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This was a close one, but with both the Deviantart on top of the Twitter, the Representative Faction pulled through....

<<>>

Year 21

They met in the Council Hall, all nine members; the Aggressive Faction called in to answer for its actions, now that the danger had passed, and the Orc Horde were barely pushed back in to a retreat.

They knew what was coming though, the other council members had made it clear enough that they would ‘deal’ with them later.

The Guard Captain, who had been close to the council since he started training the troops was called to bring troops, the Aggressive faction not willing to simply give in to the ‘weaker’ factions now planned to take control of the council by force, if necessary.

They were the only ones who could protect this town; could see the dangers that threatened their homes; The only ones who could lead the way to a prosperous future!

In the Hall the faction were called to surrender their positions as council members; an offer given out of respect for their years of service since the founding, an offer to let them retire.

Their counter offer was like-wise, to the opposition.

They argued for a short time, going over the events, debating what was right, and wrong for Hearthfell and its people.

But when sense was not seen, and the Faction refused, confident in that events would go their way, the faction that believed in the representation of its people called upon the final three to vote on not just dismissing the three members, but having them arrested.

This faction had been always pushed for trade and wealth, and cared little for the Aggressive factions ideologies and choices, and felt the representative faction was not pushing hard enough for making Hearthfell towards its fortunes.

They of course listened to the debate, and had planned a move of their own, using a promise of wealth; but they actually agreed with the points being made by the Representative Faction.
With six against three, the Aggressive faction made their move, calling in the guards, and the Captain as their ally.

Their confidence showed as they ordered the guards to take the six Councillors in to custody.
But before they could, the Majority council stopped them, telling them that the three council members they backed were to be arrested for the illegal order that sent many to their deaths, and caused retaliation from the Orcs.

They tried to plea to their sense of duty, and honour, to their promise of protecting the village from all enemies, and pointed out ‘there are our enemies’.

The aggressive Faction just pushed on their orders; commanded the guards to arrest the six; but their confidence waned when the guards remained in place, the captain, who had been their steadfast ally for years, thinking over his options.

And in the end, he considered the deaths of those he had sent to the Orc camp, those lost on the recent battlefield, and the fear he had seen in the faces of the citizens he was honour bound to defend.

He ordered the Aggressive Faction arrested, as ordered by the council of six.

They yelled out, demanded release. The weaker of them cried out to be allowed to take the earlier offer, but it was too late.

The prison had seen only a few occupants since it was built, but they were the first to be of such prominent stature.

When news spread there was confusion about everything, while the remaining council discussed what was to happen.

As former friends, and two of them original founders of the Hearthfell settlement they wished to be lenient for all their years of work and accomplishments. But they had gone against the council, threatened to take over by force, and nearly had the town forever damaged by provoking the Orcs.

A trial was eventually set, and when the day came the doors were open, the scribe wrote down the events, how the accusations were presented, and argued in rebuttal. Many came to watch, though not all the curious could get inside to witness the event.

When all discussion was completed the sentence was laid out.
The six council members could not forget what they had done, but with a trial, they would be forever looked down upon.
They could not simply be released, they could easily rally those of like-wise thinking; and those who lost family would likely be tempted for vengeance.

By their own laws murder was a death sentence; but was ordering someone to their death akin to murder? They could not know that; even the Cleric who gave a ‘moral’ point of view to the council said ‘one cannot be guilty of murder through an order, unless death was the intended outcome; Over confidence in one’s strength is hubris, not murder.’

They could only be charged with subverting the councils will, and misuse of the council’s power for personal agendas that led to the deaths of several of its loyal citizens.

Though to many it was a light sentence, the three council members were sentenced to imprisonment, for ten years.

The number was due to the age of the former council members, they were hardly of an age where longer would make a difference.

After the sentence the two of the three were silent; ashamed.

But the one who led them was not silent, declaring that they will need someone like him in time, to protect them, to push for what the town need for the future, as if prophesizing some future terror only he knew of.

People would later say it was his own fear of the Orcs that had led him down this path; fear of losing his life; his family’s life; and even the lives of those that been intrusted to his care as a council member.

It was the talk of the town for days, but no one really knew what had gone on, only rumour, and what one person said to another, passed through several, until multiple versions spread around.

