Wiki Category: News & Rumors

The Continent of Mardrun is a buzz with activity this month, and some of that activity isn’t good news for its residents. 

The infamous Black Market Faire occurred once more and what came with it were some of the biggest movers and shakers of the underworld. Ranging from Pirate Captains, Bandit Lords, high ranking members of organized crime groups, and more. Within that night, it is rumored many deals and hands were shook and it seems that the bandit lords of the Pass and the former Clan Riverhead lands are even more solidified and organized than before. 

The City State of Newhope’s campaign to bring more settlements under their rule seems to be progressing forward with great results. Many settlements, even larger ones, are bending the knee and swearing oaths of fealty to the Council of Six. That being said, Daven’s Hold is also gathering many to their cause, many are Vandregonians and some merchant companies that once had close dealings with Governess Kathrine. It seems these two colonies are slowly becoming rivals.

In Aylin’s Reach, many are curious as to what the Prince has planned as he slowly and steadily expands his rule and solidifies his new colony. Trade Guilds, Libraries, Temples, and other buildings are slowly being built and rumors of a road that will be built to connect the more inland areas to allow for easier commerce. Out of all these however, is the odd single ship that has been sent north to navigate a course to some island. It seems the Prince has his eyes on even furthering his kingdom, but to why he would choose these small islands is anyone’s guess. 

Negotiations between the Clan’s of Whiteoak and Axehound continue at a slow but steady pace. The progress made by Pack Redwind has been  visible as many of the packs within the clans are now halting raids against one another. It is said that the talks have even had a significant decrease in brawls that break out. However there are still brawls that occur, but these brawls seem to be more tests of might and strength rather than one of hatred or bias.

The colonies of Daven’s Hold and Newhope are in full political motion as they work with emissaries to have banners sworn to their cause. Settlement after settlement slowly fall under a liege lord of one form or another as the political boundaries begin to form. While the City-State of Newhope has gathered a substantial quantity difference compared to the other, Daven’s Hold has had many high material producing settlements swear loyalty to it. 

Prince Aylin seems to have sent a few small ships up north of Whiteoak to do some scouting of the shoals and islands. Being considered an odd move at best, many speculate what mystery has caught the royal heir’s interest to spend such valuable resources. 

As June comes to a close, Clans Shattered Spear and Clan Whiteoak are coming even closer to an agreement on their alliance that would surround the Dirge Swamp. Many in both clans feel strongly that the talks will result in an alliance that will finally solidify the two northern clans as the defenders of Mardrun from the destructive forces of the Mordok that have finally been pushed back into the swamp.

Rumors of a possible treasure trove are on the lips of adventurers and fortune seekers. The rumor goes that there is a chest of gems, precious potions, rare books, and other items of value are hidden deep in the Great Wolf Hackles. Hopeful adventurers, young souls, and those looking to get rich quick flock to the mountains in hopes of finding the elusive bounty. 

The Mordok launch a major strike against the Shield on the Whiteoak side, there was even the sighting of one of the rumored Called. This attack was almost successful in breaking through the outpost and patrolling troops, but a warpack from Clan Axehound came in from nearby and flanked the enemy force. Before the Mordok could regroup and recover, the Axehound reinforcements utterly devastated the them, forcing a retreat back in the Dirge Swamp. 

Limping back into Starkhaven is six of remaining former Lion’s of the Fist, with three more on a cart in dire need of medical aid. Many are surprised to see that any of them survived, but those that did seem to have been what was left of the best the Fist had to offer. They limp through the streets with tattered armor and battered bodies as they assemble in front of the temple and await their judgement by the Order of the Light after they survived their ordeal and crusade against the void of the Dirge Swamp.

The land of Mardrun is finally getting sun and warmth after many months of snow and rain, and with that weather is an increase of activity all across her lands.

In the colonies, delegates and representatives leave in droves from the City-State of Newhope and Davan’s Hold. Their destinations are the many outlying settlements, and their mission to bring them together and solidify their colony’s respective lands. Many leave the Gates of Newhope and half as many leave the safety of the walls of Davan’s Hold in hopes of achieving this mission.

From New Aldoria the IDS Resilience sets sail and begins her service under Dutchess  Madeline d’Argent. A massive galley that can sport nearly 200 crew and plenty of room for transporting cargo or soldiers all over Mardrun. Many are very impressed and curious about what future plans await this wonderful ship and its crew.

To the North in Serai, we turn our attention again to the remnants of the Fist. A report from a Clan Shattered Spear outpost states that only five members came walking to them, with three others on a small wagon. Their armor and bodies were noted to have been in tatters and in ribbons, those alive barely able to stand. After they were fed and given medical treatment, it was discovered they were faced with a large and well trained mordok force. It seems those who are alive are only alive because they were able to just barely survive the onslaught of death and screams. They are now in the Clan Shattered Spear lands being treated and cared for maims, wounds, malnourishment, and trench foot.

