Wiki Category: News & Rumors 269

While the snow and cold is mild so far this winter, many are preparing for what the winds may yet bring in the coming months. 

The month for Clan Nightriver and Clan Goldenfield is one of celebration as the joint project between them finally comes to an end, and not a moment too soon. A massive network of well made roads, trails, and a few major highways that interconnect between the two clans has reached completion. While some of the packs of both clans thought this task was perhaps overly ambitious, the results have already begun to speak for themselves. Small villages and hamlets now have easier access to trade routes, merchants can now move faster and more efficiently between desired areas, and are already growing in prosperity because of these roadways. Some other clans have looked at this move and can see the benefits of such infrastructure projects, some more traditionalist groups scoff at the idea of using colonist based improvements. 

In Davin’s Reach a six month long project to give the older areas of the settlement a much needed structural improvement has come to an end. While some families and even businesses had to leave their homes for a while, they came back to well built and structurally sound buildings that no longer leaked and allowed wind through the walls. Many grumbled at first, but after seeing the newly improved buildings with the now improved cobblestone streets they quickly stilled their tongues in awe at both the skill and generosity of the Council of Three of Davin’s Reach.

To the north along the Shield of Mardrun, Clan Shattered Spear finally finishes its work of improving the trails along the Shield. With these new, level, and cleared trails between the outposts, warriors are now able to more quickly respond to any Mordok in the area. Furthermore, the trails to the south and west have been cleared to allow supply caravans to come and go with much greater ease. With this, the western side of The Shield of Mardrun is now even more able and more secure in its defensive positioning. 

Not much further north and west, at the very edge of Clan Shattered Spear territory and barely behind the Shield of Mardrun is a new heavily fortified hillfort and small port built by Duchess Madeline d’Argent. While some Ulven question the decision to move this fortification so close to the swamp, they do see the benefit of having a port being able to bring both supplies and warriors from the south quickly and efficiently. It has been made clear that the port will be jointly run by both Clan Shattered Spear and the City State of Newhope, but the fort will be run by forces directly under the command of Duchess d’Argent, whom will aid the Shield of Mardrun against the Mordok and act as a base of operations for any future ventures into the Dirge.

The land begins to feel the cold fingers winter caress it, and the people hurry to finish stocking their grain stores. 

In the lands of some of the Ulven Clans there are whispers and rumors spreading among the people. The rumor goes that an Ulven is walking around and preaching a new rhetoric surrounding the Ulven afterlife. He spreads stories of death and seeing into the Maw of The Greatwolf. He tells of his initial fear and shock, but then an acceptance. Details seem to get fuzzy from there, but the end of his message seems to be that fear of being swallowed has been used as a way to control the Ulven people for many many generations. He seems to preach personal freedoms and acceptance of the gift of the Great Wolf when we die, regardless of which path it may be. Though many people call him crazy and a heretic, there are a small number who seem to be speaking well of this strange new speaker.

In the City State of Newhope the mass murderer strikes again, this time leaving a small family outside of Silver’s Crossing dead and disfigured. Authorities are working hard day and night to try and locate any clues to who this malicious individual is. Alas, the only clue found were the words painted on the inside of the door, “Such easy prey, their screams were so filled with life.” Many rural citizens of the Citystate are beginning to question just how much effort is being put  into catching this monster. However, the local nobility of the areas of where the attacks have occurred have oddly remained silent, only strengthening those concerns that are now on the lips of commoners. 

Members of Clan Shattered Spear whisper tales around hunting camps of a massive stag that roams the woodlands. It is said to stand as high as a fully grown man at the shoulder, its antlers heavy and bowed with as many as thirty points upon the both of them. One hunter tells a tale that the creature shook the very land beneath his feet as it ran, leaving small craters in the ground where it landed. Oddly enough though, nobody was able to slay this massive stag in order to prove the tale.

Clan Stormjarl is taking up an ancient tradition of hunting whales off the coast in these cold months. Many fisherfolk gathered up harpoons, rope, and warm clothes as they traveled into the deeper parts of the sea. While they were away scoring the grey watery wastes, those back on the shores waited anxiously for them to return. When they did return a week later, they were towing three massive behemoths between the ships. Even the newly joined packs from the Stormborn settlement joined in with this tradition, and with the help of the local packs, were able to haul in three medium sized whales and multiple large deep sea fish as well for the upcoming winter. Needless to say, many fisherfolk earned their salt and showed their skill to the clan those days, and even some of the newer packs felt a bit more welcomed than before.

With many across the lands are busy with harvests and enjoying the festivities provided by their quaint towns, the rumors fly and tales are shared at alarming rates.

