Editor's note:
Most records of Raven's Call's beginning were lost during the various rains, floods, and wars that have beset the small island. Raven's Call has always been a place where records are sometimes better left unkept, so it is not something that bothers its councilmen. A few segments of the journals of various leaders have survived though, and have been recopied and bound into a new volume for any wishing to study the island's history.
From the hand of Rilanach Daniolan the Third, Head of the Merchant's Guild, First Councilman of the City of Raven's Call.
Despite my better judgment, the Council has decided that this rainy place will be where we settle, rather than setting out again to search for warmer and less wet climes. This island has advantages, of course. It has natural breakaway sections that should make for admirable docks and shipyards. There's also a great deal of unusual plant life that our healers assure me can be made into various medicines and poisons.
Much as I would have preferred a less grim place, it is high time we settled. It has been nearly five years since the lot of us set out from Port Sunrise, where the newly named King had already begun to set in place oppressive laws and grandiose armies. It's likely a martial state, murmuring constant prayers to some distant sun goddess, by now. Thanks the gods we're free of that, ironic as such thankfulness may be.
There were five hundred of us strong that rebelled and left, but the trip was difficult and only three hundred made the final trip here, perhaps more. The heads of the future trade guilds are alive, save one, and his apprentice has stepped into his place the woodcutters and the shipbuilders are already making plans to begin the harvest of the woods on the island to begin building. We have the ships that brought us though, so it is the will of the council that these ships will be used to establish trade, while the builders here put the building of homes and buildings as first priority. The island is barren of any civilization, it seems. It will take time for it to be livable.
Few mages joined the call to leave – too entranced with those newly discovered portals – but we've a good mix of other skills here. The fisherman amongst us claim that the waters are ripe for fishing, and our lone druid already begins to study which plants will grow and thrive in this rain.
The council is set now, rather than the informal arrangement we had when still we traveled. The heads of each of the five major guilds, with one elected to head them; Merchants, Craftsmen, Shipbuilders, Farmers, and Guard. Should we ever again acquire an Arcane center here, their head will be added to the list.
Still, I wonder if this was the right path. Victor's rules were stifling, and he refused to listen to reason – but we are few who came through that ill-fated rift. Perhaps we should not have split them so widely apart. But it is done. We will thrive here.
Master Narshab of the Shipbuilder's Guild is proving problematic, and demanding. I need speak with his guild and perhaps see if a change in leadership is not in order. He is a poor choice.
From the hand of Rilanach Daniolan the Third, Head of the Merchant's Guild, First Councilman of the City of Raven's Call.
Things move apace. Already we've housing for all – though not of greatest quality – and begin to build shops and warehouses for the excess timber. Trade contracts have been set in place with Victor – not as lucrative as I'd hoped, but they can be renegotiated in time – and our druid has found a rare grape that grows only here, that we know of, and thinks it can be made into an unusual and excellent wine. The first batch will be ready for tasting next fall.
The Council met over this past weekend, and a name was decided upon. The only wildlife easily seen here when we first docked were the raven's – whose incessant calls nearly drove us mad. Raven's Call seems an appropriate title for the place. Though I favored "Unfettered Alliance", as we're free from Victor's laws here.
From the hand of Gritgin Narshab the First, Head of the Shipbuilder's Guild, First Councilman of the City of Raven's Call.
Regrettably, my predecessor's ship sank during a trading voyage to Port Sunrise. Without his skills as a trade negotiator, King Victor Lumiens is proving unreceptive to lending us any aid. Raven's Call stagnates, unable to complete its building projects.
The council meets tomorrow to discuss the circumstances of Daniolan's death, and to plan our next step. It may be we need make some concessions with the King to gain some much-needed supplies here.
From the hand of Gritgin Narshab the First, Head of the Shipbuilder's Guild, First Councilman of the City of Raven's Call.
Meetings with the King again did not go well, though we manage to procure some smaller trade contracts with individuals on the mainland.
The council meets today to decide whether or not to swear Raven's Call as a loose vassal of the King, ruled by a governor of his choosing.
From the hand of Gritgin Narshab the First, Head of the Shipbuilder's Guild, First Councilman of the City of Raven's Call.
It is done. The King has chosen, thankfully, to allow one of the Council to serve as Governor. It seems I am the natural choice, I'm sure the rest of the Council will feel the same.
From the hand of Arialla Daniolan , Acting Head of the Merchant's Guild, First Councilwoman of the City of Raven's Call, First Governor of Raven's Call
Our new city reels still from the sudden loss of both my husband, and his successor. Gritgin Narshab did an admirable job during his short tenure, I'm sure he will be missed by his guild, as well as the city. He was attended in his death by my sister, Carria Bellivin –head of the newly formed Alchemists Union.
The Council has been re-ordered. The Shipbuilders will no longer have a member represented, as they are far too busy and have no candidate capable of taking poor Gritgin's place. The Alchemists Union will take their place, with my sister happily being their chosen representative.
