Wiki Category: Events

With Clan Ironmound considerably ahead of schedule based on the combined efforts of many over the fall, the people of Mardrun have begun to turn their focus to the fast approaching winter. The last bit of crops and harvests are being tended to and the winter snow is fast approaching. Without a calamity bringing people together or a concentrated mordok attack to the north, attention drifts to day to day life and what needs to be done before winter. There are several opportunities for people to listen to the news that couriers bring to the various settlements and choose a story or two to pursue.

Howls On The Horizon: Part 1
Rumors have spread and grown surprisingly fast about a man who is travelling through Ulven lands, who calls himself “The Wolf Priest”. Telling his story of near death and is now suggesting a new rhetoric to many long held Ulven religious views. Some rumors claim he is picking at old wounds and claiming the Lorespeakers have misled the Ulven people about their gods. While some seem to embrace the idea of more focus on The Great Wolf, others worry that this new rhetoric may bring a doom upon the Ulven people by angering Gaia and the Great Wolf. With little hard facts to go on many wonder if this “Wolf Priest” is worth a second glance or simply a scared man fighting to have his name heard.
One thing is certain; wherever the Wolf Priest travels, tensions mount between various Ulven people.

UPDATE: Rumors continue to circle about this strange man who walks the land speaking new rhetoric about the Ulven afterlife. It seems this speaker is not only preaching an alternate idea of the Ulven afterlife, he seems to be preaching a whole new take on the concept of honor and duty. His mentality seems to be that the Ulven have been fed lies about the potential afterlives that they all have waiting for them. He tells that being swallowed by The Great Wolf is not a punishment. He swears that he himself has seen into the Maw of The Great Wolf and found it to hold all of the totality of the cosmos. He claims to have seen the entirety of everything within the Maw of the Wolf and saw that being swallowed does not mean that you are destroyed forever, but rather that you are returned to the cosmos with your ancestors.

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The Looming Winter: Part 1
Across the continent, calls are being made by various Colonies and settlements about the need for resources and supplies to prepare for the coming winter. One of the most noticeable calls for work are the various settlements of the City-State of Newhope. This presents a chance to ply one’s craft, to trade goods for silver, or barter. There is demand for tradespeople to work and earn silver or to assist those less fortunate than themselves. Workers assigned to expansion projects or stationed at settlements can find various work to be productive, helping stabilize or even expand on the viability of City-State territories. Although no songs will be sung about the inglorious work, there is opportunity nonetheless… and lips often loosen at night, allowing rumors to flow as much as ale in the taverns host to travelers from all walks of life.

UPDATE: 

The expansion effort in Newhope is met with an astonishing amount of support. Small contingents from The March of Starkhaven and The Order of Arnath’s Light, UCUM, The Phoenix, and many other adventurers and opportunists looking to earn honest money for honest work. The colors of New Vandregon can be seen flying proudly as they sent a unit of traders and several of their more prominent members. With the unexpected amount of support all plans are moving ahead of schedule. Some speculate if that means expansion will continue into the new year or if it is simply a blessing to be appreciated.

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Life Doesn’t Stop: Part 1
From the North, a call comes down; many of the Warpacks have been stationed at The Shield for a considerable amount of time and help is requested. With winter approaching many warriors would like to return home to help their families prepare for winter and others would like to simply return to their lives. However, replacements are needed lest the Mordok find a gap in the line so hard fought to be held. Resources and warriors are needed to support this endeavor. If no support comes, morale could falter and The Shield could become vulnerable to attack. While the Shield of Mardrun is one of the greatest cooperative feats in the history of Mardrun, it requires attenton, supplies, and logistical support to succeed. After the recent attacks in the fall, and the subsequent destruction that followed, many are fearful of what could happen.
Adventurers looking to make a name for themselves, do their part in guard duty against the swamp, or sit shoulder to shoulder with veteran warrior’s swapping stories around a campfire could benefit from their service here.

UPDATE:

A great deal of support spills northward and soon a battle rages in the quiet outposts that make up the Shield of Mardun. A battle between the softly falling snow and the roaring flames of the outpost campfires, with each trying to dissipate the other but it’s a conflict that won’t end until winter does. Fortunately for many of the warriors the only presented threat is the growing cold, although stories of small wandering Mordok groups travels fast between fortifications and patrols. The Mordok’s presence is minimal for the duration of the month, but getting comfortable is always a danger as the Mordok seem to never be far once there’s signs of the defenses laxing.

