Wiki Category: News & Rumors

With Clan Ironmound’s Grand Moot drawing ever closer, the thoughts and loyalties of each clan begins to come forth. Some, such as Axehound and Grimward, have urged others to push for a direct assault on the swamp, arguing that it is the only way to strike back at the Mordok and force them off balance. Others, such as Spiritclaw and Stormjarl assert that doing so would be at best a waste of resources, and at worst suicidal. They have instead argued for a more defensive route, clearing out the traditionally Ulven lands of the Mordok and constructing defenses to keep them from venturing south so they can build an army to one day take the fight to the swamp. Massive changes are coming one way or another; one can only hope that the equally massive personalities debating their merits will come to a resolution quickly and peacefully.

Credible sources across the land have been speaking of a cure for the corruption, confirmed in the field both on a corrupted person, and on the land itself. Many of these sources point to human settlements as the origin of such a cure, though some have named Clan Spiritclaw or other, smaller packs in the discovery. To many of the corrupted, the credit does not matter; all they hope to find out is where to go to be cured.

Following the siege of Daven’s Reach several months ago, Duchess Katherine has made a public effort to reinvigorate the settlement through the new Baron Percival von Borscht. Though momentum was slow to build, as were many of the damaged buildings, Daven’s Reach has begun to hum with commerce once again. The continual improvement and patrolling of the Grand Highway has led to a substantial increase in foot traffic there, though new taxes from Newhope have kept spirits from rising too high. Most of the settlement is content to live in peace with little threat of banditry from their leadership, although some pine for the days before the Siege, where life was dangerous but the profits were high. Time will tell if these attitudes can be tempered, though at least one noble certainly hopes they can.

OCTOBER NEWS AND RUMORS

Under constant pressure from the Mordok to the north, Clan Ironmound finally makes their big announcement: In the coming months, a Grand Moot will be called and held. Though the date and location are yet to be determined, clanleaders from every Ulven clan is expected to make an appearance. Notable dignitaries of colonist settlements will also be asked to attend, though their presence will be downplayed in relation to their Ulven counterparts. The stated goal is to determine the course of action of all of Mardrun, to set forth a path that will lead to the destruction of the Mordok and the salvation of the Ulven race and that of their colonist guests.

Warleader Brynjar Riverhead continues his fight against a resilient fever that has rendered him unable to fight or lead his warriors on the battlefield against the Mordok, forcing them to continue their march further and further away from their homeland. With Clanleader Hakon Riverhead slain in the fighting, leadership of the clan has fallen to High Priestess Lyrri Riverhead until a successor can be chosen. The High Priestess’s judgement has been called into question by a number of vocal chieftains, however, accusing her of anything from cowardice to collusion with the Mordok to see herself installed as the acting Clanleader. While she maintains that these claims are baseless, her judgement seems to have been clouded as of recently, with her choices straying further and further from reality and into a nightmare of paranoia. Many of those most vocal against the High Priestess have put forth her former apprentice, Camilla Birchborne, as a replacement.

The situation near the Spire has deescalated greatly following the stand-off that nearly came to a head at the end of the month. With this distraction removed, the allied forces and the colonist settlements have been able to refocus their resources on the still growing corruption that plagues not only the people of Mardrun, but the land herself. Though a cure has been developed and initial tests have been promising, a proper demonstration in the field has yet to be performed. In a bittersweet realization, such an opportunity may come sooner rather than later, as reports of several new corruption sites springing up across the continent have taxed the sleep of many residents of Mardrun. Mainly far to the north, most of these sites reported thus far have come from Shattered Spear territory, though word of similar happenings in Whiteoak lands and as far south as Clan Goldenfield has been noted.

