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LOCATION: TOWN SQUARE
CITY: GRIMWATCH, ALLOVIA
DATE: JULY 22, 2026 | TIME: 10:00 AM
Thomas Brae had spent the last two months working closely with Leor Jandrel to merge The Shadowed Hamlet with Grimwatch. What had begun as a cautious alliance had become something far greater.
The crafting capabilities between the two towns were surprisingly compatible, with overlap in areas where extra production capacity was welcome and very little waste. Grimwatch's blacksmiths and rune-carvers could now draw on Shadowed Hamlet's lumber, food stores, and vineyard stock. Barrels of fortified wine were already being tested as healing draughts by Grimwatch's alchemists, while the sawmill's reinforced planks were proving sturdier than anything the woodworkers had access to before.
The homes on the hill in the noble district were demolished and rebuilt as a destination attraction. Residents of either town could rent the new apartments for up to a week at a time. The amenities were well above average, but it was the views that drew crowds.
Trees had been trimmed back to reveal a nearly full circle of countryside: the sprawling vineyards to the west; the hamlet below, rebuilt almost from scratch; and, now that the merge was nearly complete, a clear line of sight to Grimwatch's battlements in the east.
On a clear morning, the upper floors even offered a glimmer of the ocean to the northeast.
For townsfolk, heavily discounted rates encouraged families to take holidays they had never dreamed of affording before. For travelers from afar, the rentals brought in a steady income that funded more improvements for both communities.
But the great benefits didn't stop there.
The illusory wall between the two towns was removed after the seventy-two-hour challenge window. A wide path now ran from the lower town in Shadowed Hamlet to the residential district in Grimwatch. It still needed some tree-trimming and cobblestone work, but merchants were already using it daily. Families strolled across as if the towns had always been one.
Thomas and Leor stood in the square before the old council hall, watching the bustle of the market and the hum of anticipation.
"Well, Leor," Thomas said, "today's the big day."
"I'm ready," Leor replied, though his grin betrayed nerves.
Thomas summoned the city management interface. Leor's own vision echoed the translucent blue menus. As Deputy Mayor, his role was to confirm Thomas's choices.
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City Management Interface
Thomas Brae – Mayor
Leor Jandrel – Deputy Mayor
City: Grimwatch – Village
City: The Shadowed Hamlet – Hamlet
Status: Physical merge complete
Congratulations.
You have completed the physical merge between Grimwatch and The Shadowed Hamlet.
The new, larger town must be named.
Please insert new name below:
---
Thomas paused only a moment, then he entered the name they had chosen together: Dawnhollow.
Leor smiled in relief. "Perfect." He confirmed the change.
Immediately, every one of the 7,452 residents received a System message.
---
System Message
To the residents of the village formerly known as Grimwatch and the hamlet formerly known as The Shadowed Hamlet:
Grimwatch and The Shadowed Hamlet have now been merged, creating a City.
New City: Dawnhollow
Mayor: Thomas Brae
Deputy Mayor: Leor Jandrel
Population: 7,452
City status has been upgraded, and the Crown has been notified.
New Capabilities Unlocked:
• Unified Crafting Hub (Blacksmithing + Rune-carving + Alchemy)
• Agricultural & Viticultural Production (grain, orchards, vineyards)
• Lumber & Structural Materials (advanced construction, fortification)
• Adventurer Equipment Upgrading (Tier I – III)
• Future Unlock: Guild Halls (available at 10,000 population)
Congratulations to the residents of Dawnhollow.
May you continue to prosper.
---
"We did it!" Thomas shouted, clapping Leor's shoulder.
"I am so happy you chose me, Thomas," Leor said, eyes shining. "You're a good man."
Their words were drowned out as bells rang from the chapel tower. People surged into the square, singing and laughing. A band struck up a tune, lutes, flutes and drums echoing against the stone walls.
Merchants rolled out casks of Shadowed Hamlet's deep red wine filling half the cups, while Grimwatch's honey mead filled the rest. Children raced between the booths with sticky hands, while old artisans clinked mugs and marveled at their new menu options.
Cheers and music carried on long into the night.
Far to the west, in the capital Myrrindel, the King received the notification. Another small village had risen to city status. It was a good sign, and not just for the increased tax revenue a larger city would bring into the kingdom's coffers.
The development and prosperity of the people, even that far from the capital, strengthened the inherent protections that overlaid the land of Allovia. It was the way of the System in Evirond: like karma, but on a national scale. When the hearts of the people glowed with brightness, the land itself grew safer and more secure.
The King closed his interface.
"Send a congratulatory endowment to Dawnhollow City. Include my seal and my personal best wishes."
"Yes, Your Majesty," his aide replied with a bow.
The aide withdrew and prepared two missives. The first, sent through the Crown Treasury, bore the King's gift. The second he folded into a tiny triangle.
At the end of his workday, he lingered in a tavern until the hour grew late. When he finally staggered into the streets, swaying as though drunk, no one spared him a glance.
In a shadowed alley, he crouched and slid the folded note into a notch in the stone wall. The triangle vanished into the dark gap.
The Muted Cord would be overjoyed to hear of Dawnhollow's rise. Another opportunity had opened, and they would not let it go to waste.
The man pulled up his hood and strode quickly home, a smile hidden beneath the cowl.
Hours later, as the clouds covered the moon completely, two men stepped forward from the shadows and retrieved the folded parchment.
They kept to the shadows in the dirtier parts of the capital, and entered a broken-down hut that was barely still standing.
One lit a lantern, while the other carefully unfolded the note.
"Ah," he said, "Grimwatch, far to the east, has become a city now. And their connection to the other world grows stronger."
The second man smiled.
"The Master will be glad to hear it. When do we leave?"
"Patience, little brother," the first man said. "Plans must be made. The Muted Cord only works with us because we get results. We must ensure success before we make our move."
"Yes, big brother, I understand."
"Now, bring me the parchment and ink. I need to get to work. You may as well get some rest. I'll be a while."
---
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