Wiki Category: News & Rumors 266

Coming as little surprise to anyone across Mardrun, the talk of taverns far and wide is the recent Grand Moot help in Clan Ironmound’s territory. There were a number of rumors regarding the events, often contradictory: Some say fights broke out that left at least one representative dead, others claim that the discussions were quick and peaceful. Speaking to those in attendance and weeding through bad information, however, paints a more complete picture. Tensions flared during the meeting as rivals and enemies shared the same ground, and as individuals pled their cases before any who would listen. At the end of the day, a compromise was reached; Warpacks would scour the Great Forest and push out the majority of the remaining Mordok during the winter months. Then during the spring thaw, smaller settlements would send aid to the border of the swamp to build defenses while the larger clans began an assault on the Mordok in hopes of putting them on the defensive. While many of those in attendance felt the move was too aggressive and others felt it was not decisive enough, it was the plan that was inevitably chosen, and has dictated the direction of Mardrun for the coming months.

In addition to the announcement of the Mordok Hunt beginning in January, another declaration took many by surprise. Clan Riverhead has been officially disbanded due to the recent string of losses and tragedy which has befallen their people. Those who remain have consolidated themselves into the newly reformed Pack Riverhead, which has taken up the offer for protection and vengeance offered by Clan Shattered Spear.

Swords are sharpened and armor is polished as warriors prepare for the coming war, though they are not alone in their work. With the cure for the Creeping Corruption confirmed and dispersed, coordinated cleansing efforts have begun across the continent. It will likely be several months before all of the corrupted are cured, though this glimmer of hope has been enough to stave off death for many of the afflicted and to lessen the burden on those settlements housing them.

With Clan Ironmound’s Grand Moot drawing ever closer, the thoughts and loyalties of each clan begins to come forth. Some, such as Axehound and Grimward, have urged others to push for a direct assault on the swamp, arguing that it is the only way to strike back at the Mordok and force them off balance. Others, such as Spiritclaw and Stormjarl assert that doing so would be at best a waste of resources, and at worst suicidal. They have instead argued for a more defensive route, clearing out the traditionally Ulven lands of the Mordok and constructing defenses to keep them from venturing south so they can build an army to one day take the fight to the swamp. Massive changes are coming one way or another; one can only hope that the equally massive personalities debating their merits will come to a resolution quickly and peacefully.

Credible sources across the land have been speaking of a cure for the corruption, confirmed in the field both on a corrupted person, and on the land itself. Many of these sources point to human settlements as the origin of such a cure, though some have named Clan Spiritclaw or other, smaller packs in the discovery. To many of the corrupted, the credit does not matter; all they hope to find out is where to go to be cured.

Following the siege of Daven’s Reach several months ago, Duchess Katherine has made a public effort to reinvigorate the settlement through the new Baron Percival von Borscht. Though momentum was slow to build, as were many of the damaged buildings, Daven’s Reach has begun to hum with commerce once again. The continual improvement and patrolling of the Grand Highway has led to a substantial increase in foot traffic there, though new taxes from Newhope have kept spirits from rising too high. Most of the settlement is content to live in peace with little threat of banditry from their leadership, although some pine for the days before the Siege, where life was dangerous but the profits were high. Time will tell if these attitudes can be tempered, though at least one noble certainly hopes they can.

OCTOBER NEWS AND RUMORS

Under constant pressure from the Mordok to the north, Clan Ironmound finally makes their big announcement: In the coming months, a Grand Moot will be called and held. Though the date and location are yet to be determined, clanleaders from every Ulven clan is expected to make an appearance. Notable dignitaries of colonist settlements will also be asked to attend, though their presence will be downplayed in relation to their Ulven counterparts. The stated goal is to determine the course of action of all of Mardrun, to set forth a path that will lead to the destruction of the Mordok and the salvation of the Ulven race and that of their colonist guests.

