Archives: Wiki Pages

After the gravestone was discovered in the Dirge Swamp near Onsallas Outpost, the coalition of factions moved to destroy it. Distracted by an attack led by the Order of Arnath’s Fist on the lich itself, the group was able to destroy the gravestone.

With the stone destroyed, the lich fled and moved southwest along the coast. Moving past Watchwolf territory, it destroyed several small ulven settlements and villages and converted the slain into zombies. Closely following it were the combined forces of the Order of Arnath’s Fist, the new Vandregon soldiers, and Ulven from several packs such as Clan Nightriver, Pack Longfang, and the Watchwolves Clan. Wherever the lich spread the undead plague it was rooted out and destroyed by the clerics of the Order and the Ulven Daughters of Gaia. With the lich pushing deeper into Clan Grimward territory, the coalition forces had to move quickly before Clan Grimward responded to the trespass and moved to stop them. They would have one last chance to close in on the lich and finish it before being cut off in enemy territory and the lich disappearing.

Joining the coalition during the final attack were the Phoenix Syndar, a nomadic group that has lived on an island south the continent. The Phoenix added healer and magic support to the group’s already potent magical presence of the Order Clerics and Daughters of Gaia. The veteran members of the Phoenix and the Order would conduct a complicated ritual, May’Kar in origin, to channel the recently discovered Paladin blade. The ritual, if successful, would allow someone to wield it and channel their life force into the blade and create a powerful divine weapon. This weapon would be strong enough to finish the lich but would take all of the life force of the wielder… destroying the lich would sacrifice the life of the one who destroyed it.

As the large group set off to pursue, a group of Ulven of the Watchwolves and the Longfangs broke off to push deeper into Grimward territory. Clan Grimward responded to the trespass into their territory by sending a hunting party of warriors to attack the group. The group, led by Raskolf of the Watchwolves, left to delay or stop the attack.

The lich had to be contained or cornered so that the ritual could be conducted. The group pursued the lich, fighting it as it fled. After combing through the last few villages, the lich was cornered in a large abandoned lumberyard. The coalition split their group and trapped it with members of the Ulven packs and the soldiers of Vandregon taking the brunt of the fighting against the lich. Meanwhile, a few clerics and the Phoenix Syndar secured the other entrance and began the ritual. The time needed to complete the ritual was paid for in the blood of Vandregon and Ulven warriors, several falling to the foul lich magic. Several other Ulven and humans were bitten and infected.

Venator Oathkeeper, one of the last surviving members of Clan Dreadfang, volunteered to be the wielder of the May’Kar Paladin blade. The ritual was completed by a combined effort of Ulven, Human, and Syndar magic while the warriors kept the lich and his zombies at bay. Knowing what the outcome was, Venator never hesitated when taking the charged blade, giving into the power of the weapon and channeling his rage and essence into the weapon. Venator lead the final charge against the lich, chanting the final incantation of the ritual. Members of the Phoenix, Order, Vandregon and their Ulven allies charged with Venator to give him the time he needed to fight the lich. As the blade landed struck the lich’s body, the power channeled through it and obliterated the lich. With a thunder clap that stunned all around it and withered the zombies nearby to lifeless corpses, the battle fell silent. An eerie calm fell across the battlefield…. the only sound that of the wounded and dying.

The wounded were gathered quickly and moved back towards a small camp established by the Phoenix Syndar. Some of the worst wounds were treated but the healer’s resources were quickly depleted. Some of the infected were treated as well, but the rest of the spell casters with divine magic ran out of energy quickly. With no way to heal or purify some of the infected, a Vandregon soldier and an Order cleric were put to death and burned on the spot by the survivors. The camp was quickly picked up and the survivors moved northeast towards Watchwolf territory. The menace of the lich on Mardrun has been ended for good.

October 27-28th, 2012 – Onsallas Outpost Event

With the recent betrayal of Clan Whiteoak, Pack Longfang is apprehensive about visitors and has increased the number of warriors in the village. This has reduced the Longfang presence in the outpost itself to a small skeleton crew.