More tales of an individual float from Davin’s Hold this month, and the theme is of courtly romance. It seems Lady Al-Azarma has been humoring the advances of the traveling minstrel that has been visiting her last month, and the visits have been noted to be frequent. One tale tells of the handsome individual visiting around eight different times in a single week, another tells of Lady Al-Azarma summoning the individual to her side for lunch, dinner, or even her time reading in the library. As for how true these rumors are, none can say, but it seems that courtly love is in the air. 

Stories drift down from the mountains, the stories are of a pack of branded Ulven that come down from the Great Wolf Hackles this time of year. It is said they prowled in the later nights of the month, stealing food, clothes, tools, and young adult Ulven. Many families awake to empty beds, claiming the branded packs from the mountains stole them in the night. While some Ulven wet nurses and parents may use this tale to keep their cubs in line. Those from Clan Shattered Spear take these tales to heart. Some even report of missing children throughout the month that disappeared during the night. 

In colonies to the south a logging competition takes place in the town of Silver’s Crossing. Many come from all over to watch many powerful lumberjacks, wood crafters, and merchants in the small yet ever growing town. What was of particular note was the tree climbing contest, where a young Syndar was able to out climb the seasoned veteran Ulven. While some claimed that the young Syndar cheated by “pushing” themself up the tree rather than climb it, it was never proved and deemed the young Syndar winner with a purse of fifteen silver. 

Tales of harvest festivals happening all over the continent fall on the ears of all. Tales of drinking contests in Balie Onair, pumpkin boat races in Crow’s Landing, scarecrow building in Key’s Crossing, scripture recitales in Starkhaven, fall fashion shows on the Phoenix Isle, fishing derbies in Stormjarl, archery tournaments in Onsallas, Fristad held a merry time in its taverns, and Lumalia had a lantern ceremony. However, some of the grandest harvest festivals were held outside of the gates of Newhope, skilled bards and swordsmen plied their trade for shows of comedy, foods of all sorts, and dancing for all. Needless to say, this month was a joyous one for all of Mardrun. 

The lands are ripe with the fruits of summer labors: Corn, beans, apples, and so many more are ready for the taking. The land erupts into motion in order to capture not only the food and other supplies, but at opportunity as well.

In the City State of Newhope, the sound of battle clang aloud in the fighting pits as warriors participated in a great tournament for fame, glory, lovers, and a fat purse overflowing with silver. Many warriors entered the arena, but few grabbed the attention of the crowds except for a notorious female Syndar named Veylena who fought with shortsword and axe. She quickly became the crowd’s favorite to upset the current sitting champion, Thennvik the Mad, a beast of a man that used two maces. The final battle was intense, with many spectators on the edge of their seats, but their faith in the newcomer was rewarded with Veylena standing above the broken and thoroughly beaten body of Thennvik. Many are curious of her origins, more so about what she will do with the exorbitant amount of silver she just earned.

In other gossip, it seems Lady Ala’zarma was seen being courted by a dashing young noble. Rumor has it that the dashing individual was seen handing a rose while reciting a sonnet to the Baroness in her gardens. While many didn’t see the spectacle, the gardener who did claim the noble to be almost half the Baroness’ age, and may have a slight reputation for drinking on the job.

Harvests are going beyond expectations across the land, many farmers are experiencing a large bumper crop of corn, potatoes, onions, and apples. Leading to many small festivals to thank Gaia and other deities for the extremely bountiful harvests throughout the land of Mardrun. With this bumper crop, many merchants are reporting a good economic uptick just in time before the pre-winter rush begins. One thing is for sure, winter will be easier on the folks of Mardrun this year.

In the lands of Clan Ironmound, many are beginning to breathe a sigh of relief as repairs and recovery of the lands affected by the earthquake this previous spring show signs of near completion. While there is still a little left to do before the harsh winter around the hackles sets in, the clan is more than confident it can finish what is left easily enough without the help from outside the clan. There have been many that have helped the clan in its time of distress and the distrust of colonists seems to have been lessened some by the actions of those who have aided them. As for the fate of the Lorespeaker Cache, that is a tale for another time.

Darker rumors start to flow from the Riverhead Lands, rumors of a dark alliance. Many are aware of the large amount of bandits in the area, but what isn’t as commonly known is who is keeping these thugs organized. These self named ‘Bandit Lords’ seemed to have had a meeting this past month. Nobody knows for certain what was spoken of or what deals occurred, but what is known is that the raids on other bandit groups seems to have died down considerably and are now working in a more organized manner.

