Wiki Category: News & Rumors 268

Winter has come to the continent of Mardrun, blanketing the lands in snow and ice as gods and spirits of winter grasp control. The world slows, but not quite yet still for life must continue on.

In the south in the Colonies of Newhope slow as the lands become hidden by snow, however trade continues throughout the land as salted fish, alcohol, and lumber is brought to settlements before the full force of winter lays roads impassable. Inn’s slow and share of rumors and tales are shared around hearth with soups and warm bread. Tales of individuals doing extraordinary tasks and deeds, tales of love, stories of thrilling adventure and danger, and stories of woe and sorrow.

To the north the Clans Shattered Spear, Whiteoak, and Axehound have united and created the alliance named The Northern Shield Protectorate. Through their unity, they vow to not allow another Mordok attack to happen again, without their effort to halt it at the Shield of Mardrun. The clans have already started to work to improve roads and trails between outposts to allow easier patrols, transport of supplies, and further sight into the undergrowth of the abyss that is the Dirge Swamp. During this time they fought hard and pushed back against multiple attempts to get through, but the Mordok were denied each and every time.

Some rumors have cropped up along the mountain passes of individuals carrying chests along backroads. As for what these chests may contain, many have guessed treasures and fortunes of untold wealth. However, the stories also speak of the individuals who carry these chests as vagrants, ruffians, rogues, and bandits. Some adventurous fools at one point did decide to try and follow them into the mountains on these back roads. A knock came to an inn door one eve and what was found was a chest with not a note upon it. The innkeep eagerly brought it into the building and opened it for all to see. But to the horror of everyone within, laid the heads of the party that tried to follow. And a note was nailed to one head, “Follow us again and we will make your town disappear…”

As winter begins to set upon the land of Mardrun, people hurry to prepare for what lays ahead. The early snows of the year have put a stress on the harvest times, but with hard work and dedication people are able to bring their harvests in successfully..

The Shield of Mardrun seems to be facing some trouble along the Clan Whiteoak border as Mordok continuously throw themselves at the warriors along the line of outposts. The forces mostly seemed to be welps at first, but now are reinforced with more veteran Mordok leading strike forces in both day and night time settings. Clan Whiteoak is doing well keeping these forces back, however are beginning to feel the fatigue starting to set in as they hold back the seemingly endless horde emerging from the abyss.

To the south along The Pass in the Great Wolf Hackles, merchants are having to buy protection and pay tolls to local Bandit Lords in order to avoid being robbed along trade routes. Many merchant guilds are growing increasingly frustrated and are requesting action from nearby governing bodies such as Daven’s Hold, the March of Starkhaven, and the City State of Newhope. However, it seems their words are falling on deaf ears.

Within the walls of Davien’s Hold, many citizens are showing great excitement as they are beginning to see the fruits of Governess Katherine’s ambition within the city. With winter on the horizon and the harsh snows that tend to settle in the lands around them, the time between now and spring was usually harsh and difficult. However, with the effort made by the Council of Three over the past year, the colony has plenty of food stores, wood, and supplies to help its people survive comfortably. Now, with the beginnings of the construction of a market district for the city, many are holding high hopes for the next spring and the prosperity it will bring them.

In Newhope, the sounds of battle can be heard in the corner of the city. This is the result of the freshly built fighting pits that people are flocking to bet and watch as warriors and criminals fight to near death with other warriors, criminals, or wild animals. Many view this as somewhat barbaric, but cannot deny the stress relief and coin that is flowing into and from the pits. It seems that they will only continue to grow in splendor as construction continues to go on in the background as blood is spilled for the joy and entertainment of the populace.

The Ulven all take a collective sigh of relief for the first time in what seems to be years as tensions begin to die down between clans. Allowing them to shift their focus to surviving the upcoming winter, being with family, and looking forward to the next spring and what the gods have in store

With the coming of October comes the full swing of the harvests. Many of the people of Mardrun take part in harvest festivals, celebrating another good harvest. However, these are not the only activities happening across the land.

