Far Haven

**Ruled by: Warlord Saratak**

When the first humans arrived [apparently shipwrecked at The Landings] on the North Island at Far Haven it was simply a small fishing hamlet, with the majority of the population in the area being a minor Giant Nomad tribe. The area was rarely bothered by the Elven Empire and so as more humans arrived, Far Haven grew. The humans brought with them their religion of Universal with its message of inclusion and alliance, but within a generation a lot of the early settlers adopted the beliefs of the Wyldwood, as followed by the local Giants.

Not much is known now of what led to the majority of humans migrating south during the Age of Chaos, but Far Haven itself drifted away from Universal and became known as a seat of learning for those of the Wyldwood faith. There are stories that the Shrine at Far Haven petitioned to be included within the Wyldwood pilgrimage route, but these are probably false. Whatever the case, Far Haven itself survived and seemingly prospered during the Age of Chaos, and with it the Church of Wyldwood.

It was 26 years ago that the First Sword of Shanah led an assault upon the Wyldwood Church, it took two days before the inner shrine was finally breached and with it fell all of the Priests and acolytes. [See Shanah attack on Wyldwood Shrine]

The site was reconsecrated to Shanah and named the “Temple of the Book”, and Shanah has been the dominant religion on Far Haven ever since. It is believed that some of the old library still exists, but the Shanah priesthood have to date refused entry to anyone.

Nowadays, Wyldwood visitors to Far Haven are welcome, although they will not be allowed to enter the Temple grounds under any circumstances.[ Vinmira claims this prohibition is no longer strictly enforced]

One section of an old Elven Governors report mentioning Far Haven, discovered during our research during Research (Week 2), stated:

*“The recently arrived beings known as humans have so far been content to remain in the vicinity of the settlement, which they have named Far Haven. Initial reports indicate that the wild has made no ingress into their society and so for the moment we will adopt a policy of neutrality towards them. It would be beneficial to have them act as a buffer state, allowing us to focus our efforts elsewhere.”*

Apana gave this descripiton: *Far Haven itself, well it’s more’n 10 years since I was up there last so I supec’ things will have changed somewhat. It’s a lot rougher than here, that’s for cert’n, you’ve gotten the Giants – all proud of their city like but really wanting to be out’n’about – their history is nomadic you know? Then th’humans up there, all stuck up and full of themselves as bein’ the ancestors of all humanity on the island – least ways that’s what they claim – kinda surprised that the Gemihadist hasn’t got a foothold there. Add in small enclaves of nearly evry other race you c’n think of and the nomadic tribes just outside and well….. lets just say there is a lot of energy shall we?”*

See also: Far Haven & Northlake Trade

## Loss of clan support

From around Day 76:

Thorn Shadowsoul, like many others, is losing faith in Saratak – indeed, he says that Saratak seems to be going out of his way to alienate the clans – eg the white armbands that differentiate 'citizens' from clanfolk, moving the clans around as if pawns etc. Many of the clans are actively breaking away from Saratak – and the Meeting Place is emptying.

## New Fortifications

Your first proper view of the city is not impressive, the city walls are fairly basic in form, and in some places in need of maintenance. Buildings abut on to both the interior and exterior of the walls and if there was once a moat, it has long ago been filled in. What is impressive though are a number of large stone towers, these extend up around 60’ and atop each of them are what appear to be ballistae. At present you can see four such towers, with a two more still under construction.

From Day 66 – Far Haven – Planning A Beach Holiday:

* The city only has two main sewers;
* Birds seem to have an aversion to flying near the towers;

## Banishment of the Thunder Clan

According to Terfel: *“Indeed if they still exist though, Thunder Clan claims or claimed to be one of the original Giant tribes that was around **Far Haven** when the humans arrived. Problem was that somehow or other they ended up being banned from the city and its environs way way back. Since when they have been, or at least were, out on the Eastern plains. I haven’t heard of them for at least 10 or more years now, and even then people said there were only about twelve individuals left in the clan. All of the other Giant clans are West of the river.”*

## Major Personages

### Warlord Saratak

(Male Giant): Lord of the City, he is known to be half mad. A Giant Nomad from the St Lukas Mountains, it is said he lost part of his mind when he crossed the Cracks of Doom [which followed on immediately after the Shanah attack on Wyldwood Shrine], which slanderous rumour suggests was fatal, his being only possessed of half a mind to begin with. Despite this, however, or perhaps because of it, he commands utter loyalty from the Knights of Shanah and the masses of Far Haven both.

Saratak is around 200 years old (ie middle-aged for a Giant) and has ruled the city for about 100 years. He certainly is not old enough to have been around for the start of the Age of Chaos.

**Far Haven** is a thriving trading city and Saratak collects taxes both directly and indirectly, so he is 'well off' (and has a 'good' chancellor.) Saratak's influence spreads all the way to White Beach and Tobar – the clans support him as he is respected as a Seer, seems to share their goals (or at least their survival) and he is fair with them (unlike the other towns/cities around Northlake which look down on the clans.)

