A copied letter becomes widely dispersed across the various clans and refugees of Mardrun, stirring strong emotions as the first words of Clan Grimward are heard since the Moot that marked the start of the war.
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To all Clans,
Long have we watched as you sat idly by, pretending that misgivings from the last war were simply gone. Allowing those invasive pests to extend their reach and their silver tongues to spout lies to all ulven, consequences withheld even after our people were forced to prove the truth that their leaders hid. The Dirge and mordok are of their reckless actions and yet they are allowed to flourish within your lands. Some of you even stand with them as their leaders commit these atrocities against the ulven people as a whole, while the rest of you cowardly stand by and allow them continuance.
“Dishonorable”, a word of which your clans and these parasites deem to freely scream, yet for the past many years have taken no regard for your own lack of honor. Your perceived honor has become meaningless, so only glory and unification will remain for us. Clan Grimward’s actions are not a cause, we are but a response to your own corrupted misaction that we have had to continually endure since the civil war. Clan Shattered Spear’s fall was not contentedly sought but was found necessary before we move to the greater of evils, but those who remain truly neutral to our cause will not suffer the same violent fate. Clans of the north, continue your sage course and unity will find you peacefully.
And to all clanless who have spoken with your actions;
You have been heard, and there is the opportunity to make your cause a reality. Clan Grimward and Clan Stonetooth welcome those who recognize that they have been wronged, and together we will right these wrongs and create a unified future.
By the Pillars,
Warleader Khulgar Graytide of Clan Grimward
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Wood meets sand as ships make landfall. Boots run across the beach sand as warriors move inland with no opposition in the area to stop them. A notable portion of Clan Grimward’s raider fleet has landed warpacks on the upper coast of Clan Shattered Spear lands behind the frontline, rapidly carving into the thin northern line of Clan Shattered Spear’s forces and soon to surround their warpacks fighting on the frontline. The final days of the clan have been marked, but their unwavering allies may have something to say about this eventual fate.
Despite this distressing letter and news, an unexpected story is excitedly traveling from the south. On almost every front, Clan Grimward and Stonetooth’s warpacks have made ground with their initial offensives, a seemingly undeterrable force that reduces morale and lays ruin wherever they travel. The image crumbles though, as an incursion of multiple smaller Clan Stormjarl and colonist forces have banded together, managing to ferry the Yurnai River and break into Clan Grimward lands. Many colonists near the river speak avidly of the spotted plums of smoke from burning Grimward villages, but only those fighting will know how much harm has been caused or how long the attack will persist.
A trickling account travels from the northern fronts as but only a few prisoners kept by Grimward have managed an escape from their hold. The story is soured by the number of prisoners that died during this breakout, but the few that lived confirm the existence of this prisoner work camp. Reports from the Clan Shattered Spear lines show Clans Grimward and Stonetooth fielding larger numbers of combat healers, pulling and healing larger numbers of wounded from both sides in battles. These two stories merge to show signs of the invaders bolstering their supply workforce with these captured warriors and packs, or perhaps a more troublesome usage.
Ships are seen sailing south carrying the flags of Aylin’s Reach, and with it travels the rumor that the Prince’s marines are traveling to reinforce Clan Stormjarl. The people of Aylin’s Reach speak of travelers arriving from other lands to provide advisement or request aid, with the Prince seeming to slowly but carefully choose actions to progress with. Despite criticism of their slowness of decision, the Prince of Aylin’s Reach and his council indicate to have plans being finalized as a portion of their forces and supplies are sent externally but are still open to those who would provide wisdom and information for this ongoing war.
Despite music often being lost in war, a small song has spread among troops in various warfronts, with many variations of it being born from different groups but many agree to this being the original with an unknown author:
“A Toast to Arland Stormjarl”:
Fine folk like this, the Grimward dogs
Have begun to attack.
So with our honor, tools, and blades,
Their scourge, we must drive back!