Wiki Category: Events 274/2025

== Event Story ==

Winter is officially well underway as snow piles in across Mardrun. Work crews across the continent grind to a halt as the first storm of the season buries their efforts before the job is done. Even after the storms have passed, the effort to clear snow to make space for more work is time consuming, making every step of the process drag on. Winter challenges all, and the war efforts noticeably slow across all the allied fronts.

One area pushing on regardless of the weather is Starkhaven. With the push across the Yurnai River, engineers and construction crews are working hard to undo damage and continue building the highly anticipated and hard-earned bridge. Within the March, the normally quiet town of Rotherham has become a flurry of activity. Workers, engineers, merchants, and other tradespeople have flooded the area on their way to support Newhope’s Yurnai offensive. The excitement of this huge offensive effort has hopes high, and raised spirits all around. The small town has been a major spot in the path towards the Yurnai river, seeing all kinds of travelers come through to share their expertise, lend a hand, or simply share a meal. 

Contracts are abundant here in many ways that will aid the war effort for those with and without trades to ply, and all travelers moving through can find a fire to warm up near until they’re ready to face the frigid snow once again.

== Event Summary ==

Travelers from all walks of life arrive in Rotherham, only to quickly pile into the local tavern, The Bent Page, to escape the brutal cold and wind. Despite the indoor retreat, plenty of space was available for the activities of the day and generous food brought by its owners and patrons. Drinks were had, laughter shared, and most importantly no one became frozen solid.

Early in the day, a toast was made to those who had fallen in defense of the bridge during The Battle of Blooded Shores. The Gallant Feathers of the Phoenix and the Bran Teulu of The Ravens, among units of Newhope and their allies. Many units fought to the last and while their blood spilled to the ground, their names will not be forgotten.

Through the rest of the day sounds of various contract work, gambling, and music mixed with the conversations as friends and strangers socialized while more people arrived from both close and far places of Mardrun. Rumors were abuzz, stories were told, and there was even a small meeting around a Mardrun map discussing news of the war and planning for the difficult months and battles to come. 

In the end, the travelers were warm, silver was made, and stomachs were filled, which most would surely call a victory on its own. The war is expected to slow down as more difficult weather is surely to come, but that won’t stop other troubles from potentially emerging. While some rumors of the day were likely false, others will prove to be true…

=Event Story=

Scenario #1: The Battle of the Yurnai

The City-State of Newhope’s armies march west to the Yurnai River. Their fleet sails the coast, with modified ferry ships moving up river while a combat flotilla makes anchor at the mouth of the river to guard against Grimward’s sea raiders. Many wondered what Newhope had been working towards, and allies begin to scramble to take part with Newhope in their attack plans as the blood of Grimward warriors on Grimward land has been a rarity in this war, but soon arriving days will change that. 

While the complex parts of the plan have been left to the strategists and engineers, the basics of the plan quickly reach the ears of their allies. With their group of ferry ships, Newhope will move vanguard and gladiator units across the river along with any aiding allies who understand the risk. The goal being to create a defensive pocket on the other side the river, warriors and soldiers that will have to hold while the modified ferry ships will be rapidly converted into supports for the bridge. With Newhope’s plan and the sacrifice of the ferry ships, the bridge is expected to be built faster than would normally be required, after which the full might of Newhope and their allies armies can march across along with a reliable route for supplies to create a new sustained warfront into Grimward. It’s unclear if the plan is to build a land path to Clan Stormjarl or make a dangerous push towards the heart of Grimward, but strategists expect the pressure to be taken off of Clan Stormjarl as Grimward is forced to move warpacks to this new front on their doorstep. Either way, planning further ahead is found to be difficult with many unknowns that will factor into this critical mission.

The banners of the Newhope don’t stand alone though, as their armies march through Starkhaven and are seen mixed with the banners of their vassals, even including New Vandregon.

Newhope’s long hardkept secret plan is in motion, their invasion of Grimward proper begins now. If met with failure though, Newhope and allied forces could find themselves trapped across the river, and Clan Stormjarl’s homeland may be set to fall as Grimward’s larger army slowly tears them apart piece by piece.

Scenario #2: The Battle for Goldenfield

As morale collapses in the northern-most frontline now called Hammerfall, Clan Goldenfield has found itself in the sight of Clan Stonetooth’s brutal offensive. While bringing forth their own experienced warpacks since Spring, Clan Goldenfield’s people are made famous by their farming skills and not their might in war. This has been found to be worsened by many of their veteran units having been formed from fighting on The Shield and to protect the clan from mordok. While few could deny the endurance and hardiness given to their warriors from working crop fields harder than any other ulven, the clan does not find itself ready to stand alone against the elite Stonetooth warpacks who only have known warfare and advance quicker than Clan Goldenfield lines can reform from their initial retreat. 

Clan Ironmound’s banners are found not far behind Stonetooth, although reports indicate that while the two clans are fighting on the same front, they do not seem to be fighting together. The majority of Clan Ironmound units were spotted setting up defensive positions around the Shieldhaven settlement and the Bladehome pocket and against Clan Nightriver’s northern army as they reform, but reports still indicate that some of their warpacks follow close behind Clan Stonetooth in their advance to Clan Goldenfield.

Clan Goldenfield cannot protect itself while also ensuring the harvest. Their longtime ally of Clan Nightriver has found itself strung wide across three fronts of the war and distressingly unable to save its longtime ally yet, but a mix of other allies rush to the aid of Clan Goldenfield in the great clan’s place. If met with failure though, Clan Goldenfield’s may be crippled and its winter-critical harvest turned to ashes or forfeited, which could spell great difficulty for Clan Nightriver and other potential allies who rely on this harvest to bolster their war efforts. Winter is creeping along the horizon.

