Wiki Category: News & Rumors

With the coming of the harvests, the continent is moving in to a large amount of activity.

The colonies of Newhope are busy with a large amount of building and improving their slowly growing settlements. From walls, banks, and taverns, the colonies are becoming more fleshed out with the abundance of harvest this year. However, with the harvests, comes the bandits. It has been noted that the bandit activity for the colonies has also risen, but it doesn’t seem to be out of the ordinary when compared to previous years.

The Settlement of Aylin’s Reach seems to be oddly busy with a peculiar project. It seems that shipwrights and lumber mills in the area are working hard to try and create a large vessel that, has been rumored, to have been requisitioned by an extremely wealthy noble. As for the purpose or use this vessel may serve, it has yet to be seen.

Dominet Martingale seems to have thrown another party this month, and one to be remembered. The “Harvest Festival” that was hosted by the Martingale quickly turned in to a drunkard’s haven as nobles, merchants, and people of name came to this party. Many were invited, and many were let into the event, which led to overcapacity of the estate. It has been said that four casks of Phoenix Wine, two casks of Luna Shine, twelve casks of wine, and four kegs of fine whiskey was consumed in the course of the night, along with an almost endless amount of foods. The next morning there were people hanging in trees, passed out on the roads, and incapacitated in every room

The Ulven clans continue to push back the Mordok lines beyond that of the Shield of Mardrun. They are meeting only mild resistance at best during their fights. Many are concerned, while many are becoming optimistic with the war just right around the corner that their foes will continue to be as difficult as they were before. The majority of these thinkers are barely older than pups, while the more veteran warriors try their best to remind them that they are only facing the weakest of what the swamp has to offer.

It seems that persistence has finally paid off. Clan Axehound has agreed to meet with Clan Whiteoak to begin negotiations between the two, as led by Pack Redwind. Word quickly spreads outward from Axehound territory, however, that their leadership is unconvinced that Clan Whiteoak will bring anything to the table, much less honor any agreement made. Still, even though it was likely through the continued pressure from Pack Redwind and Clan Grimward, this could be the vital first step to a lasting peace between Clan Whiteoak and Clan Axehound.

Clan Squallborn continues to find itself treading water as they are unable to retake their best farmlands from New Aldoria and Stormjarl. Their people continue to ration carefully, and while this will certainly keep them away from starvation, it has bred a bitterness within them. They are raiders and warriors; Squallborn ships crave the sea as their blades crave the blood of Mordok. Unfortunately for their cravings, their current situation will allow them neither as they must focus first and foremost on their own survival.

Clan Axehound has claimed a great feat which, while unconfirmed, has been supported by the recent stillness of the Great Forest. A warpack led by Warleader Hoskul Axehound himself claims to have slain the Mordok shaman which had infested the Great Forest since the beginning of the year. Thus far, it had eluded capture and combat and while not a large-scale threat, the caster was more than an inconvenience to those who made their living near the tree line. Hopefully, they can rest a little easier now.

Grand Duke Richards emphatically declares his recent market faire to be a resounding success. The mood was high despite the dark times; drinks and silver flowed like the Yurnai River as merchants set up their tents and hawked their wares to the gathered crowds. Warriors from across Mardrun competed in honorable combat for prizes and the entertainment of the masses. Even Prince Aylin made an appearance so far from home, and without knowing any better, one might think that this was a time of peace, prosperity, and joy rather than the beginnings of a continent-wide war.

On a darker note, wisps of a rumor have floated around about a massive fight that broke out on the coast near the border of Clan Grimward. Apparently, the town guard had a revolt on their hands and was barely able to contain the situation before the army had to be called in. You’d think with something so major, you would have heard a bit more about it.

Pack Redwind, a clanless pack made up of former members of both Clans Axehound and Whiteoak, has been suing for peace between the two rivals for generations, though they have doubled their efforts with the Shield of Mardrun in the forefront of everyone’s mind. Their negotiations have been a string of misfortunes, however: their first negotiator was found dead in Whiteoak territory, and not through an accident or Mordok attack. Their letters have also been met with stubbornness and pride, each side willing to demand sacrifices from the other but neither willing to give anything in return. They have expressed, however, that they plan to continue in their push to unite the clans, or at the very least get them to agree to stop killing each other for a little while.

As trade in her settlement of Daven’s Hold increases, Governess Katherine renews her vigor in recruiting the men and women of Vandregon, or those who will uphold their ideals of virtue and strength, to join her in reforming the once great kingdom. Recruits have been seen venturing to the town, though it can be described as a trickle at best. Still, her heart seems unchanged and her dedication to this reformation has long been considered unshakable.

Pillars of smoke can be seen rising from Starkhaven for miles around. Tales of the siege eventually spread to every corner of Mardrun, telling of the negotiations, the maneuvering, and the battles that took place within those walls. Ultimately, though, they settle on the final outcome: a large portion of the keep burned to the ground before an agreement was reached. The Hand of Arnath was lost in the fire, as was the Council of Griffins. Leadership for the Order of the Fist was taken into custody, leading to an uncountable number of rumors about the exact details of what happened.

