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With Spring finally arriving, the frigid grip of winter has begun to loosen all across Mardrun. Stories of the brutal civil war continue to spread like wildfire as Clan Grimward continues its conquests of Clan Stormjarl. Aided by allies, the Clan is putting up a stubborn defense and has been evacuating its villagers with aid from the Coalition.

At first thaw, several critical reagents bloom and are harvested. There is a high demand first thing in the spring for these reagents if they can be quickly moved to buyers, and a small group of travelers haa been approached to help move these supplies south to a settlement in Clan Nightriver territory. Most of these are potent herbs and plants that help with healing remedies. If these reagents reach the Clan Nightriver settlement, the Chieftain in the area has agreed to pay for them.

This early part of spring is also the time of an Ulven celebration that sees many feasting and mead halls turned into centers for locals and travelers to celebrate. Feasts take place all week, supervised by Daughters of Gaia from numerous packs and clans, and is a tradition that allows any Ulven to seek the blessings of Gaia and celebrate joy in their life. Much like how nature celebrates life by growing anew in the spring, the Ulven find joy in life after the long winter months. A feasting hall near the colony of Newhope has been chosen to host one of these celebrations, as numerous people from Ulven society and the colony come out to celebrate together. After a frigid winter and the civil war looming in the distance, many seek the warmth and comfort of celebration to help ease their minds.

Several groups of travelers and adventurers braved the cold and rain and made their way to a nearby settlement. This settlement featured a feasting hall that was participating in the spring celebration. Traveling Daughters of Gaia performed small ceremonies and were available for travelers to receive blessings from. As the food and drink were dispersed among those attending, stories of the civil war and of the different coalition groups were told and plans for the future were discussed.

Pictures from the event:
http://s489.photobucket.com/user/Wolf-Recon/library/04_12_14_LastHope_UlvenSpringCelebration?sort=3&page=1

March 2014 Event

== STORY ==
As Clan Grimward continues its conquest of Clan Stormjarl, the Coalition forces have devised a plan to bring ships to the main Stormjarl settlement in order to evacuate villagers and wounded warriors. This will take time as different factions and groups coordinate how to do this as the bitter winter continues to grip the continent.

The leaders of the Coalition have recently had numerous meetings and discussions with delegates from the Ulven Clans. There has been increased involvement from previously neutral clans and there seems to be forward progress towards uniting some of the Ulven clans against Clan Grimward.

As the warriors and allies of Stormjarl prepare for some of the most brutal fighting of the winter, allies elsewhere on the continent are traveling north to meet with some of the neutral clans. Clan Shattered Spear has been very quiet during the civil war and a team of adventurers is being sent out to meet with them.

Scenario 1
With the fight to the north against the Watchwolf Clan stalled, Clan Grimward is pushing hard into the territories of Clan Stormjarl to the south. With the bridges destroyed and aid mostly cut off, the outlying villages and settlements of Stormjarl have fallen to the Grimward conquerors. Reports of Stormjarl villagers being taken prisoner have reached the main settlement. War packs, wounded or routed from the heavy fighting, have continued to fall back towards the southern settlements as Stormjarl desperately tries to maintain a defensive line. Without aid from their allies across the river, the situation looks grim. There have been talks of surrendering to Clan Grimward in order to spare the destruction of more settlements, but word has reached the Clanleader that allies are coming by sea and are due to arrive soon. Pack Longfang, entrenched in the fight since the beginning of the winter, is in the thick of the conflict and prepares to defend the line with the remaining Stormjarl war packs.
Stormjarl and Longfang warriors are attempting to stop war packs of Clan Grimward warriors from pushing too deep into Stormjarl territory. The main route into the last Stormjarl settlement is to be defended at all costs in order to buy the villagers and wounded warriors time to reach the shores. It will take weeks for the boats to move people over into allied territory and the bitter cold will help the defenders delay the invaders. The fighting is expected to be very brutal as Grimward pushes in to conquer Stormjarl territory before the spring thaw.

