Wendel Tweed, Court Historian's page

A most peculiar statement, voluntary judgment. But i shall note it in the chronicles.

Continuation..

"There have been a few hamlets, mainly attempts to settle somewhere quiet. Such as Hamel, to the far west. I believe it was on the border of being a small village, before the Deyja necromancers came through. Even if people tried to resettle, with recent raiding, i can only guess as to what state they are in."

Are these towns part of our territory? And realistically speaking, if so, how do the locals see the legitimacy of our rule?”

"Not as such in regard of territory under your management. They lay outside of the surrounding area of Welnin. Lord Markham's governship encompassed only a portion of the lands. Welnin had, at the time, the best public layout for commerce and appropriate facilities. The rest was pretty much left to their own devices, after it was determined they were no threat anymore.

A few other things he points out,

"There is an old Erathian tower fort, built during one of the previous conflicts over the lands. It housed our soldiers last year, but it was captured and abandoned after catapult fire broke a hole into one of its sides, creating an entrance for Erathian forces. Speaking of forts, there is one other, more towards the central region. Prior to Welnin's defeat, this was a strategic point in the lands' defense. Due to that it has good view on the roads, the quickest means of travel. Both Erathia and Avlee have occupied it, and traces of such may well be present. I dare say that if goblins hole up somewhere, those locations would be ideal."

"Good morning. I hope you've gotten your rest last night."

He waits for someone to clear the table, and takes a chair from nearby.
He rolls out a dated looking map.

"Ahem. This map is dated, but as the library i had was in the area outside the town's limits, it was the only one i could find at home."

He points at a few specific points, around Welnin.
"The immediate region has one minor settlement. It is little more than a stop for travelers, and has, last i knew, around 20 people living there. It is 3 hours away on foot. The contested lands itself, has three townships to speak of. Welnin lies a bit to its western half. Then there is the town of Fairbrook, a mainly elven town, in the northeast, and Fairhaven, a town with inhabitants from both sides, vaguely in the middle. Personally, an example of how relations aught be, is what i think."

More coming tomorrow, it's running late and alarm goes off very early.

Hello." She said, finding the old man. "Got a letter here, that needs to go to Stone City. Hopefully it'll help rebuild this castle. Be there anyone here that ye could recommend as a messenger?"

Old? I aught say i am not there yet, i am but 40. Early greying runs in my parental family. And i feel as young as 30.

Brunhild finds Wendel and Tobias about to leave the inn to go home.
"A coincidence you mention that, it was exactly what mr. Maine suggested. Albeit asking them in person, i believe he meant. But yes, i believe one of the town watch used to be a scout, as the usual courier is currently out of town. But i would advise he not go alone. The Barrow Downs have their reputation for a reason."

January 16th 1168 AS.

The appointed four people have been successful, to both relief and surprise, in liberating Castle Harmondale from the goblin occupation.
Most surprising to hear, was that the goblins left after striking a deal on their own initiative. Unusual as this is to hear of goblin raiders, it means the castle was retaken with limited bloodshed for both sides.

Wendel Tweed.

"The goblins being the problem that they are, aught best be dealt with, before a permanently safe travel route is established. If you come back in the morning, we might be able to provide you with a few charts of the immediate region, and general points of interest throughout the contested lands.
I think there is a fair chance, goblins could be found at some of them."

Tobias has an expression of relief on his face, and lets out a sigh matching the sentiment.

"That is one worry less. Goblins raiding the countryside is bad enough, the villages have less security than even we have. But a base of operations for goblins nearby, would have been a grave concern indeed."

Not too much time today.

January 16th, 1168.

Welnin Tweed, Court Historian of Castle Harmondale.

Um, Sir Maine? I realize this might be a painful topic, but I think it's important to understand the people here and their history. We were told this city was at the center of a Rebellion of sorts, against Erathia I believe? How did that come to be? And what are the people's sentiments towards Erathia and AvLee now?

A nearby seated man, middle aged and greying hair, along with beard, puts down the book he was reading. "I can answer that question, young lady, i have been a resident for a little longer than mister Maine here."

He stands up, wearing a coat befitting a minor official, with a brown and grey formal outfit.

"Allow me to introduce myself, Wendel Tweed, historian and librarian, to Castle Harmondale and the region."

"The history of Harmondale, as the contested lands as a whole, were called at its first foundation by Erathia, is quite turbulent.
You see, most of the land was once woodlands. Some 520 years ago, the Eratian king at the time, David Gryphonheart the fourth, expanded his kingdom's borders into woodlands, that were also inhabited by a population of elves, despite not being Avlee by default. At least, as far as remaining records mention."

"Understandably, the elves were offended, and a conflict erupted, resulting in the Contested Lands. A land of neither country, but claimed by both. Both have held control of the lands, with control shifting back and forth throughout history."

"Even with the change of management, we are still under Erathia's wing. While geographically we are a different region, by current official records, we are still under their control. Lord Markham shifted management to you, instead. Until Avlee suddenly occupies us, that is."

At the question about the rebellion,

"More than one, in fact. The most recent, last year, had the ranger Ryland rally the people of the lands to rise up to declare independence. Sadly, all know how that ended. For a very brief time, it was a success, catching forces from both countries by surprise. Mayor Falruk Welnin, Radiant One have his soul, offered the town as base of operations, and it became our capital. The Erathian military struck back in force, and nearly all of our military assets were destroyed. No doubt you have seen what remains of our walls and buildings, beyond the town limits."