Numbers within Clan Shattered Spear territory have swelled as the bulk of Riverhead’s remaining refugees have fled there, putting a large strain on their supplies. These ulven are driven, however, eager to strike back against the Mordok that drove them from their homes, and Shattered Spear’s front lines towards the swamp have been thoroughly reinforced by fresh troops. The migration was bittersweet, however: during their retreat, Warleader Brynjar Riverhead was injured and pulled from the fighting. Noticing the morale of his warriors waning, Clanleader Hakon Riverhead took up his spear and shield and joined the fray himself. Though he fought bravely and bought time for his clan to escape, Hakon was struck down in the battle, his body unable to be recovered. Homeless and now leaderless, the clan is looking to High Priestess Lyrri Riverhead and the recovering Warleader Brynjar to take the reins of the clan until a new Clanleader can be decided.

Stirrings in Clan Ironmound seem to hint at a decision to be made soon, and the tone of these whispers implies that it could change the face of Mardrun altogether. Though their leadership has remained tight-lipped about the situation, they have stated they will make their announcement in the coming month, and will expect a response from each clan.

Mordok continue to press even as they are driven out of the Great Wolf’s Hackles, focusing instead on Clans Shattered Spear, Whiteoak, and Squallborn. While Shattered Spear and Whiteoak have the numbers and resources available to defend themselves, Squallborn is facing an uphill battle. With the bulk of their good farmlands taken by Aylin’s Reach and the Stormborn settlements to their south, hungry Squallborn warriors have taken to raiding these territories when they are not fighting against the Mordok. The slowly swelling population of Aylin’s Reach has been able to focus on their own defenses, building sturdier walls and manning more patrols, though it seems the Stormjarl priorities are elsewhere for now.

Clan Watchwolf has issued an official proclamation, one which many understood was coming, though few expected so soon: Clan Watchwolf would be no more. The Watchwolves of Luna to the west, impressed by their treatment at the hands of Clan Grimward, has opted to officially join the clan. Feeling that they have failed in their sacred charge by allowing the humans and Syndar to remain on Mardrun uncontested, they have chosen to rename themselves as Pack Fairtongue, in honor of the diplomats they produced early in the war and the countless lives saved by their efforts. Across the continent, the Watchwolves of Sol have joined Clan Nightriver, keeping their ancestral name. They have spoken at length that they do not believe the colonists are the danger they have been watching for, and seek to continue their charge. However, without their western kin to aid them, they sought the resources and numbers of Clan Nightriver for their own protection.

As the weather begins to cool, movement is seen across the continent, though it is not the Mordok, nor warpacks on their way to do battle against the beasts. This massive march is headed towards the center of the continent within the Great Wolf’s Hackles, and is made by units flying the colors of many smaller groups and factions from across Mardrun. Their common destination quickly becomes clear as their intentions are spouted to those who will listen: they claim to march on the Spire to bring the wanted man Vazra to justice. Many major players across the continent are sitting back and watching the events play out, reluctant to throw their lot and resources in with one side or another for a variety of reasons. Though many details are yet unclear, one thing is known; this show of force will change the course of Mardrun, one way or another.

Much to the ire of Clan Nightriver, Haygreth Grimward has once again pressed his luck by moving a substantial number of warriors into the Great Wolf’s Hackles, defying the treaty he had signed two winters prior. Grimward warriors were met with grudging tolerance by colonists and their supporters, with tensions kept subdued seemingly only due to the mutual enemy the groups shared in the Mordok. The combined efforts were able to strike a number of decisive blows against the creatures, however, forcing Branthur to acknowledge the role Grimward played in retaking the mountains.

Rumors have begun to spread of progress on the cure for the creeping corruption, though little has been confirmed at this point. A whisper here, a guess there is all it has taken to spread like wildfire in hushed tones. Those largely unaffected by the corruption have expressed their relief that such suffering will surely be brought to an end soon enough. The reaction among the corrupted and their families, however, is a little more divisive. While many are eager to be cleansed and are optimistic for the news, others grumble about the lack of transparency among the powers working to develop the cure. They want answers, and they want them yesterday.