With the heat waves rolling and receding throughout the month, most of Mardrun finds ways to cool off and relax before the busy months of harvest that are coming up quickly. However, some of the world has other plans in the works…

—

Clan Ironmound continues to rebuild after the devastation, and with the help from outside forces the process has expedited some. The prideful and usually prickly members of the Clan are starting to warm up to those who have come to help with the reconstruction, often ending the night drinking with the volunteers. While there is still extensive amounts of labor and work ahead, many within Clan Ironmound are starting to feel some hope after many months of desperation. 

—

In a Grimward outpost along The Shield of Mardrun a horrible accident befell a workman in the process of patching a section of an outpost wall that had been damaged by recent high winds. One of the legs of his scaffold gave way and he fell nearly 15 feet before landing on a jagged piece of his broken platform. The worker was quickly carried to a nearby surgeon, but by the time he arrived the wounds proved to be too great and he passed away. Not willing to accept this outcome the surgeon quickly set to work on the newly deceased body and through what can only be thought of as a miracle of medicine, she was able to bring him back from the otherworld..and bring him back from the otherworld she apparently did. The Ulven shot to his feet with a wild look in his eye, screaming at the top of his lungs. Slowly he came back to reality and told everyone around him what he’d seen. His words have spread far and wide.

“There I was, falling from a scaffold. Next thing I know I’m on my back and my vision is fading out and my lungs are filling with blood. I close my eyes. Then suddenly I feel totally fine. I open my eyes and I’m standing in a forest and off in the distance I see the hulking shadow of The Great Wolf as it stalks its way toward me. Naturally I freeze in place. Then I hear a voice, low and rumbling like a growl barely escaping the throat of the great beast, ‘I do not know you yet you intrude on my forest?’ the beast called to me, ‘Without a name, you are nothing to me. Nothing but a morsel.’ Then the Great Wolf turned and began bounding toward me, his maw open. I tell you the likes of it I have never seen. When he opened his mouth, by Gaia’s grace his mouth so large it could swallow ten warriors without thinking, I saw the stars inside. I saw the very cosmos itself, but at the center of it all, I saw something that scared me more than any of the rest of the experience. I saw nothingness; a void of pure emotionless, nothingness. I screamed…and then I was here.”

The laborer spread his story across the outpost to any who would listen to it and when he ran out of people to tell he packed his things, threw on a cloak and started walking south to continue to spread his word. “When he sees me next he’ll know my name!” he shouted back into the outpost as he left, “Hjalvar the Great Wolf’s Priest!”

—

In the City State of Newhope people enjoyed their time relaxing in the late summer days, children playing in the fields and streams, parents enjoying a bit of peace. In the manner of a single night, this peace was turned into chaos as the mass murderer struck again. A family of five were the targets it seems, their bodies all found in the barn, hanging by their legs upside down. The sight of the scene soon spread like wildfire, along with the words carved in each of the victims. “Did you miss me Newhope?”

—

Bandit activity in the Riverhead lands reaches an all time high this month. Caravan’s are now refusing to go any further north without significant martial support. While some packs from Clan Nightriver and Whiteoak do offer aid in this, more often than not are met with overwhelming amounts of bandits rushing the caravans. Many are pleading for higher up authority figures to do something about the situation, but many are conflicted on the proper way to handle this situation. 

The land begins to swelter and shimmer in the heat of the summer sun, but life on the lands of Mardrun continues on, even if a little begrudgingly.

To the south in the colony of Daven’s Hold, The Council of Three begin on a personal project to breathe some culture and refinement into their home by building many political buildings and public spaces. Many are excited for this direction The Council of Three have taken, and are more than happy to see more than the cobble stones and shop fronts that seem to be in every corner of the settlement. But some wonder aloud if their desire to go this way is due to the ever growing divide between Governess Catherine and Grand Duke Baron Richards.

In the Citystate of Newhope, the land is filled with the sounds of battle, roars of rage, cries of pain, and cheers. Duke Martingale of Westhaven’s Colosseum has finally completed and is open to the masses for only a few silver. Many peddle their wares of food and “good luck charms”, and as such find jobs within and around the colosseum. Hundreds of people, Colonists and Ulven alike, flood the stands to watch warriors fight one another either in one-on-one battles, group fights, or against powerful bears. Here is where even some of the prisoners who are to be executed are given a chance to earn their freedom, though seldom do. 

