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The continent of Mardrun is eerily quiet. What culminated into a brutal and bloody fight in Stormjarl territory over the winter has turned into a quiet break from the chaos. Spring and summer both have come and gone; warriors nervously watch the horizon for the next attack and farmers work their fields while looking over their shoulder for raiders who might attack them and their property. The defenses around the last remaining settlement of Clan Stormjarl held against the crashing tide of Clan Grimward invaders in the spring and then… nothing. Scouts and hunters report that Grimward forces remain in the conquered territory. Rumor has it that Grimward, without anyone to contest their control of most of Stormjarl’s territory, has isolated and conquered all the villages and remaining settlements. Looting of anything useful and even the capture of Stormjarl villagers seems likely. Clan Stormjarl is in no position to retaliate and take back their territory and instead has tried to recover from the fight, gather as many supplies as possible, and continue to expand on their defenses. The Yurnai River remains decimated; with all the bridges still destroyed Clan Stormjarl is effectively cut off from the rest of the continent unless they travel by sea.
The Watchwolves have sent word that the civil war in their territory has also been quiet… Grimward continues to wait just outside of Watchwolf territory after being beaten back by coalition forces. Just like to the south, Haygreth’s forces have been eerily quiet. The Watchwolf leaders believe he is preparing to renew his attack and if they press North into Watchwolf territory, it is feared that the settlement cannot hold out further. This western half of the clan spent the spring and summer licking their wounds and trying to recover from their stand against Grimward’s army and is not prepared to fight again. Rumors say that the Watchwolves may attempt to speak terms with Haygreth or that their involvement with the war may end soon… but nothing has been confirmed and the political representatives to the Clan have been quiet about the subject. Without additional allies, they will not be able to hold for long… isolated on the other side of the Hackles, the Watchwolf Clan has some hard decisions about their stance in regards to the war and how they will continue to be involved. The calm in the civil war has been a welcome respite for most of the clans and settlements… but after Haygreth’s conquest of Stormjarl being such a success, his thirst for power and his quest to be rid of the colonists is not likely to be ended anytime soon. Now the warriors stationed on the borders of their territories wait, day by day, for when and where they will see the invaders strike next.
Delegates from the Clans have sent several messages, and it seems like the political front is going well. Clan Squallborn continues to remain aloof along with Clan Riverhead. Clan Shattered Spear, impressed with the soldiers of Vandregon and the Rangers of Crow’s Landing helping them with their bandit problem, have pledged their support to Clan Nightriver. Clan Steinjotten and Clan Goldenfield have been assisting Nightriver and solidifying their alliance. Clan Spiritclaw remains neutral in the war as does Clan Ironmound, but rumors have said that Ironmound will most likely choose a side soon. It is speculated that the leaders of Clan Ironmound fear becoming the new frontline if the Watchwolves fall, and may choose to join Grimward in their cause to avoid Clan Stormjarl’s fate. Clan Axehound has boasted that they will join the Alliance as long as they have allies that will join them on their raid against Clan Whiteoak who continues to support Grimward’s war. Clan Nightriver continues to support its allies, maintain its borders, and attempts to absorb the immense burden of housing thousands of Stormjarl refugees. More solidified lines are being drawn across the Ulven clans on the continent.
Strange reports continue to float around and rumors of a large mordok force still moving in the great forests of Mardrun. Ulven hunting parties have vanished and a call has been sent out by Clan Whiteoak and Clan Riverhead to form a war part from nearby Clans to seek out this threat and destroy it. With all of the alliances being drawn by the Clans, this course of action may be difficult.
In the colonies, Prince Aylin continues to expand New Aldoria at an alarming rate. His apparent wealth and thriving colony is collecting people and new settlers all the time. The Colony of Newhope is taxed to the brink caring for all of the sick and wounded Stormjarl refugees. The poltical power struggle between the Council of Ten appears to be on hold for now, but rumors say that it will begin anew and major changes will be coming in the future. Nobles whisper in hushed towns at meetings and gatherings as to who they believe is dealing with whom and what the outcome may be.

