Global Updates and Rumour July 2022

OOG - While we have no Warcry this year, we are moving forward with Global plots. Just because we can't physically meet up doesn’t mean the world stops turning. So please enjoy the following information and rumours on the Global stage and get ready to see more filtered down to your local Guilds. 

Please note: Information is present as factual, however it doesn’t mean it is truthful. This is simply what is being presented to you and the general populace, by your various factions. Sometimes the propaganda is strong. The rumours are maybe true, maybe false, and often a bit of both. Take them with a grain of fae dust.

News from the North:

• WAR! With Pandora and her Ice Elves distracted by the Firstborn Zsiera, the Einher of Mjoll have taken this moment of peace to slaughter each other. In the last weeks of June, Clan Leaders held a great Althing in the lands of Mjoll, and there they did sign a decree. This cold and silent war between Einish factions will end, and it will end in the proper Einher way; through blood and battle. Read the decree below:

Let every man, woman, and child of Einish blood, pay heed. Our High King is imprisoned, our clans divided and we are besieged by Ice Elves on almost every front. For far too long have we been ruled by inaction. By indecision; By fear! 

We, the Einher - the masters of the north - are cowards. We have been emasculated, enfeebled, and broken. That ends now. Many of us have chosen sides: Orin the Bastard, who seeks to claim the throne of his father for himself and unite our people under the banner of a new King. Or the vassal Chieftain Skarde the Ironbred, cousin to Astrid Hunhil, the rightful Chieftainess of Clan Hunhil, currently imprisoned in Fenrick Dungeons. The Hunhils would rather we find a cure to the curse that plagues our High King Thorson Bloodeye. And then there are those cowards who have yet to choose a side. With all these divisions there can only be one way forward. This civil war between our people isn’t even fueled by battle. It is fueled by politics, backstabbing, and scheming. It ends now. 

Hear this degree by your Chieftains, Chieftainesses, Jarls, and Clan Leaders. Come the next morning after these words have been spoken, we solve this civil war the way our people were bred to fight it - the Einish way. Not through beguilement, or peace talks, or betrayal; but through blood, death, and combat. Prepare yourselves! For in the coming days, in the lands Mjoll, we shall battle each other until there is only one side standing. And that side shall claim the right of victory. 

Mjoll is our battleground, and to those Einher and allies who live outside of our homeland, do not slay each other, for you are not within this battlefield. However, should you see Einher of your opposing clans engaging in military operations, such as providing aid or weapons to your enemy, you are oathbound to stop them by any means necessary.  We are not the pawns of higher powers. We are the Einher, forged from the blood of Yggdrasil. Damned be the Norns, the Gods, and the Firstborn. For if they do not aid us, then to Niflheim with them. Drink tonight! Celebrate bonds of friendship and brother or sisterhood, for tomorrow, we will send each other to Valhalla. 

Signed:
Chieftain: Halgrad Karbane, Clan Bothnia
Chieftain: Helge “Browbreaker”, Clan Conlan
Chieftain: Tyrik “Halfman”, Clan Fenrick
Chieftainess: Ragnhild the Red, Clan Gotland
Vassal Chieftain: Skarde the Ironbred, Clan Hunhil
Chieftain: Sigge Malar-Shaw, Clan Malar-Skaw
Chieftain: Festargarmr, Clan Wolfsgar
Chieftain: Adair The Touched, Clan Galloglach
Chieftain: Arvid-Vano, Clan Oresund

• Rumors spread that Clan Oresund, previously unaligned, has chosen to support Astrid Hunhil and her Hunhil allies. Rumours also persist that this was done after the dramatic return of a fully outfitted and armed contingent of Shieldmaidens appeared at a local Althing, outside of Mjoll. 

From the East:

• The Empire of Berphaunt continues to rebuild her armies. Recruitment is at an all time high and the Empire has sent emissaries beyond the shores of Maud’madir to either seek allies or perhaps expand their Empire borders. 
• The Grandmaster’s Table has recently annexed a block of properties within the capital city and offered them to the leaders of Dark following churches, to be used in the creation of a sunless organisation known as the Black Cathedral. This Black Cathedral appears to accept all walks of Dark worship, and while still under the ruling guidance of Berphaunt, the land has been given an unusual licence to operate semi-autonomously to the governing laws of Berphaunt and the city it resides in. Already, representatives of the Church of Darkness presided over by this new organisation have been increasingly seen meeting with palace officials and dignitaries at all hours of the night. Speculation on the nature of these meetings is rampant, with many claiming that the de facto leader, Samara the Ungraved, has been seen stalking the Emperor’s court. Rumours spread that the Emperor has tasked her and her Dark denizens to root out the secretive and scheming followers of the Firstborn Shiloth from his government and lands. Others mutter that the Dark presence in the palace is a response to the current boldness of the Church of Light , and the power it has secured in the west. Regardless, courtiers can’t help but feel unease whenever those black and red cloaks are seen wandering the palace.
• Silver Leaf Wild Elven Elders from the Druidic school “Academia Beltara” have recently made a public call for aid. They claim the Empire has broken the “non-interference treaty” established during the Empire’s formation and have begun clear cutting their sacred forests, located north of Berphaunt Capital. Grandmaster Archibald Barton of the Guild of Rule has responded with dismissal, ensuring all that the proper permits were filed with the Guild. This included business from all manufacturing and gathering Guilds, who possessed the appropriate writs for harvesting. He is also quoted as saying, “The Greenskins have ships; we need ships too. That’s just the reality of the world these days. A very generous gold piece settlement has been sent to the Silver Leaf Tribe, and should be arriving soon. That should ensure that’s the last we’ll hear of this.”