The outpost was a host to a number of factions such as the Watchwolves, the new Vandregon, and the Order of Arnath’s Fist. These groups had come together to discuss the undead reaching Mardrun and to search for ways to find and destroy the Lich. The Lich was rumored to be hiding in the Dirge Swamp somewhere and the watchful eyes of both the Longfang hunters and the Order’s Eagles were scouting the area.

A group of Vandregon soldiers searching the woods found one of their members, a cleric, who had been missing since his convoy was attacked by the lich a couple weeks ago. With him was a wounded, infected, and delirious man who claimed to be a Vandregon Ranger. Once healed and given time to rest, it was discovered that he was a survivor from the boat that landed earlier in the year. He confirmed that the boat had been attacked by humans and that he had been on the run from the Mordok in the woods and the swamp ever since. The news he brought of Faedrun was not good, stating that he was part of the Southern Army during the Fall and had been on the run doing guerrilla attacks on penitent and undead forces for the last several years. Contact had been lost with the Northern Army and the pockets of resistance in southern Vandregon and Aldoria were being surrounded and massacred. The Ranger had companions with him that carried a blade and a magical item known as a “Key”.

Later that evening, the undead attacked in an organized group and almost overran the outpost. Resources were exhausted in repelling them and healing the wounds and bites, but the outpost held. The size and organization of the zombie horde was proof that the Lich was nearby.

A battle cleric of the Order of Arnath’s Fist researched the item and discovered that the Key could be used to power magical items. The Ranger described the blade and the adventurers went out to search for it. When the group found the location where the other Ranger had fallen and was killed by the undead, the blade was missing. Roving bandits had picked the corpse clean and hid in the swamp. The adventurers had to split up and track down the bandits in order to retrieve the blade. When the Order’s cleric returned to examine the blade, it was discovered that a traveling healer and her companions had stolen and hidden the blade from the adventurers and demanded money to turn it over. What almost escalated into a bloody encounter was talked down by Raskolf, representative of the Watchwolves, who paid for the blade and promised the healer could leave safely.

With the blade finally in the hands of the order, it was discovered to be a May’Kar Paladin blade. With the Paladin most likely long since dead, the blade’s magical qualities were dormant. Scrolls and ancient texts detailed that the Key could possibly power the blade, but it could come at a terrible price… the willing sacrifice of the life of the wielder would be required to channel the magic of the blade into a weapon that could defeat the Lich. More research was needed to understand the ritual and would take time and resources from the Order.

A message reached the outpost that a Gravestone had been sighted in the Dirge Swamp in an area crawling with undead. With the Gravestone discovered, a squad of Battle Brothers of the Order were going to attack the Lich to draw it away from the stone and buy the adventurers and Vandregon soldiers time to destroy it. With the Lich away from the stone, the adventures attacked it to perform a ritual and destroy the undead. The battle was long and brutal, resulting in several of the adventurers being killed and several more bleeding out in the swamp. The Order Cleric accompanying the adventurers sacrificed himself to keep the undead at bay long enough to drag out the wounded.

With the adventurers bloodied and in need of healing, they returned to the outpost. With the Gravestone destroyed, the Lich was confirmed to be on the move again and messenger hawks were sent to all the factions of it’s destination.

Photos from the event!

The caravan of supplies heading to the Reach was ambushed by roving bands of mordok, but the supplies made it. With an influx of supplies, the provisioner and his staff kept the merchants trade moving. With a handful of Vandregon soldiers, a few Ulven, and some adventurers the Reach’s gates were kept safe from the bands of mordok. Around the campfire, the group tended to their bruises and tried to mend their armor, but without a real blacksmith the armor and equipment started to fail.