Some had insinuations of corruption, evil, and betrayal.

To fend of the rumours the keeper of the chronicle used the notes from the trial, he wrote up the event in to a clear and brief explanation.

Using the scribes at the library to copy out this writing, several copies were pinned to boards, and placed in the bookstore for distribution amongst the citizens.

The people were finally able to be put at ease thanks to this ‘News Sheet’ and led to the council adopting it as a method of keeping Hearthfell informed of its decisions, and actions.

The new, reduced council decided this was a good idea; they sensed a need to repair the trust with the people after the Orc problems, and the revelation that the Council were fallable.

But repairing a reputation was not their first priority, it was cleaning up the mess and preparing.

The captain, still the advisor for the council was placed in charge of improving the defences in case of more Orcs returning.

His first order included clearing the northern road beyond the River Fork Fort, by clearing the trees either side for a couple of miles it would allow a clear view of the road, give less space to hide a force of dangerous size, and allow for open battle, which had made the previous defence difficult, trying to fight amongst trees in great numbers.

Loggers were given priority to cut down and use the trees rather than going to closer patches of forest.

While that was happening the fort itself was given a much taller stone tower and keep; the permanent occupants there helping, and even spreading out slightly.

The tower would be the priority, with no other improvements to Hearthfell being done as the construction was rushed.

As the year wore on new settlers arrived and made spread out, some in the walled area between Hearthfells center and the growing Dwarven district at the Quarry Mine, and others began to spread along the coastline.

Year 22

The previous year had felt like the worst in years. The original founders had been through a lot in the twenty two years, and as the spring began they felt some relief that everything had begun to once more settle down in to routine.

Trade was still doing well;

The ‘news notice’ was becoming more and more well received as an informative source, and several ‘notice boards’ had been placed around the town, which saw other Citizens using to make their own announcements.

The Wizards on their island had grown, and included regular visiting Magicians wishing to visit their Arcane library to not only add, but do their own research. It was growing a reputation of becoming a prominent place of learning for the users of magic in any field. It had inspired other Wizards, to group together in their own home towns; including in the capital of the new kingdom that had once tried to bring them under their rule through a treaty.

They had not done so in a year now, the interest gone once they had convinced Wizards of their own to do as the Hearthfell Wizards had.

Farms were growing; more in number than size.
Diversity in the farms was also growing; slowly over time each farm was moving away from producing one kind of thing.
Smaller farms were increasing, while the older farms continued on with their larger fields, and with growing families moving on to make their own farms, or inheriting them.

People were still growing their own gardens for food to sustain themselves, but this was only outside of the center, as the inner walled districts were doing this less and less. While many still did, the gardens themselves were less about growing food, but using it as open spaces for personal use.

Fishing was also increasing, the shores teeming with fishermen who fished for their own needs.
The original fishing family had been the prime suppliers since the founding, and had grown quite wealthy, preferring now to hire others to catch the fish in their stead as they grew older.

The head of the family eventually died, and his son took over, expanding their employees, and changing the dock to replace the old fishers market with a new one.

The need for boats helped the shipwright build his own small fortune, his heir beginning construction of a new shipyard to build the larger ships. It was a gamble though as the demand was not yet there, but the continuous construction of fishing boats kept them in business. But it would be years before they would see if the gamble would pay off.

Not much else would change over the year as the Fort was improved on; a few buildings were extended, or replaced.

The people were content and happy, and this made the council happy.

Year 22 -23

Construction of the Fort Tower and keep was finally done as the year began, and in the time of its construction there had been little to no sight of the Orcs.
Some speculated that the large battle had pushed fear in the them; Fair, considering the fear they had provided in the past.

Others believed they were simply licking their wounds and rebuilding their forces; but it was als noted they had to age up their forces from their own offspring, so it could take years; a generation of safety sounded appealing.

Goblins and beast were not much of an issue, just a nuisance whenever they raided and had to be hunted down.

The captain of the guards continued to train the guards and work with the council, but he was getting older, and it was starting to show as his lieutenants would help him carry the burden more and more.

For his service and loyalty he was given one of the finer homes in Hearthfell, and paid a fine wage to keep him living in comfort, but it also meant he was to retire.
He continued to advise, but the daily grind was left to a new captain, his own son.