Warleader Brynjar Riverhead continues his fight against a resilient fever that has rendered him unable to fight or lead his warriors on the battlefield against the Mordok, forcing them to continue their march further and further away from their homeland. With Clanleader Hakon Riverhead slain in the fighting, leadership of the clan has fallen to High Priestess Lyrri Riverhead until a successor can be chosen. The High Priestess’s judgement has been called into question by a number of vocal chieftains, however, accusing her of anything from cowardice to collusion with the Mordok to see herself installed as the acting Clanleader. While she maintains that these claims are baseless, her judgement seems to have been clouded as of recently, with her choices straying further and further from reality and into a nightmare of paranoia. Many of those most vocal against the High Priestess have put forth her former apprentice, Camilla Birchborne, as a replacement.

The situation near the Spire has deescalated greatly following the stand-off that nearly came to a head at the end of the month. With this distraction removed, the allied forces and the colonist settlements have been able to refocus their resources on the still growing corruption that plagues not only the people of Mardrun, but the land herself. Though a cure has been developed and initial tests have been promising, a proper demonstration in the field has yet to be performed. In a bittersweet realization, such an opportunity may come sooner rather than later, as reports of several new corruption sites springing up across the continent have taxed the sleep of many residents of Mardrun. Mainly far to the north, most of these sites reported thus far have come from Shattered Spear territory, though word of similar happenings in Whiteoak lands and as far south as Clan Goldenfield has been noted.

Numbers within Clan Shattered Spear territory have swelled as the bulk of Riverhead’s remaining refugees have fled there, putting a large strain on their supplies. These ulven are driven, however, eager to strike back against the Mordok that drove them from their homes, and Shattered Spear’s front lines towards the swamp have been thoroughly reinforced by fresh troops. The migration was bittersweet, however: during their retreat, Warleader Brynjar Riverhead was injured and pulled from the fighting. Noticing the morale of his warriors waning, Clanleader Hakon Riverhead took up his spear and shield and joined the fray himself. Though he fought bravely and bought time for his clan to escape, Hakon was struck down in the battle, his body unable to be recovered. Homeless and now leaderless, the clan is looking to High Priestess Lyrri Riverhead and the recovering Warleader Brynjar to take the reins of the clan until a new Clanleader can be decided.

Stirrings in Clan Ironmound seem to hint at a decision to be made soon, and the tone of these whispers implies that it could change the face of Mardrun altogether. Though their leadership has remained tight-lipped about the situation, they have stated they will make their announcement in the coming month, and will expect a response from each clan.

Mordok continue to press even as they are driven out of the Great Wolf’s Hackles, focusing instead on Clans Shattered Spear, Whiteoak, and Squallborn. While Shattered Spear and Whiteoak have the numbers and resources available to defend themselves, Squallborn is facing an uphill battle. With the bulk of their good farmlands taken by Aylin’s Reach and the Stormborn settlements to their south, hungry Squallborn warriors have taken to raiding these territories when they are not fighting against the Mordok. The slowly swelling population of Aylin’s Reach has been able to focus on their own defenses, building sturdier walls and manning more patrols, though it seems the Stormjarl priorities are elsewhere for now.

Clan Watchwolf has issued an official proclamation, one which many understood was coming, though few expected so soon: Clan Watchwolf would be no more. The Watchwolves of Luna to the west, impressed by their treatment at the hands of Clan Grimward, has opted to officially join the clan. Feeling that they have failed in their sacred charge by allowing the humans and Syndar to remain on Mardrun uncontested, they have chosen to rename themselves as Pack Fairtongue, in honor of the diplomats they produced early in the war and the countless lives saved by their efforts. Across the continent, the Watchwolves of Sol have joined Clan Nightriver, keeping their ancestral name. They have spoken at length that they do not believe the colonists are the danger they have been watching for, and seek to continue their charge. However, without their western kin to aid them, they sought the resources and numbers of Clan Nightriver for their own protection.

As the weather begins to cool, movement is seen across the continent, though it is not the Mordok, nor warpacks on their way to do battle against the beasts. This massive march is headed towards the center of the continent within the Great Wolf’s Hackles, and is made by units flying the colors of many smaller groups and factions from across Mardrun. Their common destination quickly becomes clear as their intentions are spouted to those who will listen: they claim to march on the Spire to bring the wanted man Vazra to justice. Many major players across the continent are sitting back and watching the events play out, reluctant to throw their lot and resources in with one side or another for a variety of reasons. Though many details are yet unclear, one thing is known; this show of force will change the course of Mardrun, one way or another.