In the lands of former Clan Riverhead, bandits have secured a foothold and have begun to shift into small factions and bands that contest over the land. These bands of thieves and raiders fight over preferred caravan routes, villages, and other valuable resources. In this group of are two groups of bandits that have been gaining in both size, support, and resources. However neither side seems to be attacking one another and rather focusing on the smaller groups.

A strong late fall storm ravages the coast of Clan Whiteoak, blowing down many trees and damaging coastal villages. However, after the gale force winds took their toll on the land there was a stranger washed upon the shore near one of the villages. According to those from the village it was an extremely old boat that didn’t seem to fit any style known to the village. Some are saying it was from a forgotten clan from before the Lorespeakers altered the history, and some others say it very well could be of Syndar make.

For the past year researchers under the Celestial Arragoness have been studying the remains of the broken Syndar Pylon found in the Riverhead lands. Those who work around the estate claim that the team has been working in shifts in order to continue a non-stop research method. Many are saying that this method, while showing results, has been taxing on the researchers. Many are stating that researchers have been passing out during their shifts due to exhaustion from the workload and expectations from the Arragoness.

Those that were fishing off the coast of Crows Landing or visited villages near it have heard rumors of extreme oddity. In the harbors and fish markets, rumors of sightings of the fabled Aldorian Fish person have sprouted up once again. Many are stating that the sightings mostly around the coast surrounding Crows Landing. One ship has even stated that they were tempted by its song to come closer, but were thankfully able to row away before they succumbed to the call.

The continent takes a collective sigh of relief with the results of talks between Nightriver, Grimward, and Stormjarl. With it comes a moment of peace and tranquility for the majority of Mardrun.

In the former Clan Riverhead lands, an ulven fisherman reels in a record breaking pike. From the sounds of it, the fish put up so much of a fight that it literally pulled the boat around the lake for an extended amount of time. After the long fight however, the fisherman won out and reeled in a twenty-nine pound monster. Truthseekers appeared on the scene about two days later, and could attest to the size and weight of the lake monster.

New Aldoria’s ramshackled city section has begun to disappear as buildings are torn down and placed onto boats. The process takes down a couple sections and continues on throughout the month. Many are happy that the eyesore is gone from their sight, however they cannot help but wonder what Prince Aylin is plotting by moving so many building materials north.

With the treaty signed and the tensions beginning to lax between Stormjarl and Grimward, a new issue has arisen in Clan Squalborn. The clan leadership decided to align with their invader’s, Clan Stormjarl, in a surprising twist of events. When news of their alliance with Stormjarl reached the rest of the packs, outrage broke out. Many packs are now refusing to support Pack Squalborn within the clan, some of the larger ones even calling into question their right to lead their people due to the decision that was made. Some packs on the northern border are siding with the idea they should align with Clan Steinjutton or Clan Axehound who have showed interest in helping them and have gained some favor with the northern citizens. The southern border has many who agree with the notion of aligning with Clan Stormjarl, which mostly consist of the clan’s leadership and their own people. In between the two borders is utter chaos and bedlam as packs argue and fight over who should actually lead Clan Squalborn in this time, and many claim that they are the ones that should. One thing is for certain, Clan Squalborn is on the edge of an inter-clan civil war.

In the former lands of Pack Goldmane, some ulven traveled the land in hopes of taking a short cut. While traveling this caravan stopped in by a seemingly nice clearing for the night and set up camp. One warrior was left on night watch and on his honor swears that he had a strange experience that night. According to the warrior once everyone fell asleep he heard crying and screams coming a little way off. He abandoned his post and walked towards the disturbance on the other side of the clearing. Once there, he felt a chill as he thought he heard the sounds of a battle and the cries and screams of people around him. He quickly turned back to leave but felt something push him square in his back which caused him to lose balance and trip. In his stumble he rolled down a small hill over various rocks and branches. When he finally scrambled back to the camp and told the story, many scoffed at him and his story, telling him to go back to sleep and that it must have been a bad dream. The following morning he told everyone that he had a sharp pain in the center of his back and when his fellow travellers checked they found his clothes stained with a bloody mark in the shape of a hand. Most have written this off as an injury from his tumble down the hill, but he continues to spread the story of the bloody handprint and how the vengeful ghosts of Goldmane pushed him down that hill.

