Wiki Category: News & Rumors

The cold grasp of winter wanes and the warmer winds of spring slowly blow on to Mardrun. With the winds come the stirring of activity of restlessness after a long cold winter.

Word travels from Clan Stormjarl as boats set off into the bitter cold seas for a month of hard fishing and hunting. However, a rumor of a specific small band of boats led by a Jarl Yisef Stormbrand is what is told in the longhouses and mead halls. The rumor is that the Jarl’s ship, the Crowbane, along with four other vessels sailed south to find rich waters to fish and whale. The members of the crew spread tales of finding a large area filled with kelp and fish almost jumping into the boats. However, after collecting their bounty from this secluded place, nature tried to keep it secret and not allow the sailors and fisherfolk to return to Mardrun. The storms that wracked the fleet were beyond anything the crews have faced. Many of the sailors blame the streaks of white in their hair from the stress of the swells and waves. Lightning was their only source of light for what seemed to be weeks. A rain as cold as ice pelted them and soaked them to their core. But during this entire ordeal, Jarl Stormbrand and his Crowbane led the way, and the crew of the Crowbane say that the Jarl was laughing and thoroughly enjoying the storm to the point that some began to question their leader’s sanity. However, he led them through and got back to the shores of Clan Stormjarl, and with the plentiful bounty they just barely secured on their month-long trek. 

To the north the unaffiliated Pack White Stag begins a ceremonial hunt for a white stag so that a new Pack Leader can be selected. Many potential candidates head into the woods to seek the honor and prestige of being able to lead the noble and ancient pack. However, only one is able to claim the glory of the kill, Celsti Whitestag. With the stag on her shoulder and bow in hand she approached the withering old Pack Leader upon the anther throne. After a brief ceremony the new Pack Leader was announced and a celebration was held at the success of the hunt, and many other hunts too. Members from other packs, including the honorable Pack Longfang, made appearances to pay homage to their neighbor and continued ally in the north.

 To the south in Newhope, terror strikes again as the mass murderer hits another small home out in the countryside. Guards were alerted to the small house due to a horrible smell coming from it due to the warming weather. When looking upon the inside were the butchered and frozen corpses of a family of three, thawing like the rest of the world was. A nearby cleric was able to estimate that they died sometime back at the height of winter. There was no message this time, but the method is still the same as well as the area and location. Many begin to wonder just how many have died like this, undiscovered and left to rot till someone eventually finds them.

On a lighter note, an orphanage has been opened up in Newhope, a project that has been headed by Duchess Mary Tri-cuspis. The orphanage immediately began to welcome young children without homes to help them find families of their own, as well as gain some mild education and pick up some trade skills from nearby trade workers if they are willing to take the government-funded apprenticeship. Many see this a very generous step and a way to help prevent theft and poverty in the citystate as a whole.

The month is bitter cold as it is every year, however activity with the cities and colonies can be easily noticed by many who live there and spread news.

The Political Gala thrown by the Citystate of Newhope is the talk of the town. Tales of fantastic foods, magical dances, gowns worth as much as a four-hundred silver, and possible political scandals flood the streets. Some of the biggest gossip is that Prince Aylin snubbed the higher ups of the gala by attending the commons feast for half of the event, which seemed to have greatly irked Grand Duke Baron Richards. Another juicy rumor is that of political scandal as a noble of the citystate was caught red handed in an affair during the gala. With the noble disgraced, and the onlookers thoroughly entertained, the night wrapped up with deals and secrets created and honored from the elite of the colonies.

Meanwhile to the north along the shield, rumors of another powerful mordok leader circulate among the outposts at the Shield. Many speak of the brutality of the attacks, and the often left mangled bodies left near the outposts in the night. The greener warriors seemed to be completely spooked by the situation while veteran warriors of the shield recognize the psychological attacks for what they are, and even the most hardened feel a cold chill down their spine as the screams echo in the night.