Much to the ire of Clan Nightriver, Haygreth Grimward has once again pressed his luck by moving a substantial number of warriors into the Great Wolf’s Hackles, defying the treaty he had signed two winters prior. Grimward warriors were met with grudging tolerance by colonists and their supporters, with tensions kept subdued seemingly only due to the mutual enemy the groups shared in the Mordok. The combined efforts were able to strike a number of decisive blows against the creatures, however, forcing Branthur to acknowledge the role Grimward played in retaking the mountains.

Rumors have begun to spread of progress on the cure for the creeping corruption, though little has been confirmed at this point. A whisper here, a guess there is all it has taken to spread like wildfire in hushed tones. Those largely unaffected by the corruption have expressed their relief that such suffering will surely be brought to an end soon enough. The reaction among the corrupted and their families, however, is a little more divisive. While many are eager to be cleansed and are optimistic for the news, others grumble about the lack of transparency among the powers working to develop the cure. They want answers, and they want them yesterday.

Refugees from Clan Riverhead continue to search for new homes while their lands remain in the hands of the Mordok. Some have taken to Grimward and Shattered Spear, eager to strike back against the invaders. Others have settled in Nightriver or Stormjarl lands, hoping to blend in and regain some semblance of a normal life. Still others have taken up hammers and plows with Clans Ironmound and Goldenfield: they may not be warriors, but they can still provide the tools of war needed to win.

Clan Goldenfield has made clear their intention to work tirelessly to harvest food for the coming months. Between the movement of displaced refugees, constant battles against the Mordok, and fear of a cold winter, they hope to stand ready to provide for the needs of Mardrun. They are requesting assistance in the form of military or economic units to protect and distribute the harvests. They are also willing to pay laborers who agree to work their fields in the effort of yielding the greatest harvest recent history has seen.

While the southern end of Mardrun enjoyed a rather quiet month with little going on of note, the northern end of the continent was filled with activity and most of it revolving around the Mordok. With Clan Riverhead territory now fully occupied by Mordok forces, many clans have started to stockpile resources, train warriors and units, and seek to guidance from the Daughters on what they should do next. Many are told to prepare, others are told to try and change the tide, others even recommend taking the fight to the Mordok. But one thing is certain, the Ulven in the northern clans are working overtime to prepare for both winter and the oncoming storm they fear, or even desire.

At the market fair, Wargah Grimward, daughter of the Clanleader of Clan Grimward came to seek the reason as to why the honorbound citizens to Clan Nightriver have been disappearing. If her claims are to be believed, this action has continued for some time and Grimward’s efforts to locate them have gone unanswered and unaided. She wasn’t the only representative seen in Nightriver territory or in the colonies. Representatives were seen entering Clan Nightriver lands with grim looks upon their faces, and asking all those they came across for information relating to this issue. There were few who could give answers, and even more who didn’t know that the honor bound Ulven have been missing.

On a related note, it seems that Holmar Bloodmoon has gained a substantial following of supporters from both within Clan Nightriver and those from outside. Holmar was seen welcoming the Grimward representatives into his home, offering them whatever aid he could provide to help them find their missing clan members. Some are saying this was a bold move for Holmar, who is not a Clan Leader, but also see it as taking initiative on an issue that been seemingly pushed aside by Branthur Nightriver since it was brought to his attention.

Word from Clan Ironmound is that of industry and war, for the entire clan is now preparing for what seems to be the end of days. Smithies work around the clock, mines are working in overtime to provide ore, trainers are working tirelessly to train new and old warriors alike. To top all of this, Gustav Ironmound gave a speech to his pack leaders. He asked they work together, fight smart, and seek and spread the word that the clans need to unite now more than ever, or the Mordok will win in whatever sick plan they have schemed for the Ulven people.

Doom and gloom are not the only feelings to be found in the northern side of Mardrun though. Aylin’s Reach had a sudden increase of colonist’s coming from the main colony in New Aldoria. With the sudden burst of citizens, many are wondering what is going on to cause it. Some say the Prince secretly started a campaign to migrate all his citizens to the newly acquired land. Others suggest that maybe Newhope is taxing the citizens of New Aldoria colony too much. Whatever the reason may be, the expansion of Aylin’s Reach settlement seems to be booming with activity and expansion.