But the more casual life didn’t seem to suit him, and he grew restless as time passed. In to his sixties his age seemed to rapidly overtake him, and the first captain of Hearthfells Guards passed.

The following year saw a few others pass too; residents who had moved to Hearthfell in the first years were hitting their fifties and sixties. The families they had brought with them had their own.

For many there were less and less familiar faces in the crowds at the Hearthfell Festival, now filled with younger fresher ones.

Hearthfell was growing, not a fresh settlement, nor a young village anymore, but a Town that had seen much, and would continue to do so.

Year 24-25

It was an odd summer, not much was happening, the Wizards had asked for the contrsuction of a new tower, one that would be tall, as well as deep. Dwarves were sent out to mine out the stone which would serve to also build the structure that would be above it.
Why they needed it was a mystery beyond being called a ‘store house of sorts’.
Stories rose of them planning to use it as a vault to seal their magical items there for safety.

Additionally to that, Elves were coming to Hearthfell with an unusual frequency, still few in number but more often than they ever had in previous years.

An envoy of the Elves frequented the council chambers, creating a more formal communication with them, and Hearthfell.

It seemed the Elves wanted something, but never said what, nor did they ever make a proposition, only saying that their ruler had decided to be ‘better neighbours’ with them.

Discussions amongst the council and their advisors reached a conclusion that perhaps the battle with the Orcs a few years prior had made them take more notice, and were likely making sure that no aggression would move their direction.

A few took that likely though, as the Elves, though still a mystery mostly, but their elven residents had often spoke of the might the Elven army had, even after the great fall.

The Council had remained six since the Incarceration of three of their own; it had never seemed appropriate to replace them.

Though they were of two different factions, they had worked well together; weekly open sessions with people had given them a clearer set of objectives, less grand in scale perhaps, but it was what the people wanted.
Trade continued to grow, and the wealth from taxes grew, their reserve of currency becoming larger each year.

The open sessions also helped restore much of the respect for the council; even though some still protested against the imprisonment of it three former members.

The three had spent five years in prison, half their sentence, and it was by no means in squaller; closer to a house arrest than a harsh prison sentence; but a prison was a prison in the end, and the first to succumb to the pressure was the one who had pleaded for the deal once their coup had been thwarted; He ended his life.

It saddened the council, despite everything he had been a friend.

Consideration of releasing the other two early so they could retire with their families was debated for several weeks; but advised against, stating that the law should not be bent for friends, out of mere sympathy.

And in the end, the topic was dropped.

Year 26-27

The following two years saw the completion of the first Galley at the shipwrights; it had been a financial issue for them having spent so much on construction the yard, and yet having no orders for such a large ship.

Eventually though the Council themselves saw an opportunity in this; and with an excess of funds a ship was commissioned. It would not be a trade ship, but an official Town galley, use to ferry communications by sea, transport individuals on Council errands, and even transport a number of guards further north, faster to one of the outposts that had grown in to a town connected with Hearthfell.

The council had been pleased as the dozen villages had grown from the original encampments that had housed the workers of the roads, and to their own small communities, all connected to Hearthfell, protected by Hearthfell trained guards, and sending ‘tributes’ to them in forms of goods they made.

The road itself had never stopped being built carved out, the cleared trees had become innumerable, and after a quarter of a century, the old worn trails had been cleared between Hearthfell and Mythaleen, and between Kulduhn.

Several miles of the trail had even been turned in to better roads; something Hearthfell had barely expanded past the main wall, something they would one day rectify.

Transport had taken its own natural course.
A Wainrright and horse breeder had established themselves outside the city, as land trade between the outpost villages was increasing; small boats were using the river to get around from one part to the other; some farms even using it to ferry their goods. The Fort even used it to quickly go down stream back to town. It was difficult to go back up due to the current, but strong rowers managed it easily, and those with single small sails would catch the wind, though the bridges made it difficult to pass with one.

The docks saw a new wave of expansion, the fishing trade centralising on the south western shore, using the waters further afield than the main dock could get too easily.