Along the western coast, Clan Grimward’s smaller but well known Pack Fieldcrow have left their home village to gather for an annual ritual to divine the future and fate of the leaders of the clan.   Each elder and runeseer gather in a single tent where incense is burned and herbs are ingested to help connect with the mana stream and to be closer to Gaia. Each Pack Leader and high ranking member that attends is given their fortune, but to be honest not many of the Pack Leaders seem to give this strange ritual much credence. When they leave, they are not allowed to share the info they are given for the wisdom they were granted was for their ears alone. By the time the week-long ritual is over, many of Clan Grimward’s ranking members have received their fortune, for better or for worse.

The frozen air blows through Mardurn and along with it a heavy snowfall that covers the land in a blanket of white. Some celebrate the new year, others wish and dream of warmer days.

Rumor spread from Clan Ironmound that are grim and frightful to hear around the hearth’s of taverns and longhouses across the land. Tales speak again of the abandoned and destroyed mining village of Ambervein. Tales that were once shared of the spiritual unrest in the mines seem to grow as new information flows in from a recent group of scouts who went to see if the land was still usable by the clan. When they entered the ruined village, it is said that the seasoned scouts felt as if they could feel as if something was clawing at the bottoms of their boots. Many thought it to be the loose rubble and ignored it, though a few took a long and scenic route around the outskirts of the village. When they stayed the night, they could hear screams and cries for help from the mine entrance. One of the bravest of them, a scout from Pack Stonefist, entered the mines to prove them craven. They waited till the dawn and finally the scout came back, his flesh clammy and covered in what looked like dozens of scrapes or claw marks. He couldn’t speak, he could barely move, but when he sat next to the fire and saw the shadows, he fled screaming back from where they came. To date no one has been able to get him to speak on what he saw.

Less disturbing by far is the tales of Clan Axehound and what some villages noticed as the days of the Great Wolf’s Hunt came near. The village of Timberpaw took note of a large number of travelers coming through their small and quiet settlement. They would always appear in the morning stay for a few nights, then disappear before the next sunrise. One day the Innkeep decided to follow one of these guests, and to her surprise watched as they lit a single lanturn and headed towards the pitch black trees of the Great Forest. When they got to the edge of the forest though, more lanterns appeared and seemt to gather and go deeper into the wood. One thing is for sure, there is a group in the Great Wolf’s Forest, and they are trying to keep what they are doing a secret.

Strange posters began appearing all across the populous areas of the City State of Newhope. Covered in illustrations of incredible and before unseen creatures these posters act as an advertisement for a new travelling show. “Alexei the Traveller’s World of the Unseen” claims that it will begin it’s travels after the thaw of spring and promises to show creatures and oddities that the people of Mardrun had never before seen. “Save your silver now! You won’t want to miss this once in a lifetime experience!”

From the lands of Aylin’s Reach, there is a tale of a fantastical masquerade ball that Prince Aylin threw to ring in the new year. It seems only the most elite and politically astute were invited to join this soiree for the amount of people that showed was rumored to be no more than forty according to one of the servants of the Prince’s estate. Fine music, Fire Isle wine, fine cheese, and other delicacies were present, and it was said to be one of the Prince’s finest parties in recent years. As the party ended and the lights dimmed in the estate, many outside the estate wondered what it would be like to dress in silk and fine cottons, eat foods fit for royalty, and taste wines of long forgotten lands.

While the snow and cold is mild so far this winter, many are preparing for what the winds may yet bring in the coming months. 

The month for Clan Nightriver and Clan Goldenfield is one of celebration as the joint project between them finally comes to an end, and not a moment too soon. A massive network of well made roads, trails, and a few major highways that interconnect between the two clans has reached completion. While some of the packs of both clans thought this task was perhaps overly ambitious, the results have already begun to speak for themselves. Small villages and hamlets now have easier access to trade routes, merchants can now move faster and more efficiently between desired areas, and are already growing in prosperity because of these roadways. Some other clans have looked at this move and can see the benefits of such infrastructure projects, some more traditionalist groups scoff at the idea of using colonist based improvements. 