From the hand of Arialla Daniolan, Head of the Merchant's Guild, First Councilwoman of the City of Raven's Call, First Governor of Raven's Call
After much debate, I have elected to restore the Shipbuilders to their seat within the Council and simply add a seat. Arrvil Callou will be their chosen representative, and I'm sure he will do an admirable job of it.
From the hand of Arialla Daniolan ,Head of the Merchant's Guild, First Councilwoman of the City of Raven's Call, First Governor of Raven's Call
We've established agreements with a number of groups within the mainland of Glorwing to export our stock from the docks to the more distant cities through caravans. We feel this will be mutually beneficial.
The King retained few Captains worthy of sailing the treacherous routes between the distant cities, so rather than selling him ships, we have instead taken contracts to add to our fleets, and run a passel of trade ships exporting goods and passengers to and from the cities. Not all people trust to the portals when moving their loved ones and valuables.
From the hand of Arialla Daniolan ,Head of the Merchant's Guild, First Councilwoman of the City of Raven's Call, First Governor of Raven's Call
As I have, regrettably, no child to follow after me, the Council has elected that succession of the title of Governor will pass by way of merit, rather than by birth. As such, my nephew, Huurl Callou will serve as Governor when I pass, as well as taking his mother's place at the head of the Alchemist's Union.
From the hand of Huurl Callous, Head of the Alchemist's Union, First Councilman of the city of Raven's Call, Second Governor of Raven's Call
Thanks to the efforts of my aunt, and myself, Raven's Call rapidly takes its place as a center of trade and diversity. Our former lack of arcane-minded citizens has been alleviated by a recent ship full of mages who have made Raven's Call their home. They are attempting some weather controls spells in the hopes of making Raven's Call slightly drier, but they are doubtful of its success.
From the hand of Cabb Narshab the First, Head of the Shipbuilder's Guild, First Councilman of the City of Raven's Call, Third Governor of Raven's Call
The new sewers are finally complete, and the flooding in city streets should halt. Mages have been forbidden from attempts at weather magic within city limits.
From the hand of Blaila Umar, Head of the Craftsmen's Guild, First Councilwoman of the City of Raven's Call, Fifth Governor of Raven's Call
The Council was restructured in our last meeting. The head of the guard agrees that military matters have little say in the governing of the city, and they remove themselves from the Council. The Arcanists, though small in number, have proved a great boon to the city – flooding aside – and have won a place on the Council. The Council now consists of the heads of the following guilds: Merchants, Craftsmen, Shipbuilders, Farmers, and Alchemists, and Arcanists.
From the hand of Silencio, the Ratcatcher, First Councilman of the City of Raven's Call, Seventh Governor of Raven's Call
I reckon the King will be pleased by what he sees here, on his visit next week. Shipbuilders been workin' overtime on the ship that's bringin' him – makin' it spiffy and elegant like. Council been clamorin' for independence lately – break away from Victor's rule. I don't much see a reason for that though. We all benefit from the relationship, way it is. No reason to change it. The majority vote agreed with me – after a bit of persuasion. Some of the rich folk are none-too-happy with a common-folk governor. But they'll get used to the idea.
From the hand of Gabriel Silvermyst, First Councilman of the City of Raven's Call, Eighth Governor of Raven's Call
The laws regarding public casting of magics have been loosened. Beneficial healing spells are allowed, regardless of their origin, and can be cast publicly. Offensive spells are still forbidden – as is only natural. We may not carry the same strict rules as the mainland, but we are not a lawless city.
The addition of the Thlix the Younger as Archmage and head of the Arcanists seems to be a great boon to our city. A mage and scholar of great talent, perhaps it's time to once again lift the stricture on weather magic and attempt to control the rains here a slight bit.
From the hand of Thlix the Younger, First Councilman of the City of Raven's Call, Head of the Arcanists Guild, Acting Governor of Raven's Call
In Gabriel's absence, the city is a bit chaotic. Evens on the mainland bleed over to Raven's Call in smaller amounts, and it's been necessary to add to the Guard to keep the peace. I have been appointed acting governor, and suspect I need only wait until the next Council meeting to have it made official. The bard, Sindil Vendulin, who often plays for the parties of the Council members, has told me that my appointment seems all but official, from what she has heard.
I must return to the mainland soon to meet with King Victor, and to congratulate the queen on her pregnancy. I think that I will go immediately following the meeting.
(( By Sullen Siren ))
_________________ To all of my children in whom Life flows abundant To all of my children to whom Death hath passed his judgement The soul yearns for honor, and the flesh the hereafter Look to those who walked before to lead those who walk after
Shining is the Land's light of justice Ever flows the Land's well of purpose Walk free, walk free, walk free, believe... The Land is alive, so believe...
https://youtu.be/YgEg8kXmifo?t=320
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