The month of August comes and goes, but the hustle and bustle of Mardrun is ongoing. 

In the City State of Newhope there has been a rather large amount of guards found dead in the alleyways, guardhouses, taverns, and in their own homes. Many of those investigating are reporting poison, strangulation, and multiple stab wounds as the causes of death. This news has put many of the guards and those that reside within the walls into a moderate paranoia.

The City State of Newhope has expanded dramatically over the past three months, most notably the settlements of Crow’s Landing and Starkhaven. With these two large settlements now under their control, both economic and martial forces have drastically grown, creating an even greater force to be reckoned with . 

While the City State expands, the city of Daven’s Hold has started a rather ambitious project. Governess Kathrine has announced that the success that she has seen rallying citizens under her banner has given her reason to begin construction on a larger, improved merchant quarter for the city. Many who have lived in Daven’s Hold over the past year are eager to see what the Council of Three can do after seeing the highly aggressive expansions over the past year. 

The Tensions rise further along the Stormjarl and Grimward Clan borders; it has been noted that Clan Stormjarl have heavily reinforced their defensive fortifications while Clan Grimward Warpacks, geared to the teeth with Clan Ironmound Steel, now march to form a wall of shields and blades. The coastline can see Stromjarl ships patrolling off shore ready to move against enemy ships. Yet, neither side moves to press further to engage one another, the tension is palpable as both stare at one another and each wonders who will make the first move.

On the other end of the continent, Clan Squalborn is close to the breaking point due to lack of clan leadership, good farmland, harsh winters, and lack of resources.. Clan Steinjottun, Clan Axehound, and even Aylin’s Reach are eyeing up the possible prize of people and lands. The future of the clan is uncertain, but what is certain is that its neighbors are planning to take full advantage of their plight.

The Continent of Mardrun is a buzz with activity this month, and some of that activity isn’t good news for its residents. 

The infamous Black Market Faire occurred once more and what came with it were some of the biggest movers and shakers of the underworld. Ranging from Pirate Captains, Bandit Lords, high ranking members of organized crime groups, and more. Within that night, it is rumored many deals and hands were shook and it seems that the bandit lords of the Pass and the former Clan Riverhead lands are even more solidified and organized than before. 

The City State of Newhope’s campaign to bring more settlements under their rule seems to be progressing forward with great results. Many settlements, even larger ones, are bending the knee and swearing oaths of fealty to the Council of Six. That being said, Daven’s Hold is also gathering many to their cause, many are Vandregonians and some merchant companies that once had close dealings with Governess Kathrine. It seems these two colonies are slowly becoming rivals.

In Aylin’s Reach, many are curious as to what the Prince has planned as he slowly and steadily expands his rule and solidifies his new colony. Trade Guilds, Libraries, Temples, and other buildings are slowly being built and rumors of a road that will be built to connect the more inland areas to allow for easier commerce. Out of all these however, is the odd single ship that has been sent north to navigate a course to some island. It seems the Prince has his eyes on even furthering his kingdom, but to why he would choose these small islands is anyone’s guess. 

Negotiations between the Clan’s of Whiteoak and Axehound continue at a slow but steady pace. The progress made by Pack Redwind has been  visible as many of the packs within the clans are now halting raids against one another. It is said that the talks have even had a significant decrease in brawls that break out. However there are still brawls that occur, but these brawls seem to be more tests of might and strength rather than one of hatred or bias.

The colonies of Daven’s Hold and Newhope are in full political motion as they work with emissaries to have banners sworn to their cause. Settlement after settlement slowly fall under a liege lord of one form or another as the political boundaries begin to form. While the City-State of Newhope has gathered a substantial quantity difference compared to the other, Daven’s Hold has had many high material producing settlements swear loyalty to it. 