The fresh influx of income saw the fisher family business boom, and with their continued wealth began construction of a large home by the docks, and set to the side of the palisade. It was the first truly luxury home to be made in Hearthfell. Many had upgraded their homes to be fancier, but this was the first to be designed to be from the ground up.
The eviction of the people from the small group of homes that had been settled there over the years from an old campsite to homes, created a wave of displeasure amongst the fishermen, many refusing to be moved at first, but their anger died down when they were helped resettle further up the Western coast.

Year 28-29

The completion of the new wizards tower was final done, the building, made of stone was like none seen before; the style familiar to some who had seen the ruined architecture of the old cities.

It was tell enough to be seen from the mainland, and the inside was unlike anything most had ever seen, if they visited. Th inside was just floor after floor, circling an open area that allowed a person to stare straight up to the ceiling. Rooms dotted those floors, and some open floors were filled with desks, where the wizards could research from the many copies of arcane books that were duplicates from the main library, which had become more and more restricted as their knowledge grew.
These were the student libraries now.

But despite the grandeur and size, what was most spectacular, was the center piece of the ground floor. A metal base, ornate, and almost like an alter was affixed, and floating above it, held by an unseen force were several rings, forming a sphere shape, and inside a crytal that glowed with enough light to keep the interior well lit like it was day time.

It was later that they officially announced it as ‘The Academy of Arcane Learning’ and announced an open invite for any who wished to learn.

Arcane users of varying levels flocked over the months to visit the Academy, some stayed, other got what they sought and returned home.
Novices would come and settle themselves doing private research without guidance, which led to stricter rules on who could come and go.

Reputation was spreading once more about Hearthfell, fresh treaty proposals were being sent from the various states that were forming, following the Example of the first new kingdom, now being called Callidro, after the first king upon his death, and honoured by his heir.

Many were cropping up, villages and Towns uniting under treaties and trade agreements, forming small unions, and alliances. The formation of countries had finally occurred; an event 100 years in the making, and just over 30 in it completion, since the skirmishes and clashes between the conflicting communities had driven the settlers of Hearthfell to their new home.

And Hearthfell, though a young town compared to most, had also grown its collective of villages.

During the 29th Hearthfell Festival the council made a proposal; to the people a message was sent out to all of its protectorates that a representative of all the villages would send a ya or nay on officially uniting in to their own state.

Weeks went by following this, the Council waited in anticipation.

During this period the Council itself went through changes; Age was getting the better of them.

One by one they retired, and were replaced with younger, but still experienced people. As the councillors changed, so did the ideals, and ideas.

It gave new invigoration to the disussions; new proposals and concepts.

The only founding council member left was Durnah, the leader of the Representive Faction, who spent much of time advising the changing council than setting policy.

Year 30

As Spring began word came in finally, they had agreed, and Hearthfell became the capital of a new fledgling country.

A new sense of pride filled the people of the town, knowing they truly lived in an exciting place; a leader to many other homes far away.

Unlike most of the fledgling countries they had no king, or lord. The council was still a representative of the people, though most had come to look upon the guiding hand of the elder Durnah.
He had always looked out for the people, fought hard to protect them, and give them a good life rather than focus on wealth and violence.

Now in his sixties he was a wisened advisor, still on the Council, he led it through many debates rather than being a part of them, and many agreed that he represented what they wanted going forward, and thus the proposal was made and Accepted that the new land would be united under his name; Durnah was their country now.

Durnah himself was honoured, though he tried to stop them in his own way. His family would carry the name of the land they lived in.

He continued to serve the council until the 30th Hearthfell festival where, to much sadness, he stepped down, the last founder retiring.

It wasn’t long after the completely new council of 6 allowed the release of the remaining former council member, the other having recently died of old age in their sleep.

She had not been the leader of the group, and she chose not stay in Hearthfell, unable to return to anything she one had.

Instead she moved to another village further east, to live out what live she had left.

The past had had its time, and fresh blood were now moving forwards for hearthfell, and with new blood they believed a new project was needed; something grand; something to show that Hearthfell was still growing after a change in leadership, even if it would take years to complete... but what?

    A)     A grand district dedicated to the arts, wealth and finery!

    B)      A new grand building to house the council, the guards, and civil servants, as well as entertain and house dignitaries.

    C)      A Grand new Cathedral for the people to worship in.

