Interview One – Winfield, Governor of PaxLair

SotA (Player) Owned Cities and Towns Interviews
by Fireangel

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The lady smiled brightly at her friend. She hugged him as they met in one of the quieter rooms of the tavern. “Thank you so much, Winfield, for agreeing to be interviewed. I’m sure you’ve been through so many that it must have lost some of any glamour that an interview might hold.” Fireangel laughed lightly, and motioned at a chair.

“There is cold tea, ale, coffee, or even juice or water, if I may order you a drink.” She lifted the domed tray before them in the center of the table. “Dried meats and fresh cheese here, some fruits, nuts, or I could order something else, if you would like.” The lady nodded at the barmaid who approached, and watched Winfield for his response.

“Why thank you Fireangel,” Winfield replied as he pulled out the wooden chair and sat down. He looked over the dried meats, cheese, and other foods on the table. Winfield frowned a little out of the corner of his mouth, barely noticeable due to his heavy moustache and long beard.

Fireangel perceived the small indication. “I’m sorry, Winfield. Do you dislike the meal?”

Winfield looked up from the table at her and smiled. “Oh, the meal is fine. It is missing something though, actually two things.”

Fireangel raised her brows in an indication for Winfield to continue.

“I’d like some fish and a mug of ale please,” Winfield said, turning his head up to the barmaid who quickly nodded her head and rushed away. He turned back to Fireangel. “I’ve been in a few interviews–not as many as one would think perhaps. I suppose I tend to give more speeches and throw around ideas like fish to see if anyone catches a few. I am happy to answer any questions though, and that fish does smell good!” He enthused, as the barmaid placed freshly smoked fish in front of Winfield and a mug of hoppy ale.

Once they were settled, Fireangel took out her pen and parchment. “For notes,” she explained with a shrug. “I don’t remember nuances as well as I once did.” She winked. “For the people who don’t know you yet, Winfield, please tell me about yourself. What interaction with we outlanders do you consider to be your preference? For example, do you consider yourself as one who is serious about focusing on only your time and life in New Britannia, one who is more casual about playing that role,” the lady’s smile deepens until her dimples are very deep, and her eyes are merry at her own turn of phrase, “or one who readily speaks about things in the earthly realm, without concern or confusion in jumping back and forth between the times, places and occurrences? Also, for you personally, do you sometimes engage in battle with other adventurers, avoid it entirely, or find yourself living out in a combination of these?”

Winfield blinked and stared at Fireangel. He blinked again and stared some more. He saw Fireangel turn her head slightly as if to ask another question. Winfield held up his hand to stop her. “Oh, that’s enough questions for one round of fish and ale, don’t you think?” Winfield stared a bit more, then he leaned back and laughed picking up his mug of ale. “Well done Fireangel. I like people to get to the point. Very well done. I hope I can do the same in return.”

Fireangel smiled and prepared to take notes.

“I do not consider myself a typical outlander as many people around here do because I come from an Old Britannia, not some other place. I recently arrived in this New Britannia along with remnants of the town I have led for many years called PaxLair. As for interacting with outlanders, I see everyone here at face value. Everyone exists of course, and everyone is here. Some may say things I don’t understand and I will shrug that off or ask questions. Others may have learned more native customs than I have and I can learn from them. Yet my purpose as the Governor of PaxLair is to meet with anyone and everyone who cross my path knowing we are all in this New Britannia together. I guess some have described me as immersing myself as much as possible within this realm and the old one from which I came … oh and I have the strange ability to return to Old Britannia regularly as well; but that is another story for a another time, in another time.”

Winfield took a big bite of fish and drank a third of his ale, while he watched Fireangel as she wrote notes swiftly. He waved for the barmaid to widen the opening on the window shudders to catch the afternoon breeze.

Fireangel stopped writing and looked up at Winfield. “And about any involvement in battles?” she pressed.

Winfield rolled his right shoulder forward slightly and grimaced. “Well, I used to be a pretty darn good combat mage. I healed a lot of my warriors and attacked many foes. I am getting pretty old for that sort of thing though and my joints don’t move like they should. I can still keep up a good pace with most people, but I leave most of the fighting to the younger folks. So I have turned my life to diplomacy and fishing.”

“I can certainly understand getting older,” the lady nodded in agreement. “What led you to take the step of gaining control of a housing area in New Britannia when the ability presented itself? Did you do this on your own, or was it a joint action with others?” She watched her friend and wondered if she could guess the answer.

