Dispatches from the Office of the Governor.

[Cinnabar]

In the early morning a number of messages are delivered across Myrken Wood; neatly addressed, sealed with the mark of the Office of the Governor. The letters within are handwritten in an elegant and flowing copperplate script, rich black ink on smooth, creamy paper.

--~--

To the Judiciary Council of Myrken Wood: Aston Jylan Aldred, Councillor of Defence and Civil Security; Rondeau Spier, Councillor of Trade and Commerce; Vanidor Goldenhair, Councillor of Agriculture; Aloisius Treadwell, Councillor of Administrative Sanctions

Councillors

It has become clear to me that the ongoing absence of Altias Bromn from his role as Governor of Myrken Wood - and the ensuing neglect of his official duties - has led to considerable suffering for the citizenry, to whom he has promised so much and yet delivered so little. The truth is that Myrken is besieged on all sides by fiends, monsters and madmen, and in such troubled and uncertain times there is a pressing and urgent need for strong and decisive leadership. The tragic events at Foggy Bottom have made it clear to me that this is not being provided, and the people of Myrken Wood are paying the price. The current situation cannot be allowed to continue.

This being the case, please be advised that I have assumed responsibility for all executive and administrative functions within the purview of the Office of the Governor, effective immediately. This measure has been approved and formalised by the Office of the Governor, and will remain in effect for as long as necessary.

Additionally, it is clear to me that the onerous duties associated with serving on the Judiciary Council may be difficult to balance with the need to pay attention to the management of your own estates and affairs, and I would not wish you to neglect one set of obligations in favour of the other. As such, if any of you wish to take this changeover as an opportunity to step down from your Council posts I will completely understand and approve such a responsible and honourable course of action. If you wish to continue in your roles as guardians of Myrken Wood's people and their interests, please send me confirmation of this and await further contact from this office.

In the near future I will be inviting additional respected members of Myrken society onto the Council in order to ensure that the burden of government does not lie too heavily on the shoulders of too few individuals; while this may involve a short period of restructuring and a potential reallocation of duties, any changes implemented will be working towards the goal of allowing Myrken Wood's government to more efficiently attend to the needs of the populace.

I am well aware that you will likely have questions and concerns about this revised state of affairs; if you will bear with me, I shall call a closed Judiciary Council meeting to discuss matters in the next few days.

Until then, please tend to your duties as normal.

Sincerely,

Cinnabar Calomel

--~--

To Aeryn Karolinger, Marshal and Commander of the Brotherhood of Janeiro

Marshal Karolinger

Please be advised that I have assumed responsibility for all executive and administrative functions within the purview of the Office of the Governor, effective immediately.

This measure has been approved and formalised by the Office of the Governor, and has been implemented due to the ongoing neglect and indeed apparent abandonment of official duties by Altias Bromn, coupled with the Judiciary Council's unfortunate inability to respond to recent calamities that have troubled the people of Myrken Wood, and will remain in effect for the duration.

The change in circumstances does not affect the contract between the Brotherhood of Janeiro and the government of Myrken Wood, and as such you and your men are expected to attend to your duties (namely the ongoing military protection of Myrken Wood and her people) at the previously-agreed rates of pay.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Cinnabar Calomel

--~--

To Sir Malaroth Deucalios of Zachea, Grand Master of the Shepherd Knights

Sir Malaroth

I do not doubt that you share my dismay at recent tragic events in Myrken Wood, and my disappointment at the response - or lack thereof - from both Governor and Council. Indeed, I am informed that Altias Bromn has not been seen for a period of some weeks, and that no-one in government seems to know his whereabouts. Obviously this is deeply troubling, as in such unsettled times as these there is a need for clear and certain leadership; this is not currently present in Myrken, and so the citizenry suffers.