According to Bez Drock, when asked Drock why Saratak hadn't foreseen Onwen's death: Drock said that Saratak had multiple visions, and had to base his view of what would actually happen on the balance of probabilities.

According to Cheron Axehead: He had been in communication with Saratak, and had some instructions to follow – many of which seemed ludicrous/arbitrary at the time, some of which still do. (That's Saratak for you!). He had been told to inform Saratak when the house was attacked – which he has done – though Saratak had expected the house to have been defended by 10-13 people (presumably us!).

According to Swanfeather: *"Saratak cannot meet you – for your sakes and not his – if he meets you, he must kill you or his city will burn for certain."*. Also, regarding his trip to the Cracks of Doom: *"he had to prove to himself that what he was now seeing was true and not just another distortion caused by the Forgetting. The fifth city of the sky is there apparently.”*

Garaf wondered if he might have Clearsight, and so is considered to be mad in the same way as the ‘Mad giant in Torgan’. Vinmira thinks so too, as well as him being a Seer, and went on to say:

Vinmira: *“Saratak himself is dangerous, his only professed concern is protecting the city and the nomads, he will happily sacrifice any other bystander. If he for some reason or other gets into his head that you could be putting the city at risk, then he will not hesitate to have you removed – permanently. He was, and I suspect still is, a very powerful Seer – and that combined with some degree of clearsight, which I am assuming he has, must be driving a lot of his so-called follies. This armband initiative for instance, there is some logic, however warped, behind that and some of the possibilities are not pleasant. Whatever knowledge he has, is driving him down a path….which leads who knows where.”*

More from Vinmira: “My personal reading is that Saratak wants a couple of things to happen, whatever you have triggered – he now thinks it is time for you to go – although probably only because the dire warnings catalyse some other reaction elsewhere. I don’t think we will ever fully find out what Saratak is aiming at, and I don’t have time myself. Given how he seems to have upped his game in manipulating things – I think I will bring my own plans forward a day and head off East tomorrow. My advice to you folks is…. Well to be honest I have no fucking idea, but I wouldn’t hang around here for too long.”

According to Q’Ran: *“Saratak, well he’s a little strange shall we say, but he has always played fair with the clans and made sure that they are welcome in the city and get decent trade deals. Every clan speaker holds him in high regard, even with his eccentricities, and from that respect, the clans follow. He was around when the Wyldwood shrine in Far Haven was conquered by the Shanah, by all accounts fairly level headed in those days, not long after that took his pilgrimage to the Cracks of Doom – weird behaviour but……”*

According to the Hawk clan Centaurs: Johat: *“Saratak has long been a friend of the clans and makes sure that we get treated fairly by the merchants.”* Ironspear: *“Yeah the Warlord does seem to have strange ideas sometimes, like his latest project….. you will see it when you get to the city. I would hate to spoil the surprise.”* Johat: *“He has had strange ideas ever since the Shanah – Wyldwood spat a few years back, he headed off South saying he had to ‘check something out’ and came back changed, a fair lump of hair missing from his mane you might say.”* Whitemane*: “He seems a lot calmer nowadays mind you, although the latest project is a little strange.”*

From Marany on Day 66: "Historically, Saratak has always been much closer to the nomads, but over the past year or so has focussed his attention on the city for some reason, not mistreating the nomads – but not giving them focus….”

### Kth’ar Kortan

(Male Giant): City chancellor and minister for trade, controls the city purse strings and probably the real power behind Saratak.

### Ronshadow Warskull

(Male Human): High Priest of Shanah, was briefly First Sword of Shanah, but lost his arm during a war with Trollheim around 10 years ago. He took post at the Temple of the Book shortly thereafter. He was **not** the First Sword who instigated the attack against the Wyldwood temple.

According to Apana: *Warskull took over from her [Beldame] …. I remember that well, its how I got these souvenirs – indicates her missing fingers and facial damage – thought I had a decent chance; Anyhow Warskull lost his arm, ‘bout 10-12 years back I think and Beldame took the post up again…. Who knows where the bitch is now.”*

*“Warskull is as straight as a lance, if’n you play fair with him he will play fair with you. I get the feeling that he is not really comfortable in post up there, what with the Wyldwood affair’n’all but he does his duty.”*

### Meeting with Ronshadow Warskull in Day 65 - Far Haven - Tripwires

Ronshadow: “So, you have had the tour, to be blunt you seem a little inexperienced to be getting Apanas seal of approval – but I guess she has her reasons. I’ve got some time for you now, but lets go somewhere quieter.”

Ronshadow gets up and you follow him down to a private office somewhere in the bowels of the temple complex.

Ronshadow: “So what do you want to talk about.”

