This page always contains any announcements or special notices relevant to current events in Freehold. Check back often for updates as time passes in the game world, and don't forget to visit the development and census page for more detailed information on Freehold's endeavors and populace.

Current Time and Weather
The current in-game date, approximate time of day, and local weather considerations can always be found here.

Today's date is: 2 Mirtul, 1374DR (Year of Lightning Storms)

The current time is: Morning (Selune: 3rd Qtr)

The weather in Veldorn today is: Cool (65-85oF/18-29oC), moderate humidity, no precipitation, light winds

Public Council Minutes
The minutes for the most recent open (public) Council session are as follows:
Regular Session (30 Hammer, 1374DR)
Councilors Presiding: Lysander Arkaine, Vio Belc, Shara Graye, Mircea na Heliogabala, Raxam Kelastro, Nitis Nochan

The meeting was opened with a formal summary of the recent caravan to Assur and a breakdown of expenditures of municipal funds. Materials were successfully negotiated for construction of both the Cynosure and the initial three Watchtowers. Discussion then turned to the details of several encounters by the caravan, including one altercation with giant ants, one with Tlincalli, and one on the return trip with a hill giant raiding party. A formal Council thanks was extended to Lord Lazard for his assistance in retaining the Trollslayer mercenaries who protected the caravan on the journey home.

Debate was specifically held regarding the magical capabilities of said giants, whose group invisibility was a point of interest. Also discussed was whether the giants in question belonged to the same tribe or clan as those who attacked Hrrlak's iron mines, but no definitive verdict was reached due to a lack of substantial evidence at this time. Lord Lazard submitted for consideration that news on the road and in Assur held the recent giant raids to be a new phenomenon, after a long period of inactivity, suggesting that something new was motivating the giants to act. The giants' gear was donated to the Council by the Lord for inspection.

Newcomer Caladhuen introduced herself and explained her pledge to Councilor Nochan, that in return for her rescue from the giants who attacked Hrrlak's people she had sworn to serve Freehold for one year and one day (until 5 Hammer, 1375DR). She submitted that she felt her presence in the giants' demesne had been "made known to them," rather than her capture being a result of carelessness. Additionally, she made known that she and others had been dispatched some time ago from the Isle of Quelthiir, to the west, to investigate the unusual state of Veldorn, described as an "abrupt descent into the mundane." She claimed the region is typically home to many strange magicks and events, which recently have begun to decrease in frequency, and suggested it was notable that so many odd things have happened in Freehold. Lord Lazard theorized that, because the village was so new, it was unlikely to be the cause of this phenomenon; however, its founding at the current location could have possibly been influenced by whatever forces are behind the situation, as flotsam caught in a storm is drawn into its eye. Archmage Vashiir agreed that this was certainly plausible, particularly given the presence of the Wood of Dark Trees so close by.

The Lord insisted that the ruins recently discovered below Freehold should be more thoroughly investigated for possible clues, a sentiment met with trepidation by some and enthusiasm by others. Councilor Graye agreed that a lack of knowledge was hindering Freehold's ability to react effectively to certain challenges, and proposed the formation of a volunteer task-force meant to "probe, understand and preempt unusual events in Veldorn and report on their potential impact on the development of Freehold." Such a group could be allotted Council funding and charged initially with understanding the giants' and kobolds' motivations. The Councilor cautioned that it might be unwise to place acting leadership in the task-force, but volunteered to help coordinate any effort made. Lord Lazard offered to hold the discussion of volunteers at Sterlingview House at a later date, when the village was less distracted by civic projects and construction, which plan was accepted by the Council.

Caladhuen was asked to expand upon her status, but informed the Council that she was not invested with any authority to act on behalf of her people beyond the parameters of her mission. She offered to contact Quelthiir so a dialogue could be opened, stating that she would require assistance to do so. It was agreed that any further discussion of investigation into recent events would be formally postponed until an answer can be had from Quelthiir.

The meeting turned back toward construction, and Lord Lazard submitted numerous proposals for the Council's approval. Citing Freehold's recurring difficulties with permanent housing, the Lord shared plans to build an "apartment complex" that would satisfy the needs of both those in immediate need of long-term accommodations, but who had intentions to eventually build and own private residences, and those with no current extended aim beyond remaining in the village. It was noted that this would better enable normal business operations at the Homely Hearth Inn, as well as helping the new halfway house to actually move residents along.

Also proposed was a "credit union" or municipal bank, which Lord Lazard explained would significantly increase the buying power of both Freehold and individual citizens, urging that now was the appropriate time to lay foundations for future growth and that everyone should willingly participate if the endeavor was to meet with any success. The Lord offered to be the credit union's first investor, thus establishing initial solvency so those seeking loans in Freehold could approach the bank rather than himself. Gheric Nailo raised concerns about safeguards against "unsavory lending practices," in answer to which Lord Lazard submitted a draft for "a law to define fair lending practices so that such behaviors can be enforced." The Lord announced he had taken on approximately two hundred hired artisans to assist with construction throughout the village, who came with coin to invest, thus making the need for economic improvements an immediate concern.

As an example of how the credit union could strengthen Freehold's ability to support itself and develop, the Lord further revealed designs for the Kingshand Municipal Hospital, reminding the Council that the current clinic has been operating over capacity since the rescuees from Ghauwffhwar were brought to the village, and that this status was felt during the recent incident with the water supply, throughout which the Kingshands were forced to visit and treat patients in their homes. The idea was met with substantial acclaim from the community. Councilor Graye contributed her official assessment of Freehold's medical resources, which she agreed have been strained, expressing her fervent approval.

The subject of transporting potential patients to the new hospital during emergencies was broached by Thea Sorrowchild, in response to which Lord Lazard announced his intention to found the First Freehold Coachline, leading to concerns about water as well as land traffic. The Council revisited the specifics of Freehold's new pact with the Liontongue River, discussing uncertainties over whether and how the river might recognize those to whom Her forbiddance applies. Druid Holy Moon counseled that She might operate through the nature of cultural identity, permitting passage to anyone who might "identify themselves as 'from Freehold,' if asked." Lord Lazard announced that he currently had a ship in port at Assur, downriver, and offered to order it upriver in an attempt to test the river's ability to judge prospective travelers, which suggestion was met with approval by the Council, along with the Lord's other proposals.
The next open Council meeting will be 10 Mirtul.


Special Community Announcements


Shara Graye:
New Divining Services Available!

Increase your daily productivity and effectiveness through the use of supernatural foresight. Consult Shara Graye at her tent near the southeast edge of Freehold.

Scribing and other magical solutions also available upon request.


Lord Aram Lazard: