The Forum.

[Donovan Thynedar]

*The people of the Haven notice that several bulletins appear in locations around town. At the same time, criers appear hourly to announce the contents of the bulletin to those unable to read. The bulletin reads as follows:*

People of Haven,

Given the immensity of the events that have befallen us over the last several moons and the challenges we currently face, all inhabitants of Haven are welcome to attend the first Final Haven Forum in Atrum's Inn/Lord Malcom's Lodge seven days hence.

The purpose of this Forum will be to share information, clarify points of interest, and answer any questions about issues unresolved and unknown. All topics will be subject to earnest and polite inquiry. This gathering is intended to address concerns about an unequal distribution of information and better focus Haven's energies and efforts.

*The morning of the Forum Donovan rearranges the tables in the common room to form a circle. He asks Sen to bring out water, juice, and snacks and takes a seat in front of the fireplace. In front of him sit his ever-present tome and tankard, and he quietly waits for people to arrive. As soon as a good number of the seats are filled, he opens he Forum for questions and comments from the people of Haven.*

[Talana Isilisurë]

*Not unexpectedly, Talana arrives to the forum with her history tome, some assorted papers that she has copied, and a copy of the Chronicle that she has already published. She sits near the front with quill and parchment ready to take notes, smiling and seemingly content.*

[Nelkie]

*Arthos enters with a couple of books, and some loose papers. He has a grim look on his face and looks as if he has not gotten much sleep in some time. He sits quietly and waits for more people to come*

[cole45]

Sen woke up early that morning in order to to prepare the snacks and drinks for the Final Haven Forum. Being a new comer, he was just as interest as any other resident as to what kinds of questions would be asked. Haven was a warm but weary place, filled with danger and secrets. All places were. Sen had come to Haven looking for hope, and He'd found it the night after the terrible battle. He'd huddled under the cover of a blanket and a tree as the rain poured and the battle raged. He had come up to Haven early the next morning and saw the wake of death,devastation and destruction. Yes, there were many things he needed to learn.

“Sen,Sen,sen,sen,sen.” The raven cawed as he went about his work. He'd left the ovens cooking over night, and the kitchen was hot, even though he could hear the howling wind. But Sen went about separating the Various snacks that would be served in the hall. He had sweet,salty and fruity snacks for everyone. He included selections from the fares of each race that made up Haven. Different races had different forms of cooking and Sen prepared them all. He had jars of fruit, candied and boiled since the cold had run off all chances of fresh food. He had various mixtures of seed and even some tough salted meat. Everything was there.

“Corn.” One of the ravens called. Sen smiled and dropped a bit of slightly old meat from the night before into the cages of the ravens. They flapped and cawed wildly. Ravens were scavengers. They would eat basically anything, but they were truly meat eaters, and would strip the flesh from bones. They could and did often mimic sounds presented to them. These Ravens were trained. They would return to Sen and functioned as skilled messengers. He cared for each one like it was a child. He lifted several Raven eggs from their cages. Raven eggs made an excellent breakfast.

Coming out into the Forum proper, Sen placed the bowls of snack foods on each section of table. Within easy reach of any one. The carafe's of juice, water , and wine went there as well. Last but not least was a huge pot of Black Tea, the leaves of which traveled with Sen from the far reaches of the Bluff and back. He smiled and bowed to those sitting and found himself a chair in the back. He was ready to refill anything anyone wanted.

[Onimaster]

Shale walked in carrying his shield and sword on his hip. He looked around warily and then made his way to the back of the Inn by the bar to drink, listen, and watch.

[Amagus]

The clomping of his obsidian cane announces Amagus’s approach. “The timing of this forum is most fortunate. I have only recently come upon this town, but have learned facts are difficult to discover. Perhaps here will questions find answers.”

“My first concerns the many titles of authority encountered in Haven. Who, exactly, answers to whom?”

[Ravinal]

*Ravinal seems anxious to speak, yet hesitant as though he doesn't know how to state what must be said.*

[Kalphoenix]

Delayne takes a seat, to hear what will be said, and what questions will be asked.

[Donovan Thynedar]

“I will do my best to answer your question, Amagus, but before I do allow me to make sure something is clear. Anyone is free to offer a question or answer at any time, even if his or her input is contrary to something already stated. If an answer given doesn’t match up with what you know, please speak up so we can clear up any misunderstandings. That is part of what this forum is about.”

“To answer your question, official authority in the Haven has two primary components: the Council and the Duke. The council is composed of all of the Guild Heads. The Duke was granted his title by the support of the people. The Duke is the highest authority in the Haven, though the Council also has a great deal of power. There are several officials who serve the Duke, and each has a separate responsibility. The Minister of Trade handles financial matters, the High Magus deals with all things magical, and the First Knight is the Duke’s second in command and our general in times of war. There are also the town officers, the Magistrate and the Constable. The Constable leads the town guard and acts as a police force, while the Magistrate hears cases and acts as a judge. They answer to both the Council and the Duke.”

