1. Home
  2. /
  3. Wiki Pages

Dúrnir’s Journal, August

I think I do not care for war.

Fighting, I understand. We must fight for our lives. When Grimward and Stonetooth raise sword and claw to strike us down, there is no choice but to meet them in kind. We must spill their blood, so that they do not spill ours. We must fight to protect our people and our lands. We must stand together, or we will die, and our names will be forgotten.

At first, I thought that war was just this fighting, but greater, and that the only difference was in the number of soldiers. But today, I have seen that this is not the case.

We had a duty to deliver goods to Grimsendir. An important task, to keep safe the lives of those within its walls, and the people living in the lands beyond the line it guards. Several times, this day, I left our camp, to guard supplies and my fellow soldiers. Each time, I did not know if I would return. If I would return to Saga. By Gaia’s will, I did. Others were not so blessed.

But while I was on the paths, I saw war, and saw how my allies and enemies saw it. War is not fighting. War is sport. War is a time for boasting, a time for foolish bravery. It is a time to create and grow the legend of a warrior.

It disgusts me.

On my third delivery of supplies, there was one Grimward soldier preventing us from returning to camp. We outnumbered him, many times over. It would have been a simple matter to surround him and cut him down. But one of our soldiers called for an ‘honor duel’.

‘No interference’, I heard, echoed around me. The battle blocked our cart from returning. More Grimward could have arrived at any moment. What could have been a safe and sure victory was risked for glory. For this ‘honor’.

No interference. I am reminded of my father. His demand that an Ulven must stand alone. That it is a weakness to count on others.

What a waste.

The other Einherjar are good people, but they share these thoughts as well, at times, as does my mate. I have a great respect for our Toralf, though. Though his body was bloodied and bruised by Grimward hands, he spoke to us not as a warrior, but as a fighter. He told us to survive, to protect each other, and we did. No Einherjar fell this day. We would not allow it. I am grateful to have him back. I think I do not care for war.

  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Wiki Pages

Alister’s Anguish

The trip to Shattered Spear territory was becoming quite familiar these days. Ever since the declaration of war, Alister has been doing all he can to help the refugees have a safe place to live while their other loved ones fight for their homeland. Nobody wants to leave their loved ones behind with the thought of losing them. Never seeing them again. Thousands of possible outcomes fill the mind and generally most of them bad.

Sighing as he comes up a hill overlooking Shieldhaven, a sound of merriment floats up the hill towards him.

“The hells is going on down there?” Alister asks himself, “What month is it? What day? Gods is it Market Fair time already?! And the daft fools are having it on the front doorstep to the war?! What are they even thinking?!”

As he hurried down to the town to yell at whomever was in charge, a group of guards passed him bidding good day. Muttering a response in passing, he paid them little mind, barely acknowledging their presence.

Near the gate to the small settlement, he could see banners fluttering in the breeze. Blue and silver streamers decorated the walls. Traders peddling their wears had set up shop. And some boisterous fellow was rushing about announcing feats of skill and strength for people to test themselves at.

Brushing off the man’s attempts to recruit him for a ‘Drunken Mage’ contest… (Alister had spent more than his fair share of nights recently being drunk, trying his best to forget the disaster at the Ulven moot)…

He meandered about the stalls and thought to himself, “Perhaps this is something the people need. A bit of rest and respite from the war. A way to relax…” Quickly shaking his head from the foolish notion, another part of him thought, “How dare these people have this foolish celebrating while their allies are out there fighting desperately to save their homeland. How dare they take advantage of this situation, luring people here to sell goods that would be far more valuable on the front lines. How dare they have these feats of skill wasted here, when there’s far more Grimward and Stonetooth targets that will happily fight back opposed to shooting at some damned tree.”

It was then Alister saw Volrok of the Broken Blade Company leading a small procession out beyond the walls to a secluded grotto in the woods nearby. Alister had heard rumors that Vaels had fallen at the Moot during the retreat, but he had hoped they were just that… Finding out the truth of the matter, of losing a good friend and ally, close to tears. The funeral procession for Vaels was beautiful, the first of such that Alister had ever seen for the Syndar. At the end of the ceremony, many others had left while nearly all Broken Blade members present, stayed behind. Alister walked back with the rest, occasionally looking back at Vaels’ final resting place with a heavy heart.

It wasn’t until he returned to the settlement when he felt something was wrong. His purpose for going back to Shattered Spear to assist refugees was wrong. He shouldn’t be helping people run… He should be fighting along side them on the front lines like Vaels did… Protecting his friends to the very end.

  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Wiki Pages

Distractions

He hadn’t been sleeping much lately. Things had been quiet and peaceful in his neck of the woods for quite some time. Not since the business at Arragones’ estate had there been even a whisper of a worry of a need for the Ravens banners to join the armies of Newhope. Things were different now. Stonetooth made things different and though Key’s Crossing was far from any frontlines, you’d have to be a fool to not see how this war laid its fingers across the whole of Mardrun.

Each day construction continued on the new walls that surrounded the city, brick by brick they cast a longer shadow over the low lying homes at their foundations. From his second story apartment on a hill, Cordyn would still be able to see over the wall and out to the ocean. The same could not be said for those who now lived in the ever-growing embrace of its defensive shade. Sure, in this moment of worry and warfare they were happy to trade their ocean views for the protection granted by cool, thick stone, but would that always be the case? Would a day come that peace once again came to Mardrun? If a time came that the people no longer felt the need for the wall’s protection, would they then start to see it instead as the warden of their new prison?

