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After the heroic sacrifice of Pack Longfang and the reinforcements arriving from the colonies, Clan Grimward’s conquest of Clan Stormjarl has ground to a halt. The survivors of Stormjarl and their allies have setup a defense in the remaining territory and settlement of Clan Stormjarl and the Grimward invaders have backed off and established an army camp several miles away from the settlement. News of Grimward sacking and pillaging everything in the outlying territory of Clan Stormjarl and taking hundreds of Stormjarl prisoners finds its way to the defenders, but without additional support there is little they can do. The stalwart defense of Clan Stormjarl and their allies has forced Haygreth to regroup his army and although there is no sign of them leaving the territory, some have spoken rumors that Haygreth Grimward and Graytir Stormjarl may be able to discuss terms of peace. Clan Stormjarl holds but its territories and the clan itself has been ravaged by the war with Grimward and some say the Clan will seek revenge on Grimward for generations to come. Clan Nightriver and the Colony of Newhope have offered to help with the sick, wounded and displaced Clan Stormjarl refugees, but after such a hard winter the toll of helping these people will be immense on their current resources.

In other parts of Mardrun, the mountain pass continues to be fortified by the Order of Arnath’s Fist and discussions continue to take place amongst the Clans. Some say that the Clanleaders are pushing for a Grand Moot or gathering to discuss matters influencing the Ulven as a whole. Clan Steinjutten, who has allied itself with Clan Nightriver, has reported that Clan Riverhead and Clan Shattered Spear have been dealing with an uncommonly large mordok tribe that moved into the Great Forests several months ago.

News regarding the war on all fronts spreads quickly through the major settlements of the Coalition, with the majority telling of great deeds in the Pass. Accompanied by several Nightriver warpacks, Coalition forces have managed to continually drive Grimward backwards. Although the Pass has not been taken, such a relentless assault will likely force Grimward to either abandon their position or divert additional resources away from the rest of the war to combat the problem. As allied troops continue their push through the Pass, the importance of pressing the advantage and breaking through is now even more obvious. Some fear that if the soldiers and warriors in the Pass cannot reach their Clan Ironmound and Clan Shattered Spear allies, it could drastically change the rest of the fighting. Soldiers need food and supplies each month, and stalling out the fighting could force the Coalition and its allies to use up more supplies than first anticipated. Grimward, now fully finished with conquering the Watchwolf territories, has begun its offensive in earnest against Clan Shattered Spear and Clan Ironmound. Small border skirmishes have been reported in numerous areas. While the continent focuses on the Pass and the battles near Ironmound, some worry about the other Grimward allies to the east; very little has been reported on the larger dealings of Clan Whiteoak and Clan Squallborn or what they have been up to.

The Market Fair, which recently took place in Crow’s Landing, also drummed up quite a few rumors. Through loose lips, a great deal of the continent now knows of the plan to formalize the Coalition, although feelings are mixed. Some see it as a great opportunity to bring the separate groups together for a single cause. Others see it as an affront to their freedoms or the first steps of a plan for dominance. Whatever the public opinion, the leaders of the Coalition are eager to see the draft of such a contract presented that they might make an informed decision moving forward. It is unknown at this time what the Coalition will formerly be as en entity, or what kind of power it will yield on the larger political scale.

A number of hawks from Clan Stormjarl arrive in the more prominent settlements of the Coalition, reminding their leaders that the offer of wealth in exchange for assistance in regaining their homeland and their honor from the clutches of Clan Grimward still stands. They insist that Ironmound has plenty of troops to hold their own lines, which they have not lost yet, whereas Stormjarl will require greater support to reclaim what was theirs. This message mirrors one from last year when Clan Stormjarl reached out offering wealth to those who would ally themselves with them.

Word from Clan Shattered Spear comes to Branthur Nightriver, informing him that relationships with Clan Riverhead have been strained as of late. Though they have avoided giving precise reasoning, Laifnar Icefury seems to be under the impression that the very traditional Priestesses of Clan Riverhead are beginning to grow weary of the presence of the colonists and are annoyed by Nightriver’s continued support of these outsiders. They have shown no indications of taking a side in the war, nor have they expressed any open hostility towards the coalition or their allies as a whole, but the reception of travelers and refugees has been much colder than it had been in the past and some reports have come through where tense situations and even violence has taken place between colonists and the local Clan Riverhead packs. This could become a large issue soon as the path around the Great Wolf’s Hackles back to Clan Nightriver territory travels directly through Clan Riverhead lands.