I cannot watch the people of Myrken languish under such aimless and neglectful hands any longer. As such, I have assumed control of the various machineries of government, and will henceforth be attending to the duties and responsibilities associated with the Office of the Governor. This transfer of authority has been properly documented and notarised as best as I can arrange, and will remain in effect for as long as necessary. I am well aware of the controversial nature of such a step, and how it may be viewed as a usurpation at best or a coup at worst. I can only offer that it is a desperate measure for a desperate time, and sincerely hope that it will be accepted without need for bloodshed.

I will soon be appointing new Councillors to augment or replace the current incumbents, and would be honoured to extend an invitation for such to yourself, sir. You and your knights have been staunch defenders of Myrken Wood and her people, and I greatly value both your advice and your support. My belief is that with steady and confident guidance, the people of Myrken might find respite from the burden of fear and pain under which they have toiled for so long.

I shall be in touch again soon. Until then, be safe.

Sincerely

Cinnabar Calomel

[Jirai]

Spier

One reply, at least, would be swift - if rather brief in content.

To Cinnabar Calomel, High Constable of Myrken Wood and Governor pro-tem; Greetings.

Constable,

I look forward to discussing this matter further at the Council meeting.

Sincerely,

Rondeau Spier, Councillor of Trade and Commerce

[Vanidor]

This first missive came simply in the usual thick-brown packet that denoted Brotherhood messages. The soldier, a man of the First, would hand it to whatever Constable or Guard was at the meetinghouse with a wry smile. No salute, nor recognition once it was passed on, for then he would turn and depart.

To: Cinnabar Calomel, High Constable and... Governor.
From: Aeryn Karolinger, Marshal and Commander of the Brotherhood

Calomel. Your move astounds me, yet comes as no surprise. Were it not for the actions of last night, I would now be marching the full strength of my Order down on your head to see such an action extinguished. But... perhaps in the long run, that would not be in the best interests of Myrken and her people.

So be it, for the time being the Brotherhood will maintain her contracts with the Province of Myrken Wood. Whomever it currently belongs too.

Aeryn Karolinger
Marshal

---------------------------------------------------------

Another would arrive shortly thereafter, delivered directly upon the desk belonging to the Constables secretary, if there so happened to be one. Set in a simple folding envelope of pale green paper, the wax seal was embossed with crossed swords and a lantern behind it. There was no sign of the one who delivered it, though there was a -scent- in the air. Of honeydew and vanilla, that filtered through the offices.

I shall be maintaining my position, Master Calomel, of that you can be sure. If you see need to add more to this lovely circle, so be it. Just be careful. Some may see this as a coup, perhaps less violent than the last to be sure, but some will... react accordingly.

Oh. The new strain of wheat and corn my folk and I have been working on seems to have taken in the soil here. Hardier, it would seem. When we harvest we shall see if it is as tasty. If all has come to rights, then we may have an answer to some of our food shortages.

Vanidor

[Malaroth]

Cinnabar Calomel,
High Constable of Myrken Wood
Acting Governor,

Greetings,

I have received your message and wish to express both my approval and sorrow over such radical steps. Sorrow that such drastic action does indeed seem necessary especially in light of the occurrences at Foggy Bottom and others ever since certain villains have arrived in Myrken Wood. Approval that something has, at last, been done to try and restore the King's Peace which the knighthood was founded to maintain in Myrken Wood and all territories of the Amasynian Provincial Region.

I heartily accept your invitation to join this Council but must be quite open about the possible ramifications of such. I am no doubt aware that you know some may view this as usurpation. You are also no doubt aware that my first and foremost responsibility is to His Majesty. Therefore, any acceptance on my part might be viewed by the populace as the King taking too keen an interest in the government of His subjects. Serving as a Councilor, rather than as Governor or some equally singular position of leadership may help to mitigate outcries of tyranny.

To those who would raise such cries however, I would ask them to remember the cries of those knights who watched their fallen brethren arise after being slain to fight for the Ashfiend, the cries of those same knights as they willingly burned alive to provide what noble magicians rallied to our banner time to save those they could.

Furthermore, given how recent events threaten the interests of His Majesty and the lives of His populace I have little doubt that he will approve of my agreement here.