Cordyn had spent years with his nose buried in ledgers and city plans. Sleepless nights were spent alongside trade and labor unions and professors and barkeeps trying to find how to best serve the people of Key’s Crossing. He’d worked hard to try to build the city into a special place where all were given the opportunity to make themselves how they wished and live the lives they were meant to. A city where things were not divided by class structures, incomes, and inheritance. As he watched the wall he commissioned grow day-by-day and its shadow swallow more and more homes, he knew he’d failed. There would now be two immutable classes within the city: those who could see over the wall, and those who lived beneath it.

After long days in planning meetings Cordyn would come home and lie on his bed, wrapped in thoughts of what’s to come. One day, when people inevitably grew tired of living in a shadow, would he stand firm by his values and offer to trade his home and move to the depths? Or would hypocrisy sink its barbed talons into his heart? It’s easy to say that you’ll do the right thing before the question becomes real and much much harder to actually do it when the time comes. Cordyn knew this much and as such was usually unable to quiet his worrying mind. On nights like this there was only one thing that could ease him.

***

Cordyn reached over and tapped an iron bar set into the wall near his bed and an arcane lamp hanging from the ceiling eased to life. He shot to his feet and crossed his room to shutter his windows. His neighbors had been clear with him and their words echoed in his head, “We don’t care what you get up to at night, but if you let that light shine in our windows again then we’re going to drag you out of that apartment and tar you in the streets.”

Cordyn took a seat at his work desk and pulled open a drawer full of thin metal bars and wooden splinters. To the average eye they looked nothing more than castoff and refuse, but to the trained senses of an arcanist they hummed with potential. Most enchanters that Cordyn spoke with focused on the large, charismatic endeavors that could be achieved by working with full ingots and planks of infused materials, but Cordyn’s love centered not on enchanting weapons and armors, but in pulling the fantastical from the smallest of scraps and the crafting and inventing of the small things that could better your everyday: the things that brought magic to the average person. When he closed his eyes he could still see the smiles and awe on the faces of families the first night they illuminated the arcane lamps in the night market district and when he really tried, he could imagine some of those smiling faces belonged to his parents too. They’d be proud of who he’d become. Wouldn’t they? The shadow of the wall loomed, casting darkness over his parents’ faces.

He pushed the thoughts away and let his focus shift to the open drawer. He absently let his hand glide over the assortment of scraps; his eyes wouldn’t help here. Eventually his hand settled over a thin barb of infused iron, he could feel it gently pulsing sympathetically with the mana in his own body. When working with such delicate pieces of material you’d often have to find the ones that were suited to the task as opposed to how you are able to force and mold the larger pieces to your will. Cordyn took the piece from the tray and laid it on his notebook.

The book was laden with scrawlings that would look half mad to a scholar and incomprehensible to a layman. The writing was a nigh unintelligible blend of schools of thought. Deep arcane mathematics prodded at the very mechanisms of magic and weaving, but their phrases were written almost poetically in the vocabulary of a trained alchemist and blowhard who loves to hear himself speak. Musings copied themselves forwards and backwards, weaving across the page in a circuitous dance as if they themselves were threads of mana to be played with. Sigils and symbols and diagrams of whirling arcane weavery packed into the margins. All under the heading “What does it mean to push?”

Cordyn read over his notes again before turning to a small object on his desk. It was a curious thing. A passing glance would tell you that it was an alembic, a piece of an alchemist’s distillation apparatus, but to lay your hand on it would disabuse you of that notion. It was thick and cold and iron. Cordyn took the object in his hand and turned it over a few times. He was sure that tonight would be the night he would crack it. He spent the next few hours delicately etching the surface of the iron thing.

When he finished the object was awash with intricate weaving patterns and set into its hull was a slot shaped to snugly accept the infused iron barb sitting on his notebook. Cordyn took a deep breath as he gently laid the barb into its new home and delicately tapped it into its setting and then he sat with this new object in a deep weaver’s meditation. His mind danced through arcane currents and overtime he conquered them and forced them into shape all the while he tamed the magical structure of the item in his hands. After some time reality and intention came into harmony. Cordyn opened his eyes and rolled the object around in his hands, checking it for any stress marks or fractures. When he was properly satisfied he ran his thumb over the infused barb.

With a gentle whine the iron thing came to life. A force began to press itself out from the open end of the thing, strong enough to catch one off guard, but not so strong as to shove them from their feet. Cordyn smiled and ran his finger over the infused barb once again; the small object settled back into an inert state. Without hesitation Cordyn rushed to his closet and pulled out a long coat. He dressed into a semi-presentable state, shoved his new object into his satchel and left his apartment.

The streets of Keys Crossing had become a marvel to see at night. Gentle, lowly powered arcane lamps lined the streets and bathed them in a pale blue glow, enough to help people walking in the night without a lantern, but not so much as to offend anyone sleeping. Then there was the Night Market District. Here the lamps were not so easy. This whole district was bathed in enough light that one could sit in the central park and play cards well past midnight and not once have to strain their eyes. It was also home to The Tin Whistle Tavern.

Cordyn threw open the doors to The Tin Whistle and without so much as a good evening, made his way toward the staff dumbwaiter that was used to send meals upstairs to the guest rooms. He set to work tinkering with the lower pulley, delicately fitting his new device to the hub with a specially made bracket. The bartender looked over his shoulder.

“Evening, Magistrate.”