Bazin: “Coming straight to the point sir, what happened here with the Wyldwood shrine?”

Ronshadow: “Hmmm, bluntly put.”

Ronshadow: “I will tell you what I know, but be advised – I have been told that there is some great spell that clouds the thoughts regarding the Wyldwood shrine here. Apparently I have some resistance to this – as I guess you both do as well, since you are able to talk about it. However, I have been told that some of my recollections on this may be somewhat bent out of shape.”

Ronshadow: “OK, I will keep it simple, since that seems to work best.”

Ronshadow: “There was a subcult within Wyldwood based out of this temple, that somehow got hold of knowledge they shouldn’t have. The blind fools started using this knowledge, but one of them bottled out and reported the activities to Saratak and Bez Drock – at the time the First Sword of Shanah. Bez Drock led an assault on the complex, but whilst he stopped the cult dead in its tracks so to speak, he was too late for some damage to be done. When he realised he had failed, Bez Drock resigned as First Sword. This temple was established to close down Wyldwood activities on the site until further notice.”

Ronshadow has obviously been having to really concentrate and focus his thoughts while telling you the above, once he stops speaking the relief is obvious.

Ronshadow: “If you need to know more details, my first thought would be to go talk to Bez himself. Just tell him the First One Armed Swordsman sent you. He and I kept in touch for a fair while, although a lot of what he told me just didn’t make sense and to be honest I cannot remember it now. Last I heard, which was about 5 years back, he was at White Beach – but that is not public knowledge and should remain as such. There are a few others that have gone looking for him in the past, with less peaceful intentions.”

Bazin: “So he is still alive?”

Ronshadow: “Almost certainly, he would be getting on a bit by now I would say – but he was a tough old bugger – certainly a better First Sword than myself. Again, I would emphasise not to let others know about this.”

Umar: “Understood…and what are you doing in the courtyard digging up the flagstones?”

Ronshadow: “Shanah has indicated to us that we should reopen the shrine for Wyldwood worship. Indeed we have been told that it is important to get a shrine established before the end of May. So we are uncovering a large area of the grounds and some of the nomadic shamen will be commencing the rites of consecration soon. Again, not public knowledge – not top secret since you cannot hide the work, but don’t go spreading that news widely.”

Umar: “Your name by the way, do you have links to the Warskull tribe.”

Ronshadow: “I am surprised you didn’t guess from my beautiful finely chiselled features. My father was a Warskull warrior, my mother a human slave. When the tribe saw that I was destined for Shanah, and also realised that I was a better warrior than many of their purebloods, they adopted me. So I a half-orc nomad, who never leaves the city!”

Ronshadow: “I appreciate that we have not had much time to talk, but I do need to go now. There are a whole raft of rituals that I need to carry out to remove Shanah’s seal over the courtyard so that Wyldwood can return. Problem is that I can only enact them at half speed.”, he raises the stump of his missing arm and laughs somewhat ruefully.

Umar: “Couldn’t you get that regenerated?”

Ronshadow: “I wish! As an injury received in honourable battle it should be possible, but the foe that did this to me was a Troll High Priest of Death – and the wound has never been fully healed, nor will it ever be I am told.”

Ronshadow: “Anyhow, as I said, I must go now. Farewell and good luck in your endeavours – whatever they are.”

Ronshadow, gets up and walks with you back to the temple entrance, he then bids farewell and moves over to the workmen lifting up the stone flags.

### Marany Shadoweye

(Female Human): Head of City Watch – or the Guardian Avengers as they are locally known. Effectively also minister for security and it is believed – not so friendly with Kth’ar Kortan.

### Ficare Moonshadow

(Female Giant): Lord Knight of Shanah, and city Marshal, second in command to Saratak on all matters military. The city maintains a herd of huge horses (easily 6’ at the shoulder) which form the core of a truly fearsome armoured cavalry regiment which Ficare normally leads in person.

## Other Personages

### Swanfeather

See: Swanfeather Visions

(Aged Female Ariel): Speaker of the Fairwind Clan, who imparted information to the party in Day 65 - Far Haven - Tripwires at the request of Saratak. Departed to the east to her death after meeting the party - having morphed into a whooper swan.

Her white feathers were a form of albino-ism. (Most Ariels are mottled/dun colour). The message to Francis from Saratak via Swanfeather about Riverside proves it was our party that they were waiting for.

We discovered her "remains" (just an outline) in Thricastle in Zoom 2022-01-11 21:00, and experienced a vision of her final hours - see Swanfeather Visions. We have recovered her Holy Symbol, which is clearly Fairwind Clan design, and which turned from 'old' Wyldwood to 'new' Wyldwood when Brrkev took hold if it. It acts as a 'ring of wizardry' for 2nd and 3rd level spells for Wyldwood clerics.