For what it is worth I also intend to petition the King for further reinforcements to recoup the losses suffered at Snowstill Priory. Also, Lady Valaeli has joined the knighthood and even know instructs knights and squires in the foundations and practice of the magical arts.

You have my full support.

Sincerely,
Sir Malaroth Deucalios of Zachea
Grand Master of the Shepherd Knights

[Treadwell]

Aloisius Treadwell went home today from the hospital, his healing accelerated quite a bit from the help offered by a visiting female paladin. There's still very brief bits of dizziness here and there, but that much should pass in the days to come.

The letter is received and read. . . and with the putting of pen to page, replied to.

= = = = =
Governor Calomel,

Barring a very brief, unwanted, and undeserved absence from the Myrken Wood Council, I have served this province ever since I first set foot on it of my own accord a few years past. I aim to continue in such service. Thus, you have the pleasure of not having to find yourself a new tax collector with this shifting of hands! As always, I stand ready to assist Myrken Wood, finding it at least a reasonably agreeable adopted home away from home.

With regards to my health after the recent assault on my person, I am, through magically blessed help, largely better and resting at home after spending this week in a hospital bed. I still face rare spots of unsteadiness, mind you, but I do think this should be much improved in the space of the next few days. I look forward to resuming my official duties in the next day or so at the latest.

In closing, remember that I hold a post still in Westenford, Amasynia. I shall need to go there once every few months to manage affairs there, and, certainly, any required assistance from Westenford can certainly be arranged as needed. One can do this when he's head of the Ruling Council there: minimal responsibilities with maximum rewards!

I bid you good eve.

Aloisius H. Treadwell, Councilor of Administrative Sanctions
8 September 207

[Kylerryth]

Strangely, there was no reply from the House of Aldred.

If asked, the High Constable's courier would confirm the delivery of the letter: he had been received at the gate by two men clad in strange armor; they had summoned a third, garbed similar to themselves but lacking weapons; and he (in the telling the courier presumed the person was male) had accepted the missive without a word before disappearing on the paved path leading to the sprawling expanse of the main manse.

Yet there was no reply.

At least ... not yet.

[Cinnabar]

The morning finds a fresh crop of letters dispatched to members of the Judiciary Council, a flurry of correspondence delivered by hurried Constabulary runners.

--~--

To the Judiciary Council of Myrken Wood

Councillors

My thanks for your prompt replies; in view of your various questions and concerns, I would propose we hold a closed-session Council meeting at your soonest convenience in order that I might address any qualms or worries that the recent transfer of authority might have raised. My suggestion would be for the meeting to take place tomorrow morning, as early as is acceptable.

You have also undoubtedly heard the disturbing news from the east, regarding Duke Burel's invasion of Derry; this troubles me deeply, and I would suggest that preparations against Thessilane's territorial ambition be an issue also covered in this meeting. Time is of the essence, gentlemen.

Sincerely

Cinnabar Calomel

--~--

Also included with the above general letter to the Judiciary Council is another sheet of paper, detailing concerns pertinent to the individual Councillors.

--~--

To Vanidor Goldenhair, Councillor for Agriculture

Councillor Goldenhair

First, my thanks for your support, and for your advice; the news of your success with the improved varieties of grain is most heartening, and I hold great hopes for how it might improve the lot of Myrken's people and avoid further shortages.

On the subject of food shortages, however, I wonder if you could advise me on Myrken Wood's current situation in that regard? Specifically I require information on the level of current stockpiles of grain, fruit and other comestibles, with an eye to how long Myrken Wood might be able to subsist on such should the Ringwall be closed entirely.

Also, I would like you to coordinate with Councillor Spier with regard to bolstering these stockpiles in the immediate future, if necessary constructing new granaries and other storage facilities to house them. The news from Thessilane and Derry provokes worries me deeply, and I would not see famine added to the troubles that already loom on the eastern horizon.

My deepest thanks for your cooperation in these matters. If you have any further concerns that would best be tended to ahead of the meeting of the Judiciary Council, please do not hesitate to bring them to my attention.

