Quote:Good day, Eorzea!  While updates have been quiet, we’re happy to say that activity within the Bellworks has been anything but! Â
First and foremost, we’d like to congratulate our very own shining Knight Captain of House Dufrense--Martiallais Heuloix--on his joining the officer team!  We’d also like to extend a warm welcome to all of our new members who’ve come aboard over these last months.  We’re looking forward to what stories are written together in the time to come!
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In August, the Bellworks took a bit of a breather with a much-needed company outing to the shores of La Noscea and the hospitality of Mr. Graeham Ridgefield. Â We picked up some friends along the way, both expected and unexpected, so thank you all for a wonderful time!
Some weeks later, we turned our attention to the Brume of Ishgard to begin assessing structural damages in the wake of the Dragonsong War. Â Knowing that any real work to the lower foundation of the city would disturb the lives of those who live there, Chief Engineer Brave Horizon began relief efforts that would provide temporary shelter, medical care, and makeshift kitchens. Â We were pleased to see so many volunteers from the community arrive to erect pavilions and dish out hot meals to cold bodies! Â The people thank you for it, and so does the Bellworks!
October saw a good chunk of our members flying out to Las Vegas for the 2016 Fan Festival! Â It was great to meet not only one another face-to-face, but those of you from across the roleplaying community as well! Â There was a slew of announcements fueling new stories and character development, and being able to talk about that hype in person was a gift.
In-game, Ser Heuloix was approached with a request to scout the frontier of Dravania, and brought a number of us along to assist. Â What resulted was a weekend of impromptu hikes, killer flora, curious Vath, and sleeping beneath the stars.
Toward the end of the month, we celebrated All Saint’s Wake with a curious scavenger hunt to unravel a truly terrifying story (for entertainment, of course), and embarked on a trek through the Shroud to ensure that one of our supply routes was free of trouble--and ran into a bit of our own along the way.
Brave’s efforts in the Brume continued when she gathered a preliminary survey team to head into the inner reaches of Ishgard’s foundation, so as to pave the way for her engineers.  What the team uncovered was a solemn testament to the sweat and blood upon which the city was built--as well as a reminder of just how much farther it needs to come.
Meanwhile, everyday business and peace-of-mind was challenged by an unknown saboteur, when the Bellworks’ primary factory was attacked.  According to rumour, at least one man lost their life, and there may have been some manner of explosion… Â
More recent days have seen a mining operation in Vylbrand meet with difficulty, revealing some surprising circumstances that, due to their nature, have sparked the fires of conflict between some in the Bellworks’ employ.  As we move on to Patch 3.5 and what waits beyond, we can only imagine how things may resolve themselves--or not!
- Gwen
Quote:Even as the year moves towards a close, things remain busy in the Bellworks office. Rumor has it that plans are already in motion for yet another Grand Tournament of the Fury! The specifics on the location and time are still a being negotiated but there’s still plenty of time to hone one’s aim and work on those jousting skills, as you can guarantee that with the start of the next year, those skills will be tested against others from all over Eorzea!
Speaking of the new year, as this one comes to a close, the Bellworks, like many free companies and organizations, be participating in a number charity works in addition to our usual activities so please feel free to drop off any donations of food, clothing, or other goods to the office in Thanalan or at the Dufresne manor in Ishgard.
- Mar
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Until next time, we look forward to crossing paths across Eorzea. Â As our frontiers expand and we take to the roads and skies beyond the reach of our company, we hope to meet whatever challenges crop up...with bells on.
"Bran thought about it. 'Can a man still be brave if he's afraid?'
                                -George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones