WoWs
The Elder Council in in an uproar! Rogue merchants are wandering around WhuddleWorld without following the rules set forth by the Council. As a result most of the shops and businesses in WhuddleWorld have been temporarily closed. Starting MONDAY, JULY 10th, the Council will be asking for YOUR help to get this problem under control. (Keep your eyes peeled on 'The Blah-Blah-Blah Boards' in the 'Events' topic for more information and updates).
---Announcement posted on the first page on WW's reopening

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The Quest Starts Monday, July 10th
Greetings all, from the Elder Council,

We have a serious issue occuring in WhuddleWorld right now that we're going to need all our Citizen's assistance with. However, we still have some documents and details to get in order.

Please check back here on Monday, July 10th for further information and instructions.

Vac and the Elder Council
---Message posted on the BlahBlahBlah Boards on July 5th

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OOC Information on the WoWS Quest
Where or Where are the Shops?!

Background: There is a group of peddlers that have been appearing at random around and about WhuddleWorld and they have not, for some reason registered with the Elder Council.

The Goal: You must all help the Council discover the following pieces of information:

1. What ethnicity (example: Winglings from Nature's Nook) are this group of peddlars?
2. How many peddlars are there in the group AND what are each of their names?
3. What type (structure) of shop do each of them run?
---Message posted on the BlahBlahBlah Boards on July 9th

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Offical Request for Assistance from the Elder Council
Greetings Whuddle Citizens,

It seems we have a bit of a problem in WhuddleWorld right now. You see, it is a rule of the Council, that all merchants must register with the Council. We do this to ensure that all our merchants offer quality goods, fair prices and an ensure that all merchants are abiding by the rules of WhuddleWorld.

However, there is a group of Peddlers that seem to feel they are above these rules and have chosen to attempt to operate in secret. We need assistance from all Citizens of WhuddleWorld to help us find these peddlers so that the Elder Council can explain to them that we mean no harm. We simply wish to have them fill out a few simple forms and abide by the local laws and rules in place for all merchants and businesses.

We also need help in gathering some information about these people to help us get their Merchant Licenses in order.

First we need to know of what origin (people they are). We also need to know the names of each merchant and the types shops or structures they plan to sell their goods from. Once we have all this information gathered, we can create the necessary paperwork for them to sign. Then all this fuss can end and we can get back to re-opening and opening the various and shops and business in Whuddleville.

So please, any information regarding this roving band of merchants that you can provide would be extremely helpful!

Vac and the Elder Council
---Message posted on the BlahBlahBlah Boards on July 10th

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As you pass by Apple Acre's construction site, you overhear low voices engaged in conversation...

Reginald: I realize that Vac, but you have to understand they'll need to be brought into the community in their own way. We're only going to drive them further underground if we insist on pushing the issue.

Vac: Reginald, you know that I understand this better than most of the council...I mean consider how you came to us. ::Vac smiles fondly at Reginald:: But there are a number of issues to consider here. First and foremost is the safety of all Whuddles, and secondly, we all need some structure and guidelines if we want WhuddleWorld to continue to grow and prosper.

Reginald: I'm not going to argue this point with you Vac. They are free spirits and want to be left to live their lives in WhuddleWorld as they see fit. Simply put, the wan_ _rki_ _ will not tolerate being "ordered" to fill out forms or reg... If...some....then...

Reginald and Vac look up, noticing that they have an audience. They cast apprehensive glances your way as they move off, out of sight and earshot.
---Popup found by clicking on Apple Acres on July 10th

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Note to editor: Update this document to include the Wanderkins with particular emphasis on detailing their preference for a nomadic lifestyle and their resistance to rules and structure. Also of note is their seemingly inherent skills as craftsmen. Please also include the notes from our initial discussions that I've detailed in the message I sent you, and their self-appointed spokesperson: L. Bluebottom. - Vac
---Note added to the History of the Whuddles on July 10th

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M E M O

From: Elder Council
To: WhuddleWorld Citizens
Date: July 11, 2006
RE: Search for unidentified Peddlers

Citizens,

This is a brief memo to make you all aware of some late breaking news we have in the search for the unidentified peddlers at large in WhuddleWorld.