Sincerely

Cinnabar Calomel

--~--

To Rondeau Spier, Councillor for Trade and Commerce

Councillor Spier

I will be happy to lay any concerns you might have to rest at the Council meeting, which will be held as soon as possible. I have great hopes that Myrken Wood might prosper from the trade that flows across our borders, and look forward to coordinating with you on such matters.

In the meantime, I would like you to coordinate with Councillor Goldenhair with regard to shoring up Myrken's food stores - the news from Derry and Thessilane is profoundly worrying, and I feel that we should make what preparations we can. Additionally, please liaise with Myrkentown's timber and stone merchants and take steps to secure supplies of both building lumber and stone suitable for the construction of fortifications.

My thanks for your cooperation in this matter.

Sincerely

Cinnabar Calomel

--~--

To Aloisius Treadwell, Councillor for Administrative Sanctions

Councillor Treadwell

Your long and diligent service to the people of Myrken Wood does you surpassing credit, and it is with great relief that I receive the news that you wish to continue in your post. From what you say I would suppose that your duties in Westenford are unlikely to impact the execution of your responsibilities here in Myrken, so that is not a cause for concern at all.

I am also delighted to hear that you are recovering well, and eagerly look forward to your return to your previous robust good health, and to your duties as Councillor of Administrative Sanctions. I trust that you will find your office in the new administrative quarters to be to your taste.

With regard to your duties as Councillor, however, I would like to request your advice on matters of Myrken Wood's official finances. Given the recent nature of my accession to the Office of the Governor, I feel it would be of great use to have a sense of the state of affairs in Myrken Wood. The urgency of this need is only reinforced by the disturbing news from Thessilane and Derry, as it behooves me to make the appropriate preparations in the event of a Thessilanean assault on Myrken Wood, and to do so it is vital that I have a firm idea of the resources that might be brought to bear on the problem.

As such, if you or a member of your staff could provide me with details of Myrken's revenue from taxes (including trade tariffs and the like), as well as the current state of the government's coffers and any outgoing expenditures, I would be most grateful indeed.

My warmest thanks for your assistance in this matter.

Sincerely

Cinnabar Calomel

--~--

To Aston Jylan Aldred, Councillor for Defence and Civil Security

Councillor Aldred

It would appear that I have not received your reply to my last missive. This is most unfortunate, as following the recent news from the east I was hoping to consult with you in your role as Councillor for Defence and Civil Security on what preparations might be made for when Duke Burel turns his attention upon Myrken Wood.

I hope that you will not think it remiss of me, but in absence of any word from your estate I have begun to put into place what preparations seem most prudent to me at this time. Any further suggestions or advice you might have would of course be most welcome.

I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely

Cinnabar Calomel

[Cinnabar]

To Aeryn Karolinger, Marshal and Commander of the Brotherhood of Janeiro

Marshal Karolinger

My thanks for your swift and efficient actions to secure Myrken's borders this last night; I have every faith Myrken Wood will prevail with you and your men guarding the Ringwall.

With regard to the matter of the Gates, however, I must insist that they remain open for the time being. In the face of such an advance as has been reported to me, I have no doubt that many of the citizens of Derry will attempt to flee Duke Burel's armies and war-sorcerors, and common humanity demands that we cannot allow them to languish beyond the Ringwall, trapped between your stout defences and Burel's advancing armies. Given the Ringwall's obvious deficiencies as a serious barrier to entry, preventing such refugees from entering peacably may drive them to more desperate measures such as attempting to scale the wall in a rush, which would only lead to senseless bloodshed.

I will request that Sir Malaroth of the Shepherd Knights come to your assistance in seeing to the needs of any refugees, thus leaving your men more able to tend to the defence of Myrken Wood.

Again, sir, my thanks for your diligence.