After a second month of considerable focus and support for the villagers and people of Clan Ironmound, the recovery efforts continue at an impressive rate. Work crews finish their tasks ahead of schedule, with less injuries and fatigue and better management and use of supplies and food. For all intents and purposes, the recovery effort is a resounding success. Clan Ironmound leadership has actually put out a call for an organized break this month, both to celebrate the success of the recovery efforts but also to plan on what to do next. The most pressing and dire issues were tackled head on, with vigor, and by both locals and traveling outsiders. Several feasts and social events are being planned to celebrate and allow travelers a chance to socialize or take some needed downtime.

The bandits in the area were dealt a crippling blow to their operational abilities. An aggressive armed patrol last month was able to track down the main bandit camp and a short but vicious fight took place. With a number of bandits dead and the rest of them driven off, it would be difficult for the bandits to coordinate anything substantial in the new few months. While the main bandit camp was attacked, another group apparently decided it was a opportune moment to hit Clan Ironmound villages on the border and to raid The Pass. Luckily, defenders were left back to continue patrols and a second intense fight took place. These bandits were also driven back or defeated.

Clan Ironmound leadership, at first apprehensive on the subject, have made the decision to allow teams to be gathered and to be taken to help them study the uncovered Lorespeaker cache. The few voices that approached them on this subject over the last few months, and their decision’s to heed their feedback, were wise in doing so. There is now a great opportunity for those seeking knowledge. Based on previous encounters surrounding uncovered Lorespeaker caches, the statement that Clan Ironmound is ready to accept help in opening the cache has very likely made it to the ears of those that would like to see the contents remain buried. The extent of what could be uncovered is unknown but now the door is open for those willing to help.

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In the end the researchers and scholars are able to open the cache and uncover a series of writings by an ancient ulven, written in an early version of an Ulven script. All in attendance take possession of copies of the writings and some set out to work out a way of spreading the information far and wide.

Meanwhile a small force of Lorespeaker agents attacked the defenders in the areas surrounding the village, making it very clear that the information contained in the cache was something they’d much rather see returned to the dirt instead of spread amongst the populace. Luckily they did not arrive in adequate numbers to overwhelm the defenders and after a series of hit-and-run attacks they vanished into the forests.

UPDATE: Further efforts by players and resources have seen to the public spread of the documents found in the cache. Branthur Nightriver, Clanleader of Clan Nightriver has seen to the distribution of copies of the lore found in the cache. https://lasthopelarp.com/wiki/lore-cache-contents-november-269/

Last month, a considerable effort was put forth by traveling adventurers and organizations alike as people from all corners of Mardrun showed up and immediately went to work helping the people of Clan Ironmound. They either started their own efforts or joined in on some of the smaller groups that had arrived several months ago and already began assisting the Clan. Labor pools were coordinated, teams deployed to different areas to work, armed patrols kept bandits in check, healers tended to sick or injured, and mess halls and social spaces created to tend to food, water, and rest. Although no coin was promised and it was clear that contracts were not available to travelers coming in, a considerable amount of people showed up to help and a handful of them even donated their own coin to the cause. Clan Ironmound Chieftains and leaders were impressed; their bristled nature softening as progress continued through the month.

There is still a lot of work to be done; rubble takes time to clear, dead Ulven bodies recovered need funeral rites and pyres, and the bandits are notorious for being stubborn and hard to truly dispatch. Talk around the work camps has been high in morale all month but a common question continues to spring up; will this effort continue in earnest or will it fade out? Rumors begin to spread as well. Some craftsmen and travelers seem to be negotiating payment for their services or being sought after by Chieftains with wealth and a goal to see their areas focused on or cleaned up first. Warriors talk about scouts finding possible bandit camps that could be attacked and their forces defeated decisively. Diplomats loosen their tongues about Clan Ironmound’s stance regarding the Lorespeake Cache and whether they are willing to allow access to it or not. While morale and good intentions still remain key to all of this progress, some personal agendas or the allure of coin begin to darken the edges of the humanitarian efforts of the collective group.