In Davin’s Reach a six month long project to give the older areas of the settlement a much needed structural improvement has come to an end. While some families and even businesses had to leave their homes for a while, they came back to well built and structurally sound buildings that no longer leaked and allowed wind through the walls. Many grumbled at first, but after seeing the newly improved buildings with the now improved cobblestone streets they quickly stilled their tongues in awe at both the skill and generosity of the Council of Three of Davin’s Reach.

To the north along the Shield of Mardrun, Clan Shattered Spear finally finishes its work of improving the trails along the Shield. With these new, level, and cleared trails between the outposts, warriors are now able to more quickly respond to any Mordok in the area. Furthermore, the trails to the south and west have been cleared to allow supply caravans to come and go with much greater ease. With this, the western side of The Shield of Mardrun is now even more able and more secure in its defensive positioning. 

Not much further north and west, at the very edge of Clan Shattered Spear territory and barely behind the Shield of Mardrun is a new heavily fortified hillfort and small port built by Duchess Madeline d’Argent. While some Ulven question the decision to move this fortification so close to the swamp, they do see the benefit of having a port being able to bring both supplies and warriors from the south quickly and efficiently. It has been made clear that the port will be jointly run by both Clan Shattered Spear and the City State of Newhope, but the fort will be run by forces directly under the command of Duchess d’Argent, whom will aid the Shield of Mardrun against the Mordok and act as a base of operations for any future ventures into the Dirge.

The land begins to feel the cold fingers winter caress it, and the people hurry to finish stocking their grain stores. 

In the lands of some of the Ulven Clans there are whispers and rumors spreading among the people. The rumor goes that an Ulven is walking around and preaching a new rhetoric surrounding the Ulven afterlife. He spreads stories of death and seeing into the Maw of The Greatwolf. He tells of his initial fear and shock, but then an acceptance. Details seem to get fuzzy from there, but the end of his message seems to be that fear of being swallowed has been used as a way to control the Ulven people for many many generations. He seems to preach personal freedoms and acceptance of the gift of the Great Wolf when we die, regardless of which path it may be. Though many people call him crazy and a heretic, there are a small number who seem to be speaking well of this strange new speaker.

In the City State of Newhope the mass murderer strikes again, this time leaving a small family outside of Silver’s Crossing dead and disfigured. Authorities are working hard day and night to try and locate any clues to who this malicious individual is. Alas, the only clue found were the words painted on the inside of the door, “Such easy prey, their screams were so filled with life.” Many rural citizens of the Citystate are beginning to question just how much effort is being put  into catching this monster. However, the local nobility of the areas of where the attacks have occurred have oddly remained silent, only strengthening those concerns that are now on the lips of commoners. 

Members of Clan Shattered Spear whisper tales around hunting camps of a massive stag that roams the woodlands. It is said to stand as high as a fully grown man at the shoulder, its antlers heavy and bowed with as many as thirty points upon the both of them. One hunter tells a tale that the creature shook the very land beneath his feet as it ran, leaving small craters in the ground where it landed. Oddly enough though, nobody was able to slay this massive stag in order to prove the tale.

Clan Stormjarl is taking up an ancient tradition of hunting whales off the coast in these cold months. Many fisherfolk gathered up harpoons, rope, and warm clothes as they traveled into the deeper parts of the sea. While they were away scoring the grey watery wastes, those back on the shores waited anxiously for them to return. When they did return a week later, they were towing three massive behemoths between the ships. Even the newly joined packs from the Stormborn settlement joined in with this tradition, and with the help of the local packs, were able to haul in three medium sized whales and multiple large deep sea fish as well for the upcoming winter. Needless to say, many fisherfolk earned their salt and showed their skill to the clan those days, and even some of the newer packs felt a bit more welcomed than before.

With many across the lands are busy with harvests and enjoying the festivities provided by their quaint towns, the rumors fly and tales are shared at alarming rates.