Prince Aylin seems to have sent a few small ships up north of Whiteoak to do some scouting of the shoals and islands. Being considered an odd move at best, many speculate what mystery has caught the royal heir’s interest to spend such valuable resources. 

As June comes to a close, Clans Shattered Spear and Clan Whiteoak are coming even closer to an agreement on their alliance that would surround the Dirge Swamp. Many in both clans feel strongly that the talks will result in an alliance that will finally solidify the two northern clans as the defenders of Mardrun from the destructive forces of the Mordok that have finally been pushed back into the swamp.

Rumors of a possible treasure trove are on the lips of adventurers and fortune seekers. The rumor goes that there is a chest of gems, precious potions, rare books, and other items of value are hidden deep in the Great Wolf Hackles. Hopeful adventurers, young souls, and those looking to get rich quick flock to the mountains in hopes of finding the elusive bounty. 

The Mordok launch a major strike against the Shield on the Whiteoak side, there was even the sighting of one of the rumored Called. This attack was almost successful in breaking through the outpost and patrolling troops, but a warpack from Clan Axehound came in from nearby and flanked the enemy force. Before the Mordok could regroup and recover, the Axehound reinforcements utterly devastated the them, forcing a retreat back in the Dirge Swamp. 

Limping back into Starkhaven is six of remaining former Lion’s of the Fist, with three more on a cart in dire need of medical aid. Many are surprised to see that any of them survived, but those that did seem to have been what was left of the best the Fist had to offer. They limp through the streets with tattered armor and battered bodies as they assemble in front of the temple and await their judgement by the Order of the Light after they survived their ordeal and crusade against the void of the Dirge Swamp.

The land of Mardrun is finally getting sun and warmth after many months of snow and rain, and with that weather is an increase of activity all across her lands.

In the colonies, delegates and representatives leave in droves from the City-State of Newhope and Davan’s Hold. Their destinations are the many outlying settlements, and their mission to bring them together and solidify their colony’s respective lands. Many leave the Gates of Newhope and half as many leave the safety of the walls of Davan’s Hold in hopes of achieving this mission.

From New Aldoria the IDS Resilience sets sail and begins her service under Dutchess  Madeline d’Argent. A massive galley that can sport nearly 200 crew and plenty of room for transporting cargo or soldiers all over Mardrun. Many are very impressed and curious about what future plans await this wonderful ship and its crew.

To the North in Serai, we turn our attention again to the remnants of the Fist. A report from a Clan Shattered Spear outpost states that only five members came walking to them, with three others on a small wagon. Their armor and bodies were noted to have been in tatters and in ribbons, those alive barely able to stand. After they were fed and given medical treatment, it was discovered they were faced with a large and well trained mordok force. It seems those who are alive are only alive because they were able to just barely survive the onslaught of death and screams. They are now in the Clan Shattered Spear lands being treated and cared for maims, wounds, malnourishment, and trench foot.

Talks between the clans continue this month, nothing out of the ordinary except for an incident at a Clan Whiteoak and Axehound meeting. Two chieftains got into a fist fight over a past incident during the Ulven Civil War. Those there were able to break up the fight before it became too out of hand, and removed from the meeting sight. Both  parties then continued their discussions on the idea that Pack Redwind proposed last fall, both realizing the long road ahead of them if such an ideal is to come to be reality.

Banditry seems to be increasing further in the lands around Davan’s Hold and near the Pass. Many are curious how the Council of Six of the City-State of Newhope and the Council of Three in Davan’s Hold will respond as merchant guilds and companies are losing more and more money every day. Many are demanding a force be sent in to start removing and slaying the bandits in the area, and many are growing eager for the issue to be resolved sooner rather than later.

The past month, much and more has been discovered by the expeditions, however there are many happenings and gears in motion in the world.