REPORT 1: Early this morning, Deputy C.K. Klagett was making his normal rounds around Whuddleville and had some "unusual activity" occur. We've not been in touch with Deputy Klagett again since his this report came in, but we have a few reports from passersby that indicate he was in pursuit of someone seen running through the streets.

REPORT 2: We also have word that a young Whuddle was seen wandering around near the outskirts of Whuddleville. According to bystanders, "She was very pretty and dressed in brightly colored skirts and scarves." It was also reported that, "She was carrying and tapping some sort of bells or instrument. We could hear it jingling as she walked by us."

More updates will be posted as we gather new information. And from the Elder Council, thank you to all our Citizens for helping us with this small crisis.
---Message posted on the BlahBlahBlah Boards on July 11th

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Finding the tambourine and the scarf - July 11th
If you clicked on the World Map, you could randomly get this popup: You're not sure, but you think you see something laying in the grass near the edge of the stream. Perhaps you should investigate further.
If you clicked next to the stream, you could either find nothing, a piece of pink silk (not an actual item) or the tambourine.
As you're searching the grass near the stream, you stumble across a tambourine laying on the bank.

A handcrafted tambourine with intricate scrollwork detailing along the edges. Two silk scarves dangle colorfully from the bottom of the instrument and a small engraving on the back reads: Hil_a P_nkb_ _t_m. (Some of the letters are too worn to make out.)

If you went into the Jail, you would see the sheriff arrested a whuddle. Randomly, a scarf would appear on the floor. You could pick it up.

A handcrafted, gold scarf that has been woven of the finest silk and embellished with a knotwork embroidery pattern. A small tag on the scarf reads: Crafted by G_b_an _re_nb_ _ t_m. (Some of the threads have frayed making some of the letters unreadable.)

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M E M O

From: Elder Council
To: WhuddleWorld Citizens
Date: July 12, 2006
RE: More Updates on Peddler Situation

This report has just been handed in...

REPORT 1: It appears that these peddlers are a group of at least 3, possibly more. According to eyewitness accounts, they have been seen wandering about various locations in and around Whuddleville in order to advertise their wares to Citizens. Apparently they do this by leaving behind examples of their crafts or goods. The most recent account indicates they believe one of the peddlers was seen talking to some younglings near Pine Park.
---Message posted on the BlahBlahBlah Boards on July 12th

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Finding the toy wagon - July 12th
If you went to Pine Park you could randomly find this popup.
Looks like some younger Whuddles may have left a toy behind in the grass, though you can't quite make it out from here. Perhaps you should look more carefully.
Clicking around, you could either find nothing, a discarded burger wrapper (not an actual item) or the toy wagon.
What's this? Looks like someone's dropped their toy wagon!

This is an adorable, handcrafted toy wagon. Carefully etched details and flawless painting speak to the skill of the craftsman who created it. Carved on the bottom of the wagon are the initials: LB

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M E M O

From: Elder Council
To: WhuddleWorld Citizens
Date: July 12, 2006
RE: Late Breaking News

This just in from the Hoosegow:

Apparently, another of the Peddler Group has been detained for questioning. More and more Citizen reports have been coming in on this. According to Deputy Klagett, this was a rather large male and when he was approached for questioning he put up quite a fight. Fortunately, no one was injured in the least and Deputy Klagett is questioning the individual as this memo is being written.

We'll keep you updated with continuing reports and news as they come in.
---Message posted on the BlahBlahBlah Boards on July 12th

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Chatting with Deputy Klaggett in the Hoosegow
Are ya here to ask about those rascals we got locked up right now?
If'n ya are, there's not much I can tell ya... they're bein' purdy uncooperative.

Ask about Rascal #1
Wep, ya see - this here fella we have in the Hoosegow - we're not sure who he is jist yet
Doesn't seem ta want ta talk with anyone.
Found him wanderin' around near Apple Acres, stopped jist ta say "Howdy" and he took off runnin'
Course, that made me suspicious, so I brought 'im in fer questionin'

If you clicked on the first cell...
As you peer through the bars you notice a sullen, brown-haired Whuddle in the far corner of the cell. His back is to you and he doesn't seem too talkative.

