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Today I have been to Yew, home of the famous Empath Abbey. I like it; it feels like a good place. It was a long journey to the northwest region of Britannia, made longer by the dense forests and poor roads in the area. In fact, I nearly missed it altogether, for Yew is not a city or truly a town, but rather a collection of homesteads built within a vague distance of each other. They are not even close enoughfor me to say they are clustered together.
There are druids there, no doubt responding to the lush expanse of nature. The magic they practice is unlike any I've ever encountered ... it is an herbalistic and healing discipline that sometimes seems more alchemical than ethereal. Many people migrate to Yew in order to learn how to use the forces of nature to focus their power. The druids oblige them, but the most valuable lessons they teach are the formulae for potions, elixirs and healing salves. Those who are not involved with the arcana of nature tend sheep and raise crops. The best fields are the vineyards, which grow grapes that become the finest wines of the realm. I have spoken with some of the natives, and winemaking seems an almost mystical process to them. There are also pastures with livestock and a bustling market for produce, where I was most impressed with the quality of the yew bows and oaken staves. It is good to find both a practical and spiritual people. It seems a peaceful and serene place, but as is often the case with rural settings, the people of Yew are harassed by the monsters which dwell in the forests. Ettins, orcs and goblins seek their prey nearby, and see little difference in whether they take woodland creatures, livestock or local residents. I am glad to say that nearly all other regions gladly come to Yew in times of need. Rangers, in particular, flock to protect this marvelous area. Perhaps because they are a simple people, or due to their close relationship with so many other places, I have found Yew to be a town where kindness and justice prevail. All seek to help those in true need - I was invited to a "barnraising," although I did little more than carry lumber - and rate community service a high priority. They manage to be helpful and supportive without treading on others' need for privacy. It is, all in all, a warm and friendly community. Should you get the chance, Kerick, I recommend it as a place to visit. Your friend, Garreth |
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