Panic sets in amongst the villagers of a small settlement of Clan Goldenfield. Their crop, which they had been preparing to harvest next month, has begun to wither and die, leading to starvation of their livestock and a strain to their workers. The source of this blight is unknown, but their Daughters are hard at work to cleanse the land. This will, unfortunately, result in fewer supplies available to the Coalition in the coming months unless a concentrated effort is made to assist them. The Clanleader has not yet reached out for aid, so it is unknown if the blight is small enough to be contained or if pride is getting in the way of the Clan’s leadership sending a call for aid.

Gustav Ironmound, Clanleader of Clan Ironmound, has made it known that after his Clan’s expedition into the dirge swamp, he has acquired a number of old Ulven texts that he intends to share with the other Clans. He has no intention of hiding these texts or keeping them from the Ulven people as a whole and apparently takes great pleasure in making sure it is known that representatives from his Clan had the honor of leading this expedition with the support of both sides of the war. Daughters, bearing copies of the texts, have begun traveling to numerous locations and freely share this information with others. Deep concern and confusion begins to set in with some of the Ulven people as the content of the texts is unsettling and questions many details of their history as a people. Whether this is a show of bravado and personal honor or a piece of some sort of larger plan is unknown at this time, but the impact of these texts being made public begins to travel like wildfire through the Ulven people.

The leadership of Lord Baron Richards has been surprisingly smooth. Under his command many troops and many more loads of supplies have been sent or promised to Nightriver and the warfront, an act which would have been horrifically time consuming in the bureaucratic old system. Many are optimistic for the city, hoping it will flourish under a single strong leader.

The new leader of Daven’s Reach has been visibly trying to extend his influence, a problem that many of the colonists and Ulven had hoped would be resolved by now but lack the resources to fix. Wanted posters have sprung up in many of the nearby settlements, although his agents have occasionally replaced these posters with their own mockeries, often depicting Lord Baron Richards or Prince Aylin as thieves instead. If whispers around the local taverns are any indication, his ideals may be gathering support, rallying others to his cause.

Letters from the new leadership of Clan Watchwolf have been delivered to Clan Nightriver, describing the treatment they have received at the hands of their Grimward conquerors: food has been distributed, families have not been uprooted and have been given time to grieve for their fallen before being enlisted by the Grimward war front. The end of the letter encourages Nightriver to reconsider their stance on the war, as life under Grimward rule has been better than it was during the war.

Clans Ironmound and Shattered Spear have vocally entered an agreement to protect each other’s borders should Grimward take their land during the fighting. This could be a huge step in solidifying the tenuous alliance with Clan Ironmound as it is the first true pledge to aid in the war, rather than simply withstand it.

Mordok activity near the edge of the Dirge Swamp was brutal again this month, with the creatures seemingly driven into a frenzy by something. These attacks on Clan Shattered Spear could prove costly and force them to redistribute forces away from the front lines. Clan Whiteoak also received their share of attention, drawing warriors away from their rivalry and allowing Clan Axhound the chance to perform a number of opportunistic raids.

Coalition reinforcements have been a large deterrent for Grimward aggression in the Pass, making their warpacks think twice about trying to take that territory and making them pay for every inch in blood. Well over a hundred well-rested warriors from Clan Nightriver have arrived at the Pass, accompanied by several dozen soldiers from both Newhope and New Aldoria and multiple wagons full of food, bandages, and weapons for the war effort, thanks in large part to campaigns executed by smaller factions giving and asking for aid in the war. The supplies alone have helped revitalize the troops stationed there, and the veritable army present could soon be a major issue for Clan Grimward.

Parts of Newhope were in an uproar late this month as Dominet Martingale hosted yet another elaborate party. As the chambers emptied, however, guards noticed that Martingale was nowhere to be found. Half the city was searched, much to the ire of many civilians until the man was eventually found passed out and hung over in a stable nearby.