=Event Summary=

Scenario #1: The Battle of the Yurnai

No plan survives contact with the enemy, except when that plan includes overwhelming support. The City-State of Newhope’s call for aid in their surprise invasion of Clan Grimward is met with reinforcements, supplies, and piles of silver from all across their allies and those who oppose Grimward. The initial vanguard and allied units found themselves in brief but intense conflict as they crossed the river with the modified ferry ships, fishing vessels, and rafts, opening the initial landing grounds for additional troops and support to cross before the ships were moved to begin the bridge construction.

As the reinforcing coalition of forces pushed to make a pocket of controlled land on Grimward’s side of the river, they found themselves encountering resistance from only patrols and small guard groups of warriors, many of which did not even realize they were being invaded until they became surrounded and cut down. Soon after though, stronger patrols and attack groups were sent out as the nearby stationed Grimward warpack gained awareness of the situation and began mobilizing. The coalition was slow to get organized in their offensive, but eventually marched out to meet these groups before they could become a hazard to rear units or even the engineers working on the bridge.

The blood of both sides spilt the ground as the two forces clashed up and down the nearby road and outside the Grimward outpost. While warriors and leaders bravely risked their lives for the cause, several brutal fights proved to be the taker of life for both sides when retreats would cause the wounded to be abandoned. Calling reinforcements at the right time proved critical for the coalition’s offensive momentum as they carefully gauged their ability to advance, but hindsight can only speculate if more could have been done or if the loss of life would have been too costly. In the end, the local Grimward warpack was not bled enough for their outpost to be taken, but the rear units and engineers were safely protected as Grimward’s warpack was battered enough to not be able to pressure the coalition’s camp directly. As long as there are no interruptions, engineers expect to have the bridge completed by the end of November thanks to the over-abundance of supplies that allies have sent. The Yurnai Pocket has been successfully formed to protect the developing bridge, now the taken ground must be held.

Reports from Clan Stormjarl early in the month tell of Clan Grimward’s continued advance through their territory and that Stormjarl has lost half of its homeland by this point, but now Grimward’s conquest has been reported to have abruptly come to a halt as portions of Clan Grimward’s frontline appear to have been routed elsewhere. The initial benefits of the Yurnai offensive have already begun to be seen for the wilting clan.

Clan Grimward may have suffered at the combined efforts of Newhope and various allies around the Yurnai River this month, but is far from beaten. Rumors from nervous scouts speak of the ground rumbling and the wind roaring with horns, an army is approaching.

Scenario #2: The Battle for Goldenfield

Clan Goldenfield finds itself on the retreat without a strong response from allies as Clan Stonetooth invades their lands. Hope is found not in kingdoms, clans, or organized forces, but instead in the individuals who arrive just in time to help local Goldenfield forces. As Stonetooth’s marauders moved with their thralls to pillage the local fields behind the frontlines, the motley group of outsiders and Goldenfield needed to set up camp in a dangerous but necessary position to combat the raider. 

Skirmishes consistently broke out as Goldenfield and its allies had to battle, drive off, and slay the invaders. Groups of thralls from Clan Shattered Spear were seen being used as laborers, only to be forced into combat by individual Stonetooth found to be called “Thrall Watchers”; lest their families be killed back home if they show defiance to their conquerors. Warriors, tradespeople, and villagers; all forced to work and die for Stonetooth. Rumors pass that a couple Thrall Watchers were killed by Goldenfield and its allies as means to free the thralls, but this likely has come at the cost of their families being slain back home.

Clan Ironmound’s warpacks were reported in the area and their warriors sometimes seen fighting with Stonetooth, but what was not expected was the arrival of an Ironmound warrior who announced a missive from Clan Ironmound’s Warleader. On the leader’s behalf, the warrior spoke of Clan Goldenfield’s past honors and kinship to Clan Ironmound before the war, and stated that Clan Ironmound will return the kindness by offering honor duels rather than the slaughter. Through the afternoon, chosen Clan Ironmound warriors arrived at the makeshift camp, and each time a challenger bravely stepped forward on Goldenfield’s behalf. With each Goldenfield victory, Ironmound’s warpacks would halt their advance for a couple days; but with each loss, Goldenfield would have to tribute a cart of supplies to Ironmound’s forces.

These duels were non-lethal and fought with honor, with Goldenfield’s ally claiming the first victory. But later, during the second duel, the fervor of clashing steel only reached its peak when the duel was ended by a Stonetooth marauder who cared not for honor, only slaying of the weak. To the shock of both sides, the Ironmond warriors yelled with rage as they turned on their Stonetooth allies and joined Goldenfield in slaying the dishonorable warriors. The unforeseen cooperation was temporary though, as Ironmound’s warriors warned that they would return to being enemies of Goldenfield next they meet.

In the aftermath, the dishonored duel was declared by Ironmound to be a draw despite their warrior having been declared the winner before the interruption occurred. As the sun was setting behind the deep cloud layer, Goldenfield’s champion brought them a second and final duel victory. Sparks of hope in a bleak situation, until they were drowned in the tide as a thrall, knowingly sacrificing the life of herself and her family, came sprinting to camp to warn of the collapse of Goldenfield’s frontline. A desperate and dangerous retreat was made as Stonetooth’s full armies came charging down the road, but no further life was lost thanks to the thrall’s sacrifice.