Refugees from Clan Riverhead continue to search for new homes while their lands remain in the hands of the Mordok. Some have taken to Grimward and Shattered Spear, eager to strike back against the invaders. Others have settled in Nightriver or Stormjarl lands, hoping to blend in and regain some semblance of a normal life. Still others have taken up hammers and plows with Clans Ironmound and Goldenfield: they may not be warriors, but they can still provide the tools of war needed to win.

Clan Goldenfield has made clear their intention to work tirelessly to harvest food for the coming months. Between the movement of displaced refugees, constant battles against the Mordok, and fear of a cold winter, they hope to stand ready to provide for the needs of Mardrun. They are requesting assistance in the form of military or economic units to protect and distribute the harvests. They are also willing to pay laborers who agree to work their fields in the effort of yielding the greatest harvest recent history has seen.

New Aldoria has been the talk of the town for several months now, their actions deemed good or bad depending on your source. Soldiers wearing the blue and green of New Aldoria’s army were recently seen eradicating the settlement of New Oarsmeet, despite calls for aid from the residents therein. A large number of refugees have flooded the city, although they seem to be well stocked and prepared for winter, even in the face of this drastic population increase. Prince Aylin, as always, remains calm and collected in his public outings, appearing as confident and calculating to his supporters, while those who dislike him see him as aloof and pompous in his dealings with the populace. Whether this confidence stems from his recent actions or those to come is impossible to say.

The colony of Newhope, at least on the surface, seems to be less prepared for the refugees they have taken in. Food, while available, is short in many less affluent sections of the city. Dominet Martingale, a sitting member on the Council of Ten, drew the ire of many citizens during his annual celebration of the new year, a party oozing with opulence and seen by many as a waste of resources, though far from out of character with his past actions. Questions about the colony’s safety have arisen as the guard has noted a small increase in violent crimes, including the murder of a well known shipwright employed to help construct a navy for the city. Though details are limited regarding the crime, rumors abound, and have interfered with the local investigation.

Clan Watchwolf once again pleads for aid from their allies, hoping to prepare for another push from Grimward in the spring. The letters remind the coalition of their long relationship with the Watchwolves, and mention a lack of supplies from the Eastern settlement which were supposed to arrive earlier this month. Reports say that Clan Grimward has moved a large amount of food and supplies to their northern villages and that a large number of warriors are currently waiting out the winter in those same villages. While scared reports of hunters and farmers overestimate it to being thousands of warriors, realistic numbers put them possibly at being several hundred strong.
The clan knows that, should Grimward push before the Watchwolves are reinforced, they will almost surely be devastated in the battle. Concern from the Clan Nightriver war pack currently stationed in Watchwolf territory is that they are running out of food and that they currently show no intention of abandoning their settlement due to their intense pride in maintaining the clan’s sacred spiritual charge.

Hawks arrive to all of the Clans and the human settlement; Laifnar Icefury has been named the new Clanleader of Clan Shattered Spear. With his title comes a more progressive look at the future, solidifying Clan Shattered Spear’s alliance with Clan Nightriver and the Coalition.

The warriors of Stormjarl, after a successful initial push, were unable to make any more significant progress into Grimward territory due to a lack of supplies and reinforcements. They continue to offer payment in exchange for warriors willing to assist them or even defend their homes. The few letters that have gotten through also request aid in the form of reopening supply lines, either by land or by sea, as Grimward controls many of the roads leading into Stormjarl territory, and the Squallborn blockade, while not completely effective as Stormjarl ships respond aggressively, has slowed the supply of food and troops by sea to a trickle. Their plan to push back against Grimward to give themselves a buffer zone to defend should their enemy press them again was not as successful as they had hoped, and a solid effort by Grimward will seriously endanger the lives of many Stormjarl citizens. Continued fortification of settlement defenses continues, but slows down with the onset of winter.

A letter arrives to many key figures among the colonists and their supporters: Clan Ironmound finds itself in a position akin to Stormjarl’s last year. Clan Grimward is on their doorstep, demanding they choose a side in the war. After witnessing the near destruction of the much larger Clan Stormjarl, the Ironmound letter explains that the clan, while they would prefer to remain neutral, will do what it must to ensure the survival of its people. This will likely mean siding with Clan Grimward unless they receive sufficient help to defend their homeland.

