<span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 14pt;">The Immigrant's Guide to the Greenbelt</span><br/><em>By Marisa Mushroom, journeyman Alchemiste and amateur Historian</em><br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong>Foreword by Mayor Bingley</strong></span><br/><br/>My dear Reader, allow me to praise you, for in consulting this humble tome you have displayed that Wisdom which so many seek but never find, and even more never know they lack, that most rare yet crucial of the traits which by its Mental nature, overshadowed by the Physical, is too often left to fester by the wayside in the ditch of Ignorance, so the walking gnome with his eyes fixed on the stars overhead finds his feet tripping and falls into the trap filled with the bodies of those unfortunates who went before him.<br/><br/>Now though I still have much to say and commit to ink, the most esteemed Author of this tract, who has displayed such Wisdom that you wish to learn in the seeking of my pen for a few brief opening words, such lady bemoans the scarcity of ink and parchment, cruel Reason which necessitates cutting off a full description for the sake of practicality, and saving the most important words from the fires of Brevity - welcome to the Greenbelt, say I and beseech, play your part as Reader unto the end, to absorb in full length the lessons contained within these pages bought with sweat and blood, paying for that which you do not spill after in turn thanks to Knowledge passed down.<br/><br/>Yours in true faith, to hold long and fast,<br/>Mayor Bingley of Olegston<br/><br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong>Chapter 1: The Stolen Lands and the Greenbelt</strong></span><br/><br/>The expanse of wilderness which goes by the moniker of the "Stolen Lands" lies between the state of Brevoy to the north and the River Kingdoms to the south. Jungle, hill, swamp, and mountain denote the natural boundaries between the farmed plains of civilization and the untamed wilds. Rivers snake through the Stolen Lands, but none form the single, continuous, and most importantly, navigable route from north to south (or south to north, depending on one's point of view) needed for a viable trade route. Uncharted roads, natural dangers of the wild, and last but certainly not least the threat of banditry make the overland route a matter of such poor odds that even the most desperate gambler would shy away from. Hence the name; lands which could not be settled, considered stolen from the kingdoms with rightful claims to them.<br/><br/>Furthermore - and this is something which the Powers that be would rather you not know - the histories and legends tell of previous attempts at carving a kingdom out of the Stolen Lands over the centuries, all of which have obviously come to naught. Reader, why am I telling you this? Simply put, the difficulty of your endeavor is surely known to you already, and if neither friend, family or neighbour have stopped you, then you are skilled enough, or desperate enough, that a few more words scribbled by a stranger will not change your mind. The truth may be unpleasant, but dying more so, and even if this is admittedly not first-hand evidence, it is a fact I have witnessed with my own two eyes.<br/><br/>In practice, you need information specific to the Greenbelt, while knowledge about the rest of the Stolen Lands is academic at best and a distraction at worst. Starting at the trading post at the south-western corner of the South Rostland Road, the Greenbelt is a strip of land that stretches south and can be divided into roughly two halves. The forests of the Narlmarches make up the western half, and where they end the hills of the Kamelands begin, rolling towards the east. The Greenbelt is rich in game, if merely adequate for farming, though fewer hunters and trappers roam these wilds than there should be, no thanks to the bandits who make their hideouts out there, out of the reach of the law. Such problem is being remedied and charters granted to those who would tame the lands with sword and bow instead of hoe and plow. I have managed to lay eyes upon one such charter, and reproduce for posterity the words written on it, though obviously not the seal nor signature which empowers it.