into the scope of the Duke's authority. Arthos inquires about the fate of the Magistrate, Constable, and their duties. He also requests feedback on the proposed trade ratios and seeks an opinion from the people as to the construction of a town Jail. Nuk wishes to know why a recent arrival to Haven has been given magical knowledge and access."

"Arthos, I have no knowledge of the whereabouts of the Constable and have only heard rumors that the Magistrate was away on some extended errand. I will defer to a Council member as to their intentions for those positions. As for a jail, I would think other structures would be of higher priority - such as secure storage for the town's goods."

"Nuk, I am no authority on magic. Who is this newcomer of which you are speaking? Perhaps Shale can shed some light on this for us?"

"Talana, I know you had another question. Feel free to ask it at your leisure."

"Everyone, I also know many people had questions concerning the events of the past few moons and the fate of some of the people and artifacts involved. Even though this discussion will certainly involve a great many topics, I encourage everyone to speak their mind and inquire freely."

[Talana Isilisurë]

*Nods as she listens and continues to make notes, then smiles and thanks Donovan as he cues her for her second question.*

"This second question ties into the first, which seems is not really answered... And it may be better posed to Atrum and to Corbyn: What exactly is the nature of what you are trying to work out in terms of a system of governing rule and alliance?"

[Pugo Redfang]

*Sitting on an upper rail looking over at the others. Watching and listin to them talk Pugo turns his head to the comment made about the Ga'Vin and hiss a bit.*

"You think that it is all Sethreal that have done your help with the Ga'Vin? You think others not help with tracking, hunting, and talks with the other tribes around this land. Was it not the RedMoon tribe that help as well? Is Ogrom not also a reason why the other Ga'Vin have slowed their anger towards this place? If not for the fact that the RedMoon Tribe was working with Haven. Would you have the knownledge of the things of the pass few moons? Hmm if you think that low of us. Than I think that maybe I should go wake up Ogrom and have you tell that to his face. If not for the help we gave to you. than how would you have beating the Jade Serpent? By force with out that blade whom many helped make. Maybe I not understand all your laws. Maybe I not understand why you talk in circles. When all you need to do is talk straight as the sawgrass."

*Pugo stop himself as he can see the raising of anger starting to creep up in his face. He than just looks at them shakes his head. Gets up off the rail and starts walking toward the steps down the backside of the Inn with a vile look on his face.*

[Donovan Thynedar]

"Talk in circles... what? What are you talking about, Pugo? Of course you and Ogrom have aided us over the last few moons. Your assistance has been invaluable in dealing with the Ga'vin, but as I understood it the Ga'vin tribes you dealt with are now at peace with us. I was under the impression that the tribe Sethreal went to join was a new tribe to the area, and that they were now the only potential Ga'vin threat. If I am mistaken, please correct me. That's what this gathering is all about."