Wiki Category: News & Rumors 263

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Painted on the walls of New Oarsmeet…

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

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

The continent of Mardrun is eerily quiet. What culminated into a brutal and bloody fight in Stormjarl territory over the winter has turned into a quiet break from the chaos. Spring and summer both have come and gone; warriors nervously watch the horizon for the next attack and farmers work their fields while looking over their shoulder for raiders who might attack them and their property. The defenses around the last remaining settlement of Clan Stormjarl held against the crashing tide of Clan Grimward invaders in the spring and then… nothing. Scouts and hunters report that Grimward forces remain in the conquered territory. Rumor has it that Grimward, without anyone to contest their control of most of Stormjarl’s territory, has isolated and conquered all the villages and remaining settlements. Looting of anything useful and even the capture of Stormjarl villagers seems likely. Clan Stormjarl is in no position to retaliate and take back their territory and instead has tried to recover from the fight, gather as many supplies as possible, and continue to expand on their defenses. The Yurnai River remains decimated; with all the bridges still destroyed Clan Stormjarl is effectively cut off from the rest of the continent unless they travel by sea.
The Watchwolves have sent word that the civil war in their territory has also been quiet… Grimward continues to wait just outside of Watchwolf territory after being beaten back by coalition forces. Just like to the south, Haygreth’s forces have been eerily quiet. The Watchwolf leaders believe he is preparing to renew his attack and if they press North into Watchwolf territory, it is feared that the settlement cannot hold out further. This western half of the clan spent the spring and summer licking their wounds and trying to recover from their stand against Grimward’s army and is not prepared to fight again. Rumors say that the Watchwolves may attempt to speak terms with Haygreth or that their involvement with the war may end soon… but nothing has been confirmed and the political representatives to the Clan have been quiet about the subject. Without additional allies, they will not be able to hold for long… isolated on the other side of the Hackles, the Watchwolf Clan has some hard decisions about their stance in regards to the war and how they will continue to be involved. The calm in the civil war has been a welcome respite for most of the clans and settlements… but after Haygreth’s conquest of Stormjarl being such a success, his thirst for power and his quest to be rid of the colonists is not likely to be ended anytime soon. Now the warriors stationed on the borders of their territories wait, day by day, for when and where they will see the invaders strike next.
Delegates from the Clans have sent several messages, and it seems like the political front is going well. Clan Squallborn continues to remain aloof along with Clan Riverhead. Clan Shattered Spear, impressed with the soldiers of Vandregon and the Rangers of Crow’s Landing helping them with their bandit problem, have pledged their support to Clan Nightriver. Clan Steinjotten and Clan Goldenfield have been assisting Nightriver and solidifying their alliance. Clan Spiritclaw remains neutral in the war as does Clan Ironmound, but rumors have said that Ironmound will most likely choose a side soon. It is speculated that the leaders of Clan Ironmound fear becoming the new frontline if the Watchwolves fall, and may choose to join Grimward in their cause to avoid Clan Stormjarl’s fate. Clan Axehound has boasted that they will join the Alliance as long as they have allies that will join them on their raid against Clan Whiteoak who continues to support Grimward’s war. Clan Nightriver continues to support its allies, maintain its borders, and attempts to absorb the immense burden of housing thousands of Stormjarl refugees. More solidified lines are being drawn across the Ulven clans on the continent.
Strange reports continue to float around and rumors of a large mordok force still moving in the great forests of Mardrun. Ulven hunting parties have vanished and a call has been sent out by Clan Whiteoak and Clan Riverhead to form a war part from nearby Clans to seek out this threat and destroy it. With all of the alliances being drawn by the Clans, this course of action may be difficult.
In the colonies, Prince Aylin continues to expand New Aldoria at an alarming rate. His apparent wealth and thriving colony is collecting people and new settlers all the time. The Colony of Newhope is taxed to the brink caring for all of the sick and wounded Stormjarl refugees. The poltical power struggle between the Council of Ten appears to be on hold for now, but rumors say that it will begin anew and major changes will be coming in the future. Nobles whisper in hushed towns at meetings and gatherings as to who they believe is dealing with whom and what the outcome may be.