One thing is for certain; Clan Ironmound is keenly watching what the travelers and helpers are doing and focusing on. Now more than ever, the bigger picture of the relief efforts is being weighed by those in leadership positions to see if the efforts are left wanting.

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The villages on the eastern portions of Clan Ironmound continue to show incredible signs of altruistic aid and camaraderie. All across the region people of all walks of life, whether Ulven or Colonist keep at the task at hand of seeing the proud people of Ironmound returned to their homes and work.

Wagons bearing the heraldry of The United Collective and the Order of Arnath’s Light continue to make ventures into the area bringing supplies and workers and last month a couple large work crews from Clan Nightriver journeyed into the area and immediately set about on the reconstruction efforts. By and large the turn out is immense and though there were some whispers of people discussing ways that they could walk out of this scenario with some fresh coin in pocket, there has been no evidence that this has happened anywhere. Through-and-through those that are here seem to be here due to the goodness of their own hearts or out of a pragmatic understanding of Ulven politics.

Through the month the nights are again filled with drink, song, and stories. Rumors float through the villages of the combat going on in the pass and the areas further to the east. Not a lot makes it back that can be considered proper news, but rumors tell of great bloodshed though on which side no one really knows.

By the end of the month reports come back that bandits had attacked the support and defending forces with a substantial force, though the fighting was brutal the defenders were able to hold the bandits at bay. Those who had gone on the offensive return with news that they did not meet with the expected level of bandit forces on their outing and they were able to clear the areas effectively. Neither group reported any sightings of any type of leadership among the bandits.

The devastation in the eastern reaches of Clan Ironmound is more than most had expected. Sure rumors and tales of the destruction had spread across the continent, but words alone cannot truly carry the impact that one feels when seeing the damage first hand. By the time most members of this aid mission arrived in the area, Ironmound had already devoted several months of concerted effort toward clean up and yet there are still many villages that are populated more with fallen homes and collapsed mines than anything resembling a concerted rebuilding effort. This sight helps bring the breadth of the destruction into focus, even after many months of effort, Ironmound alone hasn’t been able to see to many of their own villages. The initial damage must have been beyond catastrophic.

Aside from the rubble and damage there are a handful of other sights that stand out to those arriving in the area. Alongside the Ironmound workers there appear to be other helping hands already elbow and shoulder deep in the reconstruction effort. A small group of colonists working under the banner of Silvers Crossing sing songs heralding from the Fire Isle home of The Phoenix while they toil, seemingly keeping their fellow labourers in good spirits. Alongside them toils an equal sized group of Ulven bearing the marks and heraldry of Pack Bloodmoon of Clan Nightriver. Both of these groups are dwarfed by the blazing red feathers of The Broken Blade Company who immediately stand out as having already spent a great deal of time and effort among the people of Ironmound. Several carts of supplies line the work areas bearing the insignia of the Broken Blade. It becomes abundantly clear that they have been here for months already and have donated much to the cause already.

As the first days of the month fall away more and more people spill into the area. At first the Ulven of Clan Ironmound are a bit bristly, but as the number of helpers and labourers continues to rise they soften up and welcome the newcomers with open arms before quickly directing them to areas that they could be most helpful. By mid-month the area is swarming with seemingly altruistic groups individuals and groups. Some new banners can be seen in the area emblazoned with the letters UCUM as well as some banners bearing the iconography of The Order of Arnath’s Light. All-in-all together everyone makes an impressive force.

The month toils on. Days are filled with sweat and back-breaking labor and nights are filled with song and drink. Occasionally stories drift into the villages of bandits clashing with patrols in the nearby wilds, but none of these assaults seem to be of too much note. Some of these reports tell of a bandit leader named Killy and with this comes word that she is the same bandit who’d committed infanticide during a tense hostage situation a few years back. Apparently she’s again managed to skulk away with life and limb. By the end of the month people from all parts of Mardrun find themselves surrounded by friends, new and old, tempered in the heat of labor and quenched in the soothing embrace of joy-filled nights around the fire.

As a concentrated repair and building effort comes to a close last month, the focus of Mardrun shifts over to the annual market faire in July. Many expected the faire to be held in City-State territory and there were rumors that Clan Nightriver was going to make an announcement soon about holding a festival. However, the Prince of New Aldoria seems to have beaten everyone to the punch and announced, rather brashly, that Aylin’s Reach will be hosting a market faire this month. Drawing ire from some nobles about “not maintaining etiquette” has little impact on the merchants that have quickly pledged to travel to and setup at Aylin’s Reach.