“When PaxLair was very young in Old Britannia, we did not control any housing areas,” Winfield answered as he looked out the window, as if looking into a time long past. “Anyone could build a house anywhere … even tents in the middle of our streets! It took about two years for the non-citizens to thin out so more citizens could move in. Managing housing was extremely difficult in those days.”

He turned from the window and looked at Fireangel. “So, here in New Britannia, we saw an opportunity to build PaxLair in a more organized and strategic manner. PaxLair has already been founded in New Britannia having appeared for the first time on April 24, 2014 according to the outlanders’ calendar. We already have leaders, citizens and many friends.”

“For those who do not yet know about the guild you belong to, please tell me about PaxLair. I know we can point folks to your information (http://avatarscircle.com/community-events-us-central/), but it’s so nice to hear about it in your own words. Specifically, enlighten us on the history of PaxLair that is forming in New Britannia, and how this might unfold as the members interact with citizens. Do you see a direction PaxLair is coming from, and where it is headed in general?”

 “First of all, PaxLair is not a guild. That seems to be a common misconception. PaxLair is a town. It is a physical place on the map,” Winfield said with emphasis on the word ‘place’.

“We have people living, working,and visiting in the town. We have government, shops, homes, citizens, guilds, home owners, shop workers, friends, allies, enemies, news reporting, plays, merchants, crafters, court cases, churches, schools, guards, and many people wandering through.”

Winfield’s eyes look at the barkeep cleaning mugs and a group of people sitting at the bar. They were obviously guild-mates, dressed in the same type uniforms. “In PaxLair in Old Britannia, we had a few guild houses. These were guilds who had more houses scattered throughout the land, but they called PaxLair their home base for their guilds. Having their guild houses in PaxLair allowed them better access to other guilds and things PaxLair did daily. We can do this again in New Britannia for several guilds.”

He pulled out a piece of parchment and handed it to Fireangel. “Here is a manuscript that people can read about PaxLair and how we are building the town. That explains a lot of information about PaxLair and is updated regularly.” (http://sotawiki.net/sota/Community:paxLair)

“Also, while New Britannia has not fully materialized yet, we have great opportunities every month to try new ideas, hold events, meet new people, and create different houses. This has been an extremely successful approach so far to town building. Where and when in any other realm can towns try out new ideas before they must commit to what their town will be like, who will be in it, and what will happen there? I think our early presence in New Britannia is vital to us and our friends.”

Winfield took another gulp of his ale and ordered more. “As for the history of PaxLair, there is plenty from Old Britannia. But PaxLair in New Britannia may be very different. In Old Britannia, our tenets are Peace, Neutrality, and ((Role-playing)). Coming here to New Britannia, we are generally starting with the same tenets. Yet they may change over time, who knows. The Citizenry will not be exactly the same as in Old Britannia and we will have different ideas and new experiences here. As people come to the building of PaxLair each month, they help shape our ideas which is incredible and a lot of fun.”

He went on to say, “In general right now, PaxLair is a settler community and will be for several months once New Britannia has become persistent. We will not populate every house lot or create every establishment on the first day. We will build over time, achieve many things, meet many people and guilds, and report our progress in our newspaper that is also in development. So in essence, building PaxLair in New Britannia is a journey for many years to come. We have more than 16 continuous years of experience of building PaxLair in Old Britannia and our veterans bring such experience with them to New Britannia.”

She ate a pistachio while she listened, and sipped at the tea before her. The barmaid refilled her glass, and Fireangel tipped the barmaid a few coins, silently mouthing a ‘thank you’. When her friend paused, the lady said, “Thank you for that initial clarification. While I knew that PaxLair was a place, I also thought it was a guild. I stand corrected. Now then, I know you are the Governor of PaxLair. Please tell me about the structure of your city, and the participants so far within it.”

“As you can imagine, a town needs leaders to make decisions and motivated people to do all they can to bring a town to life. That is how PaxLair is structured. I am the Governor of PaxLair as the overall caretaker, just like I am in PaxLair of Old Britannia. I plan to appoint a Mayor and Deputy Mayor of PaxLair in the future, where these two people can help lead the daily and weekly activities of the town. Two are needed because of the outlanders’ world-wide existence in New Britannia ((coming from many time-zones)). In fact, our events are now listed in a time that all the outlanders can understand (( http://avatarscircle.com/community-events-gmt/ )). I cannot stress enough to be able to involve people from all around the outlanders’ globe,” he said as he waved his arms open over his head.