Clan Nightriver focuses on their borders and settling in for the winter, but has been attempting to negotiate with the Colonists for plans in the spring. The Warleader has been training troops and the Stormjarl refugees given homes in numerous villages and settlements, but it is obvious that Grimward’s conquest will begin again in the spring. Nightriver says they have sent some representatives to Clan Ironmound, but a hawk was sent back after they found out Clan Grimward reps were there as well. No violence has erupted, but it seems both sides are attempting to sway Ironmound… with Grimward definitely in the lead.

The eastern conflict between Whiteoak and Axehound has seemed to slow down considerably with the onset of winter. Axehound, rich from spoils raided from numerous villages and now the conqueror of one of the southern settlements, has funneled these supplies back to Axehound territory. Clan Whiteoak warriors seem to have returned home from the larger conflict out west, which could mean they intend to retaliate heavily against their hated neighbor. Nearby, the other Clans such as Steinjottun and Goldenfield, prepare for winter after sending their aid and supplies to the war effort earlier in the fall.

Rumors spread about the Mordok presence in the Great Forest being much worse than initially feared, as survivors of Mordok attacks return to their settlements. Some allied Ulven from several packs return home, saying that the Mordok were led by a group of humans. Although this is cast aside as nonsense, this does follow a number of reports of the colonists meddling with the Mordok and their corruption in the Dirge Swamp. If more information regarding this reached the neutral Clans, proof of the colonists becoming involved in and even joining the side of the Mordok could sway heavily on the decision to join Clan Nightriver and the colonists.

Talk of the peace treaty signed this month is on the lips of nearly everyone on Mardrun, some praising it for bringing an end to the war, others arguing that it will simply lead to additional conflicts. Both are correct, in a sense: While the treaty did bring about peace between Clans Nightriver and Grimward and will result in the termination of additional combat between the two largest armies, already Clans Stormjarl and Squallborn have voiced their anger with the treaty. Feeling left out and betrayed by those they once considered allies, Clan Stormjarl specifically has announced that they will not sign this treaty if it remains as it is currently written. They have once again put out the call for allies to stand with them, to help them reclaim their lands stolen by Clan Grimward despite the treaty. A cry of outrage from numerous diplomats and representatives has been voiced as well as the legitimacy of such a meeting to finalize a treaty and who actually had authority to speak on behalf of whom is still lacking definitive detail, and threats of increased diplomatic presence by various groups seems to be on the horizon. Whether this agreement and the document written will continue to deescalate the ulven civil war or plunge some Clans further into conflict is still unknown.

Still, there is much cause for celebration as the Grimward war machine has ground to a halt due to the valiant actions of Clan Nightriver and the Coalition. As an honor debt for this massive conflict is agreed upon and paid in both materials and honor bound working hands, reparations will be arriving soon to be distributed as Branthur sees fit. Cases could be made for some of the smaller settlements to earn a piece of that deal, though the final decision lies with the Clanleader alone. Rumors are already stirring that the smaller Clans will be vying for material wealth for their contributions to the civil war. Pressure on Clan Nightriver from numerous angles will most likely force Branthur’s hand into being overly generous with payments of restitution to his allies but only time will tell.

The human colonies have generally been very receptive to this new treaty, eager for the chance to build, trade, and expand without the threat of Grimward aggression. Plans are already in motion for the construction of additional outposts and trade roads, and modest celebrations have been held in a number of venues to rejoice at the end to more major bloodshed. Some are wary of the repercussions such a treaty will undoubtedly carry and take Stormjarl’s threats of rebellion against the treaty very seriously, but for the most part, the mood is jovial and light. News continues to spread about a potential large scale contract with New Aldoria beginning in the spring, but the details of the contract still remain a mystery.