The new home to New Aldoria has seen tremendous economic and structural expansion over the last two years. Between a close partnership with Clan Stormjarl and a great opportunity to be involved in many construction and relocation contracts for the former Clan Squallborn Ulven, Aylin’s Reach has solidified itself as a strong rival to the impressive territories of the City-State. Although nowhere near as large in size, the mercantile networks of New Aldoria seem to be involved and invested in everything going on in the continent.

Representatives from all corners of Mardrun are expected to make an appearance, granting great opportunities for attendees to mingle with powerful people on Mardrun. The market faire will be host to all sorts of merchants and the usual tournaments and games of chance are expected to add excitement to the faire.
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Following Prince Aylin’s announcement people flock quickly into the area in an attempt to set up and hock their wares and rub their elbows with any nobles who have decided to put their feelings of broken etiquette aside to revel in the joys of the yearly market faire. Within days the streets of Aylin’s Reach are filled beyond their normal levels of wine-drunk pedestrians as people from all over Mardrun take some time for themselves to feel the sun on their skin and enjoy a moment of pure ease and revelry after months of news of Mordok attacks in the north.

As the actual date of the market faire draws closer, tents and market stalls begin to spring to life in a beautiful park square in the center of town. Strategically located between several taverns and a few bakeries, it’s clear that this square was always destined for a life of city-wide public events. One half of this square has been set up to accommodate the variety of merchants, while on the other a series of raised platforms has been built around a decently sized fighting ring. Throughout the day, when not used for the tournament, the ring is populated by various bands and bards looking to make some silver from the drunken crowds.

At midday when the sun is directly overhead the tournament is called and people of all walks of life flood into the arena. Some are true and tested warriors looking to show their abilities in battle. Some have simply come to watch the spectacle. Some seem as though they are just drunk enough to think they stand a chance in a fight. The games go well. People are given a chance to show prowess with their bows; warriors fight with swords and shields; several unarmored fighters show off their skills and bravery as they swing heavy poleaxes at each other in the arena; mages take a chance to hurl spells back and forth at each other, but it’s all leading up to the final event and finally the moment all had been waiting for arrives as the small-unit battle takes to field. All of the combatants who had fought in the tournament are divided into two opposing teams, balanced by both their individual weapons as well as the relative strength of their team-members. With the blowing of a horn the two teams charge into the fray. It’s a relatively quick battle, as they often can be, as the two teams smash into each other’s lines. Arrows rain down from archers, shields smash against each other and are in turn splintered by heavy axes. Spells of all shapes and colours are hurled across the field. In the end two warriors remain standing. They circle each other for some time before eventually trading blows and before long one falls to his knees and yields. The crowd cheers at the spectacle and slowly begins to stand to leave the arena, but before they are able to file out another horn blows from outside.

The gate to the area is flung open and two men in full plate, wielding long wooden lances gallop into the arena on the backs of Aylin’s prized horses. The crowd immediately roars to life. For the colonists this will be the first joust they will have seen in many years; for the ulven this will be an entirely new spectacle. A general sense of unease can be felt from many of the ulven in attendance as their closest experience with horses comes from the infamously grumpy Mardrun ponies.

The horsemen take turns showing various skills and strengths before finally settling in for a well and proper joust. They take three passes at each other, trading blows from lances until eventually one of them is unseated from his horse. The crowd erupts with cheers and hollers and even most of the ulven seem to have come around and become swept up in the experience. There is no doubt that the story of this moment will travel far and wide over Mardrun. Colonists will tell the story of how they got to see a joust again; Ulven will tell the tale of the mad colonists who rode into battle atop enormous ponies and walloped each other with wooden sticks.

The rest of the day carries an excited energy as people flock back into the market area filled with adrenaline and amusement. Coin trades hands faster than normal and alcohol flows freely from the windows of taverns. Throughout the faire you’d be hard pressed to find someone not discussing the tournament and the joust that followed it. One thing is certain, Aylin’s Reach has made itself known as one of the places to be on Mardrun.