Winfield stroked his beard for a moment as he looked out the window again. He spoke now as if seeing people, events, the trees and dusty roads in PaxLair. “We have some great people who are helping build PaxLair each day and each month. There are really too many to mention and I fear I would leave someone out. They come from all places, and I meet new people all the time … people with new ideas and a brightness of enthusiasm that motivates me to do more myself.”

He turned his head back to Fireangel again and continued, becoming more animated, “These people devote their time without expectation of position or payment or favor. They seem to help because they see the relevance of the idea of PaxLair in New Britannia, and how PaxLair could become a great place. I am tremendously honored by all these people who work with each other in harmony. We are open to any and all ideas.” He looked back out the window in thought and calmed down a bit. The brightness in his eyes seemed to reflect his passion about working with others.

“Thank you, Winfield, as always. Do you have images of your time in the forming New Britannia to share with me for the public? We would like to post some with this interview if you would be so generous.”

Gathering the sketches and paintings as the Governor handed them to her, the lady sorted through them. “Thank you so much. These are very nice. I’ll go over them with Seon and we’ll use some of them. We’ll see that no harm comes to them, of course.”

Fireangel returned to her parchment notes. “I know that you have been good enough to include me within PaxLair in the past, Winfield, and I appreciate that, as well as your welcoming attitude, and your fast friendship. For this interview though, would you mind explaining. Is your housing already planned out and filled for your area? Do you have requirements for filling in empty lots? Will you advertise for citizens to live in your area anywhere? Will you only allow friends or recommended friends of people you know in your area, or will lots be open for claiming?”

“I previously mentioned PaxLair is starting as a settler community. Those people who wish to be part of this phase of PaxLair are welcome. There will be future periods where more lots will open up as we decide as a town what kinds of business we want and what kinds of people the town wishes to attract.”

He paused a moment, then continued. “We will have many open lots when New Britannia is persistent. People who wish to move into PaxLair need to realize they are not just land owners for their own personal reasons. They are part of a town. So there will be expectations upon them when they have a residence or a shop in PaxLair. Our settler period in New Britannia will help define this. During this time before New Britannia is persistent, we are not quite ready to define these expectations or rules and such. That is why we are testing our ideas and working with many people.”

Winfield looked around to see who was nearby, and then pulled out a parchment. He unrolled it. Fireangel could see it was a map of sorts with lots of lines and scribbles and notes. She leaned forward across the table and Winfield turned the map up so she could not see. The lady withdrew her posture and sat back again. He held it in front of him.

“We have a good idea what PaxLair might look like that can support many years of growth and change,” he said as he looked at the map, turning it occasionally to read some notes. “Let me explain. The land is only one part, yet a very important part, of what makes PaxLair. PaxLair exists in a ‘place’. PaxLair, as a town, is also about the culture of living in a town, working with other towns, dealing with threats of famine or war, trying to make a living, and enjoying life. In fact, I have turned many of our ideas on their sides recently … it is not only about the houses we build; it is also about the groups of people we build. We need house builders and we need group builders. Someone may own a house, but someone else may run it as a shop.”

Winfield scratched his chin under his grey beard, as he look at his map. “In fact, citizens of PaxLair do not need to live in PaxLair; they can have a house in another town or in an unincorporated area of New Britannia. Citizens can work in PaxLair establishments, such as the cafe, school, church, theater, merchant hall, or town hall. They might even be part of a guild that is not of PaxLair. There could be a guild house in PaxLair of some group that is not a PaxLair governed guild. A PaxLair governed guild is like the PaxLair Guards. A non-governed guild might be something like the Fishermen of Novia Guild and they have their guild hall in our town. All are welcome here, if they intend to promote ideas and be active in our society.”

“So let me explain a little more about our map designs,” Winfield continued. “We are not certain yet what our town will look like. We hope it has rustic areas like we have seen in Valemark and Braemar, some dock area like in Kingsport, and perhaps even a more congested downtown area like Ardoris. We plan to have an Embassy Row street where people can live in affordable row houses to include people from other towns wanting to have a presence in PaxLair. Much of the downtown will be for the government buildings and businesses. Small to large residences will likely be in the woods, on a cliff, or along winding rivers. There should be some very relaxing areas and some very heavy traffic areas.”