Clan Goldenfield’s situation has continued to worsen along their whole frontline as they lose swaths of territory with each week, but thanks to the actions of the individuals who came to their aid much of the critical winter harvest was successfully harvested despite Clan Stonetooth managing to steal portions to fuel their ever-advancing army. With victories in the honor duels, news arrives from many contested areas that Clan Goldenfield’s families and communities were able to safely retreat due to the honorable halting of Clan Ironmound’s warpacks for even just a few days. A difference has been made, but Clan Goldenfield’s fall remains looming on the horizon. The cost of war.

=Event Story=

The summer months of Mardrun normally mean bustling cities, well-traveled roads, and festivities everywhere you turn, but between the oppressive heat that has settled over Mardrun and the war, many are at a standstill. The Pass remains a point of contention with both sides slowed by the heat, Clan Stormjarl continues to fight their hardest fights on the coast, and Hammerfall holds steady. While the rest of the continent might be content to wait out the heat and sun by holding up in the shadows, Clan Shattered Spear has no such luxuries. After the Moot where a new Acting Clanleader was appointed, then the Market Faire where the new Clanleader’s plans were announced, the Clan is working tirelessly to gather all able-bodied fighters and ready them for re-entry into the war. 

Training grounds have come together within Clan Nightriver’s territory to bring instructors and fresh soldiers together as efficiently as possible, and Acting Clanleader Sigurmon Shattered Spear has made the announcement far and wide: anyone with skills to share should not let their hands go idle. The training grounds are open for those who need training and those who can give it, especially those who plan to fight alongside Shattered Spear in the coming months.

While it’s expected the training grounds will be busy with warriors honing their skill, rumor has spread of a “Hunter’s Challenge” also taking place in the area. Cryptic notes were discovered, leaving many curious about what the meaning is, and what it could be leading to. 

Whether you come to test your wits, train your might, or lead your class, Clan Shattered Spear will be gearing up for war, and this time, they’ll be ready.

=Event Summary=

The people of Clan Shattered Spear, inspired by their new leadership and a fire to retake their homeland, found themselves arriving at the training camp and grounds unsure of what to expect. Despite their warrior focused culture and a majority of their people being trained how to fight even before the war started, many who arrived did not understand how to fight as a group and fill their role on the frontline. With a large number of their veterans either gone after fighting against the mordok invasion years ago, Stonetooth and Grimward’s war, or recovering in the eastern clans, new warpacks are formed of the militias from earlier in the war and the tradespeople who fled east when their land was lost. 

A mix of experienced military leaders stood awaiting them, prepared with equipment to make warriors and leaders from those who arrived. Positioning, line roles, self-delegating leaders, and many other lessons were taught before practice battles were had. A rare occasion in war, as the sound of clashing blades was not paired with spilt blood and bodies requiring pyres. Mock battles gave experience to those who had not met the enemy yet, and showed that meeting an enemy it will never go smoothly or to plan.

As the high heat began to slowly fade with the setting sun, treasure hunters took to the woods as warriors rested and dueled back in camp. The treasure was found quickly by the skilled adventurers, but the situation became muddled by a rival group who arrived also seeking the treasure. Burning tensions were cooled without violence, but more importantly by a share of hacksilver. As the training day came to a close, Clan Shattered Spear found itself standing with several new warpacks and warrior leaders to guide them in combat.

Acting Clanleader Sigurmon Shattered Spear sends thanks to all who provided aid in the first steps of retaking their homelands, especially to the trainers who returned the offered silver payment for their services. The new warpacks march west to reinforce Hammerfall, where rumors speak of crumbling morale as thralls are forced to be slain in vain and salts beasts stalk their food.

=Aylin’s Reach Market Faire=

Among the chaos and fog of war, political movements of Clan Shattered Spear, and notable morale drops across the continent, the time for the Market Faire could not come sooner. Aylin’s Reach is a buzz of activity as the Faire grows nearer, with merchants erecting stalls and travelers making their way into the heart of the city. The Prince promises revelry, drinks, and celebrations of every victory– for everyone. Come for a day packed with tournaments, camaraderie, and good times!

=Black Market Faire=

In the shadowy corners of Aylin’s Reach, sly hands are still working. Criminal movement in this area isn’t easy, but shady business dealings still manage to make their way through any tough area, especially in the busy chaos of war. In the cover of darkness, the Black Market Faire emerges again this year, ready for debauchery and reckless abandon, with or without the law. Some notable groups are expected to use this fair to their advantage, much to the intrigue of their business partners. 

Drinks will flow and silver will fly– be there to enjoy it!

=Market Faire Summary=

Great duels of steel and carpentry could be found with cheering crowds and spilled drinks as the Aylin’s Reach market faire was filled with people from most parts of the continent. Whether having arrived for the food and drink, trade, or to watch people hit each other with blunted steel, it was easy to find ways to escape from the war even if just for a day. The great unofficial official sport of chairs even found its return, with its general promise of creating more bards as only one carpenter stands victorious.

As various tournaments of combat and skill were hosted throughout the day, Prince Aylin himself joined the festivities and allowed for impromptu meetings with the public and far travelers, whether for business, requests, or casual discussion. Whispers on the side mention of tense moments of discussion, but luckily no one found themselves thrown out from Aylin’s Reach this day. Further rumors even mention of a packleader of Clan Spiritclaw being present, but remained unannounced and lesser known until the festivities had already ended. Aylin’s Syndar guests from the farthest north also traveled the faire grounds and opened discussions with travelers, seemingly fascinated by various acts and projects of magic, and the odd mixed cultures of the southern lands.

In the end, nothing could interrupt the cheer and merriment of all present; but as the sun set, various travelers soon found their way to the other side of the city outskirts, intent for a different form of entertainment.

