Thanks to the tireless efforts of several allied forces, the land bridge connecting Newhope to Stormjarl has been successfully fortified enough to reliably send supplies and troops through for the past month. With the continued efforts of the Einherjar, The Order of Starkhaven, Clan Stormjarl, and Clan Nightriver, the City-State of Newhope hopes to be able to maintain this strategic position long enough to build defenses along the new border, solidifying their claim to the taken Grimward territory.
After several months of Nightriver troops watching small groups of Spiritclaw delegates coming and going from Grimward territory, its been very notable that almost no delegates have entered the territory in more recent months. It was assumed by many that the delegation parties must be finished, and Spiritclaw must have whatever knowledge they sought out from Grimward and Stonetooth. However, early this month a small group of Spiritclaw delegates were seen leaving Grimward territory in quite the rush, heading squarely in the direction of their own territory. Their tight lips raised the hackles of many who witnessed them rushing out, and paired with the rumors of other neutral clans holding meetings between each other, many suspect to be hearing news out of Spiritclaw very soon. The greatest unknown, however, is what kind of news were waiting for.
Duke Joakim Ventrini’s trial has been postponed, but once again the City-State of Newhope is tight-lipped on the reason why. With constant City-State guard posted at the Duke’s estate, and the lack of investigators coming and going from the area, speculation has begun to arise at the legitimacy of the investigation. What reason could Newhope have for postponing such a high profile trial? Perhaps Council member colleagues of the Duke have stepped in to his defense, or Duchess Tricuspus’s investigation wasn’t as air-tight as one would expect from such a public and dramatic display as the Duke’s arrest. Whatever the reason may be, it can be expected that the Duke’s legal council will not stand for him to be held for long without a fair trial.
Clan Ironmound’s letter proclaiming themselves to be switching sides in the war shocked the continent, but it seems none more so than Grimward and Stonetooth. Just as the warleader claimed in his letter, Ironmound issued their formal warning to their new enemies and allowed them the final weeks of the month to see their exits from Ironmound territory. Unfortunately, and yet following the pattern of behavior from Clan Stonetooth, this honorable warning was met with steel as the final parting warpacks chose to start the fight early against their former-allies. It seems the fires that forged the Ironward Alliance were destined to be quenched in blood after all.
An Update, Straight from the Market Faire!
The following content was an in-game publication containing many news and rumors that was printed and published for players to read at the 2026 Market Faire event.
Truthseeker Tells All About the Horrors of Stonetooth Within Shattered Spear
In the month of May, Laifnar Icefury gave his final breaths fighting for the Shattered Spear resistance he grew within their captured territory. During the final stand, several important members of the clan had the opportunity to escape, including the High Priestess, a Truthseeker, and others who have spoken out to share what they learned during their time in captivity. The following information will be a directly quoted recount of Truthseeker Yelena Dawnrock’s findings there:
“There are Warsworn Stonetooth—respected highly as the best of them at waging war. They refer to the god they follow as the Grimmwolf, and it became clear to me this is their name for the Great Wolf. There are Hearthsworn Stonetooth—these are the ones who have taken an oath to cleanse the land of the Mordok’s corruption. They’re likely the closest you’ll ever see to a Daughter of Gaia, as they lead cleansing and harvest rituals and are revered for it. They refer to the god they embody as the Earth Mother, and this is certainly who we know as Gaia—they told the High Priestess herself that Gaia is a false name for this “Earth Mother”. Then, there are the Soulsworn. Their oaths are taken with a god they refer to as The Weaver, and their focus is to use the magic she provides them to empower the Stonetooth. “Vathr”, is what they call this magic, and only the Soulsworn are able to use it due to their devotion to The Weaver. All these are referred to as Oathsworn, as each takes their Oaths with their patron god, and failing their Oaths are punished by death, dismemberment, or some level of torture ending in death.
Gothi’s are much like pack leaders, if Stonetooth had packs. These individuals led large groups by force. Their word is more than law—it is the air all the Stonetooth beneath them must breathe or they will be put down by the might of their Gothi. Thagns stand below their Gothi, leading warpacks in their conquering crusade.
Above all, each Stonetooth, from the Oathsworn to the regular Marauders, believe all Shattered Spear are under their ownership, to do with as they please. Regular whippings, torture, and attempts to turn our minds towards their ways were made until many of us truly did believe them. I watched my family be flayed open from navel to neck all the while the rest of us were taught the ways of Stonetooth. Let this be a warning to all—to be near Stonetooth is to be subjected to their sadistic indoctrination, or subjected to death.”
Steinjottun Hawk Races–The Results Are In!
