My hands and mind itch, I have a vision in my head and am not sure how to get it out. Nor am I sure why Upandal would choose me for His work. A place for the people of Bartertown to gather and better themselves, and not just the rich but any that need the help of the community.

He visited me in a dream and gave me a vision. A grand building, grander than any in Bartertown, and not in tribute to Him, but in tribute to the people. In the vision I saw the town center occupying the area known as the Ratway. The Ratway is a collection of hovels and shanties occupied by the less fortunate citizens of Bartertown. Upon waking from the dream I went straight to Vunar Stonehand, the leader of our forge and laid it all out. A place in Bartertown to help the more unfortunate citizens, to hold celebrations, for vendors to sell their goods and anything else for the good of the town and the people. Looking back I’m amazed he didn’t laugh me out of his house but instead took me straight away to Celebrimbor Elanessë, the current magistrate of Bartertown.

Celebrimbor seemed to be very interested in my proposal and informed me that the property known as the Ratway could be purchased for 1500 silver. Having only 900 in my possession Vunar offered to cover the difference. Having purchased the Ratway the next order of business was to vacate it. This proved to be more difficult than purchasing it. When I meet with the “leader” of the Ratway and his entourage they did not seem likely to move peaceably, my only regret in the ensuing melee was my total destruction of the Crone’s house in which we had met. After knocking out the leader and giving a sound drubbing to his companions the locals took advantage of the situation and disposed of the Ratway’s chief bully.

While treating about 30 Ratway children to the firsts hot meal they had known in who knows how long, I discussed finding the Ratway residents a more proper living arrangement. The ork who I spoke with seem to ignite with some of the fire that I was speaking with and said if suitable arrangements could be made the Ratway could be vacated. When I approached Celebrimbor with this problem he gave me of the name of a farmer with some property on the outskirts of town that had fallen on some hard times and could possibly be persuaded to help with the problem of living space. With keg of beer in hand I approached the farmer and somehow convinced him that several hundred unskilled laborers living on his land would be a great boon to him.

Upandal’s hand is truly taking part in my endeavor; almost everyone I speak to about the town center seems to get almost as excited about it as I do. I can only hope that the fervor spreads as this building will take mountains of silver to complete and infinite man hours. With the guidance of Upandal and the help of the good people of Bartertown, I will see this done.