Letters from Branthur Nightriver arrive at many notable locations among Coalition settlements. The letters issue a strongly worded reminder that many of the colonists are residing on his land and their honor is being called upon to make possibly the last push against Grimward. With Clan Ironmound on their side, Clan Nightriver has a strong chance to push into the heart of Grimward territory; though their enemy is expected to strike back viciously, so troops will be needed to secure the borders of Clans Shattered Spear, Stormjarl, and Ironmound.

Rumors have spread like wildfire of the recent expedition into the Dirge Swamp: despite the war, Ironmound, Grimward, and Coalition forces put aside their differences to reveal some secrets of the Ulven people. Many documents written in the old Ulven text were discovered on the trip, with the originals leaving with Grimward and translated copies finding their way into the hands of the Coalition. The true meaning of these documents has yet to be determined, and those in their possession have critical decisions ahead of them.

This letter was sent out to several Coalition and Clan Nightriver settlements.

To Clan Nightriver and the Colonists, to the Coalition of Allies on Mardrun,
We, the people of Clan Stormjarl, are reaching out to you for aid. In Clan Grimward’s conquest for war, they have given us no choice but to join them or face their wrath. My clan does not share in their views of destruction and death for the colonists and took a stand, that we would not join them and in return they march against us in war. My people will stand strong and protect our borders, but even now the reports of brutal fighting and death have reached me. Clan Whiteoak warriors have been seen alongside Clan Grimward’s war packs and they outnumber us. Even in the bitter cold of winter, their warriors press on and attack our villages and settlements. Brave Clan Stormjarl war packs march to battle but without support, I fear that we simply do not have the numbers to hold out against them.
I fear that Clan Grimward will use hawk-hunters and stop our future messages, so this may be the last message you receive until the spring.
I have heard reports of a coalition army of allies leaving the Yurnai River and marching north to help the Watchwolf Clan. Will warriors be sent to replace them, to assist us in our efforts?
Recently leaders of your factions sent us letters via hawk stating that you would send help, that you would rally with us against Clan Grimward, that words were being spoken to the other clans to join this war, that we do not fight this war alone.
I pray that your words bear truth. If they do not, my people may very well only survive this war in the sagas and stories of the Lorespeakers.
Signed,Graytir Stormjarl – Clanleader of Clan Stormjarl

A large celebration was held in the colony of Newhope as Baron Richards is voted in as the single leader of the colony. Rumors spread like wildfire that seem to point at the Baron using a fair amount of resources securing allies within the colonies. Other candidates, such as Baroness Catherine who was close in the running, failed to acquire the political backing and settlement support needed to pull forward to win the vote. The colonists eagerly await the new direction of, the now properly titled, Lord Baron Richards.

Merchants on the road tell stories of a boisterous leader, a former Oarsmeet Pirate, rallying smaller groups and coordinating banditry out of Daven’s Reach. After Baroness Catherine was unable to retake her property and her hired Ulven warrior allies were repelled for several months, a clear message was given to all of those looking to oppose the colonies; join us in rebellion, take what you want to survive, and oppose those that would rule you. Drifters and unemployed mercenaries flock to the Reach in search of opportunity. This haven of banditry, if left unchecked, could become a major concern in the future.

Mordok activity near the DirgeSwamp spiked heavily this month, with merchants telling of larger and more organized raids by mordok. Rumors and fears spread at what the mordok are up to, as the change over the last two years in the mordok has been noticed by the northern most villages and the defending war packs of Clan Shattered Spear and Clan Whiteoak. Recent activity near Onsallas Village, the settlement of Pack Longfang, has caused even more rumors to soar as a strange ulven artifact was used by members of the Coalition to dig up something long buried in the swamp. News of this has reached many ears, and whispers abound about what it could be… and who might be interested in it.

After months of successful counter-raids against Grimward held positions in conquered Stormjarl territory, the warriors of Clan Stormjarl and their supporting allies have slowed their campaign down. There is now what appears to be a solid buffer between occupied Grimward territory and the Stormjarl defensive line now separates the two opposing clans. Wagons loaded with dried goods and materials were brought back to the Stormjarl settlement, denying Grimward access to them in the future. It is suspected that Clan Stormjarl will continue to strip its occupied territories of usable goods to deny them to their enemies.