To the north, on a small hillock on the borders of Clan Whiteoak and Clan Axehound, a large crowd has gathered for a monumental occasion. A signing of a treaty between the two ever feuding clans, which both agreed upon. While some are wondering why it took so long for these two clans to finally come to this agreement, most understand that some tensions between the clans and their long seated rivalry have made it hard to break the distrust between them. Due to these issues many long meetings between the Clanleaders were needed, and many of them became heated. However, after a few shouting matches, four or five brawls, and almost drawn steel, the two Clanleaders came to an eventual agreement on the terms of the armistice and the rules. Many who have read the treaty were shocked to discover no loopholes and no way to manipulate the treaty to one side’s advantage, believing both made sure neither of them, or their successor’s, could weasel their way out of this honor binding treaty. When both pens signed the treaty, along with the seals of both Clanleaders, many cheered, however even more had doubts on what to expect from their neighbors actions here on out.

Summer is in full swing, the land is lively with farmers tending crops, herds of sheep are getting their first shearing for the summer, and many are out and about enjoying the mild summer for the month. 

In Clan Steinjottun packs are beginning their annual hawking tournaments, showing off both their skills at breeding and training of the birds so many depend on in Mardrun. While some trainers are showing exceptional skill there are a few that are standing above and beyond the rising stars. One of the favourites for getting to the final rounds is a young woman from Pack Bloodhawk who has shown exceptional skill at training more advanced commands to her partner in the tournament. 

Off in Clan Ironmound, repairs and recovery is slow but steady. Some villages are already returning to normal day-to-day routines while others are getting closer towards that goal. The production of arms and armor is also slowly returning to its former ability to meet the high demand for quality arms and armor. However, villages that don’t focus on production of some sort still are in dire need of attention and aid, and while they are receiving support from the clan, it will take more of an effort to help repair and return those villages back to normal.

In Newhope, life is busy at the merchant guilds as they trade and exchange goods at high prices within the city walls. Many smaller trading companies are making bags over bags of silver with the current demand for charcoal. Some others are cashing in on the higher demand for brocade and fine fabrics. Whatever the item is, it is apparent that there is a large economic boom going on in the City State, and no clear idea when it will end. 

In the Riverhead lands, small villages of humans and ulven have sprouted up. However, none of these small communities are tied to any major pack, clan, or city state, but are rather controlled by either wealthy merchants, bandit lords, or warlords. Thus turning the once ancestral home of Riverhead into lawless lands where every individual has to fend for themself. This of course is an outrage to Pack Riverhead, who were making plans to start resettling their ancestral homes. Some groups of Riverhead even started to lead  raids and fights against these new settlers. Which just adds more to the chaos in these now unforgiving lands in the middle of Mardrun’s northern clans. 

There is an odd rumor floating around this month, a rumor that seems to border on that of folktale and spans between Balie Onair and Starkhaven. This past month two individuals, one Human and one Ulven, travelled from tavern to tavern issuing drinking challenges to any who would dare. Those who have said to witness these challenges are baffled by the sheer amount of liquor the individuals would drink. Even more unbelievable is that these two individuals won against all challengers, except against themselves. Towards the end of every story, the two would challenge themselves to drink, shot per shot, bottles of Lunashine. They would then finish their bottles and then match off into the night cheering and laughing. Leaving those who said to have been there, baffled as to who they were and how they were even still alive.

The world has finally thawed from the grips of spring and have started to enter the green of summer. With it, comes the waves of activity that erupt from the people who have been so tired of being cooped up.

With the murders in Newhope over the past few months and the body count now in the twenties, a man hunt is on the way to find the unknown killer. However, as soon as the murders had started they had just as suddenly stopped. Nobody has heard of an unusual death the entire month, and many begin to worry if the killer is waiting to strike again once they feel the opportunity is right.

Clan Nightriver and Clan Goldenfield begin a herculean task of creating a series of interlinking roads for their clans to create easier tradeways between and through their territories. Worker’s begin at the Pass and under armed guard as they surely but slowly proceed deeper into the lands. Other than some minor attempts by bandits from the mountains, the month goes by without a hitch in Nightriver territory. In Goldenfield the workers are able to work with less stress and with higher productivity as they begin from one of their preexisting roads and branching out to reach other villages and towns which are spots for potential trade hubs. 

Bandits activity is beginning with the release of the cold, threatening the trade routes. What is noted by multiple merchant guilds, companies, and organizations is the heavy presence of bandits in the Riverhead lands. Multiple companies and armed guards have either left the area with multiple arrows in their carts or themselves, or have been turned back due to the high activity. It seems that these ‘unclaimed’ lands are becoming a new frontier, and it is being controlled by bandits and thieves.

The pressure in the north along the Shield, specifically in Clan Whiteoak have had their numbers pressed over the past two months, with the aid of many volunteers and brave warriors they were able to repel the waves from the abyss known as the Dirge. However, those at the outposts continue to worry about what awaits them with the warmer weather and how they will handle the next wave. Reports indicate that they are starting to wear down and supplies are starting to wane from the last shipments. There is good news though, Clan Steinjottun and Clan Axehound are sending reinforcements along with wagons of supplies to help bring aid and reinforce the defensive line. 