TWITTER POLL >>>> twitter.com/MattCave83/status/…

Description

This was a close one, but with both the Deviantart on top of the Twitter, the Representative Faction pulled through....

<<>>

Year 21

They met in the Council Hall, all nine members; the Aggressive Faction called in to answer for its actions, now that the danger had passed, and the Orc Horde were barely pushed back in to a retreat.

They knew what was coming though, the other council members had made it clear enough that they would ‘deal’ with them later.

The Guard Captain, who had been close to the council since he started training the troops was called to bring troops, the Aggressive faction not willing to simply give in to the ‘weaker’ factions now planned to take control of the council by force, if necessary.

They were the only ones who could protect this town; could see the dangers that threatened their homes; The only ones who could lead the way to a prosperous future!

In the Hall the faction were called to surrender their positions as council members; an offer given out of respect for their years of service since the founding, an offer to let them retire.

Their counter offer was like-wise, to the opposition.

They argued for a short time, going over the events, debating what was right, and wrong for Hearthfell and its people.

But when sense was not seen, and the Faction refused, confident in that events would go their way, the faction that believed in the representation of its people called upon the final three to vote on not just dismissing the three members, but having them arrested.

This faction had been always pushed for trade and wealth, and cared little for the Aggressive factions ideologies and choices, and felt the representative faction was not pushing hard enough for making Hearthfell towards its fortunes.

They of course listened to the debate, and had planned a move of their own, using a promise of wealth; but they actually agreed with the points being made by the Representative Faction.
With six against three, the Aggressive faction made their move, calling in the guards, and the Captain as their ally.

Their confidence showed as they ordered the guards to take the six Councillors in to custody.
But before they could, the Majority council stopped them, telling them that the three council members they backed were to be arrested for the illegal order that sent many to their deaths, and caused retaliation from the Orcs.

They tried to plea to their sense of duty, and honour, to their promise of protecting the village from all enemies, and pointed out ‘there are our enemies’.

The aggressive Faction just pushed on their orders; commanded the guards to arrest the six; but their confidence waned when the guards remained in place, the captain, who had been their steadfast ally for years, thinking over his options.

And in the end, he considered the deaths of those he had sent to the Orc camp, those lost on the recent battlefield, and the fear he had seen in the faces of the citizens he was honour bound to defend.

He ordered the Aggressive Faction arrested, as ordered by the council of six.

They yelled out, demanded release. The weaker of them cried out to be allowed to take the earlier offer, but it was too late.

The prison had seen only a few occupants since it was built, but they were the first to be of such prominent stature.

When news spread there was confusion about everything, while the remaining council discussed what was to happen.

As former friends, and two of them original founders of the Hearthfell settlement they wished to be lenient for all their years of work and accomplishments. But they had gone against the council, threatened to take over by force, and nearly had the town forever damaged by provoking the Orcs.

A trial was eventually set, and when the day came the doors were open, the scribe wrote down the events, how the accusations were presented, and argued in rebuttal. Many came to watch, though not all the curious could get inside to witness the event.

When all discussion was completed the sentence was laid out.
The six council members could not forget what they had done, but with a trial, they would be forever looked down upon.
They could not simply be released, they could easily rally those of like-wise thinking; and those who lost family would likely be tempted for vengeance.

By their own laws murder was a death sentence; but was ordering someone to their death akin to murder? They could not know that; even the Cleric who gave a ‘moral’ point of view to the council said ‘one cannot be guilty of murder through an order, unless death was the intended outcome; Over confidence in one’s strength is hubris, not murder.’

They could only be charged with subverting the councils will, and misuse of the council’s power for personal agendas that led to the deaths of several of its loyal citizens.

Though to many it was a light sentence, the three council members were sentenced to imprisonment, for ten years.

The number was due to the age of the former council members, they were hardly of an age where longer would make a difference.

After the sentence the two of the three were silent; ashamed.

But the one who led them was not silent, declaring that they will need someone like him in time, to protect them, to push for what the town need for the future, as if prophesizing some future terror only he knew of.

People would later say it was his own fear of the Orcs that had led him down this path; fear of losing his life; his family’s life; and even the lives of those that been intrusted to his care as a council member.

It was the talk of the town for days, but no one really knew what had gone on, only rumour, and what one person said to another, passed through several, until multiple versions spread around.