After making several stops and acquiring some additional supplies, the caravan that left the colony has reportedly reached the Great Wolf’s Hackles. Traveling through the mountains, the caravan had reached the northern half of the Pass when they encountered the Vandregonian units in a skirmish with Grimward war packs. The caravan entered into a small skirmish with the Grimward warriors, focusing on defense and repelled the initial attack. The Newhope caravan was able to rally a defensive line and protect their wagons, but it is suspected that without additional troops it will be hard to make progress any further through the hackles. As the caravan established an area to make a semi-permanent camp, five war packs of Clan Nightriver and their supply wagons reached their position. Morale soars as almost 150 Nightriver warriors reach the defensive line in the Pass. Grimward war packs have retreated to the more defendable positions in the Pass, and it is unknown if they will attempt to hold out and delay the allied caravans moving through the Mountains.

A second caravan is being coordinated in Newhope, with mercenaries and Watch members leaving soon to the Pass. Two small mercenary companies of several dozen warriors and one unit of Colony Watch soldiers with a small supply wagon are departing soon to follow Baron Richard’s men and the Clan Nightriver war packs going through the Pass. Prince Aylin of New Aldoria is also pledging a unit of New Aldorian Footmen and has released a large stockpile of supplies to be used for the war effort. This caravan is due to leave for the pass in June.

Clan Ironmound has begun to mobilize war packs and move them to their western border in an attempt to prepare against the Grimward invasion. Several communities and settlements have begun erecting defensive walls and stockpiling supplies in their mountain storehouses. War packs on the northern edge of Ironmound territory collaborate with Clan Shattered Spear war packs, allowing for mutual defense and assistance to each other’s territories. Some of the members of the Coalition have pledged aid or begun to move their troops to the area, but some fear that if Grimward presses they could take advantage of the lack of a cohesive defense. Several war packs have already sent messages back stating that Grimward warriors have been seen moving towards outlying settlements in what appears to be a preparation for upcoming raids. Many fear that if Clan Nightriver and the Coalition fail to mobilize fast enough, Clan Ironmound may withdraw its allegiance.

In many ways, Newhope has drawn the attention of Mardrun in recent weeks. The protests which devolved into violence in the Plague District outside the city’s walls has raised eyebrows, both in favor of the city guard in quieting the situation before more blood was shed, and in favor of the refugees, who many believe acted inappropriately, though understandably considering their plight. In the end, a few of the corrupted succumbed to their wounds and the harsh winter weather, though most could be saved and once again promised a cure. Unfortunately, time has been running out for these poor souls, and unless a simpler cure is found soon, there may be no saving them. To this end, Celestial Arragones has paired with Baron Richards and the Daughters of Clan Riverhead to ask for aid from those skilled in the ways of non-magical healing to come to the city and help treat the corrupted through the winter in exchange for payment from the Celestial herself. As always, assistance with the research is still in high demand, as well.

Across the city, however, attentions are focused elsewhere. While Celestial Arragones has her hands full working towards the cure and has been backed by Lord Baron Richards’ considerable resources, their projects are far from alone in Newhope: Marquess Madeline continues to push for support for her expedition through the Dirge Swamp, hoping to send a group north in the coming months to blaze the trail, with the thought that the winter will make the ground easier for wagons to handle, and will drive the Mordok into hiding for warmth. In particular, she has expressed a strong need for a map or guide through the swamp, one which proves reliable in this trip, and is willing to pay handsomely should such an item be procured and verified. In the wake of such horrific events which have transpired recently, it would seem that the weight of Duke Joakim Ventrini, Lictor Mary cul-Tricuspis, and Dominet Martingale have each been thrown towards the entertainment and morale of their fine city, rather than the darkness outside her walls: Together they have been working to secure a large enough tract of land and shipment of supplies to begin construction on an arena, hoping that doing so will distract the populace and keep them content. Little more is known about this project, as it seems development has been stalled as the three disagree about key details. Although the Lord Baron has seemingly made his priorities clear at the moment, he has announced a celebratory dinner to be held in February, in which cases might be made for other ventures as well.

Caught between attacks in the north and the south, Clan Whiteoak has made it clear that they are quite grateful to those who have lent them aid, though they still fear it may not be enough. While more troops would be welcomed and fed to the best of their ability, High Priestess Helka Whiteoak has made it clear that their stores are dwindling quickly with the onset of winter, and shipments of food and supplies is critically needed.