The Coalition army has been able to clear the pass and has connected with Ironmound forces to form a northern front along the southern border of Clan Ironmound’s lands. Grimward forces have responded with increased aggression along the entirety of the line. What had in the past been sporadic attacks by individual units, have become have become more complex and coordinated with the goal of forcing gaps in the line which are quickly taken advantage of by forces held in reserve.
Although the last of the Coalition carts in the pass was able to escape the bandit force and deliver its supplies through the aid of nearby adventurers, the combined leadership on the northern front recognize that their local stockpiles will be insufficient to last until snowfall. The local leadership have called on any who are able to provide help in procuring, transporting, and protecting supplies for this front.

Two warpacks from Clan Whiteoak have covertly landed on Clan Nightriver’s shores with the help of Squalborn ships. These warpacks have already burned a small fishing village but did not kill the inhabitants. Farmers in the vicinity have been overheard planning an early harvest, stating that it is better to reap the crop before it’s time then to risk it being burnt in the field. As of yet, there has been no plan on how to deal with coastal attacks by Clan Nightriver’s enemies.

With all of the commotion elsewhere in their territory, a frightening occurrence goes mostly overlooked within the confines of Clan Nightriver’s lands. The remains of a third Squallborn ship made ground, this one a few miles west of Crow’s Landing, bearing no survivors and many scars from a fierce battle. Those who investigated the wreckage related vicious lacerations, infected wounds, and scorch marks on both of the corpses found lashed upside down to the wreckage.

Daughters of Gaia from Clan Riverhead have drawn the ire of the leadership of Clan Goldenfield, stirring the fears of many farmers in the area. The Daughters claim that the blight which impeded Goldenfield’s harvest last month was retribution from Gaia herself, seeking to punish her children who had strayed from her path. Ever the gracious and loving mother, she would not be as cruel as to outright kill her children, but by limiting their food supply, she would remind them of their place. The Clanleader of Goldenfield has reassured Branthur that he has no intention of removing his clan from the alliance, despite what their neighbor’s Daughters may claim.

Reports of lone Mordok sightings have started to trickle in from clans bordering The Great Forest. None of these reports would be of interest separately as Mordok are not uncommon in the area. All of these reports mention that without fail each of the individuals are headed north with some haste. Some reports note that the Mordok have failed to attack even the unarmed.

Hope surges within Clan Stormjarl as an entire village is freed from the yoke of Grimward occupation. A handful of hunters working behind enemy lines and allies that landed on the shore to assist them were able to defeat the guards keeping the village under control as a work camp and escort them to safety. These villagers and warriors were transported along the coast to safety in Stormjarl villages who are already crowded, but willing to shoulder the burden to see some of their own returned to them. News reaches the villagers less than a week after they make landfall that the Grimward solders they left alive decided to burn the village rather than be forced to stand guard over empty houses and fields.

Following the release of many documents detailing the true history of the Ulven people, a joint effort between Clans Nightriver and Spiritclaw has been formed, seeking any information regarding the Lorespeakers. Rewards have been offered by both clans for information leading to the discovery of these traitors, with substantially larger rewards for their capture, assuming they are kept alive. A number of smaller packs, namely among Shattered Spear, have taken matters into their own hands, branding and severing any Lorespeakers they come across.

In the fervor to press for a swift and decisive victory over Clan Grimward in the Pass, the colony of Newhope’s clerks seem to have overlooked their current inventories. Afraid of the repercussions of the war front losing supplies, the colony has put out a call to the smaller settlements in the area, asking them to dig deep and send whatever can be spared for the war effort as the colony will soon need to address the issue of its dwindling storehouses. As the civil war increases in intensity, the need to feed and supply troops in the field could be one of the most critical points of this conflict.

After April’s slowdown in the war, May has turned into a waiting game of helping refugees, reinforcing Stormjarl with supplies, and basically just a bit of breathing room as factions and clans focus on the upcoming summer growing season. Day to day life takes over again, but everyone keeps an eye on the horizon for what comes up next. Settlements see to their villages, colonies to their people, and trade and merchants continue to flow.

Reports from the frontline trickle in saying that Grimward continues to camp outside of the battle line between them and Stormjarl. The conquered settlements are ransacked entirely, giving Grimward riches, supplies, food, weapons, and shipbuilding materials.

More reports of Mordok activity in the great forest reach different clans, and a large tribe of Mordok moved towards Onsallas where a large skirmish broke out. Between the defenders of the village and some of their allies camped nearby, the attack is barely repelled. Dozens upon dozens of Mordok hit and run the combined forces and then disappear back into the swamp… their true purpose unknown.

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 Axehound 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.