More tales of an individual float from Davin’s Hold this month, and the theme is of courtly romance. It seems Lady Al-Azarma has been humoring the advances of the traveling minstrel that has been visiting her last month, and the visits have been noted to be frequent. One tale tells of the handsome individual visiting around eight different times in a single week, another tells of Lady Al-Azarma summoning the individual to her side for lunch, dinner, or even her time reading in the library. As for how true these rumors are, none can say, but it seems that courtly love is in the air. 

Stories drift down from the mountains, the stories are of a pack of branded Ulven that come down from the Great Wolf Hackles this time of year. It is said they prowled in the later nights of the month, stealing food, clothes, tools, and young adult Ulven. Many families awake to empty beds, claiming the branded packs from the mountains stole them in the night. While some Ulven wet nurses and parents may use this tale to keep their cubs in line. Those from Clan Shattered Spear take these tales to heart. Some even report of missing children throughout the month that disappeared during the night. 

In colonies to the south a logging competition takes place in the town of Silver’s Crossing. Many come from all over to watch many powerful lumberjacks, wood crafters, and merchants in the small yet ever growing town. What was of particular note was the tree climbing contest, where a young Syndar was able to out climb the seasoned veteran Ulven. While some claimed that the young Syndar cheated by “pushing” themself up the tree rather than climb it, it was never proved and deemed the young Syndar winner with a purse of fifteen silver. 

Tales of harvest festivals happening all over the continent fall on the ears of all. Tales of drinking contests in Balie Onair, pumpkin boat races in Crow’s Landing, scarecrow building in Key’s Crossing, scripture recitales in Starkhaven, fall fashion shows on the Phoenix Isle, fishing derbies in Stormjarl, archery tournaments in Onsallas, Fristad held a merry time in its taverns, and Lumalia had a lantern ceremony. However, some of the grandest harvest festivals were held outside of the gates of Newhope, skilled bards and swordsmen plied their trade for shows of comedy, foods of all sorts, and dancing for all. Needless to say, this month was a joyous one for all of Mardrun. 

The lands are ripe with the fruits of summer labors: Corn, beans, apples, and so many more are ready for the taking. The land erupts into motion in order to capture not only the food and other supplies, but at opportunity as well.

In the City State of Newhope, the sound of battle clang aloud in the fighting pits as warriors participated in a great tournament for fame, glory, lovers, and a fat purse overflowing with silver. Many warriors entered the arena, but few grabbed the attention of the crowds except for a notorious female Syndar named Veylena who fought with shortsword and axe. She quickly became the crowd’s favorite to upset the current sitting champion, Thennvik the Mad, a beast of a man that used two maces. The final battle was intense, with many spectators on the edge of their seats, but their faith in the newcomer was rewarded with Veylena standing above the broken and thoroughly beaten body of Thennvik. Many are curious of her origins, more so about what she will do with the exorbitant amount of silver she just earned.

In other gossip, it seems Lady Ala’zarma was seen being courted by a dashing young noble. Rumor has it that the dashing individual was seen handing a rose while reciting a sonnet to the Baroness in her gardens. While many didn’t see the spectacle, the gardener who did claim the noble to be almost half the Baroness’ age, and may have a slight reputation for drinking on the job.

Harvests are going beyond expectations across the land, many farmers are experiencing a large bumper crop of corn, potatoes, onions, and apples. Leading to many small festivals to thank Gaia and other deities for the extremely bountiful harvests throughout the land of Mardrun. With this bumper crop, many merchants are reporting a good economic uptick just in time before the pre-winter rush begins. One thing is for sure, winter will be easier on the folks of Mardrun this year.

In the lands of Clan Ironmound, many are beginning to breathe a sigh of relief as repairs and recovery of the lands affected by the earthquake this previous spring show signs of near completion. While there is still a little left to do before the harsh winter around the hackles sets in, the clan is more than confident it can finish what is left easily enough without the help from outside the clan. There have been many that have helped the clan in its time of distress and the distrust of colonists seems to have been lessened some by the actions of those who have aided them. As for the fate of the Lorespeaker Cache, that is a tale for another time.