### Larksong

(Young male Ariel): Was Swanfeather's 'Listener' and apprentice - now the Speaker following Swanfeather's departure. Hostile to the party, but co-operates with them due to his respect for Swanfeather.

Vinmira commented: “Yeah, I knew the Fairwind clan had a camp up near Wreckers Point, those guys have always liked cliffs so that didn’t seem strange to me. But Saratak, once again, seems to be trying to move pieces around. Larksong sounds mighty pissed off though.

### Bez Drock

See Also: Bez Drock and Ownen whereabouts and Zoom session 18th March – Meeting Bez Drock

The First Sword of Shanah who instigated the Shanah attack on Wyldwood Shrine.
Public knowledge is that he was relieved of duty about 6 months after the attack, and his fate is not known., however people 'in the know' say he resigned his position almost immediately following the attack.
He was succeeded by Beldame.

According to #Ronshadow Warskull: *“If you need to know more details, my first thought would be to go talk to Bez himself. Just tell him the First One Armed Swordsman sent you. He and I kept in touch for a fair while, although a lot of what he told me just didn’t make sense and to be honest I cannot remember it now. Last I heard, which was about 5 years back, he was at White Beach – but that is not public knowledge and should remain as such. There are a few others that have gone looking for him in the past, with less peaceful intentions.”*

According to Swanfeather: *"Bez Drock thought he had prevented the Elves coming – but as he realised shortly after razing the shrine – he had failed and at least some Elves had returned.”*

According to Golderod: *“I never met Bez Drock myself, I was only a child when he pillaged our shrine in Far Haven. From what I have heard, he was an honourable man as nearly all senior Shanah priest are. I had heard rumours that he is still alive, but if so I would imagine he is getting on a bit.”*

According to Apana: *"the only Sword I can remember to step down of his own accord before his term was up – really nice guy but far too intense – I heard rumour he is out West of Far Haven."* And later: *"The Wyldwood affair y’say, well I guess’n its common knowledge that for some reas’n or other Bez decided to trash their temple in Far Haven. He always was efficient, cleared it out and killed everyone there….. then a week later announces he is standing down as First Sword because he had failed in his mission. Kinda curious I guess, but’n I never have got to the bottom of what he meant by that.”*

According to Terfel: *“We always saw the Wyldwood shrine destruction as a city matter, nothing to do with the clans. Our own beliefs are tied to the lands we roam rather than a city based shrine, obviously there is the pilgrimage, but that is a matter for the priests and shamans. By all accounts Onwen and Bez Drock headed out west, so possibly the Giants or the Maratasen clans would have a better view as to where they are now – if they are still alive.”*

### Onwen

See also: Onwen's research notes, Shanah attack on Wyldwood Shrine,Bez Drock and Ownen whereabouts

We discovered his body in the Villa in White Beach on Day 94.. He was the Wyldwood Guardian, the equivalent of the Shanah First Sword. He was granted that honour in order for him to be able to hold together the unweaving of the voidspell. The GSOV was bound to Onwen's Avatar, Holy Symbol and life-force. The Holy Symbol was a Holy Relic made from Mithril - now destroyed - and we have the remains.

Onwen was both a 12th level Druid and a 5th level Cleric explaining the avatar.

According to Swanfeather: *“Onwen and his friends had rather fallen in love with the fairytale Elves that the clouded stories told them. Elves that would heal the land and spread wonderment and love of nature wherever they went. Too many people had that view, some people still do. The problem is that Onwen and friends tried to do something about it.” Swanfeather: “Nobody knows the detail, except perhaps for Onwen. Whatever, they cracked the spell of voids and made contact. In so doing they also damaged the weave of the Spell of Forgetting, initially only a minor tug in the weave, but the damage has spread from that day. The first to see was Onwen, who quickly realised what a mistake was being made.*

According to Golderod, *Shan did let slip one evening that he understood there to be a Wyldwood Priest, name of Ownen who was at the side of the First Sword and betrayed his fellow Priests. If the name is correct, then by coincidence – or possibly not – one of the head researchers at Far Haven was also known as Ownen.”*
We have no idea if Ownen is still in Far Haven, or is even still alive.

Olg "would be interested in any news on Ownen" , so this is valuable information.

### Bez Drock and Ownen whereabouts

Ronshadow Warskull's comments: “If you need to know more details, my first thought would be to go talk to Bez himself. Just tell him the First One Armed Swordsman sent you. He and I kept in touch for a fair while, although a lot of what he told me just didn’t make sense and to be honest I cannot remember it now. Last I heard, which was about 5 years back, he was at White Beach – but that is not public knowledge and should remain as such. There are a few others that have gone looking for him in the past, with less peaceful intentions.”

Bazin: “So he is still alive?”

Ronshadow: “Almost certainly, he would be getting on a bit by now I would say – but he was a tough old bugger – certainly a better First Sword than myself. Again, I would emphasise not to let others know about this.”