After choosing to stay after being relieved of their honor debt service to Clan Stormjarl, Pack Longfang was at the front of the defensive line for this battle. Clan Grimward war packs moved in quickly and picked away at the defenses around the main route into the settlement for several hours. Warriors were killed on both sides, but the defenses held strong. Soon after that, the fighting became very intense as the main force of Clan Grimward arrived. As more and more warriors fell, the Pack Longfang line was pushed back and the Stormjarl militia attempted to fill in the holes in the defensive line. Wave after wave of Clan Grimward warriors were repelled and kept away from the settlement, but the cost was heavy and bloody. Pack Longfang was decimated and the last two dozen warriors were killed, leaving only a couple of survivors in critical condition with mortal wounds. Clan Stormjarl reformed their defenses and pushed back the Grimward attack, and the bloodiest battle in the Ulven Civil War, the Battle of Blackwolf Creek, was finally over.

Scenario 2
A team of adventurers has been tasked with traveling to Clan Shattered Spear in order to establish communication with them. Shattered Spear has been rather quiet in regards to the civil war compared to some of the other clans. Rumors have circulated that Shattered Spear is struggling because of some hardship that grips them and several merchants have reported that an organized bandit group has moved into Shattered Spear territory. This team of adventurers is to establish a connection with a Chieftan or Priestess of one of the packs of Shattered Spear and find out if there is a way to help their clan. If this is successful, it may be enough to sway this clan into supporting Clan Nightriver and the colonists.

When the team of adventurers, composed mainly of Rangers from Crow’s Landing and soldiers from Vandregon, arrived at the village it was almost completely evacuated. A Clan Shattered Spear Chieftain was still in the area overseeing the final part of his villager’s evacuation. Accompanying him were several guards and a Clan Shattered Spear witch. They spoke of a strange illness that was spreading through Shattered Spear territory. Similar to previous outbreaks of disease, this particular kind was different and difficult for the Daughters of Gaia to fight with their divine powers. A group of humans showed up, claiming to live in the area, and it was quickly learned that they were the organized bandit group the Clan Shattered Spear contact had talked about. The Vandregon liaison who went to talk with the bandits was taken hostage and ransomed back to the other adventurers. When the Shattered Spear Chieftain left with his guards and went north to a nearby village, the adventurers abandoned the village as bandits moved through and attacked and looted everything in sight. The village was ransacked quickly of all useful supplies, several adventurers almost killed, and the bandits returned to their nearby outpost.

Click here for pictures from the event!

February 2014 Event

== STORY ==
As Clan Grimward raises the stakes on the civil war and continues their conquest of Clan Stormjarl, Clan Nightriver has called for a gathering of allies and delegates of numerous clans. A small village in Clan Nightriver territory near the colony of Newhope will become a meeting place for these leaders and diplomats as colonist settlements, Clan representatives, and faction leaders will discuss alliances and plans for the current civil war.

An ambassador for Clan Nightriver will be in attendance and it is rumored that several representatives for some of the neutral clans will be in attendance along with nobles and delegates of the colony. Clan Nightriver is tasking an entire war pack with security and making sure that the meeting is safe for these leaders, as anyone attending will be issued a warning not to stir up any trouble.

As the fate of Clan Stormjarl and the Watchwolf Clan hinges on the outcome of the war, this meeting could set in motion events that could bring an end to the civil war.

As delegates arrived, old friends were reacquainted and new alliances were formed as political representatives for a number of Clans and Factions were present. The Representative for Clan Nightriver asked hard questions and pressed for answers when the Coalition kept speaking of going to war against Clan Grimward. The decision between saving another clan and protecting their own borders was dominant in most of the discussion. Several of the clans offered help and allegiance to Clan Nightriver’s side in the Civil War but other clans either remained quiet, refused to get involved, or made plays for power in order to gain their support. An agreement was made for Clan Nightriver and some of the colonies to send troops to Clan Stormjarl to provide assistance.

At the conclusion for the dinner, the status of the Civil War was still fragile and undetermined.

Click here for pictures from the event!