=Black Market Faire Summary=

“Uhh yeah, someone gave me a lot of drinks so one second… I think someone got stabbed, I might have gotten stabbed… mmmmm nope I’m good. There was a guy who wouldn’t shut up about the stars… and I remember people kept talking about snakes but I never got to see one… aaaaand another guy might have got stabbed. Yeah I think that’s everything… what do you mean I was supposed to be on guard duty?”

=Event Story=

The heat of summer quickly descends on Mardrun. Constant fighting in the Pass and support sent to Hammerfall has raised concerns over Clan Nightriver’s supply stock. With the official entrance of Clan Ironmound into the fight, it’s easy to see that the Nightriver’s enemies are just as well set on arms and armor as they are. Clan Nightriver maintains the stance that their supplies, while indeed being used as intended, are not in dire need of replenishment. Although their supply stock isn’t urgently in need, there is no harm in seeing more effort towards the task of getting more, in case of a day where the stock is depleted.

Towards this goal, Clan Nightriver has announced that there will be an expedition to the island off the eastern coast that previously had been identified as having a deep Ironsand ravine. With the goal in mind of bringing laborers, blacksmiths, and other tradespeople along to collect and refine this ironsand into a workable material that can be used in the war, Nightriver is also inviting anyone who wishes to further explore the uninhabited island, spend time fixing their own equipment broken in the war, or even relax and recuperate some much needed morale. Regardless of one’s reason for journeying with the Nightriver Ulven to this island, any friend of Nightriver is invited.

=Event Summary=

Even when Clan Grimward isn’t present, enemies of the ironsand operation made themselves present in the form of a blazing hot sun and blood thirsty flies. The workers were not deterred though as digging teams worked to tear up the old iron ore pit while blacksmiths and woodcutters worked to process raw materials into refined tools and equipment that would be needed to set up the ironsand smelting and harvesting camps in the coming months. Tradespeople of all kinds found themselves busy and unfettered by the untamed land, as herbalists hunted for magic plants, healers prepped healing herbs for future worker injuries, and alchemists prepared potions and adhesive concoctions. Rumors have it that a few diggers even found gems in the old mining pit that has now run dry.

Clan Nightriver’s project leader had originally projected the sand operation to be completed in September, after which the smelted iron would begin to be transported and fuel the Nightriver mainland. Due to the unending hard work of the digging teams and almost every single subcontract being completed by the time the sun was setting, the project leader found that the ironsand mine would likely become operational in August. Nightriver’s labor and engineering teams were not set to arrive until July, but thanks to this prework being completed a potential iron supply crisis will likely be averted assuming everything continues to plan.

=Event Story=

A Stage of not One but Three:

The fighting in The Pass continues as the new month begins, where gaining ground requires payments of warrior corpses, but the other frontlines find themselves calm no longer. Gone is the time for preparations as new fronts open up and the new year of war may pale the prior.

Scenario #1 Saturday:

Rumors of small skirmishes from last month have no time to circulate before the real news reaches the people east of The Great Wolf’s Hackles. Clans Ironmound and Stonetooth begin their advance through the wide gap between The Great Forest and The Hackles, their lines clashing with Clans Nightriver and Goldenfield warpacks stationed and ready for a fight. Both sides attempt to maneuver against each other’s forces, but Clan Nightriver and its allies have found themselves on the initial backfoot as Clan Stonetooth’s elite troops spearhead their invasion and continue to send units of Shattered Spear thralls against their enemies to break morale, with Clan Ironmound’s defensive tactics resisting attempted counter-attacks. The eastern clans do not stand alone though, as Clan Shattered Spear remnant warpacks fight hard against their homeland’s conquerors while the fortress towns of Bladehome and Shieldhaven stand firm in the north and south, creating key staggered defensive points that could become critical in the months to come.

As the large armies fight on the main routes, a key flank route just south of the lake has been identified by Clan Goldenfield leadership in the area. Should their enemies be able to claim and control this route it could cause them and their allies to be forced back, potentially losing significant ground and isolating the allied defensive towns. Clan Goldenfield calls for outside aid in defending this at-risk flank, neither them nor Clan Nightriver confident in having enough troops to cover it while also handling the brunt of the frontline on the main routes, if their enemies discover its significance.

Both sides fight with ferocity, not knowing what each day of bloodshed will bring or who will come out ahead as the battle on this new frontline has only just begun; but Clan Goldenfield, not known for significant martial prowess but bearing a critical agricultural role in the war, may become in danger in the future if this front fares poorly.

Scenario #2 Sunday:

The frontline of Clan Stormjarl has grown quieter last month, the great Grimward land invasion having not arrived as expected. To the east, the Yurnai River remains bolstered and watched by the troops of Newhope and their vassals, while excess units of the colonies and warpacks of Clan Nightriver continue to be sent via ship to reinforce Haygreth’s Scar on the Stormjarl border. None are fooled to think that Clan Grimward has backed down or been defeated on this southern front, but where the bulk of their forces have gone leaves concerning questions.

In the night, alarm bells shattered the calm with messengers and hawks exhaustively running across all of Clan Stormjarl with news. Clan Grimward has amassed what some believe to be their entire fleet, and hit the northern Stormjarl coast. While smaller villages falling to the initial overwhelming waves of warriors, smoke from blacksmiths in bolstered ports burn in the dark as their people continue to fight, unwilling to be taken thanks to the endless war preparations of the clan and their people. The coastal early warning tactics set in place after the prior civil war have done their job, and Clan Stormjarl relies on its allies to fill in the Haygreth’s Scar border as the clan routes forces to their northern coast with practiced efficiency. 

