Wiki Category: Events

=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. 

=Event Story=

The Autumn season has nearly concluded with Mardrun seeing its first dusting of snow ahead of the upcoming Winter solstice. Though war weighs heavy on the minds of the continent, so too does the pressure of new leadership weigh on Clan Nightriver. With the dramatic conclusion of the Moot last month, the newly elected leaders are already hard at work in their positions to keep the Clan safe, secure, and warm over the winter season.

Many eyes have turned to Pack Bloodmoon in particular in this time of great change. Not only has their Pack Leader become the new Clanleader, but Pack Bloodmoon has stepped up to be the first to take action in carving out space for Clan Shattered Spear refugees. While both the Clan and Pack feel confident in their ability to make the preparations themselves, supporters from near and far have come forward to help, not just in Pack Bloodmoon, but all across the Clan. 

Pack Bloodmoon has now inadvertently become a hub of activity. With merchants setting up wares, tradespeople plying their trades, or even tired travelers finding a safe space to take a seat, it can be certain that Pack Bloodmoon is not turning away any of those helping hands.

=Event Summary=

Spirits were high throughout the day as Pack Bloodmoon welcomed newcomers from near and far. Trees were felled, war equipment was repaired, songs were shared, socks were puppetted, and food was passed around the fire. Camaraderie was thick in the air among the incredibly diverse gathering – almost as though the cold brought with it a new calm for warriors and friends to relax for the first time in, for some, an incredibly long time. Between stories of wintertime celebrations and drunken benders in faraway lands, Pack Bloodmoon made a warm and happy environment despite the cold and vicious climate.

As travelers cleared out of the area, packing up their tools and getting ready to find their way to shelter for the night, a Nightriver patrol made its way towards an empty unfinished hamlet. In the low-light of the setting sun, the details could almost be missed, but the scent of blood is always unmistakeable. 

Two teenage humans lay, gored open and gasping. As the boys were carried to the nearest healer, one of the patrolmen notices another anomaly. A note lay among the pooled blood, its contents familiar to some.

“Jericho sends its regards.”

=EVENT STORY=

As fighting on the northern front comes to a close, Clan Nightriver has continued its grinding fight in The Pass and is making preparations to supply itself for the coming year of war. The large clan is known to wield great combat power, like during the previous civil war, although fully mobilizing and supplying across its large territory has proven to take time. While keeping fair amounts of its warpacks on the frontline, many of their people return home to help take in the harvest and make preparations before winter sets in. Nightriver’s people are not alone in this, as the fighting is expected to die down across both sides of the fronts as winter sets in which will interrupt travel and clans will be able to take limited action without risking exhausting supplies going into the next year.

Internally, Clan Nightriver finds itself at a tense junction as they have been leaderless, with their warleader having been deciding the clans direction in the conflict; bloody and retaliatory. Holmar Bloodmoon, Warleader of Clan Nightriver, has promised the clan that Clans Grimward and Stonetooth will pay for their dishonorable slaying of Clanleader Branthur Nightriver as he has personally marched Nighter’s warpacks west to war. With Holmar’s strong backing from his revenge-seeking clan he announced his nomination for Clanleader, and many believe Holmar to be a strong military leader and proven Warleader, although his questionable past that lead to the title gives some pause and concern to his ability to lead during future peacetimes.

His is not alone though, as Packleader Sylvir Bloodmoon’s name is placed forward by her followers. Being the leader of Pack Bloodmoon, Sylvir has become known for her strong command within her pack and her sternness in keeping her people honorable. While many acknowledge her effective leadership and reliable kinship with adjacent packs, some worry for her ability to manage the clan due to its larger scale than just a single pack.

Furthermore, Jarl Laela Nightriver has recently begun her steps further into the spotlight. Her notable actions as an ambassador to aid in striking peace between Clan Grimward and Clan Stormjarl years back were when her name first became known to outsiders, and she has grown into a confident leader trained by Branthur Nightriver himself until his brutal demise by Grimward hands. While many of Branthur’s supporters have moved to follow her, her declaration to remove Holmar Bloodmoon from his position as Warleader if she is named Clanleader has many worried for the clan’s ability to be led on the field during the ongoing war.

While other names for leadership have come and gone, these three strong contenders have remained. Many Packleaders, Chieftains, and other notable figures aim to be present at the soon upcoming moot, along with travelers from other lands. While outsiders will not have a vote in this matter, many expect there to be opportunities to rub elbows and potentially even sway opinions. Tensions are high as leaders meet, Clan Nightriver’s future will soon be sown.