== STORY ==
Pre-Event Summary
After the recent uneasy alliance with Ironmound still under negotiations, Nightriver has begun to mobilize more of its warriors to send them to the frontlines. Branthur Nightriver has sent multiple messages urging his allies, the colonies, and the Coalition to take advantage of this opportunity and push for an end to the war. Military units and supply wagons have begun marching to purpose and the civil war continues to escalate… some fear to a bloody and brutal confrontation and others hope for a chance to stall the fighting and find a peaceful resolution.

Far to the north, members of the Coalition have gathered again at Onsallas Outpost. The pineed sap harvest is winding down but numerous trees are still able to produce enough sap to be collected. Villagers of Pack Longfang and Onsallas Village have begun a coordinated effort to explore the nearby swamp and territories for any and all supplies that could be collected and sent to the war effort. Mordok activity is on the rise but remain far enough away to not be a direct threat and merchants and adventurers have begun to visit Onsallas again.

During the Ironmound feast, Wargah Grimward revealed to everyone in attendance that Clan Grimward was also in possession of an ulven orb, an artifact identical to the one found in the swamp last year. Members of the coalition fear that it is now a race against time to see which side of the civil war unlocks the secrets behind the ulven artifact.

Post-Event Summary
As adventurers and travels from all across Mardrun collected at Onsallas Outpost, basic tasks and outpost defenses were divided up. Dry firewood was sought after and pineed trees ready for tapping were searched for in order to collect sap from the recent harvest. Swamp tack and supplies were collected and moved for the war effort, with a collection being taken by those who wanted to send more support.

Mad Morty and the Shepherd were sighted and even made an attempt to get close to the corruption site outside the outpost. Mordok activity continued all through the day as adventurers tried to unlock the secrets of the ulven orb. It eventually did activate once a nearby corruption idol was destroyed, and the orb recalled two adventurers through the mana stream and into the swamp. A search party was sent out and the two were found who apparently were recalled to a specific point. Upon digging into the ground, a cache was found containing some magical artifacts and notes from what appears to be a lorespeaker. In the cache was a well known saga and what appeared to be the original which featured ulven battling each other. The implication of the history of the ulven was profound, but more questions needed answers.

The mordok continued to be a real threat and the adventurers manned the defenses. Research continued on the materials recovered and hints and notes pointed towards a great mystery further west in the swamp.

Click here for pictures of the event!

== STORY ==
Pre-Event Summary:
After recent aggression reached its peak in the western Watchwolf settlement, the neighboring Clan Ironmound has become the focus of attention in the Ulven civil war. The Clan’s territory borders Clan Shattered Spear and the Pass in the Great Wolf’s Hackles and is home to many highly defendable locations and large amounts of high quality steel.

For a year, Clan Ironmound has expressed concern that they wish to remain neutral in the larger Ulven conflict. Their representatives have traveled and been host to several delegates from other Clans, and it seems that the Clan’s allegiance is highly sought after by both Clan Grimward and Clan Nightriver. Clan Grimward’s aggression and conquest of Clan Stormjarl territory to the south and the Watchwolf Clan’s settlement nearby have shown Ironmound how neutral clans are treated.

With the impending decision of Clan Ironmound in the near future, the ambassadors and leaders of their ruling elder council have decided to hold a feast and invite representatives from Clan Nightriver, the Coalition, and Clan Grimward. Hawks have been sent to these groups detailing a day and a location; one of the settlements near the Great Wolf’s Hackles. This meeting could decide the allegiance of Clan Ironmound in the Ulven civil war and could potentially be a major turning point for either side.

Post-Event Summary:
Representatives from almost all the factions of the Coalition joined Clan Nightriver and Clan Grimward to attend a feast held on neutral ground in Ironmound territory. As guests entered the area, they were a bit unsettled by Grimward’s display of force; camped within shouting distance were two well supplied and apparently well armed war packs of Clan Grimward. They had camped nearby as part of the escort to Wargah Grimward, the representative to Clan Grimward, who was the daughter of Haygreth Grimward.