“You’re so wonderful at this, Winfield. I find you a joy to interact with, really. Please tell me about how you see your PaxLair as it evolves on the following subjects. How will you manage taxes? Explain your neutral stance, and how you include all adventuring types, if that is what you see yourself as upholding.”

“Taxes? Taxes?” Winfield curled is brow slightly. “I have never been in favor of taxes. We’ve survived all these years based on donations by friends and citizens. If we encounter certain expenses in New Britannia that our town endures on a regular basis, we might need to have taxes, but I hope not. For us, the main ‘tax’ to live in or conduct business in or with PaxLair is participation and involvement.”

“Our tenet of neutrality helps guide the culture of our town. We will no doubt have allies and enemies. But we seek to be a town where people of all types may come to gather, shop, work, and enjoy. We are an accepting-type people as long as there is honesty and respect. We do not align ourselves in one faith or another. We plan to be balanced between order and chaos. People may freely follow the virtues or not.”

He looked across the room at the guild-mates having a few ales, all dressed in their battle-worn armor with their swords sheathed at their sides. “In Old Britannia neutrality was a necessity since we lived in a violent area where many roads came together. We encouraged all people who came to PaxLair to hold their fire, have a drink, use our businesses, and then be on their way. This will be similar in New Britannia as well.”

“I know PaxLair holds celebrations, events and other activities. Please tell us about some of those, and what is coming up next for the Releases as New Britannia continues to form. Please include some of the use of building plans already made, such as taverns and the like, that are there for everyone.”

“These monthly ‘Releases’ as they are called are perfect opportunities to try our ideas for events, buildings, and groups. Our events and ideas are not just for PaxLair though. We hope other towns and groups will see how we have held some events, and we want to go see their events too. I am of the belief that we can do things better and faster if we actually do things; not just talk about things.”

Winfield leaned forward a bit and continued. “We held the first theatrical play in New Britannia, along with the first court trial. We helped form the Welcome Quest that occurs with many towns each month. We started the All Towns Gatherings that should rotate between many towns each month for years to come. I took a personal interest in starting the Explore Novia! program that might gain some interest over time. Essentially, we seek to try some new type of event or gathering in each Release to see if can be done and if people have interest.”

He leaned back a bit, and glanced at the map on the table. “We approach our housing during these Releases the same way. Friends and citizens of PaxLair built mazes, theatrical stage, courthouse, guard camp, guard barracks, merchants market, town hall, Church of the Dark Star, Virtue Tower, cafe, big tavern, outdoor dining, hospital, library, hot tub spa, cemeteries, and what some call 3-D art. Over time, we will experience what are the most feasible establishments to invest in at different times along our journey to build PaxLair.”

“In fact, I am now promoting more ideas for businesses and groups of people in and around PaxLair and less about what houses can be built and owned. It is clearly possible there will be more people in New Britannia without a house than with a house. So we are preparing to help accommodate that situation as innovatively as possible. For example, our Merchants Hall may be owned by one person, but operated by 20 people. And that sort of business, with all its complexity, can be extremely satisfying and endure for many years. The more people work together on common ideas and venues, the more resilient and enjoyable a society can become.”

She nodded, taking another long drink. “What about disruptive people in your community, whether they have placed a house or are just travelling through the area; will there be measures to deal with them?”

“Certainly,” he answered quickly. “There are different types of disruptive people of course. The worst are those that come with reoccurring disrespect for others or disrupt our events and activities. We have not tested how to deal with these disrupters, but need to in some way. We do not yet know the full capabilities of owning a town. We need to know what powers we will have to keep the peace and ensure our citizens and visitors can have the best experience possible in PaxLair.”

“We do know if a house owner in PaxLair becomes disruptive, we can simply remove his house and send it to his bank. Of course, he can probably still come back and disrupt events and be disrespectful to people as a non-house owner. So we have to think on all of this carefully.”

Winfield looked out the window again, obviously thinking through some ideas. “I have respect for many of the people who take on the sword and fight for a living in New Britannia. I have more respect for them if they refrain from fighting in PaxLair just because they can under certain circumstances. Just because someone can do a thing, doesn’t make it right or even moral or ethical to always do that thing. We are a society after all.”

He turned back to Fireangel and continued. “There is another disruptive type that really isn’t disruptive, but may appear to be disruptive at glance. For example, we will likely have some bandits lurking around. We may have some combat and non-combat areas in or around PaxLair too. I I suspect these bandits will come to or even live in PaxLair in a ‘realistic’ manner. They might be dealt with through our judicial system of courts and guards, and by the military.”