Vinmira's comments: “White Beach, well I never thought they would go there, I always assumed it was Tobar they were heading for. From what I was able to glean, Onwen had family in Tobar and the implication was that they would have provided shelter and obscurity. Why White Beach I wonder?”

...

Vinmira: “Obviously with spell of forgetting makes it bloody difficult to get reliable information as to what happened just after the Wyldwood shrine got trashed. But from what I have been able to piece together, Bez and Onwen set out on foot, heading West, they had at least two mules, one presumably carrying supplies, the other with a couple of heavy packages. They went alone, but seemed to have taken the time to settle debts, close down leases etc. before they left. So hurried, but organised. There are no warrants or similar out on either of them, so it does not appear they left under a cloud. I have to admit that I was going to suggest you simply head West and try and track Onwen through the clans, but you guys seem to have turned up a more concrete lead – it would probably be worth you following up on that. I am extremely interested in finding out what Onwen took with him – and why Saratak hasn’t made an effort to retrieve it.”

Vinmira provided descriptions and sketches of Bez Drock and Onwen: Both male humans, will be in their 60's. (For Drock, think of Druss). Finding them may be different – but they will stick out from the native Ariel population!

### Meeting with Bez Drock

The party met Bez Drock on Day 94 (17th May) in Zoom session 18th March – Meeting Bez Drock during which time he became First Sword of Shanah again.

### Cadvan Merchant House

The merchants with whom Talaris does business

### Stlan Warskull

Orc stablemaster at the Meeting Place from the Warskull tribe.

### Juggar

Orc stableman at the Meeting Place from the Warskull tribe.

### Brokef

He is now a player character, and has his own page: See Brokef

Another Orc stable-hand with an unusual disposition - for an Orc.
*The Orc seems to radiate cheerfulness – if such a thing is possible for an Orc.*

### Virk

An Orc Shaman - presumably also from the Warskull tribe. Associated with Carrun.

### Carrun

A Maratasen Shaman. Associated with Virk.

### Maranay Moonshadow

Female human: The innkeeper is of the 'Flagon' inn where the party stayed. She appears to be a priestess of Perceval (wears a symbol of two gold coins) and there is a shrine to Perceval in the Inn.

From Day 66: "for my part I follow the trader sect of course, could hardly run a profitable inn and not do so.”

### Miriam Silverhair

See also: Olg and Miriam's Mercenary Band

Female human: A Universal Priest and owner of a fashionable dress shop in the Gold Quarter. She is the object of Olg's unwanted attention, and the intended recipient of the Bracelet and Necklace (which she refused.) She is also, apparently an agent of Vinmira, currently engaged on some 'delicate' business.
She was in the same mercenary band as Olg, and was quite close before they fell out.

Head of Alveran intelligence in **Far Haven** according to Vinmira and the Interesting Times Gang. However, she was supposed to send us a message saying the (real) Vinmira couldn't make it to the second night's meeting - so 'real' Vinmira does not know if Miriam had been compromised/replaced, or if her message to us in Northlake had been intercepted.

According to Vinmira: “I wouldn’t worry too much about that tail, Miriam is a pretty experienced Healer, apparently a superb seamstress, and a very useful person to chat to since she gets all the gossip from the upper class lords and ladies when they pop in for some clothing alterations etc. But, she is no vengeful assassin looking to bump off Garaf simply because he talked to Olg…..”

### Black Irontooth

Maratasen Barossan priest, met by Dougal and Hamish:

By what you have seen of the Maratasen, this guy is quite small, and his fur is black, almost ebony in colour. He is found sitting alone near an encampment flying the Razorclaw Clan banner.

### Treesinger

A young Centaur, listener or the Hawk Clan

Francis ... manages to collar the Hawk Clan listener, a young Centaur named Treesinger – who is willing to spend some time with you discussing the origins of the races.

## Trading In **Far Haven**

All trading in Far Haven is controlled by the ministry of Trade, which in turn licenses Merchant Houses to operate in the city. Each Merchant House, whilst trading on their own behalf, also then controls and limits access to street licenses, enabling market vendors to operate. Unlicensed trading does occur but is risky since both the city watch and the merchant house operatives are on the lookout for such behaviour. The one exception is the Meeting Place, where anybody is allowed to set up trading stalls.

Talaris normally trades with the Cadvan Merchant House, purely because of familiarity with them and because he knows how far he can push a deal with them. He is fully expecting to only have metal ingots by the time he reaches Far Haven, but Cadvan will buy them eagerly and then distribute to their partner smithies. Trade in Far Haven is fairly cut-throat, unless you are a skilled negotiator then expect to get fleeced, and many of the street traders will have friendly city watch who will turn a blind eye to obvious fraud.