Stormjarl will not be caught off guard by Grimward’s cunning tactics this time, but that alone will not save them from Grimward’s greater numbers as a portion of Grimward’s fleet moves south and begins to raid Clan Nightriver and Newhope’s transport and escort fleets. Some reinforcements bleed Grimward’s raids and make it through to Stormjarl, while others are drowned and lost to the depths or forced to retreat. Both sides avoid a single determining battle on the sea that would risk a complete win or loss on this front of the war, but neither side is willing to back down. While Stormjarl finds themselves at risk of being cut off from help the voices of the Newhope Council, Prince Aylin, and Sylvir Bloodmoon, Clanleader of Nightriver, speak loudly that they will not abandon their ally.

Clan Stormjarl aggressively responds Clan Grimward’s new frontline on their northern coastline, and calls for the aid of available allies to help in the reserve to keep their troops supplied and able to fight, while also countering Grimward raiders from causing harm behind Stormjarl’s frontline troops. As the city of Newhope continues to be the send-off point of both organized and independent aiding forces, travel to or from Clan Stormjarl has become dangerous; but if left to stand alone, the clan will see a grim fate.

= EVENT SUMMARY =

Scenario #1 Saturday:

With armies clashing on the main roads, there was no doubt in the critical importance this flank route near the Great Lake was as Clans Ironmound and Stonetooth arrived in force and struck quickly to begin taking and holding key strategic points within the area. Clan Goldenfield’s allies struggled to slow down their initial advances as they made the attackers pay with broken steel and blood as they were pushed back, but eventually a line in the ground was made. Despite the unique magic of the Stonetooth, despite the thralls being thrown recklessly against them, and despite the odds being against them, Goldenfield’s allies managed to stabilize and organize themselves. The two lines clashed in ferocious battles, one after another with both sides taking wounds as armor fell to pieces and quivers emptied.

Clan Ironmound’s entrance into the war has a felt impact as their warriors are bolstered by the mountain’s metals and their supplies run deep. As territory is taken by Stonetooth, it is found hard to wrench from Ironmound’s warriors afterwards. Despite standing next to Stonetooth’s forces, Ironmound’s warriors are said to fight with honor, both not willing to throw their lives away but also aiming to save the lives of their opponents when able. Some may say that Ironmound stands as an enemy that fights to win but not to kill; but as Clan Shattered Spear’s people continue to be used as thralls by Stonetooth, many demand answers or condemn Ironmound’s warriors as they stand by to the horrors of the warriors and people being used as fodder to fill the frontlines. Clan Ironmound’s renown traditional and honorable ways of their past have been made uncertain as they fight on the frontline for the first time this war, and answers to these dishonors are rarely given by their warriors.

The news is not all grim though, as messengers galvanize the frontline warpacks of Clans Nightriver and Shattered Spear. Thagn Brynhildr Bloodhammer, Breaker of the North, having been made famous for leading Clan Stonetooth’s forces in the conquering of Clan Shattered Spear, was slain in battle. Body left unceremoniously punctured, smashed, and broken.

Half the territory was lost by the end of Ironmound and Stonetooth’s offensive, but Goldenfield’s allies had pulled together and stopped them from being able to advance any further. As the sun set both sides waned in eagerness to fight as time was sought to recover, but the day’s battle was not over. Scouts reported gaps in the Stonetooth lines, and with Goldenfield reinforcements on their way it created an opportunity to retake ground. But as darkness fell, the forest grew eerily quiet until an inhuman shriek was heard from the unknown. 

Terrors of the night descended upon all who walked the woods. A pack of creatures with mutated flesh and the unmistakable smell of salt, their horrific shrieks filling the air as they hunted for prey. A mass retreat was called back to the nearby outpost, with some choosing to distract the monsters while others went to recover war parties out on the field before they were cut off. By skill, miracles, or blessings of the gods, everyone made it back alive. Many warriors banded together and chose courage despite the fear, marching out to retake ground as the creatures stalked and attacked them from the darkness. The creatures flung magic effortlessly and struck with sharp protrusions of their own bones, but scurried briefly back to the dark when met with organized warriors. Thanks to the partially successful efforts of their allies to retake ground despite what lurked in the woods, Clan Goldenfield reinforcements eventually arrived to help hold the road. Word travels quickly that this was not the only area attacked as other warpacks were struck in the night as well by what many have begun to call “Salt Beasts”. At this time those who encountered them can only theorize if they migrated south, some form of strong magic in the area pulled their bodies as they used recall spells, or if they are a new form of warfare from Clan Stonetooth.

As dawn broke, neither side could claim a solid victory on this side route. Clan Goldenfield’s enemies managed to take enough ground to force some of Nightriver’s line of warpacks on the main roads to pull their positions back to avoid risk of being flanked and surrounded, but thanks to the efforts of their allies they did not lose any warpacks as this shift in the line was made. The bend has caused the fortress town of Shieldhaven to become a part of the new frontline, but the bend was not severe enough for the already-frontlined fortress town of Bladehome to become isolated. Clans Nightriver and Goldenfield fight on as they make Clans Stonetooth and Ironmound’s advance bloody, having used the thin gap to their advantage until the line was reformed.

This battle has only just started, but between encounters with Salt Beasts and fighting Stonetooth’s thrall units formed from the fall of Clan Shattered Spear, the morale of Nightriver and Goldenfield’s warpacks on the frontline has begun to deter faster than wars of the past. The two mixed armies reform from their losses before they face off again. By steel or fire, blood or mana, one side will eventually break in this gap that has come to be known as “Hammerfall” by those who fought there.