As focus shifts to the eastern front of the Shield of Mardrun, an outpost manned by Clan Whiteoak is lost to the Mordok. Unable to hold the territory against the constant churning of their enemy, the clan is forced to retreat, though one of their warpacks is able to regroup with their allies not long after. With Ulven, human, and Syndar steel glinting in the sun, a brutal fight ensues. As the dust settles, the Mordok either lay dead or have long since retreated. The outpost once again belongs to Clan Whiteoak and the Shield of Mardrun.

Bonfires rage next to funeral pyres as the Shield of Mardrun continues to meet with success on the western front. Clan Shattered Spear, with Pack Dawnrock at the vanguard, continue to steadily take territory from the Mordok as their allies push construction of outposts along the way. To the east, however, Clan Whiteoak continues to struggle to keep pace. Distracted by their ancient rivals to the south, the leadership of Clan Whiteoak has begun to call in favors from other clans, pleading with them to put an end to Axehound aggression. Most clans are slow to action on this request, seeing the issue as one outside their jurisdiction if they could even spare the resources to help. Most of Whiteoak’s support has come from letters bearing the names of Branthur Nightriver and Haygreth Grimward, each strongly wording their displeasure with Axehound.

Prince Aylin has announced recently that he has contracted several of the finest shipwrights in Aylin’s Reach to begin construction on a new vessel, to be named the I.A.S. Horizon. Though he has been accused of doing so simply for publicity’s sake, the Prince has claimed that this ship will be faster and better equipped to handle the waters in and around Mardrun than any vessel, human or ulven.

Newhope has seen a recent uptick in security. Guards at the main gate have nearly doubled, and patrols of Watch members can be felt around every other corner. Duchess Mary cul-Tricuspis has personally taken to overseeing the training of the new guards, while Duchess Madeline d’Argent has declared a number of recruitment drives seeking armed warriors to serve as escorts and security to merchant caravans. Is this a response to the Shield of Mardrun, or to some threat as of yet undisclosed by the leadership?

Early in the month, the forces recalled by the Order of Arnath’s Fist moved quickly to secure the keep from the inside out, denouncing the corruption inherent in the Order of the Light. They isolated the Hand of Arnath from the rest of the settlement and implemented a form of martial law. In response, the Order of the Light has accused the Order of the Fist of performing a coup of Starkhaven and have moved to cut off supplies, effectively besieging their brothers and sisters within their homes.

Whispers of a coming conflict facing the Order of Arnath have emerged as troops seem to be retreating within the sturdy walls of Starkhaven. Fist Lions and militia stationed in Serai have made preparations to return home, and it seems the Light has been caught by surprise by these actions. Maybe there was just a miscommunication?

To the north, Clan Ironmound has been hard at work supplying the materials necessary to construct a string of military outposts along the Shield of Mardrun. Through this grueling effort, hammers rang and forges flared; songs to the Great Wolf were raised, yet their spirits grew as tired as their limbs. Many smiths of Ironmound are armorsmiths or weaponsmiths eager to forge tools of war for their brothers and sisters. They have found a great honor in forging tools for the outposts to be sure, but their passionate fires have not been stoked as of late. They have seen the light at the end of the tunnel, however, as the orders for the outposts have been filled slowly but surely. Soon, they can tell themselves, we can return to crafting blades, shields, and mail!

In reference to her recent departure from Newhope’s ruling council, Governess Katherine has officially renamed the settlement of Daven’s Reach to Daven’s Hold. She has also taken to improving the infrastructure and economy of the settlement, taking a far more involved route than she had previously. Her most recent efforts have been to establish exports from the town, while Baron Montesque helps to administer agricultural reform. Lady Al-Azarma, while still removed from any position of official power, has been called upon to advise the Governess in matters of culture, magic, and education. Time will tell how effective these new initiatives prove to be.

Following the news of the fracturing of the Council of Ten, much of the work in the city-state has slowed. Politicians swarm like vultures to help fill the power vacuum left by Governess Katherine, Lady Al-Azarma, and Baron Montesque, hoping to pick the bones clean after their employers have had their fill. Grand Duke Richards seems to be doing his part to keep the city-state running, taking a more hands-on approach with policies and showing his face more frequently to keep the populace satisfied and relaxed. Celestial Arragonnes has also been more of a public figure, as many speculate that she may be best suited for the position vacated by Katherine.

The Shield of Mardrun has been established and the initial pushes into the Swamp to combat the Mordok have begun: Clan Shattered Spear, bolstered not only by their recent absorption of Clan Riverhead, but also by reinforcements from Clan Grimward, has led the charge. Their assaults have caught the Mordok off guard and have proven surprisingly effective. To the east, however, Clan Whiteoak has struggled to keep pace with their neighbor. Harassed by Clan Axehound to the south, they have been unable to devote the necessary troops to the Shield of Mardrun. To make matters worse, Clan Stormjarl has refused to lend their substantial martial might to any front where it might directly benefit Clan Grimward. It seems that the wounds inflicted during the civil war have not yet healed.