=EVENT SUMMARY=

The Nightriver Moot kicked off quickly, with the several Nightriver representatives and the 3 Clanleader candidates being introduced and immediately being whisked into conversation by both outsiders, and with each other. Each representative had their own concerns and reservations, and several hours went by with each of them bringing those concerns to each of the candidates. Drinks were shared and food was served from the many cultures of Mardrun, and outsiders had the opportunity for their voices to be heard and to pledge aid to the different packs of Nightriver who faced various difficulties. Even though outsiders were not part of the vote, many developed relations to give or ask for aid going into the winter and the upcoming year of war. 

Before the representatives could have their final assembly, a letter arrived addressed to Nightriver leadership from Clan Ironmound. Ironmound’s leadership has declared their official entry into the war. Honoring their Ironward alliance, they have joined the side of Grimward and Stonetooth with the intention to begin marching to fight.

At the end of the Moot, in an impressive show of unity, the representatives made a unanimous vote to promote Sylvir Bloodmoon to the station of Clanleader – however, the promotion came with stipulations. The first stipulation: Clan Nightriver should take in Clan Shattered Spear refugees; the second stipulation: Jarl Laela should be kept close to the new Clan Leader as a political ambassador. 

The representatives made a bold and surprising third stipulation: Warleader Holmar Bloodmoon should step down from his station and instead take up the mantle of being The Champion of Clan Nightriver, with the single goal of avenging Branthur Nightriver and the Clan’s honor in this war. Perhaps even more surprisingly, Holmar begrudgingly accepted this stipulation. As he stepped down from his station as Warleader, one name was nominated for the position: Halfrid Bloodriver, the Chieftain of Pack Bloodriver who was already in attendance of the Moot. While the nomination by her peers seemed to be entirely unexpected to her, she did not hesitate to accept it. Halfrid’s acceptance of the position along with Clanleader Sylvir’s approval to all stipulations brought the Moot to a close on a note that showed the continent that Nightriver is far from broken, and sparked hope for the future for many of those in attendance.

= EVENT STORY =

As the war continues to progress against their favor, the defiance of Clan Shattered Spear’s warriors has become undeniable as they remain standing longer than anyone expected against Clan Grimward and Clan Stonetooth’s invasion. The support of their allies has equally effected the clan’s ability to stand, proving time and time again that Clan Shattered Spear never stood alone. Clan Shattered Spear has always been a strong clan for its size, but a year of war against the mordok weaked the clan, which Clan Grimward’s larger army took advantage of with their surprise attack marking the start of this war. Clan Shattered Spear no longer stands strong, the time for defiance has come to a choking end.

On the western coast of Clan Shattered Spear’s lands, close to the dirge, Clan Grimward’s raider fleet rapidly deployed warpacks which captured ships and coastal villages. As the colder season begins to arrive, these warpacks continue their advance deeper into Clan Shattered Spear territory, creating the danger of encircling the remaining Clan Shattered Spear warpacks and leadership. Whether captured, killed, or just unable to send communication, the command line has crumbled and individual warpacks are left isolated to attempt holding their portions of the line as long as possible before attempting to retreat, if the route east to Clan Whiteoak can remain open.

In addition, the Shield outposts of Clan Shattered Spear and the far western coastal Newhope outpost fall silent, presumed dead or captured. Reports come with wounded refugees as they tell stories of mordok roaming through the Shield’s gaps, not in numbers large enough to threaten warpacks but enough to attack isolated groups like small warrior patrols and refugees.

No request for aid arrives from Clan Shattered Spear in their final days, leaving outsiders with no guidance while they decide whether they can arrive to help what little remains of the fallen clan as their people fall and retreat east.

= Event Summary =

Plumes of smoke soar to the sky behind the remnants of Clan Shattered Spear and their allies as they are the last to retreat east. The northern front falls quiet with the cut off Shattered Spear warpacks fighting to the last or being captured as flames rage across their farmlands, leaving nothing for their conquerors. Clan Shattered Spear would not have stood for as long as they did without the unwavering aid of their allies, but in the end the clan’s fate was only delayed. Fighting until nothing was left, stood tall by their allies, and going out with a ferocious roar. Thus ends the saga of Clan Shattered Spear’s defiance.

Reports travel with news that Clan Shattered Spear’s High Priestess, Gyda Shattered Spear, was captured after her escort was cut down before they could reach friendly lines. Warleader Ulf Mossguard was slain in battle, his personal warpack fighting to the last warrior. No news is heard of Clanleader Laifnar Icefury, his fate unknown to his people. Much of the clan’s people now reside in the hands of their conquerors, their future uncertain.

Yet, many of their people survived and escaped east thanks to the clan’s defiance and their allies. Despite the clan and outside help being largely unable to hold the main crossroads, they managed to entirely deter initial invader advances and destroy a forward outpost being established. The fields were burned to black cinder to stop Grimward and Stonetooth from using the harvest to fuel their war. Roaming mordok whelps were slain, until a larger mordok unexpectedly traveled through and violently forced them to return north. This part of the war may have been lost, but the blade of Clan Grimward has been slowed and other clans and kingdoms have been given time to prepare and make provision.