Scenario #2 Sunday:

The sounds of distant battle carried on the coastal winds as Clan Stormjarl’s allies and support forces arrived at the rearline. The location was in rough shape as the outpost’s medicinal supplies and most of their able-bodied troops had been moved to help on the front, leaving a wounded gap waiting for Grimward raiders to exploit. Those who arrived were determined to see their people stand strong and the outpost in better shape than when they arrived, even if they themselves were not on the frontline fighting.

The travel across the tides had been brutal for many, as Clan Grimward’s fleet continues to take fights of opportunity to weaken those sailing to aid Clan Stormjarl. Thanks to the undeterred help from Stormjarl’s allies fighting on the seas, a larger portion of the critical rear support fleet was able to reach Stormjarl shores than what Newhope leadership’s estimations were expecting to survive.

Clan Stormjarl and their allies entered the day uncertain of what they would encounter, but they met each challenge with willpower and strength. Their patrols traveled the roads while herbalists, healers, and alchemists were kept busy collecting herbs and restocking the outpost’s depleted medicine reserves. Tasks were taken off Hilmar Saltmourn’s burdened hands, allowing the Chieftain to manage the outpost efficiently while others took lead in the other priorities of the outpost and surrounding areas. Grimward’s raiders were never far though, always ready for a chance to strike.

Wounded came down the road as several villages on the frontline had fallen, their villagers and warriors attempting to flee the chasing Grimward warriors. Clan Stormjarl and their allies fought of the Grimward warriors while holding the wounds of the dying, not willing to accept an outcome where their people needed a pyre funeral. Supply carts needed to be escorted, often falling under attack but still managing  to reach their destinations without damage. The outpost was protected by Stormjarl’s warriors, and they even held firm when a war party of raiders that was scouted to be passing through the area was intercepted and repelled.

By the end of the day, those who arrived to help found themselves exhausted with almost too much work having needed to be done; almost. The outpost found itself with an overflow of medicine stocks, allowing the Chieftain to send extras to other depleting rearline outposts. The areas surrounding the outpost were secured firmly, stopping Grimward’s rearline raiders from achieving their goals in the area or from passing through, forced to either turn back or die on Stormjarl lands. While Clan Grimward continues to land forces on the northern shores and more pillars of smoke fill the sky from burning villages, Clan Stormjarl’s rearline strengthens. The clan will not fall this month, and thanks to their allies it will not fall the next month even if everything were to turn for the worst. Clan Stormjarl nearly fell in only a couple months during the Civil War, but history will not repeat itself this time.

= EVENT STORY =

Fighting in The Pass, the small strip of traversable land that connects Clans Grimward and Nightriver within the Great Wolf’s Hackles, has been grueling all winter. Through the thick, heavy snow and blustering, bitter cold temperatures, warriors here have been kept extremely busy as they continue the fight a year after their clan leader, Branthur Nightriver, was slain in ambush by Clan Grimward. With the recent news of more ground being taken within the Pass by Nightriver, confidence has grown in the Clan’s ability to build up and hold outposts further into the Pass than previously thought while Grimward controlled too much ground.

The constant rotating roster of front-line fighters has kept the fight going, with warriors filtering in and out as needed to get back into fighting shape. Now that the snow has melted and frozen dirt has shifted to mud, the task of building up outposts has begun. Front line fighters now have no option of losing ground, or they risk the loss of these still developing outposts and the resources poured into them.

Victories here are hard-fought and even harder kept, but Clan Nightriver continues to stand tall in the face of Grimward’s attempts to take The Pass, along with help from the Colonies. Fighters here will need to continue to persevere to keep this vital piece of land under Nightriver control. The fighting is expected to be brutal and keeping up the momentum by continuously bringing in fresh troops will be crucial for victory.

= EVENT SUMMARY =

Blood, steel, and countless dead filled The Pass as Grimward’s counter-attack reached the lines of Nightriver, Newhope, and their allies. The two forces fought back and forth upon the thin strip of land throughout the day, the endless battle rarely granting a break or time to rest. Due to the limited width of fightable frontline, troops had to constantly be cycled to fill in gaps left by wounded or fallen. Those who were green to combat this day either joined the mountain eternally or became veterans bathed in blood.

Grimward’s initial advances were beaten back with ferocity, but eventually their offensive gained momentum and they managed to break through the frontlines. It never took long for Nightriver, Newhope, and their allies to reform and retake their positions, but cracks were forming in the rearlines. Eventually the frontline collapsed with three Grimward warpacks breaking through, charging straight for the developing outpost. If not for a reserve-line of allied troops from the Blades of Sol arriving, all three would have surely been enough to destroy it and kill its workers. 

The rearline was struck hard, and one Grimward warpack still managed to push through the reserve and attack the outpost. The reserve-line granted the workers enough time to retreat unharmed, but the outpost was notably damaged in the attack and supplies were stolen as the warpack was eventually driven back by Nightriver and Newhope troops coming up The Pass. By the end of the day Grimward’s forces pulled back from the sanguinary attack, neither side truly coming ahead in the battle.