Some had insinuations of corruption, evil, and betrayal.

To fend of the rumours the keeper of the chronicle used the notes from the trial, he wrote up the event in to a clear and brief explanation.

Using the scribes at the library to copy out this writing, several copies were pinned to boards, and placed in the bookstore for distribution amongst the citizens.

The people were finally able to be put at ease thanks to this ‘News Sheet’ and led to the council adopting it as a method of keeping Hearthfell informed of its decisions, and actions.

The new, reduced council decided this was a good idea; they sensed a need to repair the trust with the people after the Orc problems, and the revelation that the Council were fallable.

But repairing a reputation was not their first priority, it was cleaning up the mess and preparing.

The captain, still the advisor for the council was placed in charge of improving the defences in case of more Orcs returning.

His first order included clearing the northern road beyond the River Fork Fort, by clearing the trees either side for a couple of miles it would allow a clear view of the road, give less space to hide a force of dangerous size, and allow for open battle, which had made the previous defence difficult, trying to fight amongst trees in great numbers.

Loggers were given priority to cut down and use the trees rather than going to closer patches of forest.

While that was happening the fort itself was given a much taller stone tower and keep; the permanent occupants there helping, and even spreading out slightly.

The tower would be the priority, with no other improvements to Hearthfell being done as the construction was rushed.

As the year wore on new settlers arrived and made spread out, some in the walled area between Hearthfells center and the growing Dwarven district at the Quarry Mine, and others began to spread along the coastline.

Year 22

The previous year had felt like the worst in years. The original founders had been through a lot in the twenty two years, and as the spring began they felt some relief that everything had begun to once more settle down in to routine.

Trade was still doing well;

The ‘news notice’ was becoming more and more well received as an informative source, and several ‘notice boards’ had been placed around the town, which saw other Citizens using to make their own announcements.

The Wizards on their island had grown, and included regular visiting Magicians wishing to visit their Arcane library to not only add, but do their own research. It was growing a reputation of becoming a prominent place of learning for the users of magic in any field. It had inspired other Wizards, to group together in their own home towns; including in the capital of the new kingdom that had once tried to bring them under their rule through a treaty.

They had not done so in a year now, the interest gone once they had convinced Wizards of their own to do as the Hearthfell Wizards had.

Farms were growing; more in number than size.
Diversity in the farms was also growing; slowly over time each farm was moving away from producing one kind of thing.
Smaller farms were increasing, while the older farms continued on with their larger fields, and with growing families moving on to make their own farms, or inheriting them.

People were still growing their own gardens for food to sustain themselves, but this was only outside of the center, as the inner walled districts were doing this less and less. While many still did, the gardens themselves were less about growing food, but using it as open spaces for personal use.

Fishing was also increasing, the shores teeming with fishermen who fished for their own needs.
The original fishing family had been the prime suppliers since the founding, and had grown quite wealthy, preferring now to hire others to catch the fish in their stead as they grew older.

The head of the family eventually died, and his son took over, expanding their employees, and changing the dock to replace the old fishers market with a new one.

The need for boats helped the shipwright build his own small fortune, his heir beginning construction of a new shipyard to build the larger ships. It was a gamble though as the demand was not yet there, but the continuous construction of fishing boats kept them in business. But it would be years before they would see if the gamble would pay off.

Not much else would change over the year as the Fort was improved on; a few buildings were extended, or replaced.

The people were content and happy, and this made the council happy.

Year 22 -23

Construction of the Fort Tower and keep was finally done as the year began, and in the time of its construction there had been little to no sight of the Orcs.
Some speculated that the large battle had pushed fear in the them; Fair, considering the fear they had provided in the past.

Others believed they were simply licking their wounds and rebuilding their forces; but it was als noted they had to age up their forces from their own offspring, so it could take years; a generation of safety sounded appealing.

Goblins and beast were not much of an issue, just a nuisance whenever they raided and had to be hunted down.

The captain of the guards continued to train the guards and work with the council, but he was getting older, and it was starting to show as his lieutenants would help him carry the burden more and more.

For his service and loyalty he was given one of the finer homes in Hearthfell, and paid a fine wage to keep him living in comfort, but it also meant he was to retire.
He continued to advise, but the daily grind was left to a new captain, his own son.