“Good Evening, Margaret.” He did not look away from his work

“That the thing you’ve been talking about?” She did her best to see what he was doing.

“I sure hope so.”

“Don’t put any holes in my walls.” She turned away and went back to the bar counter before he could respond.

Cordyn continued to work for a few more minutes and when he felt the device was properly fitted he turned to Margaret.

“Margaret, my dear, witness the future!”

With that Cordyn ran his finger over the small infused barb on the device. It whined to life and began to exert force from its open end and slowly, painfully slowly, it began to push against its bracket and drive the wheel of the pulley. The dumbwaiter began to lift under the device’s power at a rate of nearly one story per half hour. Cordyn beamed with joy and turned to see Margaret’s expression and found her nonplussed. She could tell that Cordyn found this all very exciting, but to her eyes this new device was far more useless than just hoisting the dumbwaiter by hand.

“So? What do you think!?”

“Well, it’s a bit slow isn’t it?” She tried her very best to look supportive.

“Well yes, but that’s just the steps toward progress! Clearly there are some inefficiencies in my design, but look at this proof of concept!” Cordyn could not hide the childlike glee in his voice, “Why in fact, give it six or maybe seven more developmental generations and by then maybe it will move even faster than you!”

“Well then,” Margaret ran her finger over the infused barb, the device eased back to inertness. “You can bring it back when you’re on generation eight.” She slid the device out of its bracket and dropped it into Cordyn’s hands. “But for now, get out from behind my bar.”

Cordyn smiled and slid the device into his satchel and as he walked out from behind the bar he grabbed a tall bottle of dark ale. He held it above his head as he opened the front door and stepped out into the street. “Just throw it on my tab, Margaret!” Once outside Cordyn sat for a moment, bathed in the light of arcane lamps and for the first time in a while, content in feeling that with enough work and enough progress, maybe one day no one will have to live in the shadow of a wall.

  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Wiki Pages

Aina’s Bard Book Snippets Part II

Snippets from the Bard Book of Aina Riverhead – Pt. II

July 273

As war rages on, Aina continues to do her best to support nearby people in the ways she knows how. Folks imagine that boosting morale requires jovial tunes and war music, but Aina retains her penchant for the soft and gloomy. Sad music in sad times is a balm for the soul, can make people feel seen. This was true for her, at least.

Below are some relevant snippets from her Bard book: the first is a dark but silly song lampooning Khulgar Graytide, to be sung as a taunt; the second is a lighter song about a laborer’s unsuccessful attempts at gainful employment with various groups in Mardrun, until he eventually finds the Golden Hand for a happy ending (no, not that kind of happy ending); the third is Aina’s transcription of a traditional Ulven funeral pyre song.

KhUlGaR_1_

When I came back from the warring clans,

I didn’t have a thing where my balls used to hang,

But I had rock chompers and a fine harangue,

Now I’m a fucking hero.

[Chorus:]

Warsworn give me the salute!

Useless curs of ill repute.

Slay your kin, start calamity;

If you wanna be a hero follow me!

and now the boys all envy me,

I fought for Stonetooth supremacy,

With nothing but air where my balls used to be,

Now I’m a fucking hero.

[Chorus]

Clash of iron, voices thunder,

I love our Ulven torn asunder,

I’m a two-timing ball-less wonder,

Now I’m a fucking hero.

[Chorus]

By the Hackles there’s a spot,

Where the corpses of my brothers rot,

So proud of my spineless lot,

How can I be a hero?

[Chorus]

Troubles in Mardrun_2_

I went to the Great Phoenix,

Thinking that they’re rich.

They said, ‘son, what can you do?’

I’m a bit unaware,

But could try to sell your wares…?

Or I can pick and shovel too…?

I can pick and shovel too…

I went to the Broken Blade,

Looking for a wage.

They said, ‘son, what can you do?’

I cannot fight nor drink,

But I know how to sing

I can pick and shovel too…?

I can pick and shovel too!

[Chorus:]

O mercy me, O mercy my,

I’m selling what no one will buy,

When your troubles are so deep, you cannot eat or sleep

See when your troubles are like mine!

See when your troubles are like mine.

I went to the Ravens next,

Dressed in my blackest best.

They said, ‘son, what can you do?’

Well I can barely read or write,

But I can cook alright

I can pick and shovel too!

Pick and shovel too…

I went to the Einherjar,

Hoping to be their star.

They said, ‘son, what can you do?’

While I cannot hunt nor fish,

I could stand on the ship?

I can pick and shovel too…

I can pick and shovel too.

[Chorus]

I went to the Order fifth,

Still trying to find my fit.

They said, ‘son, what can you do?’

Well I’m open to a romp,

Far away from that curséd swamp,

I can pick and shovel too,

I can pick and shovel too

I went to the Blades of Sol,

Begging for a role

They said, ‘son, what can you do?’

Well I usually don’t pray,

But I do work for pay.

I can pick and shovel too!

I can pick and shovel too!

[Chorus]

Then I asked about the Fate,

With their mission so great,

Folks said, ‘son, it’s no can do’

They’ve been hidden since the raid,

Off in some magic Glade.

I can pick and shovel too…

I can pick and shovel too…

I went to the Golden Hand,

And saw them work the land.

They said, ‘son, what can you do?’

I can harvest and bail,

I can lay down some trail,

I can pick and shovel too!!

I can pick and shovel too!!

O mercy me, O mercy my,

Poor me, they finally have hired!!