Darker rumors start to flow from the Riverhead Lands, rumors of a dark alliance. Many are aware of the large amount of bandits in the area, but what isn’t as commonly known is who is keeping these thugs organized. These self named ‘Bandit Lords’ seemed to have had a meeting this past month. Nobody knows for certain what was spoken of or what deals occurred, but what is known is that the raids on other bandit groups seems to have died down considerably and are now working in a more organized manner.

With the heat waves rolling and receding throughout the month, most of Mardrun finds ways to cool off and relax before the busy months of harvest that are coming up quickly. However, some of the world has other plans in the works…

—

Clan Ironmound continues to rebuild after the devastation, and with the help from outside forces the process has expedited some. The prideful and usually prickly members of the Clan are starting to warm up to those who have come to help with the reconstruction, often ending the night drinking with the volunteers. While there is still extensive amounts of labor and work ahead, many within Clan Ironmound are starting to feel some hope after many months of desperation. 

—

In a Grimward outpost along The Shield of Mardrun a horrible accident befell a workman in the process of patching a section of an outpost wall that had been damaged by recent high winds. One of the legs of his scaffold gave way and he fell nearly 15 feet before landing on a jagged piece of his broken platform. The worker was quickly carried to a nearby surgeon, but by the time he arrived the wounds proved to be too great and he passed away. Not willing to accept this outcome the surgeon quickly set to work on the newly deceased body and through what can only be thought of as a miracle of medicine, she was able to bring him back from the otherworld..and bring him back from the otherworld she apparently did. The Ulven shot to his feet with a wild look in his eye, screaming at the top of his lungs. Slowly he came back to reality and told everyone around him what he’d seen. His words have spread far and wide.

“There I was, falling from a scaffold. Next thing I know I’m on my back and my vision is fading out and my lungs are filling with blood. I close my eyes. Then suddenly I feel totally fine. I open my eyes and I’m standing in a forest and off in the distance I see the hulking shadow of The Great Wolf as it stalks its way toward me. Naturally I freeze in place. Then I hear a voice, low and rumbling like a growl barely escaping the throat of the great beast, ‘I do not know you yet you intrude on my forest?’ the beast called to me, ‘Without a name, you are nothing to me. Nothing but a morsel.’ Then the Great Wolf turned and began bounding toward me, his maw open. I tell you the likes of it I have never seen. When he opened his mouth, by Gaia’s grace his mouth so large it could swallow ten warriors without thinking, I saw the stars inside. I saw the very cosmos itself, but at the center of it all, I saw something that scared me more than any of the rest of the experience. I saw nothingness; a void of pure emotionless, nothingness. I screamed…and then I was here.”

The laborer spread his story across the outpost to any who would listen to it and when he ran out of people to tell he packed his things, threw on a cloak and started walking south to continue to spread his word. “When he sees me next he’ll know my name!” he shouted back into the outpost as he left, “Hjalvar the Great Wolf’s Priest!”

—

In the City State of Newhope people enjoyed their time relaxing in the late summer days, children playing in the fields and streams, parents enjoying a bit of peace. In the manner of a single night, this peace was turned into chaos as the mass murderer struck again. A family of five were the targets it seems, their bodies all found in the barn, hanging by their legs upside down. The sight of the scene soon spread like wildfire, along with the words carved in each of the victims. “Did you miss me Newhope?”

—

Bandit activity in the Riverhead lands reaches an all time high this month. Caravan’s are now refusing to go any further north without significant martial support. While some packs from Clan Nightriver and Whiteoak do offer aid in this, more often than not are met with overwhelming amounts of bandits rushing the caravans. Many are pleading for higher up authority figures to do something about the situation, but many are conflicted on the proper way to handle this situation. 

The land begins to swelter and shimmer in the heat of the summer sun, but life on the lands of Mardrun continues on, even if a little begrudgingly.

To the south in the colony of Daven’s Hold, The Council of Three begin on a personal project to breathe some culture and refinement into their home by building many political buildings and public spaces. Many are excited for this direction The Council of Three have taken, and are more than happy to see more than the cobble stones and shop fronts that seem to be in every corner of the settlement. But some wonder aloud if their desire to go this way is due to the ever growing divide between Governess Catherine and Grand Duke Baron Richards.