“For example, we may attempt to arrest the bandits, fight them, call them out to the battlefield, and more. The bandits may have their pub in PaxLair where the town guards are not wanted and may be in danger if they enter. A town official, some shop keepers and various merchants, on the other hand, may have free access to the bandit’s pub … because the bandits need the resources or the favor of the government.”

“The objective is to see the fighting occur in a respectful and realistic manner when it relates to our town. Epic battles could easily be written about by our historians and news reporters too. We will be seeking the types of people who would enjoy being these kinds of bandits. In PaxLair in Old Britannia, there were orcs who had a fort nearby and preyed on people in PaxLair city. But we could go to their fort, give tribute at times, and they could come to our tavern if they remained calm.”

Winfield looked over at the armed guild-mates still at the bar. “In fact,” he whispered as he leaned towards Fireangel, “I saw that man with the scar on his face down the road yesterday. He was running from the bank with a large bag and several coins fell on the ground. Maybe he was just making a withdrawal from his account, or maybe not. But I’m sure the guards will sort that out if needed.”

“Good information, and well thought out, or probably honed throughout the long period of time that PaxLair has existed. Thank you.” Fireangel dropped a pistachio shell and reached under the table to retrieve it. She bumped the back of her head on the table as she came back up with it. “Ow.” The lady rubbed the injured spot, smiling through a grimace at Winfield’s concerned look. “No worries, it wasn’t as violent as it sounded. Clumsy me. I’m all right; really.”

She continued from her parchment notes. “Please tell me about possible openings for lots and positions in your area in the future. What should someone who would like to live within your area do to gain permission or fit into what PaxLair is? What happens if you, Winfield, are absent for an unexpected length of time; are there successive leaders in place, or steps for such situations? What about steps for people you have allowed into your area who are unexpectedly absent for months?”

Winfield stood up and stretched his legs. “I have already spoken a bit about the housing lots. We will not fill all of them on day one — they will be filled over time with purpose as people get to know us and have ideas. I have a City Manager, Sean Silverfoot, who is managing these designs with me and our citizens. During each of the Releases, we get to know more people. I am not encouraging a lot of people to decide yet if they wish to have a house and live in PaxLair, since PaxLair has not become whole enough to be fully experienced. So there is time for such decisions and commitments. Yet each Release lets people know our ideas and our people, and we get to know them. I don’t think we will have a routine process for actual housing development, lot allocation, expectations, and such for a few months. We still have a lot to learn. The best thing to do is people can get to know us and us get to know them.”

He sat back down. “And if something happens to me, I have at least two other people who can step in and run things. We’ve thought that through.”

“If people own houses in PaxLair and are not seen for several months, there are things we can do or not do. If it is a personal residence in the residential area, this may not matter that much unless some people are waiting for house lots to open up. If it is a business that was promised to be built and nothing has happened, that is a different matter. If it is a leader of a guild or work-place, then that is different too. We will have some simple rules where people need to check in regularly and do the things they have promised. We will have several weekly meetings and events. We will also have other ways to contact most people to find out the reason for their abandonment or inactivity. After all, we are building a community to work together, not a place to place a house and then wander off.”

“I appreciate this so much. Thank you again, Winfield. Please tell me and our readers anything else you would like for us to know. I am happy to let you have the last word.” Fireangel scooted back her chair a bit and relaxed, happily listening to her friend.

Winfield leaned back in his chair and thought for a moment. Then he said, “PaxLair is a town, not a guild. It is a completely immersive place where I think what we can do together is limitless. Certainly we will adventure, duel, hold events, build houses, make weapons, craft furniture, cook fine foods, find treasure, go on quests, and maybe go to war with other towns or places.”

He leaned forward. “Yet PaxLair as a town will bring a sense of unity to what we do, no matter how diverse our citizenry is. Things will be connected even if people are only interested in some aspects of New Britannia. We also seek to help new people in all the possibilities of New Britannia. We want to work with many towns and guilds effectively and respectfully. I think PaxLair will be around for many decades to come and I look forward to seeing what it becomes, and who becomes part of it.”

He finished his ale and stood up. “Thanks for the interview Fireangel. You know I can talk for quite a while and have a few ideas. I am pleased you kept your eyes open this whole time. It looks like it’s time to grab my fishing pole and head out to the stream. The weather is changing so the fish won’t be biting that much longer. I need to catch what I can. Be safe my friend.”

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