Against that caution, most of the shops, particularly in the Gold Quarter are honest, if you want to guarantee trade is above board then look for those premises that show the Perceval sigil. Whilst you may well find youself paying over the odds unless you are a skilled negotiator at least the deal will be straight and honoured. Most of the shops showing the Perceval sigil are high quality establishments and there are some skilled craftsmen in Far Haven. Unfortunately no master smiths, but maintaining and repairing quality weapons should be easily within their capabilities.

Far Haven specialises in fine cloth, animal hides and leather (both fine quality for gloves etc, but also for armour and in particular barding which is the chief trade with the centaurs).

## City Areas/Locations

### The Citadel:

Saratak's dwelling out on the Haven Island, the citadel is not that large but is well fortified. The city treasury is kept here.

### Shipyards:

Far Havens shipyards, allow it to maintain a small fleet generally used to patrol the local area rather than a projection of force.

### Wreckers Point:

The strange currents where the river channel meets the sea makes this point very dangerous for shipping. There used to be a lighthouse here, but that was removed about a year ago with the city authorities saying that they did not want to guide the Elves into the heart of the city.

### Lighthouse

The remains of a 'lighthouse' at Wreckers Point was once an Elven defence against the Wild. See Lighthouse.

### The Landings:

Believed to be where the first human arrivals on the North Island were shipwrecked, again a treacherous coastline with high cliffs and jagged rocks. However there are a few safe bays in this area, all now fortified against hostile landings. Away from the coastal strip, the area is quite rough and certainly not a place to be wandering around on your own late at night.

### Docks:

Where the merchant fleets are based, for trade with White Beach and beyond, also the Far Haven fishing fleet. There are often a variety of visiting ships in port and so in this area you are as likely to find a Lizardman as a Human, there have even been reports of Elven traders requesting and being granted landing rights.

### Northmarket:

Handles all of the trade from the Docks and also the local Nomadic tribes. There are a couple of decent inns in this area, recommended are the “Fools Landing” and the “Red Lion”.

### Waterside:

Primarily occupied by dockers and fishermen, so not an affluent area but generally a safe one, except possibly on a Saturday night when the multitude of taverns in the area disgorge large numbers of inebriated patrons.

### Westfold:

Those nomads who opt to stay for a short while inside Far Haven do so in the Westfold district. Normally a chaotic area with tents, temporary stockades with livestock and only rudimentary sanitation. Small wonder that few nomads stay and then for as short a time as possible.

### Meeting Place:

Every so often a number of the local nomadic tribes will meet up outside Far Haven, normally for trade but occasionally for other reasons such as inter tribe dispute resolution (for some reason ~~Soratan~~ Saratak is recognised by the tribes as a wise man – or giant). When they do gather, it is in the area known as the meeting place, simply because there are a number of fresh water springs in that area that will support large numbers of animals.

### Temple of the Book:

See also: Shanah attack on Wyldwood Shrine

**Note: the ban of Wyldwood entering the Temple of the Book has been rescinded. In fact, the Wyldwood shrine is being (secretly) reconsecrated.**

Once a Wyldwood temple, library and college, a while back it was sacked by the Shanah since when it has been a temple of the war god. Wyldwood worshippers are strictly forbidden any access to the temple although others religions are allowed access to visit the old library (or what is left of it).

According to Vinmira: *“The Temple of the Book has been pretty much gutted of any Wyldwood heritage as far as I noticed. Those Wyldwood followers amongst you needn’t worry though, despite all of the official proclamations – I have seen any number of Wyldwood followers pass through it’s doors, just make sure you don’t broadcast the fact and you will be fine. The edict obviously served some purpose a few years back and now is superfluous – but nobody can be arsed to cancel it. Don’t expect to find much in there, although of course you might be looking for different things to what I was expecting.”*

#### From Day 65 - Far Haven - Tripwires

##### **Outside**

You find a café that isn’t too flashy, and order a drink, the weather is pleasant and so it is no great hardship to sit there for an hour or so and observe comings and goings through the Temple gates. As Vinmira had said, the Temple is very busy, in particular there have obviously been a number of nomads attending, since most of the people leaving the shrine are nomads and head straight down the street towards the Meeting Place. The majority of other people queuing to enter the shrine appear to be military or city watch, although there are a number of generic citizens also present. The guards on the gates do not particularly seem to be screening anybody, the only governance they are providing seems to be trying to make sure that there are not too many people inside. From what you can see there are queues to get out as well, none of this is helped by the fact that the entrance gate is only wide enough to permit one giant (or two hobbits) through at a time.

##### **Inside**

Inside, the ground has all been paved over, and from the relative lack of wear on the stone slabs these are only a couple of years old at most. Off to either side are small shrines to Shanah, simple stone altars both with a large two handed sword resting on them. The altars are protected slightly from the elements by large wooden roofed structures that have removable wall panels. These two shrines are the primary destination of most of the pilgrims, and each in turn makes a small offering and receives a blessing from one of two priests at each shrine. Quite often the blessing is made on the pilgrim, although sometimes the priest blesses a weapon.