O my troubles ran so deep,

I couldn’t eat or sleep.

I hope my troubles will decline!

Now will my troubles decline.

Traditional Ulven

Funeral Pyre Song_3_

(not titled)

Raised to love the daybreak of the living,

You must seek to be one with the night,

Your embodiment of lupine fury,

Bathing in Gaia’s flaming light.

We strive and we strive for our names

to be carried on forward.

And again and again do we send

our own to see the Wolf.

Between our bindings of honor,

There are paths to make us whole once more.

You are walking among the tree shadows,

To embrace that which lies in store.

We strive and we strive for our names

to be carried on forward.

And again and again do we send

our own to see the Wolf.

Blind, we’re acting out structures,

Older than we’ll ever know.

Journey, O Journey!

Keep rising out of the pyres!

We strive and we strive for our names

to be carried on forward.

With honor, go onward we send

You to see the Great Wolf.

[Chant 2x:]

Ai! Fara fram, Fara fram, Fara fram.

Out-of-game Footnotes

1: This song is a heavy modification of “Luang Prabang” by Dave Van Ronk. That song is in turn based on the much older “Byker Hill,” an English folk mining tune.

2: Verse lyrics fully original. Melody and modified chorus lyrics are from “Troubles” as covered by the act Anna & Elisabeth in 2015; however, this is an older folk song, attributed to Kilby Snow, approx. 1930s.

3: Lyrics heavily altered, melody largely preserved from the song “The Roses” by Jonathan Hultén.

  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Wiki Pages

The Shepard

PLAYED BY: Tony Hunter

CHARACTER NAME: The Shepard

GENDER: Male

PRONOUN(S): He/Him

CLASS: Cleric

AGE: Older than he looks

RACE: Human

HAIR: Brown

EYES: Brown

OCCUPATION:

Itinerant Cleric/Healer. Former Shepherd

KNOWN SKILLS:

Healing, Preaching, Mediation, Negotiation, Marriage Counseling, Sarcasm, Occasional Banishment of Undead

BIRTHPLACE:

Southeastern corner of the May’Kar Dominion.

APPEARANCE:

Middle-aged non-descript guy. Black hat with a flower.

NOTABLE TRAITS:

Who’s asking? Did they say who was asking?

RELATIONSHIPS:

He barely managed not to get killed during the convoy runs to Grimsendir. In the aftermath, he joined up with an aspiring healer as a traveling companion.

RUMORS:

“Wasn’t there some preacher going around with some crazy ideas about all the different gods a few years ago? He had the same sort of hat I think…”

BIO / BACKGROUND HISTORY:

“Arik” breathed a sigh of relief as they passed through the lines of the Clan Shattered Spear rearguard. His tiny flock lost, his worldly possessions reduced to the clothes on his back, he staggered to the ground and caught his breath. The painful memory of the wound to the chest as the Grimward came within a hair’s breadth of ending his life. His fourth life.

Al-Raaei. His first life largely consisted of weeks spent alone in the scrub grasses at the eastern edge of the desert. The flock of his father grazing, drinking, drifting with the sun and wind and dust and, sometimes, even rain.

Al-Raaei. He’d forsworn that first life and began a second, but the first name stuck. As a mockery at first, but then as a mark of respect. There had been a lot of blood, and many wolves had met their end under his knives. Unfortunately, many lambs had been led to slaughter.

Kahinon. He’d forsworn that second life as well. There were debts to pay and redemption to be earned. He recalled his journey back to the scrublands of his youth. Not to tend sheep, but to tend to those who tended the sheep. The shrine to Illyara still stood where he remembered it, and the Western Wind granted him her divine aid in the time of his newfound flock’s need.

Kahinon. When the Undead drove through his home, his new lambs were slaughtered. He nearly was too, but the goddess – or maybe all the gods – had other plans for him. At first, their plans seemed to be mostly concerned with removing any Undead he found. But then those plans led him to a distant land, away from their unnatural touch. His new home, filled with new people, required a new name. One that felt more natural to the new flock he would tend.

Shepherd. As he traveled this new land, he taught any who would listen about the unity of the gods, and hoped people understood that this required the unity of all who worshipped. But no matter where he went, there were always those who separated and segregated. Those who guarded their ways and refused to consider that maybe no one had a monopoly on truth. Who are we to say that Sol and Solara, that the Great Wolf and the Sea Hound, that Sialig and Gaia are all different “people?” And if one of them is listening, who are we to say that no other can hear?

The Shepherd had angered the villager. His prayers included any and all gods who might listen, who might aid in cleansing the infection. Al-Khara, we beseech the Sea Hound, Lunara, and the Great Wolf, have Saint Borim bring blood and bone! But he lacked the strength. This sickness was beyond him. The villager wasn’t convinced. It seemed more likely, in the villager’s eyes, that at least one of the gods took offense at being invoked alongside all the others. The villager’s wife died in the morning. He absentmindedly massaged the scars of the wounds he received that night on the highway. Boots, sticks, the occasional rock. As he crawled away, he didn’t bother to call to the Northern Storm, the Eastern Fire, the Southern Dust, or the Western Wind for aid. He’d failed in his divine mission, and he ended his third, and longest, life.

“Arik.” The name never felt right. It was a crude amalgamation of his first two lives, but one that blended with the Ulven who were his neighbors. He returned to his first flocks, the four-legged ones who needed only the most basic of guidance. Tending the flocks of others led to a small flock of his own. He’d found an oasis of calm in the desert of strife that frequently boiled this new land. He could live out this fourth and final life, and earn his well-deserved final rest. Until the horde from the south took that fourth life away.