Talks between the clans continue this month, nothing out of the ordinary except for an incident at a Clan Whiteoak and Axehound meeting. Two chieftains got into a fist fight over a past incident during the Ulven Civil War. Those there were able to break up the fight before it became too out of hand, and removed from the meeting sight. Both  parties then continued their discussions on the idea that Pack Redwind proposed last fall, both realizing the long road ahead of them if such an ideal is to come to be reality.

Banditry seems to be increasing further in the lands around Davan’s Hold and near the Pass. Many are curious how the Council of Six of the City-State of Newhope and the Council of Three in Davan’s Hold will respond as merchant guilds and companies are losing more and more money every day. Many are demanding a force be sent in to start removing and slaying the bandits in the area, and many are growing eager for the issue to be resolved sooner rather than later.

The past month, much and more has been discovered by the expeditions, however there are many happenings and gears in motion in the world.

To the North, along the Shield of Mardrun, the remnants of the former Order of the Fist continues their penance crusade. For months they have been spotted fighting Mordok with a religious fervor that even seems to scare some of their numerous foes. However, they have been noted to be working themselves to the bone, slowly wearing down in both body and mind. They were last seen taking back Serai from a small group of Mordok that stationed there.

It seems that the Ulven Clans are a bustle of activity, mostly in the political sense, after the reveal of the Ironward Alliance. It seems multiple clans are in the process of beginning to garner the same idea, Shattered Spear and Whiteoak, Nightriver and Goldenfield, Whiteoak and Axehound, and more. It seems the political stage of the Ulven will be the main focus for a couple more months to come.

However, there is one Clan that is in talks with nobody at the moment, Clan Squallborn.. The clan seems to be trying to handle the internal strife within its borders after the harsh winter nearly brought it to its knees. Rumor has it that its neighboring clans are eyeing up Squallborn for possible expansion.

Around the colonies, merchant and trade guilds are growing restless as the bandit issue continues to grow. Many have lost considerable amounts over the winter and spring months, and they are not seeing any action on resolving the issue. Lictor Mary cul Tricuspis has spoken and said that she will be focusing Newhope guards and forces into reinforcing the main roads in the City-State and warns Merchants that if they are planning to leave the area that they should hire well trained guards until Newhope can resolve the situation.

In Aylin’s Reach the people are becoming increasingly pleased with their expanding city and villages. The portside city is growing in size and count faster and faster as new shops and services appear. As of this past month an tavern, a labor guild, and a lictor courts have been erected. It seems that the Prince and his advisors are not slowing their pace either, for it is rumored that many more plans for the Reach lie in the works.

Spring is here, but it seems the icy grip of winter is extremely reluctant to release the world just yet. The citizens of Mardrun slowly are clawing their way out of their snow covered huts and retaking the world.

In the north, the remnants of the former Order of the Fist have been fighting hard and long along the Shield. Many among the patrols that make up the shield notice that these devoted warriors are camping in canvas tents, wearing thick furs and hides under and over their chain and plate. Day by day they wake up, don their gear, and fight off a group of mordok. Each time they become a little more injured, and a little more wounded, and a little thinner. When a small patrol from Nightriver approached and offered them some spare food, they gladly took only what was offered and fed it to those who needed it to most, down to those who needed it least. Many are curious if they will even survive this crusade, or as some ulven are calling it, a death march.

Word from Davin’s Hold is that a freshly formed unit of Vandregonian’s, and they are continuing their training into soldiers who can effectively use a shield wall. Some others within the unit are working on scouting, and others are working on becoming marksmen with bow and crossbow. Whatever their desire, this unit that is forming is quickly gaining form, and may be the start of a slow and return of the Vandregonian preasense on Mardrun.

The researcher’s in the Celestial Arragones’ library are all a blaze with more questions than they have answers for with the reveal of the Syndar cache. What did they exactly research and why on the ulven? Where did they go? What northern research site? These seem to be the main questions that continue to float around the library as scribes, scholars, researchers, and many others focus madly on finding out the answers.

Clan Stormjarl seems to have taken up defensive positions along its borders and coastlines. Many Jarl’s and Hersir’s are scrambling to get organized and prepare for a possible retaliation against them due to the many raids taken against their Northern Grimward foes. Other clan’s have voiced that Clan Stormjarl may be reaping what they sowed. Others are secretly hoping that they succeed and hold off or even get away with what they did. Only a few clans simply don’t care, rather focusing on their own problems.

In the Pass in the Great Wolf Hackles, a name is being whispered, some with reverience, others in fear. It seems the Dread Pirate Captain Morty has assembled small band of bandits and loyal followers and have built up a sizable amount of supplies over the winter’s raids. Slowly other bandit parties and bands are recognizing the infamous name and figure a the head of this new venture, some are even rumored to be offering alliances. However, to true number of supporters that Captain Morty has at his beck and call is unknown.