Reports come back that Grimward appeared to have taken heavier losses while Nightriver’s losses were reduced thanks to the efforts of frontline and support aid from allies, which made up for Nightriver’s higher losses in their own offensive during March. While Branthur Nightriver, fallen Clanleader of Nightriver, has continued to weigh heavy on the hearts of Nightriver’s warriors; this day the warriors found cause for celebration as Steinar, the Hersir of Grimward who dishonorably executed their clanleader, was slain in a Maw of The Wolf honor duel. For many though, the thirst of bloodshed is unquenched as the war continues. Additionally in an unexpected turn of events, a cart of supplies stolen from the outpost was escorted by Grimward warriors to the Nightriver frontline. While Grimward’s actions of the past year make many wonder if the clan bears honor anymore, a moment of peace was found on the brutal frontline as the clan honored the conditions of the duel and provided a cart of supplies to the victor.

The fighting in The Pass is far from over though as both sides expect to continue battling for ground in the months to come. As the eyes of Mardrun turn to the other frontlines, Halfrid Bloodriver, Warleader of Nightriver, asks for outside aid to assist with troop rotation within The Pass to hold off Grimward until the chokepoint defensive outpost can be completed and reinforced in the next couple months.

=EVENT STORY=

The sunrise across the continent has started to bring warmer, longer days. The snow is melting despite the bitter wind, and everyday it brings the people of Mardrun closer and closer to the perfect conditions for war. The stockpiles are ready, the fighters are warming up, and the forges are being lit as Clan Stormjarl and Nightriver prepare for the renewed onslaught Grimward and Stonetooth are sure to bring to their borders. 

Clan Stormjarl’s defenses have been bolstered even before the war broke out with many in the Clan focusing special attention on training warriors along Haygreth’s Scar and the more recent influx of trained healers, leading the defensive line of settlements south of The Scar looking very well-prepared for the coming defense. Nightriver has also taken the winter months to begin movement into Stormjarl territory to begin preparations for supporting the Clan in the fight everyone is sure is coming.

As Grimward begins probing Stormjarl’s defenses, it’s easy to see the Clan is still in recovery from the winter month’s harsh conditions and the ally’s offensive movement across the Yurnai River last year. While they stir up action across the border between the Clans, allies from across Mardun begin to move in to support the Clan, whether that be defending against Grimward’s grapplers keeping their warriors busy, or another offensive move while Grimward is still on the back foot. As the spring thaw fast approaches, one thing is for certain; this war is far from over.

=EVENT SUMMARY=

The day started cold and dreary as Stormjarl and supporters began preparations for the day. The thin layer of clean snow across the dirt quickly became wrought with footprints and cart marks, with supporters coming to ply their trades in support of Stormjarl. As the day began to warm up, the warriors warmed with it. Patrols were sent out both near and far, successful in their thwarting of Grimward invaders each time. The abundance of well trained healers, and the presence of many tradespeople, kept the warriors well taken care of as they returned from their attacks and patrols.

As the day pushes on, the snow melting into the dirt and turning to mud, warriors found themselves wearing down, but not without seeing a similar effect on Grimward. With success after success stacking up for Stormjarl, morale of the outpost grew until local leadership could finally claim the day had been a success, with Grimward’s local forces unable to quickly enough route reinforcements to cover the wounded section of their frontline.

The outpost rallied in their recovery after such a long day, Stormjarl and their allies continuing to patrol the nearby roads. Warriors made their way to the trail again, but were met with an unexpected fighting force. Warriors of Clan Shattered Spear marched against the patrols and outpost, throwing themselves into battle with Stormjarl with desperation and anguish across them all. A Stonetooth Ulven stood among them, forcing them into battle under threat of their own families being killed where they still lived in the occupied Shattered Spear territory if the warriors were to surrender, show defiance, or not follow orders. This Ulven, the ‘thrall watcher’, being un-killable by Stormjarl otherwise all the Shattered Spear families would die regardless of their efforts to fight for Grimward and Stonetooth.

This upsetting encounter left the warriors of Stormjarl with a horrible moral dilemma and no time to dwell on it. The warriors of Clan Shattered Spear were cut down in their intense battle, as they begged for, and the Stonetooth was let go to walk home free. 

In the midst of this chaotic battle, a healer and a bard stayed waiting in camp. While everyone from warriors to merchants ran to the trail to help support the fight or bring back wounded, they returned to even more chaos and panic to see that the bard’s throat had been slashed, and that healer was nowhere to be found. The bard was able to be saved, but the outsider who was believed to be the one who attacked in this moment of vulnerability, was not found.

In the end, with warriors making their way back into camp after the Stonetooth “thrall-watcher” made his departure, and with reports of similar attacks from Clan Shattered Spear’s people across Stormjarl’s outposts, the Clan is now left with very important decisions to make, and very little time to make them.

=EVENT STORY=

After Newhope’s long effort to stockpile and prep for the coming year that is sure to be filled with blood and war, the colony of Newhope has lit up with excitement at the recent news of the Annual Politcal Dinner. The Council has made an exciting announcement; the newest member of the Council, Duke Aailmyr, will be hosting this year’s Political dinner within the City-State’s walls. After concluding his work of lighting up the streets of Newhope with more and more enchanted lanterns and his creation of an Enchanter Trade school, those keeping up with the movements of the Council have been waiting to see what he does next. 

The Duke has spread word across the City-State and beyond– once again the Glinting Emerald will be opening its doors, not only for those looking to rub elbows with politicians, but scholars of every domain are invited to bring their research projects to the table. The grand invitation and offer of space for ethical and safe research to be done is sure to bring many scholars out to both aid in other’s research and conduct their own. 

Though, the final announcement from Duke Aailmyr has piqued the interest of many across the continent. Many have noticed the presence of the Northern Syndar present in the city over the past months, and the Duke has announced that the City-State has negotiated a sort-of partnership with the group. As a result, the Northern Syndar have donated a number of items to be researched by those in attendance, as their own lack of magical abilities has left them with no way to investigate them themselves. No other details of those items have been announced, but the hope for something new, and maybe even something that can aid in the Conquering, has sparked within many.