Towards the rear of the courtyard there is a more imposing building, primarily built of wood, but with a stone archway for an entrance. Above the archway are two stone carvings of a large sword and spear that have been mounted on to the building. Flanking the doorway are two giant guards, not in any alert posture but obviously scanning the crowds and questioning those few pilgrims who are entering the temple. Towards the back left, there are some labourers actually lifting up the stone slabs and carrying them off to a stack on one side.

You have the introduction from Apana and so head for the main temple, the introduction easily gets you past the door guards – who nod you through. Inside, there is a corridor down to the main shrine, with two doors to the left and right. Heading into the main temple, you are met by a junior acolyte who asks your business.

Acolyte: “The High Priest is in attendance but I do know he is busy for the next hour or so. If you wish I can pass on your letter of introduction?”

Bazin: “Yes please.”

Acolyte: “Please wait here, feel free to observe the rituals.”

Bazin and Umar settle down to pray to Shanah, whilst checking out the temple itself. The temple is obviously not ancient, but from the quality of the décor has been very successful. Most of the worshippers are obviously members of the military, with some city guard and the odd nobleman or similar. After just less than an hour the Acolyte returns.

Acolyte: “The High Priest says that he will be free after lunch, in the meantime I can show you around the facilities if you wish, or leave and come back in a couple of hours.”

Umar: “It would be good to have a tour of the temple.”

The acolyte seems a little put out that he is going to have to ‘waste’ a couple of hours showing you around but in the event does manage to carry out the duties with a reasonable amount of grace – you never do learn his name though.

The temple provides accommodation for around 20 priests, plus 50 temple guards, as would be expected the general setup is pretty spartan outside of the main temple hall. The complex has its own training ground and archery range, plus there is a lecture hall and small library of military journals. Watching a couple of the guards sparring, Umar and Bazin realise that these guards are veterans as the fighting skills on display are impressive. Trying to avoid touching on potentially sensitive subjects makes questioning the Acolyte slightly difficult – and so in the end you give up – assuming that you can get more information from Ronshadow.

##### **Caradoc's recce**

The walls to the Temple complex are not particularly high, nor do they appear to be topped with anything to deter climbing. All in all it seems pretty mundane.

At least until you are about three quarters of the way around the complex, you are in the Gold Quarter and there is a small square with a miniature park at its centre. One side of this square is bounded by the Temple complex, and this has resulted in some bushes growing up the side of the wall. Sitting down on a bench you being to eat your wrap and regard the wall – trying to identify what made you stop.

You finally notice it, near the top of the wall about a foot below the crest, there is a dark patch on the stonework. Heading over to investigate would be a bit obvious, so you walk around the park for a brief period and then once the wrap has been eaten you brush your hands and head briskly out of the square, passing closely by the wall.

A few quick glances give you the following:

* The dark patch is near an obvious handhold if someone was to climb the wall at this point;
* The bush below has a number of broken branches;
* You would guess that whatever occurred here took place over a week ago;

Futhermore: From spring regrowth etc, 'break in' seems to have occurred between 1 week and 1 month ago. Burn on the wall looks like where someone has left burnt skin behind when putting their hand on a red hot surface – a mini-fire trap?

#### From Day 66 – Far Haven – Planning A Beach Holiday

##### **A Trip To The Temple Of The Book**

Caradoc and Twoo remain in the Temple complex for a while and then leave to go check out the outside of the temple. There are no obvious signs of anything amiss in the area corresponding to the exterior burn mark.

...

General investigations and gossipmongering around the Temple area doesn’t really pick up much.

##### **A Trip To The Temple Of The Book**

According to Twoo, there are magical glyphs on the upper 2-3’ of the complex walls, Twoo has not come across Glyphs of Warding before so cannot really comment, but he does pick up that the Glyphs are overlaid with some higher level magic of some form.

#####  **General gossip:**

* The druidic temple had been taken over by a demon worshipping cult, the holy mission of Shanah to destroy them happened just in time;
* Library, what library? The old druids had a small collection of old scrolls that they kept on show but never touched and that was it;
* The clans were hatching some plot to bring down the walls of Far Haven, they have never really liked Far Haven being such a permanent settlement. Saratak got wind of it and put a stop to them;
* They are digging up the old Wyldwood temple dungeons now, someone must have left some loot behind when they trashed the place;

##### Talking To Rats

The problem is finding local wildlife that can remember the temple complex is pretty much impossible, particularly bird life.

Things you can pick up:

* None of the rats will go under the wall;
* The city only has two main sewers;
* Birds will happily fly over the temple complex, and some are even building nests in the eaves without any problems;
* Birds seem to have an aversion to flying near the towers;

#### From Zoom 2021-01-21 21:00

Maranay arrived after the Wyldwood temple was attacked. It was always known as the Temple of the Book. Not much was done to it other than renovations, building of Shanah Shrines and the 'paving over', which occurred two or three years ago. (Seems very recent!)