As Nightriver scouts report the completion of the fortifications within the Wolf’s Hackles Pass, Grimward comes forward with an announcement of their own: They have been following the movements of small bands of Mordok in the Hackles; a disturbing enough revelation considering the season. These reports have been corroborated by Clan Ironmound, who has made a note of large numbers of Mordok moving north along the mountains, though seemingly no farther.

Although they have found cause for joy with the progress made towards a cure for the corruption, Clan Spiritclaw’s morale has been tempered by tragedy. A warpack bound for Clan Whiteoak never reached its destination. Three young warriors returned from the forest, thankful to be home, though they brought tales seemingly out of a nightmare. They claim they were beset by a tribe of Mordok, in numbers they have not yet seen in one place. The others were savagely mauled when they tried to fight, and the three were commanded to run by their chieftain, so that word of the event might reach the rest of Mardrun. No one has ventured into the Great Forest as of yet to confirm or refute these claims, and it would seem that a number of their fellow villagers do not believe their story and have accused them of simply being cowards.

The colony of Newhope continued to be a flurry of activity as the election for the future leader of the colony took place. Noble estates were host to many colonists coming to cast their vote and Colony Watch guards were everywhere making sure the election remained peaceful. The winner will be chosen amongst members of the Council of Ten and will be released next month in May. Rumors already are spreading as to who will win this monumental election and what agendas they will push for in the future. Nobles continue to gossip about who would be in the running, apparently instigated by some of the Council members themselves.

A large caravan was seen leaving the colony, flying the banners of Baron Richards and Lord Baron Montesque. The recent efforts of the Coalition and reports from some of their representatives have spurred on some of the Council to become more involved in the war. Wagons loaded down with months worth of food and supplies along with two units of veteran soldiers are headed to the Pass of the Great Wolf’s Hackles with the intent of helping bolster defenses there.

News has reached a number of taverns about a good sized fight taking place at Daven’s Reach; Baroness Catherine has hired some Ulven warriors and is making an attempt to take it back from the brigands who seized the property. The makeshift defenses of the Reach have held out, forcing the attackers back by the end of the month. Some worry that news of this reaching the colony could have hurt Baroness Catherine’s clout in the election; her inability to remove a handful of brigands from her merchant outpost a sign of weakness for the potential future colony leader.

Raids and attacks continue to take place all around the continent; Stormjarl continues to press north into some of their lands lost previously to Grimward conquerors, Axhound and Whiteoak continue to conduct raids on each others lands, and Squallborn ships are seen sailing in to reinforce and bolster the blockade between Stormjarl and Nightriver.

News finally reaches the colonies and other Clans; the Western Watchwolves of Luna have surrendered to Clan Grimward. After last month’s devastating blow to the defenses of the settlement and the deaths of hundreds of warriors and villagers, the High Priestess Anjan Ravensmark called for negotiations of surrender. The High Priestess was captured and the bloodied, battered, and proud Watchwolves finally surrendered and gave the settlement to Clan Grimward. Grimward warriors took numerous captives and honor bound them into service, but many Watchwolves were treated fairly and wounded were tended to. Clan Grimward’s lands and territories now include the Western Watchwolves of Luna. Survivors and refugees reach the Eastern Watchwolves of Sol, whose lands are now overflowing with new mouths to feed. Chieftains attempt to work together to maintain order and will try to choose a new Clanleader and High Priestess soon. For now, the Watchwolf Clan is effectively defeated and make it known to all that their priority is now their own people; they remove themselves from the civil war, ending their allegiance with Clan Nightriver.