For the past several months, many have noted and reported the suspicious movements of the Mordok, many of which had been heading north with alarming focus. This month, however, the news turned more ominous: no movement had been mentioned at all. Optimists are hopeful that it is simply because of the winter and possible coming storms. Others are less than convinced, believing it to be a sign that the Mordok are themselves the coming storm. For now, though, only time will tell what the creatures will bring with them, if and when they return.

As political turmoil begins to swell on Mardrun in place of bloody combat, citizens and leaders alike are looking for any way to keep spirits high and dissention low. This month may well prove to be just what is needed: The Great Wolf’s Hunt is rapidly approaching, a holiday during which no Ulven hunt, saving that honor instead for the Great Wolf. In addition, word has begun to spread that a week prior to that, a celebration will be held in honor of Halvar Steinjottun, Clanleader of Steinjottun. The Clanleader, eagerly anticipating his 50th year, has organized a Stag Hunt on the night of his birthday, with the hunter or warrior tasked with bringing down the beast rewarded with a seat of honor at the feast of the Great Wolf’s Hunt.

A large supply of pineed sap was delivered to the Watchwolves in a combined effort from the Mardrun Trading Consortium and Pack Longfang. A number of the Daughters of Gaia and the veteran soldiers are grateful to have such a large stockpile to help with the sick and wounded. Although morale increases in the western settlement, fear still grips the Watchwolf villagers as their need for supplies to help them through the winter and troops to guard their borders is still obvious. That and combined with continued reports of Grimward hunters being seen just outside the settlements and farms has the Watchwolves on edge. Rumors continue to spread about the Watchwolves pulling out of the war or leaving their lands, both having no base for truth at the moment.
Stormjarl continues to send letters and offer a handsome reward of coin, supplies, or other things needed in exchange for warriors to join their cause. News of this spreads like wildfire in the colony, as professional mercenaries talk over games of dice in taverns and pack their bags and head for the Stormjarl port. The lightly defended villages near the Stormjarl front line are attacked in full force by Stormjarl warriors and some of their allies, forcing Grimward to stubbornly defend or quickly abandon these locations. News of the counter offensive has yet to reach most of the colonies, but it is clear the Clan Stormjarl intends to fight for its land and has the coin to pay for help.
The ships on the horizon finally make themselves known and fly the colors of Clan Squallborn. Small ships, sleek and lean, combined with longships with hardened crews and veteran warriors are seen in the waters around Clan Stormjarl. Merchant ships returning to the colony talk of these Squallborn ships blocking and even openly attacking any ships in the area. Unless confronted in earnest, Clan Squallborn could effectively blockade Clan Stormjarl lands from getting help from Clan Nightriver and the colonies.
Stories of glory and bravado trickle in from the area near the southern border of Clan Whiteoak. Clan Axehound has led a series of daring raids on settlements and outposts along its border, routing several Whiteoak war packs and taking over some villages. Critical outposts further into Whiteoak territory were also struck by Coalition allies. If the success of the initial raids continues, Clan Whiteoak could be facing major losses to their supplies, warriors, and territories.
A large shipment of grain and food, bounties from the final harvest in Clan Goldenfield arrived in Nightriver territory recently. The wagons loaded with supplies were guarded with some warriors, but needed to fend off some minor bandit raids. No real attempt was made at stealing the supplies, but concern has been expressed that unless the roads are patrolled and a plan put into place for future wagons coming into the territory near the colonies to control the bandits, Clan Goldenfield worries about being able to safely reach its allies. This report also helps confirm numerous rumors of increased bandit activity, especially to the south east.
News of the settlement of New Oarsmeet being burned to the ground reaches the colonies. Survivors and refugees from the battle between the settlers in Oarsmeet and Prince Aylin’s soldiers attempt to find a new home. Some are given a place in the colony, others are offered work and a place in specific parts of the outlying settlements, and some spread rumors of revenge on the colonies of New Aldoria and Newhope alike.
The colony continues to prepare for winter and worry continues to grow. With the refugees from Stormjarl still in the colony and more arriving from Starkhaven and some failed outlying settlements, the tax on the food stores in the colony has risen. A small food riot breaks out, as desperate colonists steal food from the main market place. The City Watch on hand calm the group quickly without much of an incident, but it is proof that the situation in the colony continues to worsen. The price of supplies has sky rocketed as demand increases, as merchants seem to be blocking people from purchasing supplies. Some say this could be seen a natural price increase since supplies are valuable before winter, but others speak rumors of something more going on.
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Hawks arrive to numerous settlements, delivering this same message all across Mardrun…