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Be it so known that the bearer of this charter has been charged<br/>by the Swordlords of Restov, acting upon the greater good and<br/>authority vested within them by the office of the Regent of the<br/>Dragonscale Throne, has granted the right of exploration and travel<br/>within the wilderness region known as the Greenbelt. Exploration<br/>should be limited to an area no further than thirty-six miles east and<br/>west and sixty miles south of Oleg’s Trading Post. The carrier of<br/>this charter should also strive against banditry and other unlawful<br/>behavior to be encountered. The punishment for unrepentant banditry<br/>remains, as always, execution by sword or rope. So witnessed on this<br/>24th day of Calistril, under watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov<br/>and authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of<br/>the Dragonscale Throne.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>From the same adventurer friend I received a description of the lands of the Greenbelt which he had already explored. Though I have not skill in map-making I shall describe the lay of the land to the best of my meager abilities. If you have talent in this area which I am found wanting, O Reader, I humbly implore you to seek me out in Olegston, that together we may combine our Wisdom for the sake of the future waves who read these pages.<br/><br/>Olegston: The hamlet of Olegston sprang up practically overnight, centred on Oleg's Trading Post run by the eponymous owner, which was previously the only beacon of civilization along that stretch of the South Rostland Road. Many settlers found the virgin soils of the surrounding grassland to be good enough farming and saw no need to go further, as the forests and hills of the Greenbelt only really begin a few miles further south. If one takes the traditional view that the road marks the boundary of Brevoy, then a good half of Olegston and its farms technically lie within Brevoy proper, though this is merely trivia with no practical consequence considering the next closest settlement is miles to the north. Olegston has since become a springboard for further expeditions into the Greenbelt, with the trading post providing supplies for farmer and explorer alike. For those with a more adventurous bent, there is an alchemist store providing potions, run by none other than yours truly, as well as a shrine dedicated to Erastil for clerical needs.<br/><br/>The Narlmarches: The Narlmarches consist of the forests which can be found to the southwest of Olegston. They enjoy unnaturally warm weather, warm enough that it never snows in winter even while blizzards rage across the neighbouring Kamelands. This phenomenon is rumoured to have arcance causes, though no conclusive study has ever been completed. Traveling from Olegston, a few miles within the Narlmarches, wild moon radishes can be found in land suitable for cultivating them once cleared. The roots of these plants, when properly prepared, become a potent aphrodisiac that induces fertility in all who consume it. The exact recipe is, of course, beyond the scope of this book. Proceeding further southwest into the Narlmarches, one would eventually strike the Thorn River. Travel beyond this point is not recommended, as bandits are known to have hideouts on the southern side of the river.<br/><br/>The Kamelands: The Kamelands consist of the rolling hills which can be found to the southeast of Olegston. This region has yet to be explored and mapped. Travel with escort is recommended.<br/><br/><span class="bbc_u"><strong>Chapter 2: Personages of Olegston and its Surrounding Lands</strong></span><br/><br/>The Knights of the Greenbelt: these esteemed heroes were present at the founding of Olegston. After defeating a bandit force three times their numbers and securing the Greenbelt as far as the Thorn River, they were knighted in recognition of their deeds. Currently numbering four, those who prove their bravery and valour may be offered the honour of joining their ranks.<br/><br/>Sir Silas, Knight of the Greenbelt. Male, human, blue eyes, blonde hair.<br/>Dame Oriana, Knight of the Greenbelt. Female, human, amber eyes, amber hair.<br/>Dame Adelise, Knight of the Greenbelt. Female, human, blue eyes, red hair.<br/>Dame Lara: Knight of the Greenbelt. Female, half-elf, green eyes, chestnut hair.<br/><br/>Mayor Bingley: Mayor of Olegston. Male, gnome, brown eyes, brown hair.<br/><br/>Lawrence and Horo Oleg: Owners of the trading post, providing all manners of supplies for the friend in need at fair prices. Male, human, blue eyes, gray hair. Female, kitsune, red eyes, brown hair.<br/><br/>Captain Kesten: Captain of the guard, in charge of the defense of Olegston and the local watch. Male, human, gold eyes, blue hair.<br/><br/>Kressle Tuskcleaver: Member of the Olegston guard, in charge of patrolling the lands around Olegston. Female, human, brown eyes, black hair.<br/><br/>Jhod Kavken: Cleric of Erastil. Male, human, brown eyes, black hair.<br/><br/>Marisa Mushroom: Alchemist and your humble author of this tome. Female, half-elf, red eyes, red hair.