“Arik” had answered the call for volunteers for the supply run. He had no desire to start another life. Four was more than enough for one man, while others barely had a chance at one. He pulled a cart. He lugged crates, He spotted wounded men in the forest and enemies on approach. He warned them about the ambush site he found, and nearly died when he was caught in it. And he’d been saved by divine power and human skill.

“Arik” looked toward the setting sun and realized that he’d probably live to see another dawn. As he brushed the dust from his hat, he saw the Flower. That Flower. Still as fresh as the day he lifted it from the grass near the shrine. It had weathered the Undead, the trip across the sea, the years of wandering Mardrun. All that time, he had thought it a sign that he had the blessing of Illyara and all her brother and sister gods. After his failure, he saw it as the idle whimsy of a mighty but detached immortal. As he looked back at the gathering dusk, he felt the wind – the Western Wind – touch his face.

The Shepherd put his hat back on his sweat-damped head. As he began his fifth life, he felt the wind shift from the west to the north. A storm was coming. It would wash away the dust of the day’s struggle. Then the dawn would come, and its heat and light would drive away the damp. The circle would continue, as circles tend to do.

The Shepherd heard the approach of one of the other refugees and turned to see a bald fellow with a full red beard hold out a cup of water. He accepted it with a nod and gestured to the ground next to him. The redbeard accepted the invitation and collapsed in exhaustion. As the younger man righted himself, he spoke to the Shepherd. “Thanks for hauling me to the healers back there. Thought I was a goner.”

“Someone did the same for me earlier in the day. It felt right to return the favor.”

“Looks like a storm’s coming. We should probably find shelter.”

“So say we all.”

  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Wiki Pages

August 273 – News & Rumors

Various tales and stories pour from Clan Shattered Spear as refugees travel eastward as their homeland is unable to sustain a defense against their invaders. While everyone has heard the past stories of Clan Grimward burning villages and destroying farmland as they initially invaded Clan Shattered Spear, now the news has changed. Travelers heading east speak of no more plumes of fire and smoke following them as they retreat from villages and towns, the invasion having long ago stopped being for destruction and instead being for conquering.

While it is unclear if chosen out of duress from Clan Grimward’s prior letters, a decision of their own, or other possible reasons, Clan Spiritclaw and Clan Steinjottun Clanleaders have separately declared neutrality in this war. Along with their declarations, statements travel that their borders currently remain open to outsiders and trade, although it is unclear if that will continue. All four of the northern clans have variably begun to accept refugee packs and individuals coming out of Clan Shattered Spear, although refugees traveling to the clans who declared neutrality are warned that they will not be allowed to rejoin the war, lest risking the neutrality statements of their hosts. As the fighting continues in Clan Shattered Spear, it is unclear where their people will make their new home or if they will become split into pieces of their former clan.

Prince Aylin’s banners have been seen traveling through ulven territories as he deploys extra troops to The Spire to reinforce their territory near The Pass of The Hackles. The Prince does not hide that he is in discussion with his council and various groups to determine where he will focus his support in this conflict, but for now his remaining forces and ships remain at home. Rumor has it that there is a small window for negotiations to persuade his decision, which is expected to be finalized at the end of September.

Between the sustained brutal heat and unrelenting storms sweeping the continent, some Daughters of Gaia preach that the Goddess Gaia herself is intervening to stop the bloodshed; her tears birthing the endless storms and fury burning the landscape as she watches her children slaughter each other. The bloodshed does not slow though, and the Daughters warn of worsening intervention should the conflict continue.

Proud news from Warleader Holmar Bloodmoon of Clan Nighriver quickly spreads this month as he leads a large group of warpacks crashing into Clan Grimward’s defensive positions on the east side of The Pass. Through their fury and need for blood-soaked revenge, the clan struck hard and organized against the prepared defenders, and while many lives were lost the eventual retreat of Grimward’s forces was undeniable. With their entrance to the east side of pass secured, Grimward lost any paths that could have been used to raid Nightriver lands further, but as Nightriver progressed deeper into The Pass they found that Grimward had continued their defensive preparations in the middle of it as well, the extent of which is not known at this time. Further to the north, Clan Nightriver banners are seen fighting Clan Stonetooth at the southern edge of Clan Shattered Spear’s lost territory, although rumors pass that these forces may not be staying long due to the rapidly upcoming harvest season. Despite Clan Goldenfield greatly aiding with supplies, they alone cannot feed all of Clan Nightriver’s war efforts.

With the continent focused on the war sweeping across it, a horrific rumor barely manages to spread to southern lands from travelers and refugees moving through the northern clans. A Clan Shattered Spear Daughter of Gaia was found in Clan Axhound territory, dead and hollowed. The cause of this tragedy remains unknown and the body is currently being transported to Clan Spiritclaw who requested to provide a special funeral pyre ritual to the Goddess Gaia for the Daughter’s passage. Preparations are already underway for the soon upcoming ritual, with which many more Daughters are expected to arrive to give sympathy and gain solace.

  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Wiki Pages

August 2024 – Grimsendir Endures

= EVENT STORY =

As the celebrations of the market faire come to a close, travelers are quickly reminded of the war that continues to spill blood to the north. News spreads quickly of Clan Shattered Spear having lost a third of their land to Clan Grimward and that they are continuously being pushed back further into their own lands. Thanks to having received large logistics support from their allies in the past, the Clan was able to set up defensive outposts along the river that splits their land. It was hoped that the line could be held and more time could be bought.

