“Warriors and Packleaders, our steel is not judged by how it shines during peace but by how it remains unbroken in war. Grimward has returned to once again become our honorbound, and we will break their clan like they dishonorably broke the skull of our leader who had met them for peace. March west Nightriver, march until the rivers of the Hackles turn red and our feet meet the sea.
May his ears ring with the voices of Grimward,
Warleader Holmar Bloodmoon”
The words of Warleader Holmar Bloodmoon carry across Clan Nightriver, spurring the many packs of Clan Nightriver to organize and march west to the Pass of the Great Wolf Hackles. The Warleader has declared a focus on driving back the small raiding groups that have struck the edges of Nightriver territory, and then driving Grimward back through the pass. While the clan is still organizing and mobilizing, their great numbers begin to quickly show on the western edge of the territory, eager to see a brutal revenge for their lost leader. While the clan is currently without a formal leader, Warleader Holmar Bloodmoon has taken control of the war effort and has begun to make moves to become the full leader of the clan. Several pack leaders also step forth to gain support in becoming the new Clanleader, or to take over as Warleader if Holmar becomes the Clanleader. Only actions in the initial months of the war and the support of other pack leaders will show who becomes favored in the end.
Soon after Warleader Holmar’s words carried across Clan Nightriver, voices from their allied clan to the north were heard pledging to stand by their alliance. While not known for martial capabilities, Clan Goldenfield is quick to promise full support to Clan Nightriver in the form of food for their warpacks. With many clans restocking after the winter, Goldenfield’s aid will be notable to allow Nightriver to carry on attacks with less risk to not having enough farmers and hunters back home to prepare for next winter.
As some of Clan Stormjarl’s allies return to their homes or other parts of the war, news returns with them that Clan Grimward’s raiding fleet has returned home, likely to recuperate. Clan Stormjarl’s northern border continues to be probed by notable attacking forces, seeming to be looking for weak points to exploit, although no prolonged attacks have occurred yet. It seems likely that Clan Grimward has yet to dedicate a force fully to this front, although no one can determine what is going on behind their frontlines currently.
Reports of Clan Ironmound’s mobilization have become clear, although with the clan still having not made any declaration it their intentions still remain unclear; whether they are preparing to march eastward, westward, or declare neutrality. They do not remain alone in this though, as many of the northern clans have yet to indicate their intentions or standing in this war either.
In the north, rumors carry that members of the Northern Protectorate, made up of Clans Whiteoak, Axehound, Steinjottun, and Clan Spiritclaw have received hawks from Clan Grimward. The letters request that they either stand aside, join them, or become thralls in their conquest. Each of the Clans are quiet, for there is much to consider for their own people and the direction of the war. Some are worried that Clan Whiteoak may join with Clan Grimward like they did in the Ulven Civil War. Some are curious how Steinjottun will react, with having little martial might. Many believe Clan Spiritclaw will stay neutral, as it has in so many conflicts in the past. Though to the possible thoughts of Clan Axehound, there is little doubt they won’t go down without a fight but with them being a smaller clan they are likely hesitant to pick a side due to the sheer force that would be bearing down on them if the Clan decides to take a stand. While Clans Axehound and Whiteoak are currently peaceful towards one another, some people say that this war could rekindle their conflict from years back. One thing is for certain, much deliberation is occurring within these Clans, and their decisions have yet to be made.