Clan Riverhead has finally fallen to the endless waves of Mordok invaders and the result sends shock waves throughout communities. Many Clans who have been so quiet now start to fear for their livelihoods and wonder “Are we next?” Many clans in the north seem to be sharing these exact same thoughts as they begin to change pace and directions almost all at once due to the fall of Clan Riverhead.

Clan Stormjarl was noted to have increased their labors to shore up and build on their new settlements around Aylin’s Reach. The lands on the Isle of Fire works harder at gathering food and stores for a possible oncoming storm, Clan Stormjarl lands to the south prepare and make plans on how to help their lands in Aylin’s Reach, and Aylin’s Reach lands build with fervor. Many are working longer and harder days, and even nights, to secure themselves for a possible attack from either Clan Squalborn or the new threat in the Great Forest.

Clan Axehound, long time bitter rivals of Clan Whiteoak, have been seen pulling back their forces from raiding. It seems to be part of multiple reasons, such as Clan Nightriver applying political pressure on the small northern clan to lay off attacking, but the largest reason seems to be the fact that Clan Axehound is now the smallest clan on Mardrun. It also is located next to the now largest threat on the continent, The Great Forest, a place now overflowing with Mordok. Pack Leaders from the clan begin to take action to weather the inevitable wave of Mordok, while Daughters of Gaia work diligently to seek guidance from Gaia and the Great Wolf on what to do next for their clan.

Due to the retreat of Clan Axehound forces and the Mordok focusing on claiming Clan Riverhead, Clan Whiteoak gains a momentary reprieve. Many packs hold almost endless funeral pyres across the lands, speckling the landscape with fires for their beloved, their brave, and their fallen. Along with their morning, the clan also works diligently to recover precious resources that were spent in the defense of their lands on two fronts. Labor Caste, Smithing Caste, Hunter Caste members are worked to the bone to try and meet the demands set by their leaders.

While the Mordok ravaged Riverhead lands, there were those who stepped up to accept the incoming refugees. Clan Shattered Spear and Clan Goldenfield were some of the main clans that stepped up in helping these folks find a new foothold in their devastated life, along with sending aid to the Clan in its time of need. While many from Clan Riverhead are thankful their host’s hospitality and attention to helping their people find a new life, however it is rare that they show it. Due to their lives in almost near isolation, Clan Riverhead refugees seem to be clumping together and are socially awkward in their new homes, often forming small camps and villages near areas of water a little bit away from their hosts settlements.

As the invasion comes to an end, Mordok activity seems to take a brief pause from the usual aggressive stance. They seem to be keen on defending the lands they have gained, yet do not pursue invaders and attackers unless necessary. While many are thankful for this brief moment, many are wondering what they are doing in the areas Mordok have claimed as their own.

The colonies have been somewhat uneventful this month, mostly focusing on recovering costs and refilling their coffers from the Great Works, which is needed in order to continue. During this time, many in the Council of Ten spend their now available free time chasing their own ambitions once more. However, the destruction of an entire clan has some nobility worried that the Mordok threat could be a real one, while many others feel that this will fade with the coming of winter as per the usual. What is for sure, is that the colonies of Newhope seem to feel that the events that have transpired in the northern areas of the continent seem to be far off and remote.

In a joint effort between Clans Shattered Spear and Grimward, a handful of small outposts and watchtowers are constructed to the north along the edge of the Dirge Swamp. Fighting for every inch of land, these footholds are seen by many as far more than defensive structures: they are a symbol of Ulven strength and resilience when clans can band together. Even so, the outposts will prove to be a major boon to defensive efforts to the north, and instrumental in cutting off Mordok reinforcements to the south if they are properly manned.

These outposts will do nothing for Clan Riverhead, however. After months of fighting a losing battle, their lines have finally broken. Calling for a full retreat from their territory, the Clanleader and High Priestess have been searching for allies to offer them refuge until they can retake their lands. They expect many of their warriors to fall while protecting their civilians, but believe that this option will cause the fewest deaths and allow Clan Riverhead to live on in more than stories.

