The Chronicle               2006-2007

Falana WyvernStryke, Chronicler

9 Sep 2006 ~ Gather at Crescentwood Tavern.

This is the first gather at the renovated and only slightly relocated tavern. Thankfully, it is a fairly quiet gather and no villains, stray magic, or over-zealous demonstrations of warrior prowess threaten the new structure.

Brother Bart is helping Phairlen look for a particular mountain, a search that’s proving difficult, as he only has a description of a view of the mountain.

There is discussion of the clan symbol. Reeves are announced for the new term. Aranek and Fiona are announced as elders.

7 Oct 2006 ~ Gather at Cullyport.

It’s the Cullyport Carrot Carnival! A carrot carving contest is held. Madhainn Dubhr is the carrot-carving champion, carving a linked chain with no breaks in the links. Ellam proves a tough competitor with his Daucus Flutus (carrot flute), but, in the end capitulates, to the alchemist.

Hoot Dreamsinger apparently acquired a number of rare and “unusual” relics and brings them to the gather. He challenges all present to a story telling contest in which each participant creates and tells a story about the relics.

Firesmith comes into possession of one of the relics and determines that the relic might be imbued with power. He activates it, and it explodes in his hands. When the smoke clears, only ash remains. Kiriannin respectfully collects the ashes of his companion. Shani refuses to believe that Firesmith is dead. She is convinced that the magic has carted him away somewhere and sets out immediately to seek him.

21 Oct 2006 ~ Mundane wedding of Vin & Ioana (Granarinth & Aissa).

18 Nov 2006 - Gather at Fealinne an Emandu (Clianna & Madhainn Dubhr’s).

This month marks the 20th anniversary of the first gather. Rinka queen-naps Sparrowreed to ensure her presence for the occasion. Starshadow, Areanna & Holly make the journey from Caer Falken as well. Sparrowreed raises Loquitor to the rank of Count and Kyara to the rank of Countess.

An archery range is set up, and, despite his best efforts, Regar is unable to shoot arrows until his hand falls off.

Indigo and Freya marry in a ceremony presided over by Fiona. Granarinth announces that he and Aissa wed two weeks ago in a grove to the north.

Rodin Rae brings the Keeper of Obscure Knowledge (affectionately dubbed the KOOK), though she can’t decide if it was a good idea. She seems to fret over his frequent and lengthy digressions on tangents to various conversations; however, many of the guests of the manor seemed quite taken with his ability to discourse so thoroughly on such a broad range of subjects.

The elf Sadosed, not to be mistaken for the somewhat less elf-like, kilted Sadosed of the mighty BAH!, brings Vohdun word of his missing axe. It is apparently a magical weapon that had been used by one of a group of companions, also armed with magical weapons, to defeat an ancient and powerful dragon. Unfortunately, it appears that a dragon cult may be attempting to locate and collect all the weapons used in order to resurrect, or perhaps reincarnate, the dragon. Vohdun’s quest has taken on a more urgent air, and forces are being mobilized to locate and obtain any of the missing weapons before the dragon cult brings their plan to fruition.

Clianna prepares a sumptuous sit-down feast. In a nostalgic nod to an early tradition of the clan that is no longer followed, everyone present, guest and stoneholder alike, is asked to participate in the Passing of the Cup. Lorelei receives her Welcomestone. Ellamishaliareandas receives his Moonstone.

20 January 2007 - Drunken Cat Tavern (Sadosed & Thistle’s)

A small, but comfortable, gathering of clan-kin descend on the Drunken Cat for the first time.

Sometime during the day, a letter appears at the bar from the Druids who had previously warned the clan that they were creating too powerful a magical focus and that a backlash was inevitable. This new letter states that they (the Druids) are meeting with Brother Bart (who is on-route to their abode even now) as a representative of the clan since he, and not the elders, is keeper of their previous missive. The elders, and the clan in general, appear unconcerned and seem to feel that the Druids are a bit arrogant to insinuate that the clan may be responsible for some of the trouble spreading throughout E’Atara.

Loquitor and Kyara express concern over internal unrest in Crystalmyst… unrest that centers around the magical kingdom returning to E’Atara and being in close proximity to humans. A group of purist elves are pushing for isolationism, believing that there should be no interaction with outsiders, and particularly with non-elven outsiders. Both Loquitor and Kyara fear that this conflict, if it continues, could cause irreparable damage to the kingdom.

Thistle holds a dessert contest and struggles valiantly to determine a winner, sampling the entries repeatedly so as not to make a tasty… er hasty… decision:

• First prize goes to Rodin Rae for her chocolate and raspberry cake.
• Second prize—Rahne for her peppermint bark depiction of Ruins at DeWhittimere (delightfully reminiscent of Stonehenge).
• Third prize— Caitlin for her black and white cookies.
• Fourth prize—E'ile for her chocolate chip cookies.

As expected, all of the desserts were thoroughly enjoyed (perhaps a few before the judging, even).

~ · ~

The clan meets and the elders address the gathered with the following:

• Discussion and decisions about the FALO emblem is postponed (primarily due to the holidays) until February when the council expects to have more information.
• Kyara hopes to address mentor topics over the next few months and indicates that the primary role of a mentor should be to get an application to a prospective, help the prospective fill it out, and return it to the elders.
• It is decided that FALO will not have a table at ICON XXVI in March; however, Khallil is still collecting security recruits, and Galatyne is planning to coordinate a few panels.

17 February 2007 - Hunt’s End Inn (Caitlin & Medva’s)

Another small gather, with bitter temperatures. A snow and ice storm a few days earlier impedes travel for those living far from the inn.