To the Coalition of Allies,
I trust that this message reaches you well, and I look forward to working alongside you all. Your sacrifice and service to my Clan’s defense will never be forgotten and sagas of your prowess in battle will be sung for generations to come.
The Coalition forces here in our lands have been immensely helpful in protecting our settlements and defenses. Although we don’t understand your methods or your culture, we are grateful that the call for aid was answered when we refused to heel to Clan Grimward’s demands.
My scouts have brought information to me that Clan Axehound intends to raid against Clan Whiteoak and that they have been influential in convincing Pack Longfang to assist. I advise you to stay your hand in this course of action, as the real threat is on this side of the continent. Do not forget that Grimward’s campaign will not end with us; our scouts report that the battle line has thinned. It is obvious that Grimward warriors have pulled back away from our territories. They have either gone home or are potentially heading North… that I am not certain. Either way, there is an opportunity for my warriors to push back, to attack Grimward and free the villages and settlements that were captured last winter. My warriors have trained, rested and healed… and they want vengeance.
Last winter, I chose to stay out of a war. You sent me letters. Your allies sent me letters. You asked me to make the right decision and not be forced into submission by Clan Grimward. You promised aid and support and you made good on that promise. My lands were saved from destruction, but this war is far from over.
Almost half of my Clan’s lands were seized, looted, my people captured and taken away. Haygreth has dealt us a terrible blow and Clan Stormjarl will never forget this. I refuse to allow this to go on unopposed, to stand idly by and not try to free my enslaved people. As we speak, my Warleader Bolverk Stormjarl is rallying warriors to move north and attack Clan Grimward. We aim to free our settlement to the North of Grimward occupation. We have already begun striking back and will continue into the winter until the cold forces us home.
I call upon you again and ask that you send warriors and support to Clan Stormjarl territory and assist me in attacking Haygreth’s forces. I ask that the Coalition assist me here, where it matters, and help us fight back against Clan Grimward. I will gladly barter supplies or pay significant weight in silver for honorable warriors that will stand with me. While helping us defend our remaining settlements will be rewarded, we also seek warriors to help us take the fight to Clan Grimward and will pay more for that kind of service.
With Honor,
Graytir Stormjarl
Clanleader of Clan Stormjarl

Word has spread far and wide of the recent battles fought on the front lines of the civil war: Haygreth’s forces marched to battle after feigning retreat, moving in numbers unseen by the Ulven. Branthur personally led his warriors in a seemingly reckless charge to drive them back, hoping to cripple the opposing army into submission. Entering the battle outnumbered and unprepared, the Nightriver forces, accompanied and supported by units from throughout the Coalition, stood their ground in a valiant effort. Particularly through the sacrifices made by those commanding the rear outpost, drawing several Grimward warpacks away from the front lines to their position, was the Nightriver counterassault a surprising victory. Though many lost their lives that day, and many more will forever bear the scars of that battle, the day was one for Clan Nightriver and their allies.

In the end, Haygreth’s forces were forced back into their own territory and beyond, though with the chill of winter setting in, Branthur chose not to pursue them further, much to the ire of some clans who wanted to crush those they had come to see as invaders once and for all. Branthur has remained steady in his course of action, though, insistent on not stretching his army too thin and allowing Grimward to retaliate too effectively.