The territory of Clan Ironmound was host to a feast held this month on neutral ground where representatives of Clan Grimward, Clan Nightriver, and the Coalition were invited to discuss matters of the civil war. A Council of Elders was chosen from some of the advisors to the Clanleader to oversee the feast and gather as much information as they could about both sides. A large number of factions of the Coalition were present, giving Ironmound a chance to have many conversations with them and learn more about the culture and activities of the colony. Wargah Grimward, daughter of Haygreth Grimward, was attending the negotiations in person on behalf of Clan Grimward and their allies. After hours of peaceful talks, the Council of Elders were fractured as they became swept up in the moment of forcing a decision soon in the civil war. After a heated argument, steel was drawn and the Elders were split; the pro-Coalition Elder asking for their potential new allies to stand with them and the pro-Grimward ally agreeing to being recalled away with magic by Wargah before violence could erupt. The Grimward guards remaining were attacked, shattering the neutral ground of the feast, but quickly stopped before any lives were lost. Worried that the several Clan Grimward war packs camped outside the feasting hall would retaliate, the remaining Elders and their followers were escorted by the Coalition to a nearby village. Those present rejoiced in earning such a critical ally in the civil war as the Council of Elders were given full authority by the Clanleader of Ironmound to make decisions on behalf of the Clan … but whispers between the remaining Elders and their worried glances between them prove that their decision may have been made in haste and they fear the consequences. Soon after the activities die down and the Elders reach the main Ironmound settlement, messenger hawks are seen flying from the settlement to numerous clans and colonies to the south. Rumor has it that the Clanleader is unhappy and will be making forceful demands on the Coalition and Nightriver to secure his allegiance in the civil war.

Grimward troops are seen rushing to the Great Wolf’s Hackles, spurred on after the events of the Ironmound feast, and make a concentrated effort on the northern mouth of the Pass. This attack was well planned out and surprising, Grimward’s fresh and well equipped troops hitting the Pass as the defenders stationed there were weakened by months of activity and lack of food. Coalition defenders hold out this month but the fighting is brutal and intense; without future aid Grimward will most likely be able to gain a complete foothold in the Pass.

The representative to Nightriver returned from the dinner with grave news; she fears that the interference of the Coalition on Ironmound’s decision could potentially cost them an ally and rumors spread that Branthur Nightriver’s hand will soon be forced in the involvement of the fighting of the war. With Ironmound wanting for so long to remain neutral, advisors to the Branthur fear that they will make stern demands for immediate support in order to remain an ally. Kragen Bloodmoon, Warleader of Nightriver, mobilizes several war packs and begins marching them to the Pass of the Great Wolf’s Hackles, as messenger hawks are received from Ironmound territory.

The colony of Newhope has sprung to life this past month: talk of the election to decide upon a single leader has caused a bit of a rift between supporters of Baroness Catherine, who is seen as the more compassionate choice by her supporters, and those of Baron Richards, who see their candidate as a strong-willed leader. The Council is split, as are the people, and it is likely that the happenings of upcoming months could sway votes in one direction or the other.

Clan Nightriver has begun sending out hawks, arriving quickly to the leaders of many of the groups of the Coalition. A dinner is to be held in Ironmound territory, in order to decide once and for all where said clan’s allegiance will lie in this war. Clan Ironmound would be an invaluable ally in the war, as they hold a highly defensible location and have the ability and the knowledge to mine and work the highest quality steel found on Mardrun. Nightriver is seeking attendees who might best represent their interests and hopefully sway the council which governs Ironmound.

Rumors of a small band of Mordok roaming the Great Forest have once again emerged. Some even claim that the dozen or so of the black beasts were able to decimate a Riverhead warpack, although Riverhead refuses to validate this story, or even acknowledge the band’s presence. A Steinjotunn warpack, itching for battle and glory, departs into the Forest to put an end to the rumors one way or another.

Clan Axhound, the most recent ally in the war against Grimward, has reported increased aggression along their northern border with Clan Whiteoak, although they attribute this to the spring thaw. Several reports seemed odd, however, making a point to note that there have been very few sightings of Whiteoak Daughters of Gaia near the battles, even behind the lines.

The Lions of Arnath’s Fist, after abandoning their post in the pass through the Wolf’s Hackles, have decided to once again try their hand at requesting aid. They are in dire need of help to get their keep back into operational condition, be it bodies, supplies, or silver. At the moment, they cannot promise a return on the investment, save the knowledge that Arnath will watch over those who protect his Pride.

News spreads like wildfire throughout the continent: Grimward has taken the Watchwolf Western Settlement. Many defenders fought valiantly, assisted by the honor, supplies, and superior armor of Vandregon, gripping to their weapons until their dying breath, inflicting a significant amount of damage to the Grimward war machine. Others escorted the refugees to safely reach the Eastern settlement. Still more, devoted to their sacred charge, laid down their weapons in order to remain in their homes, now honor-bound to Clan Grimward.