After April’s slowdown in the war, May has turned into a waiting game of helping refugees, reinforcing Stormjarl with supplies, and basically just a bit of breathing room as factions and clans focus on the upcoming summer growing season. Day to day life takes over again, but everyone keeps an eye on the horizon for what comes up next. Settlements see to their villages, colonies to their people, and trade and merchants continue to flow.

Reports from the frontline trickle in saying that Grimward continues to camp outside of the battle line between them and Stormjarl. The conquered settlements are ransacked entirely, giving Grimward riches, supplies, food, weapons, and shipbuilding materials.

More reports of Mordok activity in the great forest reach different clans, and a large tribe of Mordok moved towards Onsallas where a large skirmish broke out. Between the defenders of the village and some of their allies camped nearby, the attack is barely repelled. Dozens upon dozens of Mordok hit and run the combined forces and then disappear back into the swamp… their true purpose unknown.

After the heroic sacrifice of Pack Longfang and the reinforcements arriving from the colonies, Clan Grimward’s conquest of Clan Stormjarl has ground to a halt. The survivors of Stormjarl and their allies have setup a defense in the remaining territory and settlement of Clan Stormjarl and the Grimward invaders have backed off and established an army camp several miles away from the settlement. News of Grimward sacking and pillaging everything in the outlying territory of Clan Stormjarl and taking hundreds of Stormjarl prisoners finds its way to the defenders, but without additional support there is little they can do. The stalwart defense of Clan Stormjarl and their allies has forced Haygreth to regroup his army and although there is no sign of them leaving the territory, some have spoken rumors that Haygreth Grimward and Graytir Stormjarl may be able to discuss terms of peace. Clan Stormjarl holds but its territories and the clan itself has been ravaged by the war with Grimward and some say the Clan will seek revenge on Grimward for generations to come. Clan Nightriver and the Colony of Newhope have offered to help with the sick, wounded and displaced Clan Stormjarl refugees, but after such a hard winter the toll of helping these people will be immense on their current resources.

In other parts of Mardrun, the mountain pass continues to be fortified by the Order of Arnath’s Fist and discussions continue to take place amongst the Clans. Some say that the Clanleaders are pushing for a Grand Moot or gathering to discuss matters influencing the Ulven as a whole. Clan Steinjutten, who has allied itself with Clan Nightriver, has reported that Clan Riverhead and Clan Shattered Spear have been dealing with an uncommonly large mordok tribe that moved into the Great Forests several months ago.

This letter was sent out to several Coalition and Clan Nightriver settlements.

To Clan Nightriver and the Colonists, to the Coalition of Allies on Mardrun,
We, the people of Clan Stormjarl, are reaching out to you for aid. In Clan Grimward’s conquest for war, they have given us no choice but to join them or face their wrath. My clan does not share in their views of destruction and death for the colonists and took a stand, that we would not join them and in return they march against us in war. My people will stand strong and protect our borders, but even now the reports of brutal fighting and death have reached me. Clan Whiteoak warriors have been seen alongside Clan Grimward’s war packs and they outnumber us. Even in the bitter cold of winter, their warriors press on and attack our villages and settlements. Brave Clan Stormjarl war packs march to battle but without support, I fear that we simply do not have the numbers to hold out against them.
I fear that Clan Grimward will use hawk-hunters and stop our future messages, so this may be the last message you receive until the spring.
I have heard reports of a coalition army of allies leaving the Yurnai River and marching north to help the Watchwolf Clan. Will warriors be sent to replace them, to assist us in our efforts?
Recently leaders of your factions sent us letters via hawk stating that you would send help, that you would rally with us against Clan Grimward, that words were being spoken to the other clans to join this war, that we do not fight this war alone.
I pray that your words bear truth. If they do not, my people may very well only survive this war in the sagas and stories of the Lorespeakers.
Signed,Graytir Stormjarl – Clanleader of Clan Stormjarl