==Event Story==
The cold of winter settles even deeper across Mardrun as the violence and bloodshed slows on the main battlefields, yet rumors still pass of Clan Grimward’s forces probing against the Yurnai bridge defenses, skirmishes happening on Clan Stormjarl’s borders, and a smaller allied incursion into Grimward lands turning precarious. Piercing-cold winds have made several areas completely impossible to risk spending prolonged time outside of a shelter or away from a campfire. While the year has seen significant success on the southern warfronts, Clan Stonetooth’s resolve has not lessened despite the blistering weather. Clan Nightriver’s push into the north is still slow-going and costly on supplies, but their people remain hopeful as reinvigorated Shattered Spear warpacks have bolstered the efforts of freeing Clan Goldenfield from the marauding warpacks.
Following the success of Newhope’s Yurnai Bridge offensive and Clan Stormjarl’s counter-offensive against Clan Grimward, the flames of morale have begun to rise from the embers and glow brightly again after being dimmed for so long. And now, the continent of Mardrun is buzzing with anticipation for the annual Newhope Political Dinner. Duchess Mary cul Tricuspis, better known for her title as Lictor, has sent an invitation across the continent to leadership from allied territories as well as neutral clans.
Many expect to see representatives from all over the continent come together in celebration or simply to discuss what comes next as the tides of war will surely rise again come spring. Interest has peaked within Newhope as news of arriving larger names from Clan Nightriver, Aylin’s Reach, Clan Stormjarl, and even other council members as Lictor Mary herself will be in attendance. The prospect of representatives from neutral clans’ potential arrival also has everyone abuzz and rumors flying. Many have waited for the opportunity to express their opinions and concerns to some of these elusive figureheads, and now just may be the perfect time to meet and to learn should they arrive.
The already busy streets of Newhope alight like their signature arcane lanterns and become bustling and busier once more as travelers, merchants, ambassadors, and the plain curious arrive to the city. One thing is certain; many eyes are watching to see who arrives and what could come from this year’s Political Dinner.
==Event Summary==
The City-State of Newhope is alight with intrigue after the dramatic events at the Political Dinner. The evening began with Lictor Mary cul Tricuspus introducing the major representatives. Newhope’s representation included the Lictor Herself, and a Knight under Duchess Madeline D’Argent. Ulven clan representation included leadership from Clan Nightriver, Goldenfield, Stormjarl, and, taking the room by surprise, Pack Redwind. Clan Axehound and Whiteoak’s chosen representative being of Pack Redwind came as an unexpected, but very welcome surprise for those who were hoping to communicate with one or both clans. Clan Spiritclaw had sent representation, but the Jarl had fallen ill upon arrival to Newhope. The Knight sent by Duchess D’Argent accepted messages for him in his absence.
Duke Joakim Ventrini’s late arrival created quite the buzz, with his announcement of a “Great Hall for Great Artists” and his generous offers to pay, board, and supply those artists with everything they need to do their craft– all in interest of his future retirement party. Very quickly, the room was filled with the sounds of bards showing off their skill, vying for a chance at playing for the Duke in his great estate. Ventrini’s little black book was soon full of names, all those within it promised to be contacted for further performances in the coming months.
Conversation flowed all across the room for the entirety of the Dinner. Each representative was certainly kept busy all day, between wanting to know more about each groups movements in the war, hopes for more involvement in war planning, and the desire to be involved in whatever decisions would be made that day. A few individuals managed quite the conversation with the representatives of Nightriver, Goldenfield, and Newhope– a proposition for Mardrun that the group decided to share with the attendees. Should all parties agree after the representatives return to their leadership, Stormjarl and Aylin’s Reach would form a neutral defense pact in order to free Prince Aylin’s martial forces to push into Clan Goldenfield, which would also put Nightriver and Newhope into the advantageous positions to redouble their efforts on the Stormjarl/Yurnai warfront they have already dug their heels into. This presents a hopeful solution to the ever-looming worry about the future of supplies and food to the allied forces of Mardrun.
Towards the end of the Dinner, an incredible moment of drama unfolded, leaving the artists and performers previously thought to have been offered great opportunities to ply their talents with uneasy minds. The arrest of Duke Joakim Ventrini on the charges of Embezzlement, Entrapment, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Kidnapping, Unlawful Imprisonment, and Treason, with the support of Prince Aylin and 4 of the 5 remaining Council members, left the Dinner attendees in a state of shock. With the room very suddenly cleared of all Newhope officials escorting the Duke out and likely to his prison for the foreseeable future, the dinner was officially over.
Between proclamations, title-honoring, and war-planning, anyone would be hard pressed to find a bored soul in that room.