A False Calm: Elevenmonth 1027 - Fourmonth 1028
As the northern autumn begged for mercy … and eventually fell … before winter’s implacable advance, news of Aukan’s and Micah’s heroism in the courtroom spread quickly through the city of Neverwinter, lifting the pall that had descended on the city in the wake of the attempted disruption of the execution of the Druid Reidoth, which had shaken the city’s confidence in its security and awakened long-dormant memories of the Druid Rebellions centuries past.
Aukan, Micah, and Melori were feted by the upper crust of Neverwinter and presented by Lady Governess Dagult Neverember herself with the Order of Hotenow’s Wrath, a golden medal emblazoned with a sigil depicting an erupting Mt. Hotenow, the city’s highest mark of valor.
The mage Iarno, who had terrorized Phandalin as “Glasstaff” was released from prison after a mistrial was declared due to a lack of evidence, which had been stolen and never recovered when the Court Archivist was murdered several months prior. Her current whereabouts are unknown.
Helped in part by his association with the Special Tasks Unit, Gundren and Rockseeker Enterprises flourished, expanding its business into new markets, including opening a procurement and sales office in Adelstad. The business took more and more of Gundren’s time, leaving him less of a presence in your daily lives.
The winter of 1027-28 turned into the coldest in generations: the elves in the city whispered of a millennial event, and even the Neverwinter River froze over for a week at the beginning of Twomonth. Lady Neverember is rumored to have made repeated trips to the capital for meetings of the High Council and has increased the City’s security budget. Greycloak scouts north of the city spread tales of the sighting of a White Dragon circling high in the pale northern sky. In the short days and long nights, the common folk spoke of portents and locked their doors. Neighbors watched each other out of the corners of their eyes.
In the region, travelers and merchants who braved the cold and snow brought tales of men and women hanged from trees outside villages, signs reading “Druid” dangling from their stretched necks, their orphaned children running, begging, after every cart that passes through.
Despite this, under the wise leadership of Rockseeker Enterprises, the once lost and now found Mine of Phandelver had been brought back into operation. Precious and industrial metals were being brought forth as the mine expanded, enriching the Neverwinter regional economy. Mages were once again on site, relearning how to use the arcane forces present in the mine to enchant items, with prototypes being sent to Adelstad for study and testing.
The village of Phandalin exploded into a boomtown, tripling its population, as fortune- and job-seekers poured into the town from across the Regency, spreading out in massive tent cities and simple shacks while construction of more sturdy structures awaited the spring thaw. Recognizing this growth and importance, Grand Regent Seneca sanctioned the establishment of a City Charter and recognized Sildar Hallwinter, who had returned to Phandalin, as City Lord. Tresendar Manor was being restored and expanded as his castle and seat.
It is the first day of Fourmonth. The days have become longer, snow is giving way to crocuses and narcissus, and birdsong has returned. Merchants are reporting the roads and passes have thawed. A warm southerly breeze wafts through the alleys and thoroughfares of Neverwinter. Another season passes, another one begins.
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