Branthur has made it known that there will be a meeting midway through the coming month in order to begin to talk terms with Grimward. This is the closest thing to a resolution that has been seen since the outbreak of the Civil War and should be cause for celebration, though not all are excited. Some of the allied clans have expressed their concerns with this meeting, worried that the talks will be focused on Nightriver and Grimward, leaving those on the outskirts to their own devices and defense. Axehound has stated their concerns that Whiteoak retaliation will pose a substantial threat to their clan. Stormjarl has demanded the return of their lands, and have hinted at the possibility of using force to take it back if need be.

News of this upcoming meeting spreads quickly, and has caused a surprising amount of turmoil in Newhope and New Aldoria. Rumors have begun popping up from tavern to tavern, accusing this noble or that of plotting to continue the war, treaty or not. Though many are simply bar tales designed to slander a noble with opposing political beliefs, some of the rumors make decent points: war is a rather lucrative business, and has led to rather substantial profits for those capable of taking advantage of it. In addition, having bored, unemployed mercenaries wandering the city streets could prove dangerous. That being said, the general populace is eager for an end to this war. New Aldoria, on the other hand, seems to have taken the opposite approach: Prince Aylin has made very public his hopes for a peaceful and expedient end to this conflict, despite protests from many of his merchants and mercenaries, who fear that peace will bring economic stagnation. Prince Aylin has assured them, however, that the end of the war will be nothing but beneficial for those loyal to New Aldoria.

Mordok activity south of the Dirge Swamp has continued to decline this month, almost to the point of disappearance. It has been weeks since hunters have stumbled across even the odd patrol of the beasts in the Great Forest. The hunters themselves are not complaining: a day with no Mordok is a good day, indeed. The Daughters in the area, however, tell a different story. The lack of activity is a troublesome omen indeed; if the Mordok are not here, where are they and what are they doing? Night guards to the north have reported a few instances of small bands of Mordok sneaking back into the swamp under cover of darkness, though they tend to keep their distance.

Winter draws near as the temperature falls across Mardrun, and many people are moving to act one last time before the chill sets in.
Reports continue to filter in to every significant settlement of soldiers wearing the green and blue of New Aldoria laying siege to the port village of New Oarsmeet. Many are fleeing for their lives, while others are pleading for help to defend their homes. They cannot hold much longer against a trained force such as they one they face, however, and require assistance soon or they will be lost.
Perhaps distracted by larger events to which the public is kept in the dark, the Council of Ten has remained surprisingly silent on the matter of these attacks. In fact, they have seemed rather inactive on many fronts as of late, although the logistics of housing and supporting the massive number of Stormjarl refugees has proven to be a monumental task in and of itself.
To make matters worse, the number of refugees from Starkhaven has only increased over the past month, the lack of aid sent to their homes discouraging many from staying. A major bastion of the human colonists, Starkhaven continues to support the many citizens therein, but those who have chosen to leave in search of a more steady existence have been an additional and rather unexpected drain on resources.
Clan Axehound, along with a number of warriors from Pack Longfang, have begun their raids on their ancient rival, Clan Whiteoak. With the Whiteoak warriors still fighting in Grimward territory, Axehound has been asking for support in raids of Whiteoak villages, leaving their warriors without a home to which they might return. Axehound has been glad to work alongside the Longfang warriors, though they are not convinced of the coalition and it’s intentions enough to fully declare war on Clan Grimward.
Reports have filtered in from Clan Stormjarl that they intend to retake as much of their homeland as they can before the winter sets in, and they are willing to compensate any who assist them. They urge caution, however, as traveling to them by land would require a trek through Grimward territory. They have also noticed a small fleet of longboats bearing the markings of Clan Squallborn dotting the horizon. They have not declared their intentions as of yet, although their presence has made many of the Stormjarl sailors uneasy.
Clan Watchwolf, granted a second wind in the form of a shipment of Pineed Sap harvested by Pack Longfang, has set about rebuilding their settlements, although the process is painfully slow and will certainly not be finished by the time of the first snowfall. They have once again pleaded with their allies among the coalition for any and all assistance, hoping to deter any further attacks from Clan Grimward, whose movements the Watchwolf scouts have noticed and reported in recent months, drawing dangerously near to the border before disappearing with great haste.