But the more casual life didn’t seem to suit him, and he grew restless as time passed. In to his sixties his age seemed to rapidly overtake him, and the first captain of Hearthfells Guards passed.

The following year saw a few others pass too; residents who had moved to Hearthfell in the first years were hitting their fifties and sixties. The families they had brought with them had their own.

For many there were less and less familiar faces in the crowds at the Hearthfell Festival, now filled with younger fresher ones.

Hearthfell was growing, not a fresh settlement, nor a young village anymore, but a Town that had seen much, and would continue to do so.

Year 24-25

It was an odd summer, not much was happening, the Wizards had asked for the contrsuction of a new tower, one that would be tall, as well as deep. Dwarves were sent out to mine out the stone which would serve to also build the structure that would be above it.
Why they needed it was a mystery beyond being called a ‘store house of sorts’.
Stories rose of them planning to use it as a vault to seal their magical items there for safety.

Additionally to that, Elves were coming to Hearthfell with an unusual frequency, still few in number but more often than they ever had in previous years.

An envoy of the Elves frequented the council chambers, creating a more formal communication with them, and Hearthfell.

It seemed the Elves wanted something, but never said what, nor did they ever make a proposition, only saying that their ruler had decided to be ‘better neighbours’ with them.

Discussions amongst the council and their advisors reached a conclusion that perhaps the battle with the Orcs a few years prior had made them take more notice, and were likely making sure that no aggression would move their direction.

A few took that likely though, as the Elves, though still a mystery mostly, but their elven residents had often spoke of the might the Elven army had, even after the great fall.

The Council had remained six since the Incarceration of three of their own; it had never seemed appropriate to replace them.

Though they were of two different factions, they had worked well together; weekly open sessions with people had given them a clearer set of objectives, less grand in scale perhaps, but it was what the people wanted.
Trade continued to grow, and the wealth from taxes grew, their reserve of currency becoming larger each year.

The open sessions also helped restore much of the respect for the council; even though some still protested against the imprisonment of it three former members.

The three had spent five years in prison, half their sentence, and it was by no means in squaller; closer to a house arrest than a harsh prison sentence; but a prison was a prison in the end, and the first to succumb to the pressure was the one who had pleaded for the deal once their coup had been thwarted; He ended his life.

It saddened the council, despite everything he had been a friend.

Consideration of releasing the other two early so they could retire with their families was debated for several weeks; but advised against, stating that the law should not be bent for friends, out of mere sympathy.

And in the end, the topic was dropped.

Year 26-27

The following two years saw the completion of the first Galley at the shipwrights; it had been a financial issue for them having spent so much on construction the yard, and yet having no orders for such a large ship.

Eventually though the Council themselves saw an opportunity in this; and with an excess of funds a ship was commissioned. It would not be a trade ship, but an official Town galley, use to ferry communications by sea, transport individuals on Council errands, and even transport a number of guards further north, faster to one of the outposts that had grown in to a town connected with Hearthfell.

The council had been pleased as the dozen villages had grown from the original encampments that had housed the workers of the roads, and to their own small communities, all connected to Hearthfell, protected by Hearthfell trained guards, and sending ‘tributes’ to them in forms of goods they made.

The road itself had never stopped being built carved out, the cleared trees had become innumerable, and after a quarter of a century, the old worn trails had been cleared between Hearthfell and Mythaleen, and between Kulduhn.

Several miles of the trail had even been turned in to better roads; something Hearthfell had barely expanded past the main wall, something they would one day rectify.

Transport had taken its own natural course.
A Wainrright and horse breeder had established themselves outside the city, as land trade between the outpost villages was increasing; small boats were using the river to get around from one part to the other; some farms even using it to ferry their goods. The Fort even used it to quickly go down stream back to town. It was difficult to go back up due to the current, but strong rowers managed it easily, and those with single small sails would catch the wind, though the bridges made it difficult to pass with one.

The docks saw a new wave of expansion, the fishing trade centralising on the south western shore, using the waters further afield than the main dock could get too easily.

