The result of design, hard work, and construction unfolded in PaxLair on June 10th, as the new PaxLair "The Band" Town Hall was officially christened by city officials, during an event of great magnificence and consideration to local history!  With attendance numbers nearing the high thirties, the gala was like no other popularized Feluccan event in around three years; remaining completely peaceful even in the company of known murderers!  Including addresses that paid dear attention to the history and founding of PaxLair by Mayor Minsk and Former Mayor Winfield; a PaxLair-based contest held by mayor's assistant Winmere; and a play performed by Tyrone Trevor and Neo Of Lothlore, the event is surely one to be remembered in the years to come, as the start of a fresh era of newness for the City of PaxLair!

Old Man Winfield Presents a Speech About the History of the SCP

Delivered by the once former mayor of PaxLair, Lord Winfield, the old man stood clad in white and spoke about the origins of the Second Chance Provisioners, the placement of the first stone in PaxLair, and the significance of raising a new building on such a historical spot.  Here is the text of his address:

Hail my friends in and of PaxLair,

I am Winfield, an old man of PaxLair, and have the prestigious honor of making a few statements at this historic occasion.

Over six years ago, a stone was placed at this very spot in a once very vacant meadow, this meadow. Upon that stone was constructed a humble merchant shop that became known as the Second Chance Provisioners, or SCP. That shop stood the test of time as it became one of the first over-the-counter merchant services on this Shard. It was even blessed in those days with protective walls and chests to experiment with the abilities to safely service all people--friend and foe.

Through the magnificent efforts of the proprietors, Thelorn and Crimson Dragon of The Band, and other people in the Realm, it was proven that shopkeepers had the interest and the wherewithal to create shops to interact directly with their clientele. Such a shop required tireless hours to sit in their shop to sell merchandise to the occasional traveler. Of course, these were in the days before the ability to hire the "vendors" that you see lining many shops today.

Now, today, many years have passed since the first stone was laid here by strong hands and mighty hearts. Today, you see before you a beautifully and functionally constructed new Town Hall of PaxLair! It is fitting that it be built on this site--a site that probably had the most activity for the most hours in the early years of this City.

Newness is occurring in PaxLair and many places on this Shard. This newness is created because the gods have given us the facilities and capabilities that were never afforded to our long-time friends Thelorn and Crimson Dragon--the abilities to create a shop or house according to the interest and security desired by the owner. This newness prompts shopkeepers and communities alike to work closer with their fellow adventurers, friends, allies, and even adversaries. For through these magnificent town halls and dwellings, the citizens control their own abilities to meet, sell, store, and even have tournaments as their city sees fit.

I am truly amazed at what we can do in the Realm today. And I am amazed at the creation of this fantastic PaxLair Town Hall by the architects Neo of Lothlore and Winmere! This Hall offers many things to the Mayor, the Council, the Citizens, the Adventurers, the Allies, the Adversaries, and the Community at large! As you tour this Town Hall you will see that the first floor still resembles the original SCP in many ways. Above it, you will find features that we had spread throughout PaxLair in other buildings, including the Twin Towers and Mayor's Office. Town meetings will be held here. The Mayor's office is here. The SCP shop is here. And much, much more will gravitate to this building as the architects continue to improve this center of PaxLair's government as the needs of the City change.

In honor of this magnificent day, a token to the Mayor is necessary. It is a token of long ago when PaxLair was young when many sacrificed to visit here, as many still do.

I call upon an old friend, some of should know. I present to you my friend and protector on many travels, The Old Knight of Shiragor!
 

Old Knight of Shiragor Appears and Presents the Town With a Gift

As soon as the old man had finished his address, he presented a well known friend of PaxLair, The Old Knight of Shiragor!  The Old Knight, olde protector of the Crossroads Fortress and knight of the ancient town of Korbardain appeared in the doorway of the mayor's office and proceeded to gift the city of PaxLair with the armour of Thelorn of TB.  The knight had this to say:

Mayor, I am honored to be here.  The Knights of Shiragor, a very, very old knighthood before this Realm existed, recognized the true nature of armour combined with strength.  In the hidden treasures of this land, there exist such armour.  Now, I have such armour to give to the Mayor of this outstanding city.  Mayor, I give to you the armour of Thelorn of TB, a blacksmith who spent thousands of hours on this very spot.  With your permission, I can mount this armour in the SCP on the first floor.  May Shiragor Protect You and this City!  May the Old Code guide all Knights of the Realm...

Mayor Minsk Honors the Designers of the Town Hall

In a brief speech about the construction and design of the new Town Hall, Mayor Minsk thanked and honored the creators of the building, architect Neo Of Lothlore and constructor, Lady Winmere.

PaxLair Knowledge Quest Contest Held by Lady Winmere

After the opening ceremonies, Lady Winmere hosted a "PaxLair Knowledge Quest" in which participants had to locate certain famous and historical items and landmarks within the city.  Tyrone Trevor came in first place (but decided to return his winnings to the city treasury), and was followed by Grimlar Mithrax in second.  These questions were asked in the quest...

1. What is the name of the Whispering Rose located in the PaxLair Alchemy Shop? (Maverick)
2. What color is the plant located on the first floor of The PaxLair Stable House? (White)
3. What is the name of the Whispering Rose located in the meeting hall of the New Town Hall? (The Spring)
4. What color is the gate located on the roof of the PaxLair Paladin's Tower? (Dark Blue)
5. What is the name of the Lady in a blue dress and floppy hat on the roof of the PaxLair Inn? (Rhyssand)
6. On the first floor of the Knight's Tower, who's wedding ring is lying on the table? (Emmeril's)
7. What is the title of the book on the counter of the PaxLair Alchemy Shop? (The Daily Journal of Grimmoch Drummel)
8. What kind of trophies can be found on the walls of Luigi's Pizzeria and Bakery? (Fish)
9. What musical instrument can be found in the main room of the Ladies of the Lair? (Standing Harp)
10. What color is the gate on the roof of the Knight's Tower? (Red)
 

Tyrone Trevor and Neo Of Lothlore Perform the Famous "Who's On First" Skit

While the Knowledge Contest books were being marked, the Travelling Tailor / Bearded Elf comedy troop performed a bagball rendition of the 30's, Abbot and Costello "Who's On First" comedy sketch.  The zany antics of the two brought the audience to their knees with laughter, as one sought to discover just WHO was on first!  Tyrone and Neo also performed at the Red Wolf Cafe earlier this week.

Door Prizes Awarded

Three Door Prizes were awarded to lucky guests at the end of the night.  The prizes were based on the themes and likes of famous PaxLair personalities: Minsk (candles and flowers), Winfield (fishing) and Zog (necromancy and the undead).  The murderer Kain won the first, CourtesanDoll the second, and John McBain took home the third one.  Kain however, did not collect his prize and may do so at the next PaxLair Weekly Meeting.

After the prizes were handed out, the night of magic slowed to an end as guests toured the many corners of the new hall.  A few folks gathered in the smithy shoppe afterwards to have a few drinks and practice combat skills, while mayor Minsk put the last orders in for her new residence atop the grand structure.

Huzzah for PaxLair!  Huzzah for the new Town Hall!  May this be the start of a great era of inventiveness!

Neo Of Lothlore

PaxLair Journalist

Links to Extended Reading

• Old Knight's Tales at the Crossroads Fortress
• Meeting with an Old Knight
• Captain of the Guard Ceremony: Thelorn
• Town Hall Design