A shadow in the fog has been sighted along the shore of a number of coastal settlements, most notably the Fire Isle of the Phoenix Enclave and Key’s Crossing of the Mardrun Trading Consortium. Too tall and oddly shaped for an Ulven longship, and with all ships belonging to the colonists being accounted for, the ghost ship has many sailors uneasy about taking to the sea this month.

Duke Joakim Ventrini made no effort to hide his trip into Clan Steinjotunn territory this past month, almost seeming to announce his presence. Various sources report various reasons. Some say he needed some fresh air to think about the upcoming election, while others posit that he was an ambassador of good will, attempting to sway the clan into the coalition. While his true intentions may not be known, his whereabouts most certainly were.

Shattered Spear Daughters have focused their efforts recently on investigating the edge of the Dirge Swamp. What is causing it to expand? What does this mean for the civilized half of the continent? How can it be stopped? So far their research has only produced more questions. They have invited any knowledgeable in the ways of magic to come forth and assist them in their research, impressing upon you all the dangers this could pose to life on Mardrun.

Traders have mentioned the walls of Daven’s Reach, long ago a welcome sight to weary merchants and travelers, have become less welcoming in recent weeks. Though trade continues, it would appear security inside the town has been heightened and the people within the walls seem to be on edge. Though many remain tight-lipped on the matter, a local a few drinks deep has made it known that a pair of murders has taken place within the town. One guard and a blacksmith were slain about a week apart inside the walls, though no connection, motive, or suspects have been named at this time. The guards have taken additional measures to dissuade acts of violence such as these in the future, including limiting visitors to the town.

With the end of harvest season upon us, the crowd outside of Newhope has swelled substantially, leading to growing concerns among the city guard. Lord Baron Richards and Marquess Madeline d’Argent both remain adamant about not involving the Newhope army, fearing the potential rapid escalation of fears and violence that could erupt. They have begun asking for help in keeping the peace outside of their gates, hoping that outside groups can help quell the fears of riot or rebellion. Whether this is through dissuading action through martial presence, appeasement through mercantile donations, supplies to keep the sick fed and sheltered in the coming months, or a friendly or familiar presence to calm the fears of the crowd, Newhope is asking for all the help they can get.

Growing increasingly desperate and frustrated with the lack of a response from the other clans and colonies, Clan Whiteoak continues to call for aid. With the Mordok aggression to the north drawing most of their attention and leading to a great number of casualties in the clan, their enemies to the south, Clan Axhound, has been able to push further than ever into Whiteoak lands, sacking and raiding small villages. Rumors and reports also seem to hint at a shift in power within clan Whiteoak, though neither the cause nor the effects of this supposed shift have come to light.

Though the corruption remains in the foreground of most conversations across Mardrun, a number of colonial nobles have taken to thinking about longer-term goals, encouraged by their colleagues across the colonies. Aides and assistances have dropped casual remarks in conversations about powerful individuals, including members of the former Council of Ten and within New Aldoria, seeking to establish for themselves a legacy to live on beyond their own lives. What these great works would entail has yet to be decided, as has the loyalty and willingness of Mardrun to assist them in their plans, though surely soon enough, ideas will begin to filter out into the public to drum up popular support for these movers and shakers.

One such campaign that has regained momentum following the talks of legacies is Marquess Madeline and her efforts to push through the Dirge Swamp. She has already commended those responsible for the information gained in August, and has held memorial services for those who did not return. Now she has renewed her push to return, this time in the winter. As the ground freezes, once muddy stretches should become firm ground over which carts and wagons can easily be pulled. The Mordok have been known to retreat from civilization during the colder months, and their lack of activity could lead to a safer voyage north. This will, of course, be an extensive undertaking, requiring a great deal of time and resources to pursue, and will likely not be a safe journey regardless of the conditions, as the winter will present an array of new issues to be overcome.

