Home

A travel weary man arrived at the front door of the Millhouse, tying his horse to the hitch outside he withdrew a leather scroll case from his saddle bags and entered the establishment.

Oscar, the owner, gave the man a friendly wave with his one arm and signaled for him to approach the bar. As he neared, Oscar provided him with a fresh draught of beer. The man smiled at the sight and eagerly downed it, using his shirtsleeve to wipe the foam and trail dust from his lips.

"So Tralen, what news have ye brought from yon capital this time?"

"Good news me thinks, the govner' be lookin' to hire a few blokes for some work in the interior."

"Another round of explorations?"

"Yep, would seem that way."

"If'n I hadn't lost me good arm in the murkwood I'd put together a group meself to go take a look 'round the hills to the south."

"Yep, I believe ye! I'd better get to makin' me announcements, I've got to reach Jerome by nightfall!"

The traveler, after wetting his throat pulled forth a long sheet of parchment from his case, at the same time Oscar banged a long wooden club on his bar to signal for silence. After the crowd quieted he began to read.

"Hear ye, hear ye. By order of his govenership Rygel the sixth, I do relate the following proclamation. Be it known that afore this island can truly become a united land the island itself must be mapped and fully explored. To wit, a reward will be given to all persons wishing to create surveying parties to go forth into the islands interior, and survey it bringing back accurate and detailed maps. All interested parties should contact their local government building or travel to Port West itself if no government building is within your community. Be it also known that discovery of veins of precious metals is also of great interest and parties wishing to lay claim to such veins can expect assistance from Port West in the working of said claims. Or said claims will be purchased by Port West for a reasonable finder's fee. Be it lastly known that any discoveries of previous inhabitants on this island will be further rewarded depending on the nature of the find. That is all."

After finishing he rolled up his parchment and returned it to its case. Waving a quick farewell to Oscar the man left to spread his words about the town.

An old logger slid his seat over to speak with Oscar," So, Rygel wants the island explored again does he? I wonder how much he's payin' anyhow."

"You don't expect to go out yourself do ye?"

"I've got plenty more good years in me, besides there ain't not out there but trees and dirt, mayhap a tired old bear."

"Perhaps," replied Oscar, "perhaps."