There was suspicious activity going on when the provisioner snuck off in the night and met with “a business associate” but supplies were searched for and found. A large harvest of white blossoms and Fae leaves were discovered in the woods.
The provisioner used the distraction of a mordok attack to convince some of the guards to leave the gates and then stole all of the supplies in the Reach. Money, potions, mending strips, bandages, healing supplies, food, all of the gathered reagents from the woods were stolen as he fled out the back gates.

A small group went after him, especially after the gathered adventurers learned that the provisioner was in charge of the supplies and had been acting funny, and was suspected to be working for another noble trying to exhaust Baroness Katherine’s resources, since the Reach is primarily funded by her.

Onsallas Outpost was to be the sight of a series of political meetings and discussions between several Ulven factions. Some representatives from Vandregon and different adventuring parties were also present. The escalation of the Ulven civil war was on everyone’s minds and faction leaders wanted to know where everyone stood during the conflict. Onsallas Village was host to a large group of Ulven from Clan Whiteoak who had pledged allegiance to Clan Nightriver.

Some bandits were seen roaming the wilderness but increased patrols on the road kept transportation between the village and the outpost safe.

The Mordok had been acting suspiciously lately and there seemed to be increased activity in the swamp nearby. Upon further investigation, there was a sight of intense evil, a ritual site that was corrupting the swamp and eating away at all the life around it. At the center of the site was a Mordok idol, a skull painted with tribal designs. A group was dispatched to find it and learn more about it. Aeden Von Horst, Battle Cleric of the Order, touched the idol and it dispersed its magic and stopped corrupting the swamp. Several other adventurers researched it and Aeden, discovering that some of the magic was transferred to him, but no other information was learned about what happened or its purpose.

Later in the evening, a message was intercepted that proved that Clan Whiteoak planned on betraying the Longfangs and would help Clan Grimward attack them. With only a small window before the attack, the adventurers had to choose how they would split their defenses. Without enough fighters sent to the village, it could easily be overrun. A small group of warriors left the outpost and fought their way to reach the village. Cut off from support or allies, this group would succeed or die trying. The remaining defenders coordinated their defense as a large group of Clan Grimward warriors attacked the outpost. For what seemed like ages, the heavily armored warriors Grimward assaulted the outpost. Many adventurers and guards were wounded, equipment busted, and shields were broken… but after a long fight the attackers were repelled.

The next day the location of a caravan was discovered. It had been lost traveling to Onsallas. When a search party arrived, the caravan members rose from the ground as zombies and attacked. Zombies in this area were proof that the Lich had at least traveled through this area. Several people were bitten and the group retreated to the outpost. After gathering more members and some supplies, they returned to clear out the zombies and retrieve the cargo. With the box secure, the group retreated before being dragged down and torn apart by the undead.

Another group was ambushed on the trails and several members were abducted by the Mordok. After hours had passed, another search party went out to find the Mordok camp. Ylsa Stormherald of the Watchwolves was found running through the swamp, bloodied and beaten by the Mordok. She was rescued and the Mordok following her killed or driven off. The events detailing her time being captured are still a mystery.

Photos from the event!

The Wayward Inn has been seeing a steady business since the trade routes to several settlements have been made safer.

Following the Grimward summit, news of the bloodbath spread quickly. Panic has gripped each settlement as they are not sure what to expect next. In a land where all the colonists are guests, a civil war amongst the native Ulven has everyone on edge.

The patrons of the inn weathered a rainy storm inside by telling stories of past deeds, discussing what might happen next after war was declared, and enjoying the food and drink of the inn.

Several adventurers sparred outside, some members of different Ulven packs confronted each other and had a honor duel, and patrons walked the trails and enjoyed the land around the inn. Everything seemed to be a fairly quiet day… until a wounded Ulven stumbled into Inn with a warning of violence.

It was shortly after that when hunting parties of Pack Graytide showed up in the area and tried to raid the inn. There was a brutal fight and many adventurers were wounded or even within inches of death. The first hunting party of Graytides were killed or repelled. The number of wounded was staggering and it was obvious that the hunting parties had signaled for more reinforcements.