The devastation of Clan Ironmound is slowly starting to reverse as volunteers and donations start to trickle in. Some groups are even sending groups to help with both supply dispersal and physical labor in helping rebuild. While it wasn’t as much as the prideful clan would have wanted, it is plain to see that Clan Ironmound is grateful for the help that they are receiving in their troubled time. However, there is still months of work ahead of recovering and rebuilding the villages along the affected mountains.

With the coming and passing of April, spring begins to fight back against the clutches of winter as the continent begins to stir from the long freeze.

The lands of Clans Nightriver and Clan Goldenfield have been busy this past month. Many laborers have been hard at work clearing trails and roads of brush and stone to make way for improved roads. While they have only recently started this venture, both clans hope to create a series of main roads to help expedite trade caravans and allow for greater ease for those guarding them as they travel along these new roads.

The guards of Newhope are baffled by the recent string of killings occurring in the outlying villages. These individuals and families seemed to have been butchered in their own homes, either sleeping or at the dinner table. The City Guard of Newhope continues their hunt for this mysterious mass murderer which plagues the common folk.

Fisherfolk from Clan Stormjarl report of a monstrous shark spotted while diving for clams and fishing further out. While large creatures like sharks are not unheard of off the coast, what made this shark different from the others was that it was easily around twenty feet long at only a glance. While the divers and fisherfolk were able to get some distance from the beast, it was still a close call. One diver noted the large amount of scars on its snout across its body, even mentioning a broken harpoon in its flank.

To the north in the Great Wolf’s Forest, some Clan Axehound lumberjacks were hard at work when they found what appeared to be a small shrine or totem inside a small grove. While the grove didn’t look recently inhabited, the totem did look as if it was built within the last year. When one of the lumberjacks touched it however, he screamed in agony and fell to the ground. When he was brought before a Daughter of Gaia, it was later revealed the individual had contracted Creeping Corruption.

Spring has finally arrived and the land begins to show signs of life returning to the once frozen wastelands.

The grizzly murders that have been plaguing the colonies of Newhope continue on, with the guards continually baffled by how these atrocities happen beneath their noses. The citizens continue to worry, barricade, and  arm themselves to what seems to be no avail as the number of victims continue to grow.

In the streets of Newhope rumors tell of Lictor Mary cul Tricuspis becoming increasingly frustrated. The common folk whisper of her working on some secret project with her secret police and spies, trying to find information on some important matter or another. However, it can be seen upon her face that her progress in those matters are providing no fruit and getting her nowhere.

In Daven’s Hold, Governess Cathrine is proud to announce the opening of one of her more ambitious construction projects with the coming of the spring thaw. With the roads opening back up, the brand new and well built market district. This new district comes with the new roads and holds throughout the territory that create a hub of trade activity from all over Mardrun. Some say this district was to slight those that may have betrayed her trust, but others state it is a power move to claim more economic prowess for the people of Daven’s Hold, and for the Council of Three.

Outside the city of Newhope, Duke Martingale of Westhaven has finished his fighting pits in time for the coming of warmer weather. Surrounding them, market stalls, taverns, inns, gambling dens, bordellos, blacksmiths, and many more tradesfolk and businesses have sprouted up. Creating an area where those who wish to feel relaxed and enjoy what life has to offer can go and spend some time, and money, to do so. That being said, Duke Martingale stated that illegal activities will be not allowed in the area and will have the guard in the area heavily increased to enforce these laws. That being said, with the first sound of the robins one can also hear the first sounds of battle from these grand fighting arenas. 

In Clan Ironmound the recovery effort continues steadily. However, runeseers are shocked as their runes keep pointing them towards the center of the calamity that occurred last month. The runeseers gather together and continue to cast their runes and divination rituals, however they keep pointing towards the center of the odd calamity that happened in the Great Wolf Hackles, and the runes keep hinting about knowledge and memory. Leading those who have seen the runes, and the runeseers themselves, to believe another Lorespeaker cache has been unearthed.  

With the expedition into the heart of the swamp about to head north, hawks fly from the Shield of Mardrun written by the Northern Shield Protectorate. The Mordok are back, and are attacking the shield in massive numbers due to the early spring thaw. They highly advise against any attempts to venture into the Dirge Swamp and are pleading for aid as the forces of the Mordok are unrelenting and putting the forces of the Shield into a war of attrition as warriors are tiring and becoming too weary and wounded to continue.