The fresh influx of income saw the fisher family business boom, and with their continued wealth began construction of a large home by the docks, and set to the side of the palisade. It was the first truly luxury home to be made in Hearthfell. Many had upgraded their homes to be fancier, but this was the first to be designed to be from the ground up.
The eviction of the people from the small group of homes that had been settled there over the years from an old campsite to homes, created a wave of displeasure amongst the fishermen, many refusing to be moved at first, but their anger died down when they were helped resettle further up the Western coast.

Year 28-29

The completion of the new wizards tower was final done, the building, made of stone was like none seen before; the style familiar to some who had seen the ruined architecture of the old cities.

It was tell enough to be seen from the mainland, and the inside was unlike anything most had ever seen, if they visited. Th inside was just floor after floor, circling an open area that allowed a person to stare straight up to the ceiling. Rooms dotted those floors, and some open floors were filled with desks, where the wizards could research from the many copies of arcane books that were duplicates from the main library, which had become more and more restricted as their knowledge grew.
These were the student libraries now.

But despite the grandeur and size, what was most spectacular, was the center piece of the ground floor. A metal base, ornate, and almost like an alter was affixed, and floating above it, held by an unseen force were several rings, forming a sphere shape, and inside a crytal that glowed with enough light to keep the interior well lit like it was day time.

It was later that they officially announced it as ‘The Academy of Arcane Learning’ and announced an open invite for any who wished to learn.

Arcane users of varying levels flocked over the months to visit the Academy, some stayed, other got what they sought and returned home.
Novices would come and settle themselves doing private research without guidance, which led to stricter rules on who could come and go.

Reputation was spreading once more about Hearthfell, fresh treaty proposals were being sent from the various states that were forming, following the Example of the first new kingdom, now being called Callidro, after the first king upon his death, and honoured by his heir.

Many were cropping up, villages and Towns uniting under treaties and trade agreements, forming small unions, and alliances. The formation of countries had finally occurred; an event 100 years in the making, and just over 30 in it completion, since the skirmishes and clashes between the conflicting communities had driven the settlers of Hearthfell to their new home.

And Hearthfell, though a young town compared to most, had also grown its collective of villages.

During the 29th Hearthfell Festival the council made a proposal; to the people a message was sent out to all of its protectorates that a representative of all the villages would send a ya or nay on officially uniting in to their own state.

Weeks went by following this, the Council waited in anticipation.

During this period the Council itself went through changes; Age was getting the better of them.

One by one they retired, and were replaced with younger, but still experienced people. As the councillors changed, so did the ideals, and ideas.

It gave new invigoration to the disussions; new proposals and concepts.

The only founding council member left was Durnah, the leader of the Representive Faction, who spent much of time advising the changing council than setting policy.

Year 30

As Spring began word came in finally, they had agreed, and Hearthfell became the capital of a new fledgling country.

A new sense of pride filled the people of the town, knowing they truly lived in an exciting place; a leader to many other homes far away.

Unlike most of the fledgling countries they had no king, or lord. The council was still a representative of the people, though most had come to look upon the guiding hand of the elder Durnah.
He had always looked out for the people, fought hard to protect them, and give them a good life rather than focus on wealth and violence.

Now in his sixties he was a wisened advisor, still on the Council, he led it through many debates rather than being a part of them, and many agreed that he represented what they wanted going forward, and thus the proposal was made and Accepted that the new land would be united under his name; Durnah was their country now.

Durnah himself was honoured, though he tried to stop them in his own way. His family would carry the name of the land they lived in.

He continued to serve the council until the 30th Hearthfell festival where, to much sadness, he stepped down, the last founder retiring.

It wasn’t long after the completely new council of 6 allowed the release of the remaining former council member, the other having recently died of old age in their sleep.

She had not been the leader of the group, and she chose not stay in Hearthfell, unable to return to anything she one had.

Instead she moved to another village further east, to live out what live she had left.

The past had had its time, and fresh blood were now moving forwards for hearthfell, and with new blood they believed a new project was needed; something grand; something to show that Hearthfell was still growing after a change in leadership, even if it would take years to complete... but what?

    A)     A grand district dedicated to the arts, wealth and finery!

    B)      A new grand building to house the council, the guards, and civil servants, as well as entertain and house dignitaries.

    C)      A Grand new Cathedral for the people to worship in.

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