As the adventurers finalized a plan to escape and head towards a nearby settlement, a second hunting party raided the inn and burst through the back door. They killed the tavern staff and stormed upstairs and killed some of the patrons who had been staying in their rooms. The tavern owner escaped with the group of adventurers, who tried to stall the Ulven warriors and barricade the door to buy them time. The Graytides broke through the door and gave chase as the screams of the dying patrons were drowned out by the roar of the fire consuming the inn.

With Graytides close on their heels, the adventurers and surviving inn staff moved as quickly as they could along the trail Southeast. The wounded were carried or hobbled along as fast as they could. Several adventurers hung back to stall the advancing Graytides but the group got separated and some were taken down by Graytides. Luckily, the wounded were recovered and everyone made it to the next settlement which was firmly inside Clan Nightriver territory. Not wanting to invade Clan Nightriver territory, the Graytide warriors stopped giving chase and members of each side shouted oaths of vengeance and threats to each other. The Pack Graytide warriors eventually fell back, leaving the mass of wounded adventurers seeking shelter and healing aid at the new settlement.

Old Wounds Epilogue:
Horus Von Horst sat down. He had never felt this old before. Though the night had been considered a victory he knew the end was not even close. Jack his oldest companion was dead. Rory Sturm the explorer who had the best idea where to find the artifact was also dead. To make matters worse the agent of Rory’s death seemed to be an altogether different opponent. It had been a day of set backs. It could easily have been disastrous if not for the unhesitating assistance of the brave group at the fort.

The more he thought about it, the more he came to realize that so little was known about the the Lich and the dangers faced. He knew he had not destroyed the idol. It was more likely that the Lich and his army had left the area and whatever link was shared with the idol was severed. He thought it would hearten the adventures if they thought it was destroyed. Some of the Ulven had wanted to pitch it into the swamp. There was a time when Horus had once thought this way too, but much to his dismay he knew that what is once lost can be found again.

Horus and his allies had spent the last several years chasing this monster with little success. Each encounter had left him with fewer allies and friends. It seemed as if mere men could not resist this threat, but Horus had endured and survived. He wondered why he himself was not dead yet. By all rights he should have died on Faedrun.

But there was no time for this kind of thinking. He would mourn the dead later. There was too much at stake. The undead could not be allowed to take root on Mardrun. Perhaps out of this new group of adventurers there would be more willing to join the fight. On top of that he now had an idea, provided by Rory’s map, of where the artifact was. An expedition must be mounted into the Dirge Swamp. Finding the “Soul Eater” would let him end the Lich for good, and perhaps help to wash some of the blood of his hands.

Before any of this could happen he had to pay a visit to his old friend Karl and leave the idol in good hands.

Knocking the dust off his boots he stood up. There was much work to do.

*

Far down the road a group of suspicious men feasted as if there were no tomorrow and some said the weeping of a rather large merchant could be heard on the wind blowing through the empty pockets of adventurers.

*

A mordok idol, reduced to ashes by the ever cautious and vigilant Ulven, scattered in the wind.

*

Mysterious runes gave up their secrets to those who had the patience.

*

The hermit had not seen such excitement in a long time. The bump on her head soon went away. More bells would be needed for she and her snake to be safe. Perhaps another door too.

*

Mordok fought mordok, though few saw it and even fewer asked why.

*

No adventurer had claimed the mining guild’s hidden coffers and fittingly the treasures pulled from the earth by Man would be returned there by Nature soon enough.

*

In a dark and forgotten corner of the once again abandoned fort, a misplaced crate of fruit, biscuits, cheese, and sausages slowly began rotting.

Photos from the event!

The nobility of the colony welcomed all of the adventurers and factions with open arms, bringing them into the heart of the colony and to the dinner they had hosted. There were representatives from numerous factions, the different nobles of the city, and from adventuring groups. After some introductions, drinks, and socializing, the guests were further entertained with food and dancers.

