Wiki Category: News & Rumors 273

Clan Nightriver has once again been made the center of attention among the Allied forces of Eastern Mardrun. After the attempted murder of two young boys in Pack Bloodmoon’s territory, the new Clanleader, and still Bloodmoon’s Pack Leader, Sylvir Bloodmoon has made it clear: this violence will not be tolerated in her lands. While she is unable to remove herself from the important task of readying the Clan for the likely heavy uptick in the war when Spring arrives, her choice to appoint a trusted member of her pack was well-received by both her pack, and the Clan Shattered Spear refugees who expressed concern about their safety in the area.

Jarl Zorwyn Bloodmoon is the appointed representative that should be contacted with any information pertaining to the attempted double-murder in Pack Bloodmoon’s territory. Information that leads to the capture of the criminal may be rewarded. 

On another warfront: Clan Whiteoak has begun making preparations for a Mordok attack they anticipate to come in early-Spring. The lack of activity from the Mordok in the last few months has been very unusual, and the Clan believes this can only mean another large-scale offensive, not unlike the Silfurfal attack, should be expected from them. Being that they are solely-focused on the Shield Of Mardrun and not the Conquering, Clan Whiteoak expects to be more than ready to meet the Mordok threat swiftly and harshly, especially with the support of the other neutral clans.

Rumors of strange Syndar spending time in Newhope have finally been met with solid answers. The Syndar being escorted through the City-State are none other than the same Northern Syndar that have been in the city for over a year already. Now that they’re being shown around, there seem to be even more questions than before. What is their business here in the Southern lands? And, do they have anything to do with the other Northern-populace, the Stonetooth? 

Duke Aailmyr, the newest member of the Newhope Council, having been deeply focused on his project of creating a training program for up-and-coming Enchanters, has finally announced that the program is ready to open enrollment! With this project of his concluded and the Market District’s very fancy Enchanted Lamps still burning strong, many are watching excitedly to see what the new Duke’s next big move will be.

In news of the Conquering, many have reported sightings of a traveling bard group from Newhope traveling along frontlines and playing their music for the fighters there. Spirits are notably lifted everywhere they go, noticeably enough for their actions to be talked about long after they’ve moved on to another stage.

In one final update from Clan Nightriver regarding the Conquering: the strip of land known as “The Pass” is still mostly controlled by Grimward forces. However, all flanking routes have been cut off completely, and there is enough land controlled by Nightriver that nearby homes and villages should rest easy, knowing that their warriors stand as a mighty buffer between them and the enemy.

A copied letter becomes widely dispersed across the various clans and refugees of Mardrun, stirring strong emotions as the first words of Clan Grimward are heard since the Moot that marked the start of the war.

——————————————

To all Clans,

Long have we watched as you sat idly by, pretending that misgivings from the last war were simply gone. Allowing those invasive pests to extend their reach and their silver tongues to spout lies to all ulven, consequences withheld even after our people were forced to prove the truth that their leaders hid. The Dirge and mordok are of their reckless actions and yet they are allowed to flourish within your lands. Some of you even stand with them as their leaders commit these atrocities against the ulven people as a whole, while the rest of you cowardly stand by and allow them continuance.

“Dishonorable”, a word of which your clans and these parasites deem to freely scream, yet for the past many years have taken no regard for your own lack of honor. Your perceived honor has become meaningless, so only glory and unification will remain for us. Clan Grimward’s actions are not a cause, we are but a response to your own corrupted misaction that we have had to continually endure since the civil war. Clan Shattered Spear’s fall was not contentedly sought but was found necessary before we move to the greater of evils, but those who remain truly neutral to our cause will not suffer the same violent fate. Clans of the north, continue your sage course and unity will find you peacefully.

And to all clanless who have spoken with your actions;

You have been heard, and there is the opportunity to make your cause a reality. Clan Grimward and Clan Stonetooth welcome those who recognize that they have been wronged, and together we will right these wrongs and create a unified future.

By the Pillars,

Warleader Khulgar Graytide of Clan Grimward

——————————————

Wood meets sand as ships make landfall. Boots run across the beach sand as warriors move inland with no opposition in the area to stop them. A notable portion of Clan Grimward’s raider fleet has landed warpacks on the upper coast of Clan Shattered Spear lands behind the frontline, rapidly carving into the thin northern line of Clan Shattered Spear’s forces and soon to surround their warpacks fighting on the frontline. The final days of the clan have been marked, but their unwavering allies may have something to say about this eventual fate.

Despite this distressing letter and news, an unexpected story is excitedly traveling from the south. On almost every front, Clan Grimward and Stonetooth’s warpacks have made ground with their initial offensives, a seemingly undeterrable force that reduces morale and lays ruin wherever they travel. The image crumbles though, as an incursion of multiple smaller Clan Stormjarl and colonist forces have banded together, managing to ferry the Yurnai River and break into Clan Grimward lands. Many colonists near the river speak avidly of the spotted plums of smoke from burning Grimward villages, but only those fighting will know how much harm has been caused or how long the attack will persist.