Time is up.

Clan Grimward’s warpacks have broken through the overwhelmed and outnumbered defensive line in multiple locations, creating breaches to cross the river and allow further forces through. With Clan Grimward pressing into the heart of Clan Shattered Spear lands, many believe that these battles will be the final defiant months of the Clan. The warriors of Clan Shattered Spear rarely refuse to stop fighting though, their collective spirits unbroken even with their lives crumbling around themselves.

One outpost in particular, a bastion in the defensive line, has refused to fall and has forced Grimward to allocate additional Warpacks to handle it. Named Outpost Grimsendir, the warriors within it continue to defend with ferocity and strike out from their walls in the black of night. Word even travels that Clan Grimward had requested the honorable surrender of the defenders, to which the response was one word: “Blood”.

Outpost Grimsendir stands alone, surrounded, and quickly running out of supplies that are needed to continue holding out. As a final offensive action, Clan leadership has decided to send local warpacks to briefly break through the Clan Grimward lines and get supplies to the outpost so it can continue to hold up a large number of invading forces. This last act of defiance sends a message to Clan Grimward and marks the beginning of Clan Shattered Spears’ final months. Clan Shattered Spear remains greatly outnumbered, calling upon any available allies to aid them while they still stand. This offensive will be risky and dangerous for any who arrive to send this message of defiance to Clan Grimward, requiring a breach in their siege to be made and then supplies sent through before their warpacks can organize and counter-attack. However, the amount of damage this stalwart defense would cost Clan Grimward could be considerable and help war efforts in the future.

= Event Summary =

Outpost Grimsendir stands proud but exhausted, waiting expectantly for Clan Grimward’s next attack. Like many other days, it doesn’t take long for movement to be spotted and for the protectors to grab their bows. Each archer picks their target of the advancing enemy and draws, but a yell to “hold” rings across the wall. The Shattered Spear defenders found themselves shocked to see clan members and allies arriving with packs of supplies to stock the outpost, having somehow broken through the siege lines of Clans Grimward and Stonetooth.

Clan Shattered Spear had struck fast and hard earlier in the day. Grimward’s patrols barely even noticed the attack before it was upon them which left them isolated and outnumbered, allowing the supply cart escorts to easily break through the siege line and quickly get two carts of supplies through before Grimward could organize. Time was like an approaching tide though, and as the day progressed Grimward and Stonetooth’s warpacks were able to reorganize and use their greater numbers to their advantage. Clan Shattered Spear’s flanking warpack and allied units found their advance halted, forced to hold what ground they had taken to keep the pressure off the supply escort unit.

The escort unit continued to push though, getting supplies through despite the odds mounting against them. Clan Grimward met them head on if the field in addition to using ambush tactics, causing a cart of supplies to be stolen and the escort to be forced back due to mounting casualties. Clan Shattered Spear and their allies remained unbroken though, and with great coordination and force of will they made one final push to break through the line, successfully getting a third cart of supplies through.

The increasing heat of the day and constant clashing eventually took its toll though, and the attackers found themselves exhausted and unable to push any further as Grimward’s numerical advantage became overwhelming. Clan Shattered Spear’s lines began to fall back, successfully holding key positions as to not let any of their units become isolated or overwhelmed. The lines clashed and the supply escort found itself cracking under the pressure, but managed to just barely hold long enough for a safe retreat as Grimward and Stonetooth overwhelmed the area.

Warleader Ulf Mossguard sends thanks to their clan’s allies who have continued to provide aid even in the most dire and dangerous of battles. Honorary pyres have been built for those who died in this battle, having risked everything for their clan and paid with their lives. With several carts full of supplies having reached Outpost Grimsendir the reports estimate that it will allow the outpost to stand for several months more, hoping to tie up multiple Grimward and Stonetooth warpacks in the area forced to siege it longer.

  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Wiki Pages

COVID-19 Policy & Practices

Last Hope LARP is dedicated to maintaining a safe & healthy environment for our community of players at all of our events and practices. Please read the guidelines below to familiarise yourself with our rules before attending your first event (or your first event since 2020!).

We require all players to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination before participating in any events or practices.

Submitting a photo of your Vaccination Card or a screenshot of your Wisconsin Immunization Records are both acceptable forms of proof. Any other options will have to be individually reviewed by staff. Please email LastHopeLARP@gmail.com if you need to pursue another option.


The following COVID-19 restrictions are in effect at all Last Hope functions, including, but not limited to Events, Practices, Conservation Days, and other game activities.

Medically Exempt/Unable to Vaccinate

– Pre-Approval by Staff (For medical exemption) or Documentation showing vaccination progress required

– Ok to attend only WITH well-fitting masks AND no symptoms

– Unable to attend if health concern/concerning symptoms (allergies, non-COVID symptoms, etc… case by case)

After Providing Proof & Approval:

  • Ok with a mask for Outdoor/Indoor practices
  • Ok with a mask for Outdoor/Indoor events
    • After passing symptom-checks at each function.
Children

UNVACCINATED (Age 5+)

– Unable to attend and participate.

UNVACCINATED (Age 4 or younger)

– Kids this young are considered medically exempt, are encouraged to wear masks if they can/are able, and we ask that parents be conscientious about concerning symptoms with their kids.