Sincerely

Cinnabar Calomel

--~--

To Sir Malaroth Deucalios of Zachea, Grand Master of the Shepherd Knights

Sir Malaroth

The news from Thessilane and Derry concerns me greatly. Not merely due to the likely possibility, nay the inevitable fact that Duke Burel will turn his attentions outward again once Derry is secure beneath his heel, thus threatening Myrken's borders; but also because such an invasion, with armies and war-sorcerors and battles and the like, will undoubtedly cause fear and distress in the people of Derry.

I anticipate that many of them will attempt to flee their homeland in the face of Burel's advance, and attempt to cross the borders into Myrken. Given your performance at Foggy Bottom, I would have you and your knights support Marshal Karolinger and the forces of the Brotherhood in this matter by organising the provision of basic necessities such as shelter and supplies to these displaced souls.

I have already given instruction for certain resources to be made available to you in this matter, and you will hopefully enjoy Marshal Karolinger's full cooperation. If there are any other facilities you or your knights require, please do not hesitate to advise me.

Sincerely

Cinnabar Calomel

[Cinnabar]

To Glenn Burnie, Mapmaker of Myrkentown

Mr Burnie

I wish to commission your talents once more for a project of considerable urgency. I am willing to offer remuneration at our previously-agreed rate of pay, with further considerations for swift completion of this task.

The commission is thus: I require you to liaise with certain Council clerks and make contact with whatever masons, architects and engineers you can find who were responsible for the design and construction of the Ringwall erected during Giscard Guillaume's tenure as Governor. In consultation with these individuals, you are to survey the land with a view to the construction of a fortified wall encompassing as many of the buildings of Myrkentown as is practical.

As to the specifications of this construction: the wall itself should be in the region of twenty to twenty-five feet in height, and as thick as the engineers deem necessary for it to defend Myrkentown from external assault. In particular the gatehouses should be sturdy enough to withstand serious attack, and emplacements for war engines should be spaced sensibly along the perimeter.

Obviously this project is to be kept confidential for the time being, at least until the investigation into its feasibility has been concluded. I look forward to receiving your initial report at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely

Cinnabar Calomel

--~--

To Tempestro Deost, Master of Esraeux

Captain

Regarding our previous conversation, I believe I will take you up on your kind offer, at least in some capacity. Following recent worrying news from Derry I find that I have need of masters-at-arms capable of training men in archery and use of polearms, if that can be provided; once I have your confirmation I will make arrangements to gather recruits and procure the necessary arms and equipment for such training with all haste.

I am able to offer whatever rate of pay you deem acceptable for such services, bearing in mind the pressure under which this training is likely to take place. Thessilane marches, and once Derry falls I fear that Myrken will be next.

In the meanwhile, thank you once again for your continued support and sound advice.

Sincerely

Cinnabar Calomel

[Jirai]

Spier

To Vanidor Goldenhair, Councillor of Agriculture; Greetings

Councillor Goldenhair,

I expect you have received a missive from the High Constable regarding the subject of the province's food stores. Something tells me that our trade from Derry is not to be relied upon. How fair the reserves? If they are not as we would prefer, I have several favors I might be able to call in.

Sincerely,

Rondeau Spier, Councillor of Trade and Commerce

Later, the day would find the older man out and about in the town, speaking to this merchant or that one.

[Vanidor]

Several letters saw themselves departing the rundown 'house' that Vanidor maintained within the township itself. Coming and going, with whatever 'mystical' nature was behind the way such things moved. For never was there a guard at the door, and nor was there anyone ever -seen- within. But letters moved, that was what was important. And as usual, he was friendly and informal in the letter.

Master Spier, great to hear from you on this matter. Yes, the letter that our good Constable sent towards my house has been received.

As to our reserves: We have enough, if careful rationing is observed to sustain us for the balance of the winter, not counting what the late harvest will bring us. But that is if we -ration carefully-. I do not know the status of the Brotherhood's reserves, so I cannot say what they have, but that is for the populace as I know it. It may be enough, it may not. Humans... Have been known to panic, at times, yes?

So. That is what we have. If you need to buy more, then do so. But I would suggest requesting something from Xanth Grange or Amasynia itself, and not through Derry at the moment. Perhaps in that direction prices will not have yet risen too much, yes?