A trickling account travels from the northern fronts as but only a few prisoners kept by Grimward have managed an escape from their hold. The story is soured by the number of prisoners that died during this breakout, but the few that lived confirm the existence of this prisoner work camp. Reports from the Clan Shattered Spear lines show Clans Grimward and Stonetooth fielding larger numbers of combat healers, pulling and healing larger numbers of wounded from both sides in battles. These two stories merge to show signs of the invaders bolstering their supply workforce with these captured warriors and packs, or perhaps a more troublesome usage.

Ships are seen sailing south carrying the flags of Aylin’s Reach, and with it travels the rumor that the Prince’s marines are traveling to reinforce Clan Stormjarl. The people of Aylin’s Reach speak of travelers arriving from other lands to provide advisement or request aid, with the Prince seeming to slowly but carefully choose actions to progress with. Despite criticism of their slowness of decision, the Prince of Aylin’s Reach and his council indicate to have plans being finalized as a portion of their forces and supplies are sent externally but are still open to those who would provide wisdom and information for this ongoing war.

Despite music often being lost in war, a small song has spread among troops in various warfronts, with many variations of it being born from different groups but many agree to this being the original with an unknown author:

“A Toast to Arland Stormjarl”:

Fine folk like this, the Grimward dogs

Have begun to attack.

So with our honor, tools, and blades,

Their scourge, we must drive back!

Various tales and stories pour from Clan Shattered Spear as refugees travel eastward as their homeland is unable to sustain a defense against their invaders. While everyone has heard the past stories of Clan Grimward burning villages and destroying farmland as they initially invaded Clan Shattered Spear, now the news has changed. Travelers heading east speak of no more plumes of fire and smoke following them as they retreat from villages and towns, the invasion having long ago stopped being for destruction and instead being for conquering.

While it is unclear if chosen out of duress from Clan Grimward’s prior letters, a decision of their own, or other possible reasons, Clan Spiritclaw and Clan Steinjottun Clanleaders have separately declared neutrality in this war. Along with their declarations, statements travel that their borders currently remain open to outsiders and trade, although it is unclear if that will continue. All four of the northern clans have variably begun to accept refugee packs and individuals coming out of Clan Shattered Spear, although refugees traveling to the clans who declared neutrality are warned that they will not be allowed to rejoin the war, lest risking the neutrality statements of their hosts. As the fighting continues in Clan Shattered Spear, it is unclear where their people will make their new home or if they will become split into pieces of their former clan.

Prince Aylin’s banners have been seen traveling through ulven territories as he deploys extra troops to The Spire to reinforce their territory near The Pass of The Hackles. The Prince does not hide that he is in discussion with his council and various groups to determine where he will focus his support in this conflict, but for now his remaining forces and ships remain at home. Rumor has it that there is a small window for negotiations to persuade his decision, which is expected to be finalized at the end of September.

Between the sustained brutal heat and unrelenting storms sweeping the continent, some Daughters of Gaia preach that the Goddess Gaia herself is intervening to stop the bloodshed; her tears birthing the endless storms and fury burning the landscape as she watches her children slaughter each other. The bloodshed does not slow though, and the Daughters warn of worsening intervention should the conflict continue.

Proud news from Warleader Holmar Bloodmoon of Clan Nighriver quickly spreads this month as he leads a large group of warpacks crashing into Clan Grimward’s defensive positions on the east side of The Pass. Through their fury and need for blood-soaked revenge, the clan struck hard and organized against the prepared defenders, and while many lives were lost the eventual retreat of Grimward’s forces was undeniable. With their entrance to the east side of pass secured, Grimward lost any paths that could have been used to raid Nightriver lands further, but as Nightriver progressed deeper into The Pass they found that Grimward had continued their defensive preparations in the middle of it as well, the extent of which is not known at this time. Further to the north, Clan Nightriver banners are seen fighting Clan Stonetooth at the southern edge of Clan Shattered Spear’s lost territory, although rumors pass that these forces may not be staying long due to the rapidly upcoming harvest season. Despite Clan Goldenfield greatly aiding with supplies, they alone cannot feed all of Clan Nightriver’s war efforts.

With the continent focused on the war sweeping across it, a horrific rumor barely manages to spread to southern lands from travelers and refugees moving through the northern clans. A Clan Shattered Spear Daughter of Gaia was found in Clan Axehound territory, dead and hollowed. The cause of this tragedy remains unknown and the body is currently being transported to Clan Spiritclaw who requested to provide a special funeral pyre ritual to the Goddess Gaia for the Daughter’s passage. Preparations are already underway for the soon upcoming ritual, with which many more Daughters are expected to arrive to give sympathy and gain solace.