Vaccination cards, MyChart printoffs, etc will be needed because it will be REQUIRED to prove vaccination, which we will note in player files/practice books (so they do not need to be brought every single time). Simply saying “I’m vaccinated” is not enough to prove vaccination.

==== SUMMARIZED GUIDELINES BY STATUS ====

If after reading the above info you are still uncertain as to our guidelines, here is a quick guide for your options, based on a person’s vaccination status, what they are able to participate in.

All of the following guidelines are contingent on passing symptom-checking at the event by a staff member.

FULLY VACCINATED after providing proof & approval

  • Ok without a mask for Outdoor/Indoor practices
  • Ok without a mask for Outdoor/Indoor events.
  • Must be willing to mask based on symptoms/situations/etc.

MEDICALLY UNABLE TO VACCINATE after providing proof & approval

  • Ok with a mask for Outdoor/Indoor practices
  • Ok with a mask for Outdoor/Indoor events

CURRENTLY IN PROCESS OF BEING VACCINATED after providing proof & approval
We will require proof of you receiving your initial dose within the last 8 weeks.

  • Ok with a mask for Outdoor/Indoor practices
  • Ok with a mask for Outdoor/Indoor events

UNVACCINATED (Age 5+)

  • Unable to participate in Outdoor/Indoor practices
  • Unable to participate in Outdoor/Indoor events

Expanded Policy Information

Vaccination Proof

Federal law makes it legal for businesses and private properties to ask for proof of vaccination in order to participate/attend. Requesting this information is not a violation of HIPAA. 

Once you provide vaccination proof (such as your vaccination card, DHP, MyChart print off confirming vaccination, or a photo of your vaccination card with your full name and date of birth visible) then your player record will be updated with the date and your approved proof. A FULL 2 WEEKS PAST THE FINAL DOSE OF YOUR VACCINE IS REQUIRED TO BE FULLY VACCINATED.

Once you provide proof to us and we record it, you will NOT need to continue to bring proof every single time you attend. The dates are important so we know when people are fully vaccinated and can help us coordinate booster shots in the future if the CDC guidelines change regarding their potential necessity.

Medical Exemptions

The staff/owners of Last Hope LARP have decided to allow doctor’s notes for people with medical reasons to be exempt from our vaccination proof to attend certain activities. 

We understand that some players are not able to be vaccinated. There could be any number of legitimate medical reasons that some players are not able to be vaccinated as it is beyond their reasonably safe choice. 

Players with medical exemptions have the chance to participate in our events and practices. If there is a sound medical reason barring a player from getting the COVID-19 vaccine, they can contact their doctor and ask for a letter recommending exemption due to health reasons. It must clearly state their contact info, their recommendation, be dated, and denoted as “temporary” vs “permanent” exemption.

– Players may willingly divulge details in addition to their doctor’s exemption letter if they so choose.

– We are able to ask for this information to participate in our group events. We are willing and able to discuss options with you about this and the details surrounding it.

– We are NOT asking for full health detail disclosures or any information protected by HIPAA. 

Our guidelines are also a way to protect our players who are medically unable to vaccinate; by limiting contact with those who are unvaccinated, we ensure an even safer environment for those that may be at risk.

A medical exemption from being able to get vaccinated to fully participate is NOT an exemption to wearing masks. There are reasonable accommodations, listed below, for players who are unable to wear a mask at events.

Other Exemptions

At this time, we are ONLY allowing medical exemptions for players as reasons for not getting the vaccine. Vaccine exemptions are not mandatory to be accepted on private property, private gatherings, or private businesses. See below for accommodations. 

Reasonable Accomodations

For those that do not wish to get vaccinated, do not wish to volunteer their vaccine status, or who are unable to wear a mask, our monthly memberships will still provide player resources and impactful story involvement for their characters and be ways to interact with the world/game of Last Hope LARP. This still allows a player to have meaningful interaction with the game world. Our “membership experience point” structure has also been revamped to accommodate players who are unable to attend so they have access to the same rewards as attending players.

If this significantly changes a players involvement in Last Hope LARP and there is concern over their existing or previous memberships, simply email in to lasthopelarp@gmail.com to discuss. 

Per ADA guidelines, by providing membership options and ways for players to interact with the game without being present, we are providing adequate accommodations to those that either choose not to vaccinate OR do not have the appropriate exemption OR are unable to wear a mask. If you have any questions about accommodations, please contact us for options or case-by-case solutions based on your situation.

Private Property Rules

These rules could be updated or changed based on location; private properties or private businesses can and are able to have different rules and guidelines to COVID-19 safety restrictions. If they are MORE strict, then they overrule our current guidelines.

For example, if we rent an indoor space for a political dinner, they may require proof of vaccination for everyone with NO exemptions or require masks on ALL participants.

==== MASK RULES ====

ALL new players who have not yet submitted their vaccination records digitally prior to attending their first Last Hope function are REQUIRED to enter wearing a mask, regardless of an indoor or outdoor venue. Once vaccination proof has been recorded, the player may remove their mask.

If the staff team determines that a player needs to keep their mask on for the event (symptom check was questionable, an exposure was too recent, etc.), the player is responsible for providing their own mask and decorum covering. Most medical masks alone are NOT decorum and need to be covered to be allowed in-game.