### Guardian Avengers:

The name for the city watch and internal security force, outsiders claim that it is simply an assassins cult disguised as a peacekeeping organisation. Vocal opponents of ~~Soratan~~ Saratak have certainly been known to disappear or come to a messy end – so there may be a degree of truth in these claims.

The interior ministry or Guardian Avengers, by contrast has no guards outside the front door, and very little traffic. In fact the only person you see entering the doors is a fairly well to do looking lady, who confidently strides up to the doors, knocks and enters.

### Gold Quarter:

Where the wealth congregates in Far Haven, whether it is the city merchants or the more highly skilled craftsmen, this is the area they will be found. Heavily patrolled by the city watch, even minor misdemeanours here can carry a severe punishment. There is an excellent, albeit expensive, hostelry on the edge of this quarter known as the “Safe Haven”.

### Knights of Shanah:

A large training complex for warriors and in particular the aforesaid Knights. The complex also contains stabling for the Greathorses that the Knights are so proud of.

As already observed, the Knights of Shanah is a large, well fortified complex, and from what you can see there is strict security on the gates, with papers being checked before any entrance is allowed. The large gates are however open, and through them you can see a large tourney field which has been set up with targets for missile fire. Unfortunately the angle of view is such that you cannot see who is practicing, or with what weapon, but from the missiles you do observe it is crossbow type weaponry as opposed to bow. There are a fair number of people coming and going, all generally military types, but with the occasional tradesmen.

### Havensgate

Nobody knows why there were two city gates in this area, whatever the reason, the Southern one has been blocked up and work is underway to fully wall that area. Most residents of the area are farm labourers that work out in the fields near to the city.

A quick check out of the now blocked in Southern gate doesn’t reveal anything of particular note. The stonework in the area appears to be similar in age and construction to the rest of the wall – about 50 years old you would guess. The party soon decides that more detailed investigations would look a bit suspicious and so head back to the Inn.

### The Cliffs:

The Great North River flows into the sea at Far Haven, but this area of the city is around 10’ above the normal river level, with sheer cliffs down to the river. In the past some people have tried to build jetties on the river down from the cliffs, but every year these have been washed away in the Spring floods**.**

### Southmarket:

Handles all of the trade from the South, primarily Northlake. Due to the nature of the terrain, all trade landings are made about half a mile south of the city and then brought in through the Southgate. A prosperous area, reasonable inns to stay at would be the “Desert Star” or the “Wanderer”.

## Gohde's information

From Gohde: "Legend has it that Far Haven is where Humans first landed on the North Island and so some of the records there go back to the time of the Elves and possibly even earlier. The original main library was held in the Wyldwood church there, however for reasons only known to Shanah, a pogrom was declared against Wyldwood in Far Haven by the Shanah First Sword. The Wyldwood church was destroyed and now Shanah is the dominant religion of the city.”

Also: "The Shanah/Wyldwood business in Far Haven was over 20 years ago, and appears to have been a one off. The religions can hardly be considered friendly to each other, but co-exist quite happily, in Northlake, and as far as I know in Far Haven as well."

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Day 64 – The Vinmira Monologues
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 A Conversation with Apana
3. ↑ Zoom 2021-03-04 21:00
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Day 58-64 – Going On Ahead
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Day 49-57 – Centaurs
6. ↑ Zoom 2020-12-17 21:00
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Zoom 2021-01-14 21:00
8. ↑ Zoom session 18th March – Meeting Bez Drock
9. ↑ Zoom 2021-03-25 21:00
10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 Day 65 - Far Haven - Tripwires
11. ↑ Zoom 2020-11-26 21:00
12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Day 65 – Far Haven – Vinnie Again
13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 Day 66 – Far Haven – Planning A Beach Holiday
14. ↑ Email2020-11-02 20:45
15. ↑ Zoom 2020-11-06 21:00
16. ↑ Day 35-41 – The fourth week in Northlake
17. ↑ A Conversation with Apana
18. ↑ Days 87-94 (10-17 May)
19. ↑ Email 20201-02-06 14:54
20. ↑ Day 28-34 – The third week in Northlake
21. ↑ Day 35-41 – The fourth week in Northlake
22. ↑ Day 65 – Far Haven – Vinnie Again
23. ↑ Zoom 2021-01-14 21:00
24. ↑ Day 67 – Far Haven – Setting Off For White Beach
25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Zoom 2020-12-10 21:00
26. ↑ Zoom 2021-04-15 21:00
27. ↑ Vinmiras Departure
28. ↑ Email2020-11-02 20:45
29. ↑ Email2020-11-02 20:45
30. ↑ Days 8 - 10: Kobalds, kobolds everywhere
31. ↑ Email2020-09-08 10:20