Oh, as for granaries, we can build them, if we are given the wood and some men. Perhaps from the militia. Can I leave it to you to request such from those who must be pressured. We are at a critical stage with the testing here at our farm, and I dread to leave it lest it fail.

Vanidor

[Vanidor]

The Constable-Governor would receive this missive, or at least his desk would, if he was not there. The usual heavy packet, bound in red and grey cording this day. The man tasked to deliver it would linger, if there was aught to return. At least if it came quickly.

To: Cinnabar Calomel, High Constable and Interim-Governor
From: Aeryn Karolinger, Marshal and Commander of the Brotherhood

Calomel.

We work in concert with plans already created between our Office and that of the Councilor of Defense and Civil Security. Such plans have been made since my forebearer's place as both Captain and Councilor. We simply follow the plan we had, modified to fit the new design of the Order.

As to your request for the Shepard Knights to join us in this issue, I will allow it, if they will remember that this is a military operation and remain under our aegis, and not to operate of their own will in the matter. If there is to be any unity at the walls, that is what must occur.

Grand Master Malaroth may set up his aid tents amongst our own -behind- the gate, which is where we will send those refugees we do allow behind our walls. Oh, and your notion of the... looseness of our walls is partially false. The last three months we have been shoring up the various portions of wall we deemed insecure. It is not as strong as we may wish them to be, not as good as the walls at Orvere, if you have heard of them, but they will hold as long as we are resolute, yes?

So, there is my answer. Myrken shall remain locked down, and only merchant caravans authorized by the council will be allowed to leave or enter. The refugees will be seen to as needed.

Aeryn Karolinger
Marshal.

[Malaroth]

For the sake of suffering people who had been caught up in war and bloodshed, the knights mobilized. Their reinforcements having just arrived before the shoring up of the Ring Wall, int he name of the King, to replace and surpass the numbers lost during the Battle of Snowstill. The Chapter House swelled to contain them all and, with their assistance asked for near the gates, their departure removes pressure from the knighthood's headquarters.

Mostly a grim lot, they would let it be known that concerning the Ringwall and its operation that the command of Janeiro was recognized. But it would also be forthrightly stated that the Knighthood owed no allegiance to them beyond mutual interest in defending beleaguered Myrken Wood. While founded to defend the populace and the peace, it was their training, mostly martial and augmented occasionally with sorcerous training, their primary role was indeed a military one.

They answered first and foremost to Grand Master Deucalios, and ultimately to the King himself. While several of the knights did not hide their distaste for mercenaries, the presence of Sir Osric Storth, who had also overseen the knights' response to the Foggy Bottom disaster, proved to be a calming one intent on bringing peace even through his vow of silence. Under his watchful eye the tents arose as requested.

[Jirai]

Spier

To Cinnabar Calomel, High Constable and Governor pro-tem; Greetings

Constable Calomel,

Councilor Goldenhair informs me that our food supplies ought to sustain us through winter - not counting the harvest - if rationed. I can arrange to bolster these supplies somewhat.

As for granaries, the Councilor informs me that these can be constructed - given materials and manpower. Timber is in ready supply.

As regards the construction, as I already mentioned, there is plenty of timber available. The stoneworks will be harder to obtain in quantity. I shall continue to work on that.

Sincerely

Rondeau Spier, Councilor of Trade and Commerce

[Cinnabar]

To Rondeau Spier, Councillor for Trade and Commerce

Councillor Spier

My thanks for your prompt report; please make the necessary arrangements to see the stores augmented, as I am sure you will agree that we can absolutely do without another food shortage any time soon. I will pass word along to the appropriate officials in order that the funds for new granaries will be released, and hope that construction will commence as soon as can be arranged.

On the matter of stoneworks, please persevere. If there are any disused or derelict buildings in the area of Myrkentown from which masonry might be salvaged, that may be worth investigating. Otherwise I entrust the matter entirely to your initiative. Please keep me advised of any further developments.

Sincerely

Cinnabar Calomel