“Warriors and Packleaders, our steel is not judged by how it shines during peace but by how it remains unbroken in war. Grimward has returned to once again become our honorbound, and we will break their clan like they dishonorably broke the skull of our leader who had met them for peace. March west Nightriver, march until the rivers of the Hackles turn red and our feet meet the sea.

May his ears ring with the voices of Grimward,

Warleader Holmar Bloodmoon”

The words of Warleader Holmar Bloodmoon carry across Clan Nightriver, spurring the many packs of Clan Nightriver to organize and march west to the Pass of the Great Wolf Hackles. The Warleader has declared a focus on driving back the small raiding groups that have struck the edges of Nightriver territory, and then driving Grimward back through the pass. While the clan is still organizing and mobilizing, their great numbers begin to quickly show on the western edge of the territory, eager to see a brutal revenge for their lost leader. While the clan is currently without a formal leader, Warleader Holmar Bloodmoon has taken control of the war effort and has begun to make moves to become the full leader of the clan. Several pack leaders also step forth to gain support in becoming the new Clanleader, or to take over as Warleader if Holmar becomes the Clanleader. Only actions in the initial months of the war and the support of other pack leaders will show who becomes favored in the end.

Soon after Warleader Holmar’s words carried across Clan Nightriver, voices from their allied clan to the north were heard pledging to stand by their alliance. While not known for martial capabilities, Clan Goldenfield is quick to promise full support to Clan Nightriver in the form of food for their warpacks. With many clans restocking after the winter, Goldenfield’s aid will be notable to allow Nightriver to carry on attacks with less risk to not having enough farmers and hunters back home to prepare for next winter.

As some of Clan Stormjarl’s allies return to their homes or other parts of the war, news returns with them that Clan Grimward’s raiding fleet has returned home, likely to recuperate. Clan Stormjarl’s northern border continues to be probed by notable attacking forces, seeming to be looking for weak points to exploit, although no prolonged attacks have occurred yet. It seems likely that Clan Grimward has yet to dedicate a force fully to this front, although no one can determine what is going on behind their frontlines currently.

Reports of Clan Ironmound’s mobilization have become clear, although with the clan still having not made any declaration it their intentions still remain unclear; whether they are preparing to march eastward, westward, or declare neutrality. They do not remain alone in this though, as many of the northern clans have yet to indicate their intentions or standing in this war either.

In the north, rumors carry that members of the Northern Protectorate, made up of Clans Whiteoak, Axehound, Steinjottun, and Clan Spiritclaw have received hawks from Clan Grimward. The letters request that they either stand aside, join them, or become thralls in their conquest. Each of the Clans are quiet, for there is much to consider for their own people and the direction of the war. Some are worried that Clan Whiteoak may join with Clan Grimward like they did in the Ulven Civil War. Some are curious how Steinjottun will react, with having little martial might. Many believe Clan Spiritclaw will stay neutral, as it has in so many conflicts in the past. Though to the possible thoughts of Clan Axehound, there is little doubt they won’t go down without a fight but with them being a smaller clan they are likely hesitant to pick a side due to the sheer force that would be bearing down on them if the Clan decides to take a stand. While Clans Axehound and Whiteoak are currently peaceful towards one another, some people say that this war could rekindle their conflict from years back. One thing is for certain, much deliberation is occurring within these Clans, and their decisions have yet to be made.

In the lands of Clan Ironmound a call makes its way to the people of Mardun. A summons to bring the Ulven clans together for a Moot. Tensions rise between the clans as stories of raiders and strife make their way across Mardrun. Rumors begin to spread. Many point fingers to Grimward, claiming they are the ones responsible. Others speculate rival clans such as Stormjarl or Nightriver are in action to cast Grimward as the villains. The most prevalent is the words of wandering skald who claims to have been in a skirmish between Nightriver and Grimward forces on the edge of Nightriver and City State lands. With such heavy accusations being thrown the meeting is sure to be a lively political affair and one that will have lasting consequences. If the rumors prove to be true several of these actions are in violation of the Armistice Treaty which ended the Ulven Civil War several years ago. With the meeting set in Ironmound territory it is uncertain how many of the Clans will be in attendance. The Ironward Alliance remains a standing pact between Grimward and Ironmound and may prove a deterrent for some smaller clans.

Word reaches south that Pack Longfang stands after its call for aid and following stand against a new wave of Mordok. While they remain strong and continue their watch on the northern edge of civilization, they will certainly need more time before they are at their full strength again as defenders of the Shield of Mardrun.

The fluctuations in weather across Mardrun lead to an uptick in early preparation for the spring planting. Many farming communities take advantage of several streaks of warm dry weather. So long as Winter doesn’t return with a vengeance, folk can expect a good year of harvests and many bountiful spring festivals.

Clan Shattered Spear releases a statement thanking those who aided in the salvation of their lands from the Mordok. With the pushing back was a success, there is much work still left to do. Even with the weight of loss and the labor of rebuilding, there is hope that they will build back stronger from this attack from the Mordok.