Conquering the Frontier

[_pok_ 1768]

OOC Introduction

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Pok. I’ve been on this server since 2012, and played sporadically during that time with long stretches of activity and longer stretches of inactivity. I’m recently coming off one of those longer stretches of inactivity thanks in part to the opening of this new map, which so far, I’m thoroughly enjoying. This post is meant to convey through RP a few of the reasons why I am enjoying it so much, and make the case for freebuild close to regular settlements as well. It’s been nice getting back into the flow of things and being free of all of the obligations I had during my last bit of time on the server. That’s enough from me though…

 

PS. If this is well received, maybe I’ll keep writing journal entries.

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Excerpts from the Journal of Joseph Hoffman, a God-Fearing Peasant Living on the Frontier

12th of The Sun’s Smile, 1642

A sketch of the land Joseph settled on which he crudely drew in his notebook

 

I sit now at my desk as the last light of the sun creeps below the lake beside my farmhouse, looking out over the horizon at this beautiful country which I now enjoy the pleasure of calling home. I cannot help but thank God and his wisdom for guiding me to this incredible section of his creation and for ensuring my safety as I settled down here. The journey to this land proved difficult and learning construction as I established this ramshackle abode even moreso, but as I reflect upon my circumstances prior to my personal exodus, I cannot help but think I made the right decision. After escaping to the frontier and witnessing God’s glorious creation firsthand, I cannot help but wonder how I ever held city life in such high esteem.

 

Life here is honest. Everything I gain, I gain out of my own ability to survive. The lake provides me with fish to eat when the wildlife prove difficult to hunt, and soon it will provide me with crops to make sustaining myself even easier. The small home I’ve built for myself through much difficulty does its job well enough, sufficiently sheltering me from the elements. I cannot help but wonder whether or not it will hold up come the Deep Cold, however I must set those thoughts aside in order to establish my crop in time to have a decent yield come harvest season.

 

16th of The Sun’s Smile, 1642

A sketch of the Frontiersmen working on their settlement, another crude drawing from Joseph.

 

While tending to my crops this morning, I noticed that another small group of frontiersmen established a small settlement across the lake. After assuring myself that my fields were properly tended to, I ventured out in the mid-afternoon to visit these new settlers. They greeted me warmly, showing me around their new settlement. They held lofty ambitions and repeatedly stated their desire to build a grand new settlement along the lake. I couldn’t help but smile at these young men, naive in their ways but bold in their desire for greatness. The world has not yet corrupted them. They have not been knocked down in the way that so many are in the great cities of humanity and beyond. I wished them luck, offered them provisions from the farm, and went on my way.

 

On my walk back from that settlement, I ran into a man and woman fishing down along the lake not too far from my farm. The man smiled, setting the rod in the soft clay along the riverbank and turned toward me. He asked me if I resided in the farmhouse to which I responded truthfully. He smiled, commenting on its beauty. After chatting for some time, I invited him and his companion back to the farmhouse for some fish, bread, and brandy. While we ate, he told me about the small homestead, which he called Southwood, he and his extended family were in the process of building just beyond the hills from my farm. It sounded quite quaint and I promised to visit soon. Before he left, he inquired about purchasing some wheat for his livestock to which I naturally said yes. I’ve been preparing to go into one of the larger towns to buy some new supplies for the house, so I could use the extra coin.

 

8th of the Amber Cold, 1642

 

Another sketch of Joseph’s of the lake in Autumn.

 

The harvest season arrived to blistering winds and cold air sweeping over the lake from the mountains beyond the lake. I nearly lost my crop, but luckily the cold air swept into my cabin and woke me, stirring me to take action to protect my crop. I left into action, running about my fields covering the crop with whatever cloth and leather I could find. I didn't really know what I was doing, or if it would make a difference, but when I woke in the morning, it proved to be worthwhile. Thanks to my fast action, I was able to salvage well over three quarters of the wheat. It’s not ideal, but it’s certainly better than what might’ve been had I not been awakened by the cold.

 

Had my shelter been constructed any better, I likely would not have been forced to wake up. It seems that I’ve done a rather poor job of insulating my cabin and the wind whistles through every crack and board. I really ought to fix that before the first snowfalls, but my carpentry skills are lacking… to say the least. Perhaps next time I go into town, I can find somebody capable of putting my cabin in order.

[Zanderaw 162]

 

[argonian 14254]

((you didnt join in 2012 what, you've been around since the server started. i remember rping w/ you like july 2011. anyway good thread))

 

Reinald wishes the farmer the best of luck as he departs Traveller's Respite.

 

[OzYmandi 647]

((I thought this was an FRP))

[Chorale__ 2147]

Moved to The Great Library. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.

 

If you feel this is a mistake, please contact myself or any FM and we'll restore it.