Event Info:

With the situation at the Shield of Mardrun turning quite brutal last month, the combined forces of Ulven defenders at the Shield outposts and volunteers and adventurers coming to help were able to work together and defeat the significant Mordok force moving south. Numerous attacks crashed on the defensive outposts, putting their defenses and the mettle of the warriors stationed their to the test. Large bands of Mordok moved past the Shield to the south, heading into Ulven territory. Many groups of warriors and allied forces were dispatched to meet them in the field and defeat them. Outside of the protective fortifications of the Shield of Mardrun, these battles were brutal and bloody. Almost all of these Mordok forces were defeated, driven back to the north, or scattered and routed.  However, the toll was heavy as many Ulven warriors and allied soldiers were wounded or killed. As things quiet down across the Shield of Mardrun, a coordinated effort has been made to tend to those wounded and in need of care.

The small village, Ti’volar, in Northern Clan Whiteoak territory, was spared the Mordok onslaught due to the response of Whiteoak warriors and their allies. The village has opened its homes and hearths to all to come and rest, have their wounds tended to, and tradespeople work their skills to help others. As always, a small economy rises from these concentrated efforts and merchants have come to interact with the efforts.

Event Summary:

The month in the village of Ti’Volar passes with a well earned peace. Throughout the small village boisterous voices recount their tales of battle and greet friends who have flocked to the small village for rest and recuperation. There is a general air of celebration and camaraderie throughout the village with many people taking this chance to drink and tell stories. Several areas of town have sprung up to act as impromptu taverns for the throngs of visitors and other areas have been set aside for tradespeople to work there craft. These areas are quick to draw the attention of merchants and professionals from all over Mardrun and by the end of the first week many of these areas set aside are full to the seams with people looking to aid and profit off of the need for services.

All through the month rumors and tales circulate through the village. Some are lucky enough to hear a snippet here and there, but in the end there’s no real way to fact check the veracity of any of these stories as they run rampant through the area. Seems as though the adrenaline from battle hasn’t fully subsided, this mixed with the flow of alcohol makes for very chatty warriors.

As the month winds down the people who had come to this village see that their armor is repaired and their wounds healed and though the battles of the prior month were brutal, but by and large it seems like the wounded and battered are able to walk away on their own strength. The combined efforts of a considerable number of adventurers and some of their followers has made quite an impact. Proper triage of wounds of various severity, the constant strikes of hammer to anvil day in and day out, and even the coordinated efforts of life saving or even life improving surgeries keep a constant business alive in the town

Last month in March, a combination of a sizeable force of Mordok approaching and attacking the Shield of Mardrun combined with a mysterious illness that has spread and caused issues among the colonies and settlements has delayed Celestial Arragones expedition into the swamp.

While the Mordok force is nowhere near the size of the one during the Dirge Swamp war, it is large enough that constant hit and run tactics against the Shield could make a significant impact. Various Clanleaders and Chieftains of the Ulven are calling for aid to reinforce the Shield. Warriors have been seen in various settlements calling for volunteers and stoking the heart-fires of those looking to earn glory. The defenses of the Shield of Mardrun hold, but make no mistake… answering the call to arms and heading to the Shield to help will most definitely be dangerous.

Prince Aylin has been very busy lately being involved in the various economic expansions in and around Aylin’s Reach. With former Squallborn families getting setup or moved to new locations along with Clan Stormjarl solidifying their hold on the new territories, there is a lot of opportunity to get involved in various deals going on in the area. Representatives to the Prince have been open about several opportunities and are asking for people to signup in exchange for coin.

The Outcome of the Shield Defense

The last several months in the collection of outposts that make up the Shield of Mardrun had been largely quiet. Mordok forces occasionally made the journey south to apply pressure on the defenders, but concerted efforts to pass between the outposts were generally spotted by scouts and hunters with enough time to muster the necessary forces from the neighboring outposts to meet the enemy in the field and repel them before entering the civilized lands to the south. Occasionally some small count would slip through the gaps, but never in numbers high enough to wreak extended havoc. These small forces were always easy enough to hunt down and clear out before they made it too far south. Things changed in the end of March 269.