Clan Grimward has been creating a political commotion recently, fueled by the continued disappearances of their honor bound citizens from Nightriver territory. While Clan Nightriver claims to be looking into the matter, Clan Grimward remains unconvinced and is bringing the issue forward to force Nightriver’s hand. In an effort led by Wargah Grimward, a small warpack has been travelling from settlement to settlement across Mardrun, drumming up support for their investigation. Despite the pushback from Clan Nightriver and many of their allies, two members of the Council of Ten have come forth to offer what resources they can: Lictor Mary cul Tricuspis and Duke Joakim Ventrini.

This charge of incompetence has continued to stir the pot of unrest in Clan Nightriver, adding fuel to the ever-growing fire that is Holmar Bloodmoon and his supporters. Initially upset my Branthur’s handling of the treaty with Clan Grimward, they gained a massive surge of support when the Clanleader sold off a large portion of their territory to the colonists. Now it seems they have found yet another foothold from which to erode at Branthur’s authority. They still cling to their message as they spread their beliefs: Branthur was a great leader, but his time has come and gone. He is an honorable man, but is no longer suited to lead the clan.

On a brighter note, the celebration in Aylin’s Reach seemed to only strengthen the bond between the New Aldorians and Clan Stormjarl. Though raiders from Clan Squallborn kept the revelers on their toes and nature itself seemed to rebel against the celebration, the mood could not be dampened as the sound of games and tournaments split the air from dawn until dusk. Reports did filter through a number of settlements of strange dreams and anomalies with the mana stream early in the month, they stopped suddenly one Saturday night late in the month. Rumors have flown about the true nature of these reports, though very little information has trickled down to the rank and file of New Aldoria thus far.

Mordok pressure on Clan Riverhead has begun to reach a breaking point. Already the creatures have pressed through and nearly separated the clan’s territory in half. Allies from across Mardrun have sent troops to push back the Mordok, but they are at best only slowing the assault. Calls from Clan Ironmound have echoed across the continent, desperately calling for unity in the face of these unprecedented attacks. To the south, however, old wounds fester and sting as Clans Whiteoak and Axehound continue their attacks on each other, neither willing to commit troops to the Mordok if the other does not do so first. Other clans, inspired by Clan Grimward, are focusing the bulk of their efforts inward, reinforcing their own defenses before reaching out to their allies with too great a commitment. Whatever their motivations, Clan Riverhead will be hard pressed to survive this attack without more aid in the very near future.

Further to the south, a great commotion erupted around the settlement of Daven’s Reach. Now once again in Newhope lands, the City-state declared an effort to retake the town by any means necessary, and called for allies to share in the glory and spoils of this feat. Led by Baroness Katherine herself, the troops of Newhope marched side-by-side with their allies against the keep. In a show of great mercy, these forces scraped together a sizable sum of silver to repay the honest workers who had lived in the Reach for the improvements they had made and they agreed to stand aside and let the attackers clean out the less repentant. Many lives were saved by the gesture, though the battle that commenced was bloody nonetheless. Arrows and rocks fell from the ramparts as the attackers crashed their wooden ram against the gate for what seemed like hours. At long last the gate fell, and shortly thereafter, so did the defenders. Those that could barricaded themselves in buildings throughout the Reach, which would have forced a longer, bloodier conflict if the attackers had pressed. They were soon replaced, however, by the fresh troops who had called Daven’s Reach home, who had stood down before the fighting began. By the rising of the sun, Daven’s Reach was once again in the hands of Baroness Katherine.

Spurred on by the recent deal to part with a large portion of Nightriver territory, the name and cause of Holmar Bloodmoon have both been spoken of in more blunt terms. Some call this a fearful act with the human population growing too large to safely control should their demeanor change. Others mention the leverage over such a large population that is now forfeit, pointing to the City-state’s focus on their Great Work rather than pushing back the Mordok. Most of the population, however, confident in Branthur’s decision, argue that this was the honorable choice: the humans and Syndar have fought beside the Ulven for long enough and shown their tenacity. They have earned this land.