One final flame flickers in the darkness of Clan Shattered Spear’s lands as Outpost Grimsendir still stands with Shattered Spear’s banners, its warriors not knowing that they are the last warpack standing. Only time will tell if Clan Shattered Spear dies with its land or stands with its surviving people.

= EVENT STORY =

As the celebrations of the market faire come to a close, travelers are quickly reminded of the war that continues to spill blood to the north. News spreads quickly of Clan Shattered Spear having lost a third of their land to Clan Grimward and that they are continuously being pushed back further into their own lands. Thanks to having received large logistics support from their allies in the past, the Clan was able to set up defensive outposts along the river that splits their land. It was hoped that the line could be held and more time could be bought.

Time is up.

Clan Grimward’s warpacks have broken through the overwhelmed and outnumbered defensive line in multiple locations, creating breaches to cross the river and allow further forces through. With Clan Grimward pressing into the heart of Clan Shattered Spear lands, many believe that these battles will be the final defiant months of the Clan. The warriors of Clan Shattered Spear rarely refuse to stop fighting though, their collective spirits unbroken even with their lives crumbling around themselves.

One outpost in particular, a bastion in the defensive line, has refused to fall and has forced Grimward to allocate additional Warpacks to handle it. Named Outpost Grimsendir, the warriors within it continue to defend with ferocity and strike out from their walls in the black of night. Word even travels that Clan Grimward had requested the honorable surrender of the defenders, to which the response was one word: “Blood”.

Outpost Grimsendir stands alone, surrounded, and quickly running out of supplies that are needed to continue holding out. As a final offensive action, Clan leadership has decided to send local warpacks to briefly break through the Clan Grimward lines and get supplies to the outpost so it can continue to hold up a large number of invading forces. This last act of defiance sends a message to Clan Grimward and marks the beginning of Clan Shattered Spears’ final months. Clan Shattered Spear remains greatly outnumbered, calling upon any available allies to aid them while they still stand. This offensive will be risky and dangerous for any who arrive to send this message of defiance to Clan Grimward, requiring a breach in their siege to be made and then supplies sent through before their warpacks can organize and counter-attack. However, the amount of damage this stalwart defense would cost Clan Grimward could be considerable and help war efforts in the future.

= Event Summary =

Outpost Grimsendir stands proud but exhausted, waiting expectantly for Clan Grimward’s next attack. Like many other days, it doesn’t take long for movement to be spotted and for the protectors to grab their bows. Each archer picks their target of the advancing enemy and draws, but a yell to “hold” rings across the wall. The Shattered Spear defenders found themselves shocked to see clan members and allies arriving with packs of supplies to stock the outpost, having somehow broken through the siege lines of Clans Grimward and Stonetooth.

Clan Shattered Spear had struck fast and hard earlier in the day. Grimward’s patrols barely even noticed the attack before it was upon them which left them isolated and outnumbered, allowing the supply cart escorts to easily break through the siege line and quickly get two carts of supplies through before Grimward could organize. Time was like an approaching tide though, and as the day progressed Grimward and Stonetooth’s warpacks were able to reorganize and use their greater numbers to their advantage. Clan Shattered Spear’s flanking warpack and allied units found their advance halted, forced to hold what ground they had taken to keep the pressure off the supply escort unit.

The escort unit continued to push though, getting supplies through despite the odds mounting against them. Clan Grimward met them head on if the field in addition to using ambush tactics, causing a cart of supplies to be stolen and the escort to be forced back due to mounting casualties. Clan Shattered Spear and their allies remained unbroken though, and with great coordination and force of will they made one final push to break through the line, successfully getting a third cart of supplies through.

The increasing heat of the day and constant clashing eventually took its toll though, and the attackers found themselves exhausted and unable to push any further as Grimward’s numerical advantage became overwhelming. Clan Shattered Spear’s lines began to fall back, successfully holding key positions as to not let any of their units become isolated or overwhelmed. The lines clashed and the supply escort found itself cracking under the pressure, but managed to just barely hold long enough for a safe retreat as Grimward and Stonetooth overwhelmed the area.

Warleader Ulf Mossguard sends thanks to their clan’s allies who have continued to provide aid even in the most dire and dangerous of battles. Honorary pyres have been built for those who died in this battle, having risked everything for their clan and paid with their lives. With several carts full of supplies having reached Outpost Grimsendir the reports estimate that it will allow the outpost to stand for several months more, hoping to tie up multiple Grimward and Stonetooth warpacks in the area forced to siege it longer.