Ask about Rascal #2
That feller we jes rounded up today. He put up quite a ruckus too, I'll tell ya that!
Found 'im droppin' these little wooden discs. Had a whole bag full of 'em when we caught 'im

But at least we got a name outta 'im. He claims he only has a first name..."Fearghus".
If'n he's tellin' the truth, s'more n' we got outta that other un.

... and if you clicked on the second cell...
A rather angry looking whuddle glares back at you through the bars. He doesn't say anything, but continues to stare, arms crossed defiantly across his chest.

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M E M O

From: Elder Council
To: WhuddleWorld Citizens
Date: July 13, 2006
RE: More Reports

Some new reports have just come in...

REPORT 1: One of the peddlers, who is now believed to be L. Bluebottom was seen wandering around inside the Whuddleville Bank & Trust. Mr. Ruptcy, the Bank Manager, was questioned and indicated he did not recognize the individual as a customer of the bank, nor did he have any records on file for any Whuddle with the last name of Bluebottom.

REPORT 2: A few more sitings from Citizens have come in reporting that another of the peddlers was spotted sneaking into the library. Deputy Klagett was called on to investigate, as the Library is currently closed, but could not find any one in the vicinity on his arrival.

A special note from the Council: Thanks to the helpfulness of all our Citizens we believe we are close to gathering the information we need to wrap up this situation. Please continue with your efforts to assist us in this matter. We'll be making a formal statement to everyone with our findings tomorrow.
---Message posted on the BlahBlahBlah Boards on July 13th

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Finding the last two notes - July 13th
Clicking around the Library, you could get this popup message.
As you pull one of the books from the shelf a small sketch falls to the floor. You quickly pick it up and tuck it in to your pocket and head for the door. You wouldn't want anyone to catch you wandering about in the library when it's not open for business yet.

Click for larger image
Clicking on the WBATM machine in the Bank you got this other popup.
You notice a small slip of paper on the floor near the WBATM and quickly pick it up.

Click for larger image

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M E M O

From: Vac
To: WhuddleWorld Citizens
Date: July 14, 2006
RE: One last request for assistance

Greetings beloved Citizens,

On behalf of the entire Elder Council, I would like to thank everyone for assisting us with this most distressing matter.

Based on all of your theories and conclusions, combined with the many clues and eyewitness reports we've received, I think we are very close to a resolution to this entire, unpleasant incident.

All that remains now is for us to draft the licenses for this group of peddlers to sign and then business can resume and we can begin to get all of the shops and other establishments here in WhuddleWorld open to the general public again. I suppose it may seem like a lot of unnecessary hubbub for nothing to some of you - but you see, many of the merchants and business people about WhuddleWorld felt that they should not have to register and license their shops if this group wasn't asked to do the same. So you can see the dilemma?! We certainly can't ask some of our shopkeepers and business owners to follow one set of rules and then make exceptions for others. It simply wouldn't be fair, and it wouldn't allow for the orderly governing of WhuddleWorld and all its various villages, townships and cities.

It is also important to note that the reason we require licenses from all our Shopkeepers and Businesses, is to ensure that the goods and services provided to all our Citizens are fairly priced, safe and generally of good and reasonable quality.

In closing, I have one final request to make from all of you. We've created a form with our summary information. But we certainly don't want to make any mistakes when attempting to approach this merchant group. So if each of you could review the form and select which bits of information you believe to be the most correct, we would greatly appreciate your assistance. Once we have all the results from this form, we will make an attempt to meet with a spokesperson from the Peddler group and get all of the proper paperwork and licensing signed.

Again, thank you to all Citizens, for your assistance in this most delicate and important of matters.