Led by a group of adventurers near the Dirge Swamp, a Newhope official was sent to Shattered Spear territory to oversee the reconstruction of a ruined outpost along the swamp’s border. Foregoing the farmstead with which the corruption-curing reagents could possibly be harvested, the workers decided to build a defensive outpost to help stem the tide of Mordok flowing through to the south. Though the day was eventful, the outpost was eventually completed and the Mordok in the area driven off enough to allow the structure to begin operating in full swing.

Newhope is proud to declare that the first round of improvements to their infrastructure has been completed. The great highway stretching from Starkhaven to Crow’s Landing is now operational, allowing much faster and easier travel along its length. Patrols of guards stationed at small posts keep the road relatively bandit-free. The next task of the Great Work, rumored to be a massive trade network, will be put on hold until the fall, as such a task would drain the coffers of Newhope and raise taxes substantially.

Less proud of their discovery, Clan Nightriver continues to struggle with the disappearance of Grimward honor-bound workers. Three more have been reported this month, two of which were in the last week alone. The patience of Clan Grimward is beginning to wear thin on this matter, and it has been rumored that high-ranking representatives for the clan have spent an inordinate amount of time in Nightriver territory. The task has been delegated to Wargah Grimward, Daughter of the Clanleader. She has put out notices asking for any information that might help solve this atrocity.

Silver begins to flow through Newhope as merchants and laborers grow excited about the Great Highway. Patrols of Newhope guards have kept the roads relatively safe while hamlets and roadside inns spring up like weeds to tend to the needs of weary travelers. As the project progresses, however, it seems that the nobles who did not endorse it have not given up on their own prospects: Celestial Arragones continues to push for support to return to Faedrun just as Marquess Madeline d’Argent garners resources for another Dirge Swamp expedition.

Most notable is Baroness Catherine, who has been reaching out to various groups, eager to use Newhope’s new authority to reclaim Daven’s Reach from the bandits and thugs who now inhabit it. This has caused no small amount of discourse among the people of Newhope and of Mardrun: Do the current inhabitants of the Reach have the right to be there? They took the land by force but many have made a point to make a legitimate living since that time. Is the zeal shown by the Baroness justified in taking back what is legally her property? The nobility of Newhope is questionable about the precedence set by the Baroness’ actions one way or another: Marching upon subjected lands with military units could paint Newhope as tyrannical to those less concerned with the letter of the law, although allowing the squatters to remain on her property could lead to issues down the road if organized bandit groups were to get the idea that such an act is acceptable. Either way, the Baroness has announced that she will offer silver to any who help her successfully retake her property, with a portion of the spoils of conquest to be divided amongst those who help as well.

Thanks in large part to the combined efforts of Clans Shattered Spear and Goldenfield in addition to the warriors of Pack Longfang, the Riverhead militia were able to hold back the massive Mordok assaults deep into their homes long enough to evacuate most of the clan’s refugees. The tide of the battles began to turn soon after, however, as the Mordok descended again with greater fervor than previously seen and pushed the defenders back. They continue to call for aid from their allies to the south, hoping to stand firm against the Mordok before their homes are destroyed.

Clan Riverhead is not alone in facing increased aggression from the Mordok: Clan Grimward has noted a shocking number of attacks coming from the Great Wolf’s Hackles. The leadership of the clan remains unsure as to how such large numbers of Mordok were able to move so far south undetected, though the true priority now is organizing an effective defense. This means that many of the Grimward warpacks in Shattered Spear territory have been called home to defend their families instead.

Clan Whiteoak saw a small glimmer of hope this month. Though they have been fighting battles on two fronts, the aid sent from various allies and neighbors has allowed them to focus their own resources on pushing back against the Mordok and for the first time in months, they did not lose ground. Though their situation is still dire, it would seem that if current trends continue, Clan Whiteoak will survive to see the summer, though the unpredictable string of attacks on various clans do not leave much room for optimism.

Finally, Clan Shattered Spear has announced that they have had a great deal of luck pushing the Mordok back along their border, though the fight is not over yet. More than ever they are focusing their efforts on fighting the expansion of the swamp, a phenomenon that has been documented over the last several months. They are asking for help in this endeavor, preferably in the form of casters able to research and fight the corruption or warriors to prevent the Mordok from pressing in any further.