As the streets of Newhope begin to flood with people once again, the buzz of excitement for the Annual Political Dinner continues to grow with a new type of air: curiosity.

=EVENT SUMMARY=

The day started with Duke Aailmyr greeting those assembled and introducing two Northern Syndar. These syndar brought with them several things; a sample of flesh from one of the mysterious creatures they call a “Yolqui”, notes written in Ancient Syndar that needed translating, and an equally mysterious box, seemingly sealed by magical means. The state in which they existed, being unaffected by any magic seemed to also prevent them from being able to open the box. They made one request- the contents of the box were to remain in the box and no one was to look inside. Duke Aailmyr stressed the importance of this request to the group, backed by the City-State of Newhope’s authority, and the items were handed off.

As they handed off the box to one of the co-headmistresses of the Duke’s new enchanting trade school, a blank expression washed over her face. It seemed to slowly drain the mana from her as she was stuck in a trance with no recognition of the events around her. Only when one of the syndar from the north took the box from the headmistress’ grasp did she regain her mind. Research quickly began as the rest of those assembled began their regular discussions and politicking that was expected. 

As the Duke entertained those present, even auctioning off several newly enchanted items crafted in his school, several discoveries were made in the research. 

Many speculated on the nature of the Yolqui, comparing them both to Syndar and Ulven due to their animalistic features. The sample of hide was naturally high in salt and found to be as tough as leather armor even though it was thinner and much more pliable. Those studying the hide meditated, discovering that it was in tune with both arcane and divine magic, giving them the innate ability to cast magic. Some even theorized that the hide could be used as infused leather for enchanting items, though it would decay rapidly with unstable mana, requiring a fresh specimen.

While progress was made on studying the hide, there was great success with translating the notes and several trials involving the box. Whispers of doubt and thoughts of refusal to complete the box opening-ritual were heard, citing the ominous letter that had been previously translated. It was eventually determined that only a syndar leading a ritual could break the magic seal, so a small group gathered to do so despite the doubts. They were successful. The seal broke, but the room was quickly filled with shouts and screams as those involved with the ritual beheld a terrible vision. The exact details of the visions are not known, but word spread that they involved seeing Syndar fleeing some sort of calamity. Even more worrying though, some say the ritualists saw the Mother, even whispering that she spoke directly to them.

As a result of these harrowing visions, some present voiced strong concerns and opposition to opening the box the rest of the way. After a lengthy argument with the Duke in front of the syndar from the north, the box was eventually opened. Though the visitors from the north got what they asked for, reports indicate they left unhappy with all that transpired at the Glinting Emerald.

=EVENT STORY=

Fires are burning bright across Mardrun as the population works hard to stave off the chill of winter. The longest night of the year has passed, bringing more sunshine, even as the cold refuses to wane. While the cold may have slowed down many trade routes, small batches of bandits have still found their way to menace those routes. 

In an unfortunate turn of events, news of Clan Nightriver has spread once again. The mysterious food poisoning that was presented as a concern at the Nightriver Moot a few months ago has proven all the theories true; this sickness is no mere food poisoning. Pack Blackknife now faces one of the worst epidemics the Clan has seen since the mordok’s creeping corruption. What started as food poisoning from a bad batch of supplies left the Ulven of the Pack susceptible to a much worse sickness. The Ulven local to the area have quarantined the main settlement of the pack in hopes to stop the spread while they begin to work towards a solution. A cure to this sickness was found, but its application is too slow for a real chance at survival.

As delirium begins to set in and the first few deaths due to this plague go neither peacefully nor painlessly, Clan Nightriver begins to fear the possibility of losing Pack Blackknife. 

A call to action has been issued across Mardrun. Nightriver requests for aid from healers, surgeons, clerics, and anyone able to ease their suffering or aid in the search for an improved cure. They request warriors to stave off the small groups of bandits ready to take advantage of the Pack’s weakened state, herbalists to scour the area for healing reagents, and able-bodied people to keep the fires hot. Without a concentrated effort to more efficiently cure the sick Ulven, the sickness will continue to get worse, and could even run rampant across the continent. Nightriver’s request for aid must be met with quick, decisive action, or the future of Pack Blackknife, and maybe even the continent, is uncertain.

=EVENT SUMMARY=

Clan Nightriver quickly found the area around Pack Blackknife surrounded in support. Healers and clerics worked tirelessly to conjure and deduce the precise workings of this plague, while herbalists scoured the woods despite troublesome bandit pressure, and even later on, plagued bandits. Alchemists braved the quarantine to collect samples from living plagued Ulven for the healer’s research, while others took the task of handling bodies to aid in the research. Some of these brave helpers were unfortunately afflicted by the plague, leaving them no choice but to wait in the quarantine zone with the other plagued villagers.

As time went on and more questions became answers, with the added discovery of a modified Protection aura that kept the wearer protected from the plague, the group was able to set off into the quarantine zone and begin their attempts to heal the village.

The quarantine zone was a bleak sight. The worst cases of the plague, Ulven nearly dead, were left at the mouth of the village to be the first to receive aid. Armed with the knowledge that this plague was deadly at night, the healers rushed to work, racing against the sun. In the final minutes of sunset as more sick Ulven trickled into the area, proof of the group’s hard work reached the ears of those both in and out of the quarantined area. More healers have entered the area and begun working, and as the sun rises again in the morning, those tired healers can take their rest with a smile, knowing the Nightmare Plague is done reaping their lands in the night.