CHRONICLE: PIN FEATHERS
CY 9-11-9168 Pony, one of the few members of the Gallants to leave the band outside of the process of death, took sail to his home in the kingdom of Forlad on the continent of Sayvalod. His intent was to set up and record his journey and begin correspondence with the keepers of the Companion Library of the Gallants. A great calamity has struck the continent. The devastation is said to be horrible. At sea, the massive Volcano of Whelm’s Furnace erupted and a ton of ash went east towards Sayvalod. There were other eruptions he found out, a terrible series of quakes and tsunamis. At sea, within sight of the peaks on the shores of Sayvalod, his ship was broken. The crew tried to ride the wave, but it was too great. It is half-submerged, end sticking up and taking on water. Slowly sinking for days though he and a couple other survivors try desperately to patch the ship and prevent more water from flooding in. After a week, it’s obvious that it’s simply not going to work. Just when they begin to say their prayers, there’s a sail on the horizon. A capital ship, broken and limping, with only one of its mast unbroken, gathers the survivors and what remains of their cargo. It will take 4 months and all their supplies for the ships. The ship is a capital ship, a diplomatic ship of Forlad itself, bringing diplomats and tribute from the far land to the High King. Pony learns that for decades tribute has slowed. Wars and disasters have rocked Sayvalod outside of Forlad. The ship manages to limp into Karolak of the northern Merchant Cities. Paulson, senior herald of the King of Forlad, announces his decision to sell the ship, take the tribute, and travel with his retinue to Oerdney seeking refuge. He is a nephew of the King of Forlad, and until word comes to him, he plans to announce his ascension to the throne-in-waiting. He will ask the High King for assistance in returning to his lands and rebuilding. He also says he will pay for Pony’s journey home if he wishes – he recognizes Pony’s potential contribution of knowledge to rebuilding. Pony must make a decision…