Shortly after, tensions mounted as Khulgar Graytide, Chieftan of Pack Graytide and representative of Clan Grimward, started a scene and called everyone’s attention. He was angry and cynical, making snide comments about how sorry he was for rudely interrupting some important affairs like wining and dining. He delivered the note from the Watchwolves Clan, which stated that the colonists need to be kept in check in order for peace to exist. Khulgar then called Branthur Nightriver into question about his “soft ways” in dealing with the colonists and that the Ulven need to put them in their place. Many dinner participants mocked or challenged Khulgar and Branthur reminded him of his place and that the colony is on Clan Nightriver territory. Nobody at the dinner tried to calm Khulgar or discover Clan Grimward’s terms, which resulted him the Chieftan storming off angrily with threats against and from him being the last communication the Graytide had for the evening.

Shortly after, a member of the Colony Watch arrived with two letters. One was a message from Prince Aylin of New Aldoria. The message was read aloud to the group where Prince Aylin apologized for not being in attendance, offered up help and assistance, and showed genuine care for the safety of the colonists. Most of the people gathered did not believe the honesty to be genuine, but that meetings with Prince Aylin and his nobles should be setup in the near future.

The second letter was a Watch Report from the Sergeant, who had been notified that a patrol found a boat on the coastline. It had been abandoned, but there was blood and signs of a fight. Some personal items found on the boat suggested that a Ranger from Vandregon survived the trip over from Faedrun but was nowhere to be found. One of nobles said they would investigate it further and so did some of the adventurers.

By the end of the evening, several factions had worked closely with Branthur Nightriver to expand relations with the colony. Of the assembled nobles, there was definitely a subtle power struggle as Baroness Katherin and Baron Richard vied for support and expansion of relations. Baron Richard ended up making numerous deals with the different factions and gained more political support than Baroness Katherin. Several other nobles have since pledged support to Baron Richard, making him the strongest and wealthiest of the colony’s leaders.

Photos from the event!

Scenario #1
A handful of elite Vandregon soldiers went out on a dangerous mission to move through penitent lines and get to a village near the coast. The village contained a boat that was almost complete and was seaworthy if repaired.
After punching through the penitent lines with speed, the Vandregon infantry setup a defense in the village. A Vandregonian Ranger and a ship’s crew began to work on fixing the boat enough so that it would sail… but they needed time.
Small groups of penitent threw themselves at the defenders in an attempt to overrun them. The ranks of penitent were joined by undead eventually as reports of the soldiers made its way to other penitent groups. The Vandregon soldiers held them back and stayed alive long enough for the ranger and the ship crew to fix the small boat, but there was not enough room or supplies to carry everyone.
In a valiant charge, the Vandregon infantry counter attacked the penitent lines and pushed them away from the coast. They took the fight to the enemy and were slain, one by one, as the numbers and wounds overwhelmed them. They gave their lives to buy the Ranger time to get out to sea without being pursued.

Scenario #2
The woods near the Wayward Inn were dangerous as reports filtered in about a large group of Mordok roaming the area. New Aldoria sent an armed escort for their emissary, who was to deliver a letter to the political dinner in Newhope, but they were moving through these dangerous roads and Pack Graytide warriors were scouting the area.
Bloody skirmishes broke out along the roads as the Mordok attacked. The guards escorting the emissary were able to protect him long enough to get him to the border of the colony to deliver the message. They were attacked upon their return and several guards were killed, but the message was delivered from Prince Aylin of New Aldoria.
Pack Graytide warriors took the brunt of the attack on the roads and met the Mordok head on. Through a serious of intense and bloody fights, Pack Graytide killed numerous Mordok but lost over 10 warriors in the fight. The Mordok were cleared out of the area but Graytide warriors limped their wounded to the Newhope colony in order to seek healing and supplies. With the roads open, Khulgar Graytide was able to make it to the colony to represent Clan Grimward and to deliver the message from the Watchwolves Clan.

Photos from the event!