Painted on the walls of New Oarsmeet…

To all free people of New Oarsmeet, should Aldoria not cease their siege of our home, I have received word that we would be well received inside of Arragones’ district of Newhope. Find me there and I will do what i can to help set you up with work. Should we have to leave our home I implore you to leave naught of use to Aldoria, this includes food, buildings, and perhaps most importantly, the port.
It is better to see our city to ash then beneath the heels of New Aldoria.-Hollow

As the fall continues to get cooler and the trees change color, life continues on Mardrun as farmers harvest their crops. The quiet in the civil war becomes a welcome, if ominous, respite.
Reports have reached the colonies that soldiers wearing blue and green have attacked the settlement of New Oarsmeet. No further information is known, as very little information has been disclosed about what is happening.
The main colony of Newhope continues to provide aid and shelter for a number of Clan Stormjarl refugees, which is still proving to be quite a drain on resources and supplies. It has been impressive that the Council of Ten can work together to keep the colony running and helping these ulven refugees. Some boats have arrived with New Aldorian soldiers; they have returned to the Colonies from their time of defending Stormjarl’s last settlement. Amongst them are some of the City Watch of Newhope, rotating some of their troops home to see their families.
Settlers have arrived in New Aldoria and Newhope from Starkhaven, claiming that conditions continue to worsen. The Order’s supplies have run low and farmers have moved their families to other more prosperous settlements. It appears that after relations went south between the Order and their largest beneficiary (Baron Richards) they have returned to a financial and supply crisis. The Lions stationed in the pass at the Great Wolf’s Hackles continue to report that the pass is under control. Continued reports of organized banditry keep coming in and merchants are scared to travel with expensive wares, threatening to drive up the costs of goods in the future.
This month, Clan Axehound warriors have begun their campaign to raid against Clan Whiteoak territory. Their boasts of conquest and of fighting their hated neighbor are loud, but in reality the smaller Axehound clan will not be able to do major damage to the larger Clan Whiteoak without support from allies. This bold move on Axehound’s part may be a way for the Coalition to solidify another Clan as an ally in the civil war against Clan Grimward if the Warrior Chieftain’ of Clan Axehound are appeased. Clan Squallborn, intentionally remaining quiet and avoiding political talks, have recently mobilized a number of ships. Rumors say that their intentions in the war will most likely be made soon.
Watchwolf allies to the north have requested additional aid. They have said that with the previous raids on their territory destroying many of their farms and crops, they are fearing the winter if it is as cold as the previous years. Allies stationed in their settlement receive iron rations as the farmers and settlers can spare very little. A new militia is being trained by the handful of surviving Watchwolf warriors, but any further military attacks in earnest against their settlements will easily overwhelm these novice warriors.
Coalition members, primarily some of the factions and Clan Nightriver, continue to provide aid and support and coordinated with their newest allies; Clans Goldenfield, Steinjottun, and Shattered Spear. Their aid is much needed in the war and gathering their support has been huge for the Coalition.
Clan Riverhead and Clan Spiritclaw delegates met recently and sent a number of hawks to all of the Clans; their involvement in the civil war will remain neutral but they have joined forces to seek out the mordok activity in the Great Forest.
Rumors spread about Kragen Bloodmoon traveling to numerous settlements in Nightriver territory. Although the focus of the Clan has been feeding and caring for the Stormjarl refugees from last winter and patrolling and protecting the Clan Nightriver borders, the Nightriver Warleader has been overseeing a large training effort of new war packs that has been going on for months, making sure that weapons and armor are on hand for the new war packs. The colonists are happy to hear that Clan Nightriver is well supplied and has numerous war packs on reserve, but the Clan’s allies grow concerned that multiple calls for aid have not been answered yet.