Franz Lohner's Chronicle - Midsummer Festivities

An absent-minded man of mysteries, Franz Lohner relies on his bulging journal to keep track of occurrences, intrigues and arguments around Taal's Horn Keep. Sometimes his notes are even useful, believe it or not. The Franz Lohner Chronicles are extracts from that journal.

Sonnstill’s here, with all the merriment and cavorting that’s to be expected. Folk like a good party, especially when times are hard. We’ve something of a feast planned for tonight, and I doubt there’ll be a sober head up or down the mountain by morning. 

The festivities themselves? Last I heard, Kruber and Sienna were quarrelling over the details. One of those “quantity versus quality” arguments, I reckon. Our wizard does like the finer things in life, whereas old Kruber? Well, he’s more of a “just keep it coming” sort. Harsh words have been exchanged, but it’ll all sort itself out once the event gets underway – always does with that pair.

The only black cloud on the horizon – not counting whatever devilry’s going on up north – is a rash of disappearances. Last week or so we’ve had folk vanish off the roads. No blood, no muss, no fuss. Just gone. Wasn’t until yesterday that we had a witness offer any explanation for what was going on. Claimed the trees took ‘em, would you believe? You should.

I did ask Kerillian what was going on with all that. Her answer? That the trees were just being friendly, and if it bothered folk that much they should stay away from the forest until the equinox was over. Stay away from the forest? This is the Reikland! It’s all forest. 

But what can you do? Our elf likes to play at being this all-knowing herald of the Weave, but between you and me I don’t think she’s got as much influence as she claims. Or maybe she’s just pretending to be powerless to cover up for some malevolent scheme. I wouldn’t have believed that of the old Kerillian, despite her manner, but this “improved” version? Haven’t figured her out yet, and I reckon that’s how she wants it.

If you’re reading my journal again, Kerillian, do me a solid and give me a few pointers, there’s a good lass. Thanks.

I do hope the trees really are just being friendly. That way, those poor souls might turn up again, sooner or later. I don’t mind telling you that it’s going to put a bit of a downer on the festivities if the abductees have ended up as root-mulch. 

Maybe I should ask Sienna to have a word. She’s about the only one around here that Kerillian makes much practice of listening to and, the human cost aside, she won’t want anything souring her Sonnstill feast. It’s supposed to be a time of life and rebirth, after all, and bough-beaten corpses ain’t exactly conducive to frolics.

*The Sonnstill decorated keep is now active in-game on all platforms.