Hunters and scouts returned to their outposts north of Clan Whiteoak along the eastern areas of the shield, bringing with them reports of several Mordok forces marching south. Some are seen accompanied by their mysterious leaders clad in colors running from blue to teal while others seem to travel in more traditional packs. The southward moving forces were reported to not be to the scale that as seen in the Dirge War push of 267, but the numbers were significant enough to require additional forces on The Shield. Fortunately the hunters arrived with enough advance notice to allow the leadership to put forth a call for aid. Throughout Mardrun, the call was heeded by both Ulven and Colonist alike and with haste individuals and trained combat units marched north to defend their shared home.

The first few days along The Shield were largely quiet. Some Mordok had been seen in the area, but it seemed that the larger forces were still in the midst of their southward march. Some people spent the time sharpening their weapons and patching worn areas on their armor while others made themselves acquainted with their various comrades. Reports of the approaching Mordok traveled quickly throughout the ranks and with them stories  of the sightings of the teal-clad leaders. Many of the veteran Ulven of the shield had taken to calling these special Mordok the Beinbakadur. This word  proved difficult for many colonist tongues, but the Ulven were quick to offer a translation: Straight-Backed.  When the Mordok did come, the defenders were ready for them.

Throughout the eastern Shield, defenders marched from their outposts to meet the Mordok forces in battle. By and large the defenders made sure to keep themselves within accessible range to their home outpost and as the battles ebbed and flowed  this strategy proved to be incredibly beneficial for the combatants. Through the battles, many were wounded, but with the ease of access to support units, relatively few lives were lost.

By and large it seemed as though the Mordok had come with a strategy of their own. A handful of the Beinbakadur stood as something akin to field commanders shouting orders over the units in their command. The Mordok under these leaders seemed to fight with increased adherence to military tactics, but also with greater disregard for their own lives. Willingly these Mordok would throw themselves recklessly into the fray. Were it not for the close proximity of these battles to nearby outposts, an inordinate number of combatants would have lost their lives to this fanatical onslaught. Unfortunately however, a focus on immediate safety can lead to a slow response to new situations.

As the defenders remained in relatively close proximity to their outposts they were slowed to react to a series of Mordok forces that avoided scouts and patrols by taking a path that led through the open and inadequately watched areas between the outposts that make up The Shield. Without anyone to stop them they were able to spill southward into the northern reaches of Clan Whiteoak. In their efforts to repel the attacks from the north while remaining near to their outposts, the shield defenders were slow to notice this penetration, but when they did they rallied available units as quickly as they could to hunt these invaders down as the rest remained to continue to hold back additional forces. By the time the various units caught up to the Mordok they’d already managed to rampage through a handful of settlements, leaving bodies and destruction in their wake. 

Throughout the northern reaches of Clan Whiteoak the defenders of The Shield met the invading Mordok in battle. These battles were quick and decisive as the defenders managed to slay or rout their enemies back toward the north where they were cut off and slaughtered. Meanwhile to the North the allied defenders took the upper hand and were able to rout the pressing Mordok. In the end the defenders stood victorious over the Mordok invasion.

All across the shield, defenders began to slip into celebration after a long and hard battle, but this celebration was cut short as their comrades returned from the south with news of the civilian slaughter that had taken place before they were able to catch up to the Mordok forces. A somber mood fell over the defenders of The Shield as all were given a forced reminder that there is no such thing as safety in war; there’s always a cost.

Several groups of scouts and hunters were dispatched northward to verify the enemy rout and in the meantime the remaining defenders set to the task of building pyres to tend to the dead. When the work was done Ulven warriors and daughters of Gaia throughout the shield led people in rites of remembrance before encouraging them to tell stories and revel in the victory of a battle hard fought and well earned. Well into the night people shared stories of their exploits on the battlefield and boasted the deeds of their friends and comrades, but overall one story seemed to stand out from the rest. A tale of a Whiteoak warrior who managed to slay one of the Straight-Backed Mordok spread quickly throughout the shield over the following days. He tells a tale of a  brutal fight where he and several of his comrades fought this Beinbakadur and in the end only he was left. He claims that they rained blow after blow down upon their enemy who parried and blocked them with ease that they’d never seen and in the end it was nearer to dumb luck than skill when he managed to drive a dagger into the beast’s heart. Apparently this is where things grew even more interesting. The warrior tells of how the Straight-Back stumbled away from him and fell to it’s knees, raised it’s hands toward the sky and bellowed some words he did not understand, but with such visceral emotion that he will never forget them. “Nauhk-BEE-raav MOH-ah-vis.” As these words were spoken the Mordok fell to the ground and it’s body began to immediately rot and decay.