Clan Squallborn, still reeling from the harsh winter and the loss of much of their farmland, has been able to cling to hope on the back of wagons sent from Clan Whiteoak and from around Mardrun, keeping their demoralized civilians fed throughout the season. As the snow melts, they have also set about establishing new farms. This effort has put them back in a stable position moving forward. Times may be tough, but they will be manageable with proper planning and rationing.

As political representatives descended upon Semya Haven in Clan Ironmound territory, the eyes of Mardrun fell with them: the world looked to the attendees, the attendees looked to Clan Ironmound, and Clan Ironmound looked to the Wardens who had been chosen to host the meeting. The consensus was that taking the fight to the Mordok would be best, a charge led by Clans Nightriver and Grimward. Others held out hope for a more cautious approach or focusing inward instead of kicking the metaphorical hornet’s nest, but their voices were nearly drowned by the vocal support for war. More information on this event can be found here.

Newhope was shaken by the news of the sudden demise of Duke Al-Azarma. Well-respected among his peers and well-liked among his subjects, it was truly a tragedy that fell heavily on the hearts of colonists across Mardrun; none more so than the heart of his beloved wife, Duchess Al-Azarma. Racked by grief and utterly inconsolable, she began to withdraw from her duties to the city, which did not go unnoticed by her colleagues on the Council. As if on cue, Duchess Katherine’s long and storied feud with Grand Duke Richards came to an apparent head, with the former officially announcing her retirement from the Council. Granted her old station of Baroness and governing authority over the town of Daven’s Reach, Katherine cited “irreconcilable differences” between the Grand Duke and herself as her reason for leaving. Duchess Al-Azarma, surprising few, departed Newhope to follow Baroness Katherine in the hopes of finding a quieter life alone. Duke Montesque de la Aleine, surprising many, also chose to leave Newhope, claiming his “hands grew soft from years of desk work”. Within the span of a few weeks, the mighty Council of Ten was now the Council of Six.

Clans Whiteoak and Shattered Spear have formed a solid wall of warpacks to the north, bolstered by their allies to the south. These warpacks have begun patrolling the border of the Dirge Swamp in the hopes of cutting off reinforcements from the few stragglers to the south. Others have pushed into the Great Forest, harvesting what lumber and stone they can in preparation for the constructions to come. Clan Spiritclaw has continued to work day and night to expel the corruption from Ulven lands. Though their Daughters are powerful, there always seems to be another site to cleanse or one more step to take. They have recruited help from Starkhaven, though once the war in the swamp begins in full, their efforts will likely need to be redirected.

Reports from the Great Forest have been…disappointing to many Warleaders and chieftains among the Ulven. Skirmish raids have been taking place against settlements lining the Great Forest from a small but skilled group of Mordok supposedly led by a powerful shaman. A fast-acting corruption has been noted in a number of victims, and though casualties have been minimal, the target of the raids seems to be supplies. Local Daughters have been able to combat this corruption in most cases and have kept warriors alive, but they will be unable to devote their full effort to the war with such a danger lurking just beyond the tree line.

Coming as little surprise to anyone across Mardrun, the talk of taverns far and wide is the recent Grand Moot help in Clan Ironmound’s territory. There were a number of rumors regarding the events, often contradictory: Some say fights broke out that left at least one representative dead, others claim that the discussions were quick and peaceful. Speaking to those in attendance and weeding through bad information, however, paints a more complete picture. Tensions flared during the meeting as rivals and enemies shared the same ground, and as individuals pled their cases before any who would listen. At the end of the day, a compromise was reached; Warpacks would scour the Great Forest and push out the majority of the remaining Mordok during the winter months. Then during the spring thaw, smaller settlements would send aid to the border of the swamp to build defenses while the larger clans began an assault on the Mordok in hopes of putting them on the defensive. While many of those in attendance felt the move was too aggressive and others felt it was not decisive enough, it was the plan that was inevitably chosen, and has dictated the direction of Mardrun for the coming months.

In addition to the announcement of the Mordok Hunt beginning in January, another declaration took many by surprise. Clan Riverhead has been officially disbanded due to the recent string of losses and tragedy which has befallen their people. Those who remain have consolidated themselves into the newly reformed Pack Riverhead, which has taken up the offer for protection and vengeance offered by Clan Shattered Spear.

Swords are sharpened and armor is polished as warriors prepare for the coming war, though they are not alone in their work. With the cure for the Creeping Corruption confirmed and dispersed, coordinated cleansing efforts have begun across the continent. It will likely be several months before all of the corrupted are cured, though this glimmer of hope has been enough to stave off death for many of the afflicted and to lessen the burden on those settlements housing them.