The world is frozen by the frigid air that has come off the north seas, even the Mordok in the north have slowed down significantly. Here is some of what was going on in the icy world.

Around the City State of Newhope, there has been a slowly growing issue of banditry along its roads. Even in the cold weather, these ne’er do wells have been sacking  caravan’s along their routes, robbing villages and even some of the supplies going towards the Shield of Mardrun. It seems that these raiders are only just starting, and don’t seem to have a desire to stop anytime soon either.

The Celestial Arragones seems to have revealed some exciting information at the last political dinner, and many are curious as to what may be uncovered. Research teams, theologists, historians, and many adventurers eagerly pack and prepare for the coming dangers and thrills ahead of them. Many are curious to what the purposed Syndar were doing here, others curious about the true nature and origin of the Dirge Swamp.

It seems the security around the mansion of Dominet Martingale has increased a small amount from it’s usual garrison. Many wonder if the partying and generous lord may have made an enemy during one of his lavish nights, or if a group of people are after him for something that he said. Whatever the case, many are curious as to why the sudden change.

Clan Ironmound and Clan Grimward have announced to Mardrun that they are forming a very surprising alliance, and dubbing it the Ironward Alliance. This alliance now gives them strict control over the flow of The Pass in the Great Wolf Hackles, the flow of quality armor and weapons, and military strength. This announcement though has stirred the other clans to begin talks of their own. Diplomats from Clan Shattered Spear and Clan Whiteoak were reported to be seen together at a tavern. Rumors of meetings between Clan Goldenfield and Clan Nightriver have been floating about the two long friendly clans.

At the Shield of Mardrun, the lines report very little activity, only small skirmishers or runners trying to sneak by, with the runners often ending up dead. The battles, if there are any, tend to be quick but never decisive enough for either side to claim victory. Those in their garrisons continue their vigil, some even making snow ulven to make it look as if they are standing guard along some of the outposts walkways and gates.

The war rages on in the North, and the world seems to freeze as winter’s grasp finally takes hold on Mardrun. However, much is going on despite the weather.

In the north the war has stopped progress and has opted to perform a tactical retreat back to the Shield of Mardrun. While some Clans, like Clan Grimward, Axehound, Shattered Spear, and Ironmound, wanted to push further, they were convinced to fall back to prevent over exhaustion and unneeded death of more warriors on a gamble.  With the Outposts now garrisoned with a sufficient force to drive back any possible waves of Mordok for the moment, the remaining forces return home to rest, or in some cases, protect themselves.

During the retreat back to the Shield, a very certain  Mordok Shaman appeared and gave chase to the forces helping defend the forces. It seems Clan Axehound’s proclamation of killing the Mordok Shaman that was within the Great Forest last year have been proven false as the creature caused extensive damage to the forces. Other clans are demanding an explanation to how this may have happened, but Clan Axehound has yet to make a statement about these sightings and attacks.

The City State of Newhope seems to be increasing it’s taxes on the people once again. While some are crying out that these taxes are actually hurting them, others are seeing the benefits of their infrastructure being better taken care of and increased guard patrols to handle the bandits. While the true motives of this tax increase are unknown, many are curious as to why and what it will do for them in the future.

The Lictor Mary cul Tricuspis seems to have been cracking down on corruption within the City Guard of Newhope. The reasoning behind this is unknown at this time, but guards have been imprisoned, fined, dismissed, and even executed for some of their crimes. The Watchman, head of the City Guard of Newhope, seems to be working side-by-side with the Lictor. Whatever the reason may be, the small folk are seeing the results of this cleansing and restructuring. Many are feeling safer due to the corrupt officials being punished for their crimes, however there are now reports of bandits and gangs taking up the places of where these guards once thrived.

It seems the world almost forgot about the infamous Captain Morty, for it seems to have been a long time since any news of his doings have come to the ears of Mardrun. Bandits and other roughians speak of his reappearance, and is searching for new members to join his crew. Some are convinced this is the reason why bandits have been so active this winter, trying to impress and make their mark. However, others believe these are different bandit gangs that are vying for power and prestige, but as to what ends is unknown.

This month Clan Stormjarl caused quite the uproar as they raided the lands of Clan Grimward. There was a public outcry from the members of Clan Grimward that the actions Clan Stormjarl are cowardly as they waited until all of Mardrun’s backs were turned to strike at their perceived foe. There are voices of support among the other clans for Clan Grimward stating that many have put their own issues aside to deal with the Mordok, the enemy of all Ulven. On the other hand there are voices crying in support of Clan Stormjarl saying that it is their honor and right to take the fight back to Grimward and free those bound into service. As for what consequences may come from these actions, only time will tell.