“There are also several people within the Haven who possess titles that come from their individual past. Several citizens of Haven are of noble standing in their homelands, and still more held positions of great influence. I myself serve as First Knight of Haven, but am also the Lord Preceptor of the Phoenix Guard. There are many Phoenix in the Haven, so it would be easy to be confused as to the nature of my position.”

“There is also at least one House within the Haven. A House is a collection of Guilds that has banded together for one reason or another. Each House has a House Head, and that person would carry a measure of authority over the guilds within the house. How much authority a Guild or House Head has over the people in their guild varies depending on the nature of the guild itself. Some Guilds are tight knit and demand loyalty, while others are loose assemblies designed to care for the economic needs of their members.”

“While some people may not recognize it as such, the supreme authority in Haven currently rests with the Duke. While the Duchess does not have any official title, she is both a Guild Head and his wife, making her a source of significant authority as well. His officers really only have authority in their respective fields, unless the Duke himself is absent or incapacitated, in which case the First Knight assumes his duties. After the Duke, the Council would stand as the next highest source of authority in Haven. Both the Magistrate and Constable answer to the Council, but each has their own realm of legal authority. The Constable has the power of arrest, and the Magistrate sits in judgment unless the Council or Duke deem otherwise.”

“That is how I understand things, but others may have a differing view. Does anyone else have anything to say?”

[Torakhan]

Quen, everpresent on the grounds and within the lodge, manages the fires and tends to the maintainance of the building from within for today.

[Amagus]

Amagus nods in understanding, yet croaks forth more questions.

“So the Duke rules in Haven, while the Council advises. The town is organized into guilds, many of which have banded into a House. Interesting. What else might the Duke rule over, beyond Haven? Has he Barons? And what King does he serve?”

[Ravinal]

*Ravinal clears his throat.*

"I have spoken to some about this other event......" *He thinks for a moment more as a smile creeps onto his face and then is slowly erased.* "excuse me for interrupting."

"Apparently I've died. I died after the fight with a dragon. And not figuratively, as some have guessed was my meaning. My memory is fleeting on this. That day has come back slowly, yet there is so much I still do not remember. Though, I remember the pain and the release of my spirit. That part has only recently returned to me."

*He looks around the room, then centers his view on Donovan again.*

"It is strange to me that no one else questions my return, other than the occasional notice of my not being dead. Though that may be the hesitants to confront me. I could understand that.

I would just like to know how I've returned to life. If just to know that Im not secretly some villain's puppet."

*Ravinal looks to the floor and squints in rememberance.*

"I remember looking up and seeing a smiling face. After, I was walking in a field for what seemed like days. Time is still strange here. And although I feel healthy enough; I feel as though I should still be dead."

*He looks around again before sitting down* "I would appreciate any help I could get about this matter."

[Corbyn]

*Corbyn exits his chambers and moves to sit in his chair, nodding at Donovan's words.*

Well spoken as always, my Knight. Permit me an addendum.

I am exceedingly proud of what our Haven has accomplished in regard to the fight against the dark elements of this world. Indeed, we have evidence that our efforts have made an impact, as foreign dignitaries seek our aid against evil forces assailing them. We have defended ourselves and aided others, with a governmental structure that has been ever-evolving and improving. We have made mistakes and learned from them, as evidenced by the fact that the disagreements among citizens of this land have become less and less violent as the years have passed. We have achieved more focus and accomplished a corresponding degree of good.

This being the case, there is significant room for improvement. I, along with Atrum and other key citizens have been working on our governing architecture. Our dream is to have one banner that the vast majority of citizens rally under. We must balance what will come along lines of economic stability and decision-making efficiency, as many of our critical choices must be made with haste. With our increasing diversity of race and profession, having one person with sole authority may be inappropriate for meeting such a wide variety of needs. I am confident that the next iteration of our government will be one that takes all of these factors into just account. All input into this process is welcome. We will continue to be a bastion of righteousness in this world, that all evil will come to fear.

Amagus, we have carved out a small area that we claim as our Duchy and have made it known that all who reside within it are under our protection, should their aims coincide with ours. The borders are a days travel to the north and south, and a half-days travel to the east and west. This rectangle does not impinge on any lands claimed by our neighboring lizardmen or beastmen. Our closest neighbor that is similar to us in structure is Woodhold. This land is three days travel to the west and is ruled by a man named Rodrick. We have had some differences of opinion with him regarding our relationship, and I fear open hostilities may be on the horizon. We have no king, and answer only to ourselves.

Ravinal, I would be happy to meet with you in private. I may be able to assist in the sorting out of your memories, and examine you physically for any hints to what may have happened with you.

[Torakhan]

*Flumf!* Glowing yellow cinders errupt from the fire and race up the chimney as Quen tosses another log onto the fire and jabs at it with his stick, shoving it to the back of the harth, then grabs another and tosses it in to, grumbling and then pounds the embered tip of his stick on the stone floor to put it out.

[Onimaster]

Shale eyes Quen and the Duke for a moment, "What of Malcolm's lands. I'd say that he lyes a shade closer than Woodhold, and constitutes a tangible threat. As he has Quen here living with us, and has sent another telling us he expects a tribute paid to him for the privilege of 'renting' his lodge."