Sincerely,

Elder Vac (and the Elder Council)
---Message posted on the BlahBlahBlah Boards on July 14th

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Final quiz, posted on July 15th

1. What is the ethnicity of the group of peddlers?
A) Wonderkins
B) Wunderkins
C) Wanderkins
D) Walkershins

2. What are the names of each of the peddlers?
A) Hilda Pinkbottom, Gobban Greenbottle, Liam Bluebutton, Bear
B) Hilda Pinkbottom, Gobban Greenbottom, Liam Bluebottom, Fearghus
C) Helga Pinkbutton, Gobban Greenbutton, Liam Bluebutton, Gus
D) Hilde Pinkbottle, Gobban Greenbottle, Liam Bluebottle, Feargus

3. What are the types of structures the peddlers sell their wares from?
A) kiosk, shop, wagon
B) booth stall, tent
C) stall, tent, wagon
D) hut, stall, tent

Congratulations! You've helped us unravel the mystery of the Peddlers and the WoWS?! Quest. Thanks to you the shops and business of WhuddleWorld are one step closer to opening!
We'd like to offer these things as our way of thanking you for your assistance...
(2,500 WBs)
You've earned the WoWS Winner! Award!

You've gained some Citizenship!

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A Fair Compromise
This afternoon, the following information was released to the all Citizens of WhuddleWorld. The facts have been verified through official sources, and the actual report was apparently written by an unknown source from the WhuddleWorld Chronicles (WWC):

After reading the notice posted to the Citizens of WhuddleWorld, Liam Bluebottom decided that it was time to end a situation he felt had not gotten much too far out of hand. His son Gobban, and close family friend, Fearghus, were now being detained in the Hoosegow and his daughter Hilda was afraid to travel alone anymore. What had started out as a simple desire to "be free spirits" had turned into something much more serious, and Liam was determined to put an end to it all. He sent word to Vac and the Elder Council that he wished to meet and discuss things as soon as possible. Vac, who had been hoping for this all along, of course, agreed immediately and the meeting was arranged.
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After many hours of discussion behind closed Council doors, an agreement was reached that offered compromises that were fair to both sides. Here is a brief recounting of what was agreed to:

1. The Bottom Family or "Clan", as they referred to themselves by, agreed to sign the Council's standard Peddler's License.

2. They agreed to provide examples of their goods for approval to the council.

3. The Bottom Family also agreed that their Bazaar (which would consist of a stall, tent and wagon) would only set up shop outside the City borders, since most of the Cities and more populated areas of WhuddleWorld did not have enough space to allow them to set up shop.

4. And finally, Liam agreed to renew the License annually, and to pay the standard taxes charged to all merchants of WhuddleWorld.

The Elder Council, in return, agreed to allow for a few special exceptions for the Bottom Family's Bazaar.

1. The Bazaar could set up anywhere the Clan chose outside the Cities and would not be bound to a single spot or location from which to sell their wares.

2. The Bottom Family would be allowed to use their customary method of announcing their arrival. This would consist of a disbursement of wooden tokens, stamped with an "Acorn", that would be scattered about the cities and countryside typically an hour or so before they set up. (According to Liam Bluebottom, this was a long standing tradition for Wanderkin Merchants)

3. Also in keeping with their traditions, no customer would be allowed entry to the Bazaar without presenting one of these tokens.

3. The Bottom Clan would basically be allowed to come and go as they wished, with the licensing, goods review and taxation being the only rules they would be expected to comply with. In Mr. Bluebottom's opinion, this allowed them to keep true to their ethnic heritage of being "free spirits" who "traveled with the wind and lived among the trees."
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With a fair and reasonable agreement signed by both sides, the Whuddleville Merchants who had closed their shops in protest of the situation agreed to immediately begin preparations to open their establishments to the general public again. The many council members who had been involved in the investigation and search for the peddlers were also now free to resume their normal duties and would be working to open up the many other businesses around and about WhuddleWorld.

And both the Elder Council and The Bottom Clan expressed their desire to thank all WhuddleWorld Citizens for their assistance. Had it not been for the efforts of all involved, the situation might not have come to such peaceful and fair conclusion.
---Message posted on the BlahBlahBlah Boards on July 16th

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Notes:

The Elders had initially stated that if less than 75% of the whuddles got the quiz right, they would have allowed everyone to take it again. However, despite the fact that only around 50% whuddles got it right, they didn't gave any second chance, much to disappointment of those who had followed all the steps but failed the quiz.

The Quest had been planned for some time, since the first hints were given as early as the 1st Anniversary Event. However, it had to be delayed because of Beta.