However, Clan Grimward isn’t the only area that has had trouble with raiders. Bandits over the past month have shown some strange tactics in hopes of nabbing supplies for the winter. Many communities and roads within the City States of Newhope are being plagued with these bandits. While some are used to this increase in the fall, many are taking note of their more frenzied and continued surge being abnormal when compared to previous years.

Syndar on Mardrun prepare for a holiday this winter solstice, and a rather interesting one at that.  Back on Faedrun, those in the Kingdom of Fawyth, would gather around their hearths and tell stories. This was to honor of the Goddess Lyara, deity of Stories and Madness. This holiday is said to have a practical reason as well, to ward off cabin fever in the deepest dark of the harsh winters.  While this winter has been mild thus far, many are still upholding the tradition and speaking of legends and myths from so long ago. Mayhap some new stories are being told this winter.

Work crews in Daven’s Hold rejoice at the completion of many buildings before the onset of winter. Storehouses, hold-fasts, better walls, and much more have been built over the past year. With this month coming to an end a grand temple and library have been completed by the request of Lady Al-Azarma. Within these walls, much of the colonist’s histories, cultures, and religions are stored, and even some of the late Lord Al-Azarma’s personal library is now accessible to those who wish to read.

The buildings are not the only thing sprouting from Governess Catherine’s city. More and more remnants of Vandregon flow to the city gates, slowly growing and populating the city. While there are only handfuls of people coming by the week, there was an instance of where what looked like the remains of a Vandregonian army, in rusted chain and plate, baring the tattered and battered flag of their former unit walking to the city. Rumors are spreading quickly that this could mean the return of the Vandregonian presence upon Mardrun, that the spirit of Vandregon still exists.

The continent of Mardrun is abuzz with activity, between the war, the colonies, and what happens in the shadows.

The war with the Mordok tends to take a sour turn this month. The Mordok forces seem to be showing an unforeseen cunning in their fighting tactics. With a few maneuvers they are able to push back the Ulven forces to a more defensible position. During that fallback the Ulven suffered a decent amount of losses in supplies, momentum, position, and in troops. However, with their feet now planted, they are hoping to push back and regain control of the war.

However, that isn’t the only fighting happening with the Ulven.  It seems a small group of Clan Stormjarl decided to launch a raid against Clan Grimward. Many of the other clans have shown great distress and condemning the actions of Clan Stormjarl for continuing the war. However, there a few who are sympathetic in understanding that they are “Fighting for their Honor.” The response from Clan Grimward is that of utter lividity of the whole act. The consequences for these acts have yet to be seen, but many are fearful of Clan Grimward going on the warpath once more.

While chaos continues to grow, reports of bandits in The Pass in the Great Wolf Hackles continue to grow. While it isn’t uncommon to hear of bandits going after merchants this time of year, it is uncommon for them to be as active as they are. Many are reporting of the bandits going as far as  killing without questions, some even speak of fear and worry in their eyes. As to the cause of these feelings, no one can guess, but there is something stirring up the bandits and it is starting to show. If this activity will continue to grow or eventually subside like it usually does, it is any persons guess.

While the war wages on to the north in the Dirge Swamp, the rest of Mardrun continues their daily lives and hussle of the fall harvests.  

In Starkhaven, a large group of heavily armored warriors march northwards towards the swamp and the front lines. Many of the faces are recognized to be former members of the Order of the Fist, which has been disbanded. Under new orders to go on a penance crusade, this crew of warriors march onwards towards the swamp, to either redemption or their deaths.

The Colony of Davin’s Hold has been expanding at an amazingly rapid pace! Walls have been improved, a holding is built, store houses are erected, a temple and library continue to be under construction. It seems the Governess Catherine is eager to expand as much as possible and become a rival of Newhope in scale and size. As it stands, some of the civilians view such construction projects too hasty and sudden, many others say otherwise.

Davin’s Hold isn’t just expanding in buildings, also in populace. It is now spoken that the colors of Vandergon can be seen flown on the banners of her lands. There is also words that speak of those whom were once of Vandergon making their way to Davin’s Hold, heeding her call to reform, and bring back what was once lost. While there are only a few, word seems to be spreading at an alarming speed.

Meanwhile, back in City state of Newhope, the power vacuum left by the departure of some of the former council has not been forgotten or uncontested for. One such noble, Celestial  Arragones, has been noted by many to be soaking up the contacts, support, and influence that has been left by Governess Catherine and her aides. As to how much power she has obtained, it cannot be truly guessed at but one could guess that it is more than a fair share of what there was left in the wake.

The war is quiet this month, as the nearly countless warriors move up to the wall to prepare. While there is little fighting at the moment, the forces dwell on regrets, loved ones, dreams and aspirations. The forces enjoy this small calm before the storm, for what lies before them is what hasn’t happened in their written history. A united force of ulven numbering over three-thousand fighting together against the mordok menace.