The first quarter political meetings took place at an estate in the colony of Newhope, as delegates and representatives from all over attended to discuss numerous details. Although talks of security contracts and trade took place, the matter of the civil war was much less of a topic to some of the Council. The colonies and their allies seem content in staying a bit removed from the civil war, which could be seen as a burden to the alliance made with their allies and hosts, Clan Nightriver, but unless the civil war pushes into Nightriver territory then some say the colonies are much less likely to get involved without a unified rally to do so.

A letter read during the recent Newhope Colony political dinner informed the colonies that the Lions of Arnath’s Fist would be leaving the Pass through the Wolf’s Hackles at the end of the month. The lack of supplies and support they received from their allies, in addition to their political support from within Newhope being pulled a matter of months ago led to the decision to return to Starkhaven to harvest food and supplies for the families. They encouraged the coalition to find someone to replace them in the Pass soon, before Grimward takes notice of their absence and overruns the Pass. Talk was made to send support, but it seems to be too little too late to keep the Order involved in the fight any longer.

Banditry has plateaued in the area around Daven’s Reach. Some speculate that this means the bandits in the town have left, while most assume it is because the bandits are settling in and getting comfortable in their new home, which has many nearby civilians concerned. Rumors that Baroness Catherine will be making a push to take the settlement back have emerged, although no troops have been moved as of yet, and it is speculated that she is seeking a contract without outside help to deal with her lost investment.

The colonies and settlements are abuzz with rumors of Baron Richards’ bid for control spreading like wildfire. Word of the other interactions among council members and faction leaders have trickled through as well, though none have struck such a chord as Richards’ proclamation. The city seems to have started dividing itself between the two main contenders for the position of Leader of Newhope: Baron Richards and Baroness Catherine. Arguments have emerged over what Catherine’s appearance at the dinner signifies, either a show of power or a sign of desperation. For now, that is up to speculation.

Clan Ironmound continues to be torn in their decision in the war. Clan Grimward has presented a much stronger case thus far, although their brutality when dealing with neutral clans in the past serves as a detriment to their case. With their hand being forced by the end of the month, Clan Ironmound hopes for assistance in making their decision, and possibly in dealing with the repercussions. Clan Nightriver has been sending representatives (and recently Clan Spiritclaw has as well) to discuss with their leaders, but without some sort of backing or a plan to support Ironmound, should they choose to oppose Grimward, they fear the answer is clear.

The blockade of Clan Stormjarl continues, hindering the movement of supplies and troops in the war. A handful of Viknar longships have taken to the sea in hopes to push through and break the blockade, opening up trade lines by sea again, but no real direct action against either side has yet to take place besides a few smaller skirmishes at sea. For the remainder of the winter, Clan Stormjarl seems to be waiting out the blockade for potential ally support in the Spring. Clan Squallborn has been strangely aloof to any kind of contact with the other Clans, but it is suspected that sailing that many ships in the winter must be a major drain to their supplies.

Clan Watchwolf begins to evacuate civilians from their border villages after much persuasion from neighboring clans and allies, but pressure from their own leadership and ambassadors urges them to stay and maintain their sacred charge. Their warriors, stalwart in defense of this purpose, are preparing for a bloody stand against the Grimward war machine. Clan Shattered Spear and Clan Nightriver have expressed concern about this situation and attempt to urge the Watchwolf Clan leaders to see reason and coordinate a mass exodus of its people to their Eastern settlement. Several Coalition units and allies traveling near their settlement report a dire situation, as food is running out and most of the settlement is being forced into war parties.

Mordok activity in numerous territories continue to be reported as rumors of still odd happenings going on in the Great Forest along with other sightings. A large group of mordok emerged from the Dirge recently and struck the nearby village of Onsallas before being repelled and disappearing into the swamp. This amount of aggression and coordination is uncommon for the dead of winter.

Numerous clans seem to be amidst an escalation in arming warriors, more training, and coordination of supply lines all across the continent. Clan Whiteoak and Clan Axhound seem poised to strike at each other come the spring thaw, and Clan Stormjarl has made their intent known to retaliate again against their Grimward conquerors and break the Clan Squallborn blockade separating them from their allies. Clan Nightriver has secured allies to defend their waters and control the Pass. Clan Grimward’s mobilization of a large army to be unleashed on the remaining Watchwolf defenders looms in the near future. With the spring comes the impending threat and promise of battle all across Mardrun.