In the Citystate of Newhope, the land is filled with the sounds of battle, roars of rage, cries of pain, and cheers. Duke Martingale of Westhaven’s Colosseum has finally completed and is open to the masses for only a few silver. Many peddle their wares of food and “good luck charms”, and as such find jobs within and around the colosseum. Hundreds of people, Colonists and Ulven alike, flood the stands to watch warriors fight one another either in one-on-one battles, group fights, or against powerful bears. Here is where even some of the prisoners who are to be executed are given a chance to earn their freedom, though seldom do. 

To the north, on a small hillock on the borders of Clan Whiteoak and Clan Axehound, a large crowd has gathered for a monumental occasion. A signing of a treaty between the two ever feuding clans, which both agreed upon. While some are wondering why it took so long for these two clans to finally come to this agreement, most understand that some tensions between the clans and their long seated rivalry have made it hard to break the distrust between them. Due to these issues many long meetings between the Clanleaders were needed, and many of them became heated. However, after a few shouting matches, four or five brawls, and almost drawn steel, the two Clanleaders came to an eventual agreement on the terms of the armistice and the rules. Many who have read the treaty were shocked to discover no loopholes and no way to manipulate the treaty to one side’s advantage, believing both made sure neither of them, or their successor’s, could weasel their way out of this honor binding treaty. When both pens signed the treaty, along with the seals of both Clanleaders, many cheered, however even more had doubts on what to expect from their neighbors actions here on out.

Summer is in full swing, the land is lively with farmers tending crops, herds of sheep are getting their first shearing for the summer, and many are out and about enjoying the mild summer for the month. 

In Clan Steinjottun packs are beginning their annual hawking tournaments, showing off both their skills at breeding and training of the birds so many depend on in Mardrun. While some trainers are showing exceptional skill there are a few that are standing above and beyond the rising stars. One of the favourites for getting to the final rounds is a young woman from Pack Bloodhawk who has shown exceptional skill at training more advanced commands to her partner in the tournament. 

Off in Clan Ironmound, repairs and recovery is slow but steady. Some villages are already returning to normal day-to-day routines while others are getting closer towards that goal. The production of arms and armor is also slowly returning to its former ability to meet the high demand for quality arms and armor. However, villages that don’t focus on production of some sort still are in dire need of attention and aid, and while they are receiving support from the clan, it will take more of an effort to help repair and return those villages back to normal.

In Newhope, life is busy at the merchant guilds as they trade and exchange goods at high prices within the city walls. Many smaller trading companies are making bags over bags of silver with the current demand for charcoal. Some others are cashing in on the higher demand for brocade and fine fabrics. Whatever the item is, it is apparent that there is a large economic boom going on in the City State, and no clear idea when it will end. 

In the Riverhead lands, small villages of humans and ulven have sprouted up. However, none of these small communities are tied to any major pack, clan, or city state, but are rather controlled by either wealthy merchants, bandit lords, or warlords. Thus turning the once ancestral home of Riverhead into lawless lands where every individual has to fend for themself. This of course is an outrage to Pack Riverhead, who were making plans to start resettling their ancestral homes. Some groups of Riverhead even started to lead  raids and fights against these new settlers. Which just adds more to the chaos in these now unforgiving lands in the middle of Mardrun’s northern clans. 

There is an odd rumor floating around this month, a rumor that seems to border on that of folktale and spans between Balie Onair and Starkhaven. This past month two individuals, one Human and one Ulven, travelled from tavern to tavern issuing drinking challenges to any who would dare. Those who have said to witness these challenges are baffled by the sheer amount of liquor the individuals would drink. Even more unbelievable is that these two individuals won against all challengers, except against themselves. Towards the end of every story, the two would challenge themselves to drink, shot per shot, bottles of Lunashine. They would then finish their bottles and then match off into the night cheering and laughing. Leaving those who said to have been there, baffled as to who they were and how they were even still alive.