A number of gypsies attend, visiting from their nearby camp. They bring with them a selection of potions, the effects of which are unknown. They succeed in getting several people to try them, though the effects seem to have been “conveniently” forgotten.

Sadosed is extremely happy and almost unSadosed-like this day, and it has nothing to do with one of those potions. As a matter of fact, he is only too willing to explain why. He has received a letter from Maeve’s family postponing their marriage indefinitely and granting Sadosed a sum of coin along with half-ownership of the Drunken Cat Tavern in payment for “hardships endured.” The other half-owner of the Drunken Cat is Thistle Roundbottom.

Lorelei becomes possessed by an unsettling being while staring into the flame of a candle. No harm came to anyone, but the being had a decidedly malevolent feel and seemed to be observing the clan through Lorelei for a short time.

~ · ~

The clan meets. The details of the meeting are not recorded in the court chronicle.

31 March 2007 - Aerie Shadow Mountain Hold (Willow & Ellam’s)

Pleasant weather marks the first gather of the spring. There are a lot of fairies about, or at least they seem to be everywhere.

Shani asks everyone to participate in a ritual to bring Firesmith back. Ki-Rin and Angelica each conduct their own rituals at the same time, to augment the magic. The efforts are successful, and Firesmith is brought back in good health. He does protest, however, as he was in the midst of important training.

Firesmith explains that the staff he obtained at the Cullyport Carrot Carnival in the fall was indeed responsible for his disappearance and that the staff belonged to an evil wizard. He ended up in a spirit realm, between the world of the living and that of the dead. There, he encountered a benevolent spirit who became his mentor and from whose training he was recalled.

Later in the evening, Ellam and Falana notice odd flickering lights in the woods. Moments later a growling malevolent creature appears in the same spot from which Firesmith had emerged from the spirit realm. Ellam and Loquitor each confront the creature only to be knocked to the ground by the its power. Stalzer feels drained by the creature and warns everyone else not to touch it.

The thing attempts to force its way into Shadow Mountain Hold, but is thwarted when it encounters Galatyne. The creature is unable to withstand the paladin light and collapses. Firesmith stabs it with a dragon’s tooth, and its life drains away. The body is carried outside, where it disintegrates into a swarm of insects. Firesmith identifies the creature as a soul-eating wizard, the same that owned the staff, who sought to kill him.

~ · ~

The clan meets. Some members suggest revising the by-laws. The discussion is tabled and it is requested that members forward any suggestions for by-law changes to the clan scribe (Rinka Tur).

28 April 2007 - Fealinne an Emandu (Clianna & Madhainn Dubhr’s)

Sabine continues her studies with Loristarthamae to learn how to Sing the fea colbauth, or “speaking-portal,” so she can communicate with Nestadren without the dangers of traveling to Snowdrop.

Rodin Rae brings the sad news that Shadesong, long absent from the clan, has drowned in a shipwreck. A moment of silence is observed at the clan meeting.

Brother Bart describes feeling a drain on his connection with the Great Tree. Kiriannin and Galatyne mention noticing similar disturbances, with Galatyne specifically noting a gathering darkness that he cannot pinpoint. He and Stalzer decide to travel by ship around the southern tip of E’atara to determine if the diffuse feeling of “darkness” grows weaker or stronger during the journey and hopefully gaining a sense of its source. Khallil, having an adverse reaction to the disturbance, has taken respite in Ravenhilt, and Angelica later sends Emberon to Ravenhilt as well, as the sprite’s earth magic is suffering also.

~ · ~

The clan meets. Members are reminded that the Springfest response date is fast approaching. The registration deadline is May 19, 2007. Several members have volunteered to store the Springfest totes after Springfest. Anyone else wishing to help should contact Granarinth, our Quartermaster.

The possibility of a business gather is discussed. The elders announce that Sabine will step down as Gather Reeve, and Kyara will step down as Elder and Character Development Reeve at High Summer. Volunteers to fill the Reeve positions may contact the Council of Elders.

Willow’s dance workshop/showcase is May 26 in Poughkeepsie. Anyone wishing to attend should contact Willow.

Shadesong leaves the clan.

9-10 June 2007 - Springfest XX, Nooteeming

Early morning clouds offer a hint of rain, but the day proves sunny and warm, with a pleasant breeze, and 101 travelers journey to FALO’s 20th Springfest, the 5th at Nooteeming. Eight of those present at Springfest XX were present at Springfest I, and a handful of former members & guests from years past are in attendance as well. We have nearly two dozen new guests attending their first Springfest.

This year’s Wayward Games are not a team event, but prove to be great fun. The game of “Ogres are Stupid – Throw Rocks at Them” is particularly well-received, and may be brought to gathers in the future.

As always, the tourneys bring forth skilled participants from throughout the lands. This year’s champions are:

• Senseikihirosune of Clan Yama Kaminari wins the weapons tourney against Dmitri Vladescu of Wolfgaard (Weapons Champion 2005 & 2006)
• Loquitor Braethen (Archery Champion 2000-2003) wins the archery tourney for the 5th time and approaches Starshadow’s record of 6
• Lady Laura wins the light archery tourney

The Quest to recover the golden statue for a pilgrim is completed by four worthy individuals rising to the challenges of the brigands:

• Wisdom Test – Rahne Whitebriar
• Agility Test – Saba
• Patience Test – Amnesia
• Strength Test – Li Erin of the Order of the Roc

The pilgrim presents gifts to the victors for their efforts in returning the statue to him.

The evening entertainment offers warm memories of the beginnings of the clan, as one might expect on such a special anniversary. Firesmith receives his Welcomestone, the first given at a Springfest in 10 years. The clan now stands at 31 members: 18 full fey, 4 half-fey, and 9 human.