A New Chapter
After years of decay and financial distress, the once great settlement of Starkhaven had descended into near ruin. Many settlers fled to other colonies. Although the military might of the Order of Arnath has never recovered from the initial conflict with the Ulven and the recent Ulven Civil War, a handful of the Fist chapter members maintain control of Starkhaven and can be seen periodically. They have become more reclusive now, choosing to stay inside their crumbling keep and keep to their ideals and themselves instead of getting involved in the world at large. This had concerned members of the Order and also some of the people of Starkhaven, and a Griffin stepped forward to push for a reform.
A new direction was presented and the Hand of Arnath listened; although the Order of Arnath’s Fist would remain the primary chapter of the Order on Mardrun, a new settlement and some of the existing military units were re-purposed with aiding the efforts of this new chapter. The Hand of Arnath is leaving the future of the Order of Arnath up to faith and chance; whichever Chapter proves to be more influential will be allocated more resources and grown and expanded. The Order of Arnath’s Light is a brand new chapter of the Order of Arnath. Led by the new Chapter Master, this group within Starkhaven is pushing for more diplomacy and progressive ideals on the world.
This was originally met with resistance as the surviving chapter of the Order of Arnath was the Fist, the most militant chapter of all of the Order of Arnath. The new Light chapter resides in Starkhaven and still answers to the Hand of Arnath, the ruler of the remaining religious order.
Year 265 (2016)
The Chapter of the Light quickly makes its mark on Mardrun. Uncovering information on Undead experimentation in the settlement of Serai, the Order marshalls a combined contingent of Fist and Light to make sure the menace does not spread. The Chapter of the Light arrives first, and after failure of negotiations, engages in combat with the forces of Bos Meszar. The Order is victorious, and both Bos Mezsar and the settlement surrender. The Chapter of Light does its best to limit casualties on both sides, and treat them with tolerance. Unfortunately, a large Mordok force comes for the settlement, and the Order forces engage them. They are beaten back. The settlement of Serai submits to Order rule, and pledges fealty as recompense.
For most of the year the Chapter of the Light works on restoring the farmland around the settlement. They fear a famine in the winter months and the crushing effect it would have. Some Order members are seen on the road, trying to find out about the new corruption. In addition, these members were caught in a riot at NewHope as the plagued citizens could no longer deal with the circumstances they were placed in.
At the close of the year, the Chapter of Light decides it cannot let the Colony of NewHope take the burden of the refugees alone, and opens its doors to them. This angers the citizens of the settlement of NewHope as they fear it catching.
Year 266 (2017)
The members of the Chapter of Light continue to reclaim lost farmland. By early spring the have brought all the previous cultured land back into production. Still wishing to ensure their people are provided, they set about clearing new land for production. This continues through much of the year.
Some Chapter members are seen at the annual NewHope political dinner. In relation to the newly proposed works, the Chapter members support the Marquess D’Argent’s proposed push into the swamp and against the Mordok. They feel that the Mordok represent a great evil on this world. Their support, however, is not enough to sway it, and the construction of infrastructure is selected. As to the news that NewHope has purchased their lands and they now owe fealty to them, they make no comment.
Some Chapter members are seen to be helping with the new infrastructure projects. Their diverse skills help with some of the projects. Curiously, they are seen to be working closely with an Ulven merchant. The old Order is not known to be welcoming to non-humans, so their brings interesting looks from some of the more knowing workers.
The members of the Chapter of the Light lend assistance to Baroness Katherine in reclaiming the bandit held settlement of Daven’s Reach. Though they initially try to peacefully reintegrate, it comes to blows. The Acolyte to the Chapter Master, Oliver Coswell, is chosen by the Baroness to lead the combined NewHope forces. The Order is instrumental at the siege, pushing back the bandits and leading the way into the settlement. In fact, one Order member gathers great renowned for leading each attack on the gate personally. This man, a Lion, earns the epithet the Gatebreaker from the forces.
Near the end of the year, the Order of Arnath makes a great announcement. They have unlocked the cure for the Creeping Corruption! Though the cure still has to be manufactured, they give the Mana Construct to New Hope and Nightriver, along with their notes, to have them each start curing their own people.