Tension filled the feasting hall as Wargah and her guards took one side of the hall and the Coalition and Clan Nightriver took the other side of the hall. As the feast took place, tension eased a bit as everyone in attendance was glad to have a break from the fighting. Grimward and members of the Coalition even had discussions that remained amicable and everyone was a bit relieved at how the feast was progressing.

However, a different kind of battle was taking place and representatives from all sides of the war were doing a lot of discussions on involvement and what it would mean. Ironmound has long since stood for neutrality, but Grimward was applying a lot of pressure to make them join their cause. This was furthered by the discussions of Wargah, but many of the Ironmound fears were eased when reports of the Watchwolf defenders being shown mercy and even being cared for after the Watchwolves were conquered. This gave them hope that their people would be spared if a decision had to be made. On the other hand, the representatives from the Coalition’s factions and of Clan Nightriver had talks with the Ironmound Council of Elders as well, sharing stories of their defenses of other neutral clans and how Grimward has treated others and refused to listen to reason. They expressed many details about the war, offered aid where they could, and continued to push the stance that neutrality should be a choice for any Clan in this conflict instead of just pushing Ironmound to choose Clan Nightriver’s side. One of the Ironmound Elders had a son present that was afflicted by headaches and dreams, and members of the Coalition assisted the young man and even offered to provide aid to him regardless of the decision made by Ironmound. Many in attendance were worried if the Coalition guests were respecting their hosts and acting the way they were expected to, and several negative interactions with the Ironmound Elders made many worry about how it would influence their decisions.

The Council of Elders were conflicted on their decisions, seeing merit in both sides of the war and in neutrality. At first they discussed, then debated, and then flat out argued over the options presented. It seemed like there was a large rift between the Council of Elders present in at the feast and in Ironmound territory if the Elders cannot come to an agreement on a decision then the Clanleader must become involved. In the heat of the moment, one of the Elders made a bold move after arguing audibly in front of the guests in the dinner. This pro-Coalition Elder drew his sword and asked the Coalition to stand with him, after his opposing pro-Grimward Elder argued that taking a stance in the war, especially with the Coalition, was not the right choice. Those present sprang into action and weapons were drawn, the room suddenly threatening to erupt into violence. Wargah Grimward then used magic to recall the pro-Grimward Ironmound Elder out of danger, rescuing him after he expressed fear of being present, leaving her guards to the mercy of the room. A member of the coalition attacked the Grimward guards, breaking the neutral ground the feast was on, and forcing the decision even further for Clan Ironmound. Luckily the violence was halted as fast as it began, and none of the Grimward were killed in the fight. They were allowed to leave and were not stopped and they ran to their encampment as soon as they left the building.

In a flurry of activity, those present at the dinner came up with a plan to have most of their groups escort the Clan Nightriver representative to her encampment to link up with her warriors and for one group to escort the remaining Ironmound Elders and their followers to the nearby Ironmound village. The entire group quickly left the building and the plan worked; Clan Nightriver warriors were alerted and able to regroup at the village and the Ironmound reps arrived safely. The Coalition rejoiced in this victory, having earned another ally to stand against Grimward, but were fearful of the well armed Grimward war packs that would surely pursue them to the village. The Grimward camp packed up quickly and to everyone’s surprise marched south, spurred on as if driven by some new purpose, and avoided the village entirely. Once the excitement settled down, the Ironmound rep became concerned and worried… for he knew that he made a grave mistake in forcing a decision for the Council at the feast. He was worried about the repercussions of the Clanleader, who heavily favored neutrality in this conflict, and spoke to several that he advised the Coalition be prepared to do whatever is necessary to gain his favor and secure the new alliance.

The Clan Nightriver representative was also worried, knowing that unless acted upon quickly, the alliance with Ironmound could be lost and their Clan ending up joining Grimward now that the option of neutrality is no longer available to the Clan. As she attached a hastily written letter to the leg of a messenger hawk and let it fly south to Clan Nightriver territory, she made it very clear that this very moment and the decisions the Coalition makes in response to this is critical; failing to secure this alliance could be the tipping point in the war.

Click here for pictures from the event! (We also did a photo-shoot at Devil’s Lake State Park after the event too, which are included)