Clan Steinjottun’s annual hawk races have concluded once again with everyone’s favorite underdog hawk once again taking the win in the final stretch! Reports say this unexpected win has once again cost many nobles hundreds of silver on their mis-placed bets. Better luck next year! As for the losing birds, it seems even 2nd and 3rd place winners are good for business, as the business that employs those busy hawks has been so busy with new customers, people have been turned away at the door for the amount of letters has already grown too much! Well done, lovely birds!
Ironward No More– Perhaps Iron-drun?
The final tally of everything offered to Ironmound in exchange for allyship has been counted, and the results are heavy. Many attended this pseudo-moot to offer their own pledges, both organizations and individuals. Of the Broken Blade and the Blades of Sol, 1 full year of fealty has been offered, timeframe not set to begin until the end of the war, followed by a year of allyship after the fealty is completed. For the City-State of Newhope, 2 years of Premier economic pricing deals for Ironmound, as well as a unit of political delegates, offered by representatives of the Ravens in attendance. For Clan Nightriver, a Bloodmoon warpack has been honor-bound to Ironmound, as well as the Ambassador herself pledging to advocate for Clan Ironmound in discussions going forward and in future talks of war reparations. Other individuals offered what they could, including supplies, reagents, and offers of labor to rebuild what Grimward and Stonetooth will surely break as the war continues on. With many of these deals not seeing an end-date being set until the completion of the war, many are watching to see if offensive measures begin to ramp up in search of a quick end.
Furthermore, rumors from two years ago have proven to be not entirely unfounded. Clan Ironmound spent the early months of the war in neutrality, certainly, but also spent their time fortifying outposts on their borders. It seems the potential for an alliance break was always there for Clan Ironmound.
The Pass, Un-Passable
With the exciting news of Clan Ironmound’s switching sides in the war, Clan Nightriver is feeling hot on their own heels to make another concentrated push into the Pass. Hopeful to accomplish this while Grimward is still on the backfoot from the abrupt flip, Champion Holmar Bloodmoon rallied his forces in The Pass to push in, only to be quickly halted by the discovery of a reinforced outpost not far from the current frontline. As it turns out, the ruined remains of Fort Grimwyrm aren’t so ruined after all. The Federation of Architects, Timekeepers Eternal, also known by the common acronym of FATE, who were displaced from their original home three years ago in a brutal attack by Grimward before the war, now reside in Relic’s Hollow. It seems the remains of their first Fort are rebuilt and repurposed as a stronghold right in the middle of The Pass, currently maintaining a very successful defense against Clan Nightriver. Luckily, the battle was short-lived and no major casualties have been report thus far.
Enchanters Enchanting!
Duke Aailmyr’s School of Enchanting is finally open for further enrollment after recruiting several new instructors over the Spring. The waiting list of students have started receiving their acceptance letters, and applications are once again open to new enrollees for the 276 school year. Anyone hoping to attend should get their applications in soon, as if the last three years were anything to go by, spots will fill in fast!
Friends in the North; Becoming More Friendly?
The Northern Syndar have been seen entering Aylin’s Reach in much larger numbers recently, along with many of them choosing to mingle with the residents. Prince Aylin’s lack of his usual boasting has raised questions about the visitors and their business in Aylin’s Reach. Their ability to completely ignore all magic would make them a powerful ally against the Salt Beasts still lingering around the Great Forest. Are the Northern Syndar planning on sticking around South Mardrun? Has the Prince invited them to stay? Too many unknowns, including the mysterious Syndar themselves, to tell anything for certain.
Poetry from a Surviving Shattered Spear Skald
For many long years we scoured
We worked a land that had once been ours
‘Til Icefury arrived,
Allies bled Stonetooth hide
Their sacrifice grants escape to ours
To Clan Stonetooth, those fucking bitches
We throw fists with you for no riches
Our Vengeance absolute
To clean Mardrun of your brutes
Shattered Spear you’ll find never cowers
To the Resistance, raise a glass
For their bravery set us free
With the Great Wolf
Their souls will forever be.
The Ventrini Problem; What is it?
Duke Joakim Ventrini’s dramatic arrest still has The City-State of Newhope whispering, especially after news broke of a delay to the trial. Unfortunately for those still waiting for answers, while the date may have finally been set, it’s not until late this year we may finally know the details of all the charges, potentially even early next year. The courts have been reserved for an incredibly large block of time, only creating even more questions for the people of Newhope. Is there so much evidence is all must be reviewed directly in front of the judges of Newhope? Or is it a filibuster tactic to keep the Duke’s seat on the Council empty as long as possible? Only time may tell, but even she is notoriously tight-lipped. Whispers continue as discontent and distrust continue to grow in regards to the Council, with one arrested Council member having died in custody, and another charged with a list of heinous crimes an arm long. The Council, and Duchess Mary cul Tricuspus in particular will have their hands full with regaining the trust of their people during this trial.