Martial forces in the area known as the Gap came together last month to hold back the forces of Clan Grimward and Stonetooth, and the stories are already making their way across Mardrun. Tales of blacksmiths working quicker than ever seen before with an enchanted hammer, and another hammer, enchanted to give arcane protections, and yet another enchanted hammer, taken from a Stonetooth leader and kept for the eastern allied forces. As the hammers came down, fierce and unquestionable in their ferocity, whispers turned to grand tales. The land previously known as “The Gap” has now come to be known as Hammerfall!
Steinjottuns Hawk Races went off without a hitch– or, at least without any major disasters. Many eyes were on two birds in particular, both hawks having shown a great deal of their talent during pre-race demonstration by their handlers. Many placed bets on the two hawks, and as the races began, the two were neck-and-neck through the courses. As the crowd’s energy ramped up, so did the birds. It seemed the birds grew so agitated, they started pecking at each other mid-race, allowing the third place bird, a scraggly looking pigeon, to make its way to the finish first! The confusion among the crowd was a split between those celebrating the unexpected underdog win, and frustration among those who wish they’d never placed a bet on a bird in the first place. Perhaps the handlers next year will focus on training discipline and patience into their birds.
As the colorful blossoms of spring fall away to make room for the vibrant summer, new hopes come for the hunter and gatherers around Mardrun. The Woodhallow duck have returned from their winter migrations. These waterfowl, better known to the colonists as the Fawyth Empress for the ornate crown-like feather structure on their head, make their home in old decaying trees most typical of the murky heart of the dirge. The migration of these birds is critical to the ecosystem and way of life of many Ulven communities. Through a process known as anchoring, the birds consume the various flora from the areas they migrate to, and upon returning, the seeds still in their digestive tract give way to greater biodiversity in the area. Many herbalists cultivate these rare plants and use the knowledge to better their understanding of potentially distant lands. Rumors have been circulating that late into the summer, after the plants have had a chance to grow, many of the skilled trackers from Clan Steinjottun and warriors from Whiteoak are planning an expedition deep into the dirge, where many of these birds roost, to find potentially never-before-seen plants.
Shattered Spear has been seen preparing for their Moot this month, with many refugees seen traveling to the area. The two top contenders for the position of Clanleader have been seen socializing with the travelers, Grettir checking on injuries and Sigurmond regaling war-stories. With no large-scale group consensus on which contender is more favorable, the continent is waiting eagerly to find out what decision the Clan will come to.
Attention is turning back to Hammerfall again as troop morale begins to dwindle with the constant fear of the return of the “Salt Beasts”. Reports have come in detailing piles of salt seemingly dumped across the ground in some areas, but no salt beasts in sight. Theories include anything from Salt Beasts melting into piles of salt in the sweltering sun, to Stonetooth leaving salt around to create paranoia amongst any who see it. It is unknown at this time how many Salt Beasts are still in the area, but reports of sightings have continued as the weeks have gone on. Now, without a concentrated war party or, perhaps, help from the Northern Syndar, only time will tell if the beasts stick around.
In Clan Stormjarl, forces have realized that Grimwards push on their coasts are more than just raids. As the fighting continues, both on the coast and in the water, Stormjarl will need to keep up their momentum of success to come out ahead. The treacherous fight to travel to Stormjarl doesn’t look to be letting up, and concern continues to grow about allies being able to come to Stormjarl’s aid.
Prince Aylin has announced officially: The Annual Market Fair will be held in Aylin’s Reach! The location is exciting for many as it will give access to many in the neutral clans to be able to attend, and many are hoping the Northern Syndar are staying in the area for the fair as well. The Prince looks forward to seeing smiling faces and glasses raised in celebration, rather than swords raised in battle, at least for a little while.