The following days along the shield were quiet as everyone waited to hear word from the various scouts and hunters that had been sent north to verify the rout. Eventually reports did begin to trickle in that the Mordok as a whole have indeed been pushed back and routed; The Shield has been defended with blood and sweat, but it has been defended.

The Outcome of Aylin’s Reach

Expansion brings many new needs to a territory. Infrastructure must be constructed to bring the new areas into cohesion with their new leadership. Roads must be built, trading posts must be erected, and through all of this supplies will need to be purchased and transported. 

As people begin to settle into the new normal in the regions that once belonged to Clan Squallborn eyes begin to shift focus onto the opportunities that arise from the increased needs and growth of the economic powerhouse of Aylin’s Reach. As warriors march north to defend The Shield of Mardrun, merchants and other economically minded individuals descend upon Aylin’s Reach to sell their wares and promises. The streets bustle with activity as people buzz from place to place, their efforts galvanized by word that Aylin will have representatives meeting with merchants and builders to secure contracts. This is not only a money making opportunity for many of these people. Many have come to build strong business ties in the area to make further contracts down the road easier to obtain.

It seems as well that the people of Squallborn that integrated with Clan Stormjarl have been coming along quite nicely. The alliance between Aldoria and Stormjarl has surely helped to move things along smoothly as they continue to pour resources into the area.

Through the month many groups and individuals of note travel to the area, schmooze with the locals, and return home with signed contracts for continued service. It seems that Aylin is indeed putting forth a strong effort to bring the entirety of the area up to his royal standards. Aylin’s Reach seems to be continuing its efforts to act as an alternative home for the colonists on Mardrun seeking to move out of City-State lands.

Many heeded the call from Celestial Arragones for assistance, arriving to give their expertise and opinion on how to continue on. The options presented to those who were present were as follows: Did the want to enhance the divination ritual further, delve deeper into the mystery behind corruption magic, study the previous year’s pylon further, a more in depth understanding of the siphoning, or perhaps growing an even more powerful ritual.

Many debated and stated their opinions while others worked steadily on deciphering notes from the Celestial Arragones’s laboratory in hopes of finding more information that could be hidden between lines and forgotten lore. Others smoozed and socialized, making connections with those in power, forging friendships over drink and song, scheming for their own ambitions, and observing all that occurred. The entire time, the research team made progress with what each page deciphered.

As night began to close, the research team decided the time had come to perform the grand ritual that they had been planning for the day. They called together a group of interested participants and decided to focus on what the majority showed interest in, the mysteries behind the corruption. The guards got up, and warned everyone not to approach, or they shall forfeit their life. While some edged closer than they should have, no blood was spilt and the ritual concluded without error. The scholars immediately sent their data to their researchers to begin parsing with the promise that what ever they learned would be shared with the people of Mardrun. It was then they declared where their next venture shall take them, to the center of the swamp, to the center of the Mordok infested land to find out what caused the magically abnormality that hovers around the Dirge.

Snow fell lightly upon the land in the village of Garjnatka, creating a scenic landscape for all those who traveled there to either help the Celestial Arragones’s research team or for their own gains. However, while the land looked peaceful there was danger lurking in the woods surrounding the village. Mordok were spotted skulking through the woodlands, while few in number, there were enough to put people on edge. Thankfully there were plenty of armed volunteers to drive the threat away whenever it did rear its ugly head.

Many gathered and assisted the research team, heading out into the snowy foothills of the Great Wolf Hackles to help further hone the divination ritual that was being used to locate items of interest across Mardrun. With help from the volunteers, the research team was able to work outside the village without much worry from the wandering Mordok. Back at the camp, many peddled their wares and feasted around the campfire throughout. Some even celebrated a Syndarian holiday which was taught to and shared all around the village.

However, at the end of the day all of the efforts of the research team and those who aided them paid off. The data collected from the multiple tests out in the field paid off as it gave the research team and those aiding from Clan Spiritclaw a direction to further enhance and improve the ritual. Those present began to celebrate before the icy cold winds from the Great Wolf Hackles bellowed down and reminded the village that winter still held the land in its frigid fingers.