To the North, along the Shield of Mardrun, the remnants of the former Order of the Fist continues their penance crusade. For months they have been spotted fighting Mordok with a religious fervor that even seems to scare some of their numerous foes. However, they have been noted to be working themselves to the bone, slowly wearing down in both body and mind. They were last seen taking back Serai from a small group of Mordok that stationed there.

It seems that the Ulven Clans are a bustle of activity, mostly in the political sense, after the reveal of the Ironward Alliance. It seems multiple clans are in the process of beginning to garner the same idea, Shattered Spear and Whiteoak, Nightriver and Goldenfield, Whiteoak and Axehound, and more. It seems the political stage of the Ulven will be the main focus for a couple more months to come.

However, there is one Clan that is in talks with nobody at the moment, Clan Squallborn.. The clan seems to be trying to handle the internal strife within its borders after the harsh winter nearly brought it to its knees. Rumor has it that its neighboring clans are eyeing up Squallborn for possible expansion.

Around the colonies, merchant and trade guilds are growing restless as the bandit issue continues to grow. Many have lost considerable amounts over the winter and spring months, and they are not seeing any action on resolving the issue. Lictor Mary cul Tricuspis has spoken and said that she will be focusing Newhope guards and forces into reinforcing the main roads in the City-State and warns Merchants that if they are planning to leave the area that they should hire well trained guards until Newhope can resolve the situation.

In Aylin’s Reach the people are becoming increasingly pleased with their expanding city and villages. The portside city is growing in size and count faster and faster as new shops and services appear. As of this past month an tavern, a labor guild, and a lictor courts have been erected. It seems that the Prince and his advisors are not slowing their pace either, for it is rumored that many more plans for the Reach lie in the works.

Spring is here, but it seems the icy grip of winter is extremely reluctant to release the world just yet. The citizens of Mardrun slowly are clawing their way out of their snow covered huts and retaking the world.

In the north, the remnants of the former Order of the Fist have been fighting hard and long along the Shield. Many among the patrols that make up the shield notice that these devoted warriors are camping in canvas tents, wearing thick furs and hides under and over their chain and plate. Day by day they wake up, don their gear, and fight off a group of mordok. Each time they become a little more injured, and a little more wounded, and a little thinner. When a small patrol from Nightriver approached and offered them some spare food, they gladly took only what was offered and fed it to those who needed it to most, down to those who needed it least. Many are curious if they will even survive this crusade, or as some ulven are calling it, a death march.

Word from Davin’s Hold is that a freshly formed unit of Vandregonian’s, and they are continuing their training into soldiers who can effectively use a shield wall. Some others within the unit are working on scouting, and others are working on becoming marksmen with bow and crossbow. Whatever their desire, this unit that is forming is quickly gaining form, and may be the start of a slow and return of the Vandregonian preasense on Mardrun.

The researcher’s in the Celestial Arragones’ library are all a blaze with more questions than they have answers for with the reveal of the Syndar cache. What did they exactly research and why on the ulven? Where did they go? What northern research site? These seem to be the main questions that continue to float around the library as scribes, scholars, researchers, and many others focus madly on finding out the answers.

Clan Stormjarl seems to have taken up defensive positions along its borders and coastlines. Many Jarl’s and Hersir’s are scrambling to get organized and prepare for a possible retaliation against them due to the many raids taken against their Northern Grimward foes. Other clan’s have voiced that Clan Stormjarl may be reaping what they sowed. Others are secretly hoping that they succeed and hold off or even get away with what they did. Only a few clans simply don’t care, rather focusing on their own problems.

In the Pass in the Great Wolf Hackles, a name is being whispered, some with reverience, others in fear. It seems the Dread Pirate Captain Morty has assembled small band of bandits and loyal followers and have built up a sizable amount of supplies over the winter’s raids. Slowly other bandit parties and bands are recognizing the infamous name and figure a the head of this new venture, some are even rumored to be offering alliances. However, to true number of supporters that Captain Morty has at his beck and call is unknown.