  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Wiki Pages

July 2024 – Shieldhaven’s Festivities and Questionable Activities

= EVENT STORY =

Shieldhaven Market Faire (Day Scenario)

With the war now in its second month, the future is uncertain to many all across the continent. The need for coin and business, distractions from large scale problems, or just daily life remains despite the large martial conflict. After petitioning and receiving the backing of the City-State Council, the Guardians of the Wall home settlement of Shieldhaven has been chosen for this year’s annual market faire event. With no public contest from Aldorian nobility and Prince Aylin himself, the plans for the market faire begin in earnest. While this is a great chance for travelers and merchants to ease their mind of wartime worries, there is a growing concern over the chosen location being so close the rear-line and supply line efforts of the Clan Shattered Spear warfront. Never one to miss an opportunity, City-State planners have noted that this is a perfect way to drum up support for wartime efforts; to be close enough to see prominent figures organizing and working to directly support these nearby efforts. Especially after the concern over the recent Moot, security has been bolstered this month with several City-State of Newhope army platoons. Regardless of concerns, there is coin, and politicking, to be made.

New Aldoria Black Market Faire (Night Scenario)

While many aim to journey to the northern parts of Mardrun, whispers discuss other plans to the south. While the warriors, guards, and armies of clans and cities stand alert for Grimward’s forces, the opportunity has arisen for less-reputable internal groups to make their own movements. While there is no official “market” location to be reliably found, these groups gather randomly to create places for unusual trade and handling disagreements, and then dissipate just as fast when needed. Travelers who seek these forms of business ventures need only find the right people to experience a dangerous yet enticing experience, and this time those who seek it out find a notable gathering to be occurring at New Aldoria’s outer docks where the eyes of local guards are less present or perhaps paid to look the other way.

Coin, and corpses, can be made. Do you choose to venture closer?

= Event Summary =

Shieldhaven Market Faire:

People from most parts of Mardrun arrived at Shieldhaven to find a plethora of drinks, delicious foods, and a welcoming host awaiting them, both from the hosts and various merchants throughout the marketplace. Attending travelers were able to feel safe in their journeys to and from the faire thanks to the combined protective efforts of the Guardians of the Wall and the City-State of Newhope. The many contests, challenges, and chances for merriment were quick to raise any lowered spirits, proving to be an opportunity to escape the war even if only for a short time.
The day started and ended in more somber yet hopeful moods though. Some speak of a small impromptu war council that occurred involving various leaders and members of different associations; while others speak of a reclament funeral service that took place, standing as a reminder that loved ones will be lost to the war, but our memories of them can never be taken.

New Aldoria Black Market Faire:

“Why do you want to know about the Black Market? WHO SENT YOU?! Stop worrying about what happened and instead worry about what’s gonna happen to you if you keep asking!”

  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Wiki Pages

Monthly Memberships

The membership fees listed below are for record keeping, management, communications, equipment upkeep, insurance, site maintenance, and outside larp services (Such as exp tracking, character updates, etc) and are NOT required to participate in Last Hope LARP but are required to participate in certain ways/in certain roles.
There are free or low cost options at all events; simply contact us at lasthopelarp@gmail.com to learn more!

If you purchase a membership subscription and decide that you want a refund, simply email us at lasthopelarp@gmail.com.
The deadline for membership refunds is the current month’s event date as we are updating our membership records after that.

SPECTATOR/HELPER

  • No-cost membership.
  • No prepared NPC roles or PC preparation
  • No exp earned
  • Not eligible for the Event Prize giveaway
  • Great for budget-minded players, kids, and/or new people coming to check it out

DEDICATED MONSTER

  • No-cost membership.
  • Pre-packaged Food/Drink provided at “Monster Camp”
  • Added to Event Prize Giveaway
    • Must sign up by “Event Cut-off Date” to be eligible
  • +3 exp (may be added to the exp earned from any other membership)
  • Not always available, only offered as-needed for events

BASIC MEMBERSHIP

  • $20 cost (Includes tax and all processing fees)
  • 1 Event NPC Role
    • Must sign up by “Event Cut-off Date” to have a detailed NPC role prepared
  • 4 exp
  • Added to Event Prize Giveaway
    • Must sign up by “Event Cut-off Date” to be eligible

STANDARD MEMBERSHIP

  • $30 cost (Includes tax and all processing fees)
  • 1 Event PC Prep -OR- NPC role -OR- NPC/PC Split
    • Must sign up by “Event Cut-off Date” to have a detailed NPC role prepared or guaranteed PC bag/role prepped for event
  • 6 exp
  • 1 silver added to attending PC (If NPCing, then PC of choice)
  • Added to Event Prize Giveaway
    • Must sign up by “Event Cut-off Date” to be eligible
  • One Membership Perk (Choose ONE)
    • 1 Downtime Action
    • 1 Organization Exp
    • 1 Silver

PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP

  • $50 cost (Includes tax and all processing fees)
  • 1 Event PC Prep -OR- NPC role -OR- NPC/PC Split
    • Must sign up by “Event Cut-off Date” to have a detailed NPC role prepared or guaranteed PC bag/role prepped for event
  • 8 exp
  • 2 silver added to attending PC(s) (If NPCing, then PC(s) of choice)
  • Added to Event Prize Giveaway
    • Must sign up by “Event Cut-off Date” to be eligible
  • Two Membership Perks (Choose TWO)
    • 1 Downtime Action (May be chosen two times)
    • 1 Organization Exp (May be chosen two times, for separate or the same Organization)
    • 1 silver (May be chosen two times)


Membership Type



Not attending the event? Please fill out the form below to select your perks for the month.

You only need to fill this form if you are NOT pre-registering nor attending the current months event.