From the South:

• Rumours of the Orcish force, known as “The Amaranthine Legion”, are scarce. Their continental borders to the south have been closed since expunging the mortal “pink skins'' in 2261, however Conclave mages have announced that a new Legion stronghold has been erected weeks from the northern Amaranthian shores. This Capital Fortress, named “Voynak'', has a fully functional Skein Gate, however they claim High Warchief Gigoliath the Flame Thrower has refused to allow the Skein Dominion to publicly activate it for passage. 
• A great many Orcish Destroyer-class ships have been seen sailing en masse to a singular port on the northern shores of Amaranthia. All manner of clans seem to be sending forces, flanked by the protective ships of the Vendetta Concordat Minotaur, to relocate to the Legion’s territories. Of particular note is a large battalion consisting of half of Mogrim Khan’s Scortchmaw warriors.

From the West:

• The Church of Light, led by Archbishop Roderick Hale, still scour Whiteraven Alliance territories for any hint of the former Prince Leopold of Tiefanue, who is wanted for Regicide and Treason. The Church claims they are close to catching the traitor and believe him to be moving Northward. A 100,000 gold bounty is still active upon his head.
• The Commonwealth of Teris is rumoured to be stockpiling mass quantities of the alchemical substance “Sticky Paste”. Teris officials have made no public comment, however large shipments of the super glue have been documented and delivered by a multitude of Alchemy production warehouses in both factions, throughout Maud’madir.

Global Updates and Rumours August 2022

(Short one this month. We’ll add more in Sept. OOG - While we have no Warcry this year, we are moving forward with Global plots. Just because we can't physically meet up doesn’t mean the world stops turning. So please enjoy the following information and rumours on the Global stage and get ready to see more filtered down to your local Guilds. 

Please note: Information is present as factual, however it doesn’t mean it is truthful. This is simply what is being presented to you and the general populace, by your various factions. Sometimes the propaganda is strong. The rumours are maybe true, maybe false, and often a bit of both. Take them with a grain of fae dust.)

From the North:

Mjoll

Chieftainess Revna Mothersblood, and her once thought dead Shieldmaidens, have made their presence reborn in the Northern lands of Maud’Madir. Sworn to the Hunhil faction, Revna has brought forth her plan to reunite the Einher clans and free High King Thorson ‘Bloodeye” from his icy prison. Revna claims that she has scaled the trunk of Yggdrasil itself and given great a sacrifice to drink from the mystic Well of Urd. There she says she was given wisdom and insight into the future of the Einish people. This vision has gifted her, or so she claims, with the ability to recreate the fabled Battlehorn of the Einherjar, destroyed by Pandora’s Ice Elves, so many years ago. Revna claims that by placing the Battlehorn within the frozen hands of the High King, that he will be restored. She’s quested her allies with the details of this plan and the components needed to reforge this artifact of power. The follow responses are confirmed:

The Horn of the Beast: Successfully obtained by adventures of the Town of Ralinwood.
The Queen’s Royal Wax: Successfully obtained by citizens of Tempest Grove. 
The Flesh of the Matriarch: Successfully obtained by the Town of Mournfall.
The Dishonoured Screams: Successfully retrieved by the Town of Jericho.

Other components are being obtained as you read this however, all may not be as it seems. Recent news is trickling in from the lands of Mjoll that Chieftainess Mothersblood may be NOT planning to unite the Clans and free the High King but instead…betrayal. Through the use of foul magics, Adventurers in Jormunger were able to travel via the power of wytchery, into the personal fortress stronghold of Clan Oslo. There they claim to have found, among the personal effects of Revna herself, a collection of letters between her and the Chieftain of Clan Oresund, Arvid-Vano. These letters speak of the recent pledge to the Hunhil faction that Clan Orsund made through the Chieftain’s eldest son, Grom Glorymane. It also speaks of liberating the true Hunhill Chieftainess, Astrid hunhil, imprisoned in the dungeons of Orin the Bastard. It states then that Revna would marry Astrid to Grom, then keeping the horn herself and declaring Astrid High Queen. A sample of these notes have been confirmed and included in this digest.

In response to this new information, the shapeshifters of Clan Lofoten, have broken their silence and vehemently denied the request of alliance between their clan and Revna’s. Instead Chieftain/Chieftainess Gunhild Twiceborn declared the following: “A fox may grow grey but never good, and only a Lofoten Skogkatt can change its stripes.” 

Clan Lofoten now pledges loyalty to Orin the Bastard and his allies. 

Jormunger

A large host of Ice Elves, seemingly unaffected by the Winter's Breath of Zsiera, have been making their way Southwestward towards the Northwest borders of Mjoll. These Ice Elves call themselves the Children of Thaw and claim to have renounced the brutal teachings of their progenitor goddess, Pandora. They claim to be pilgrims on a quest for redemption in the eyes of who they claim to be their true Goddess Ll’yandra. While their numbers are small compared to their brethren, they appear to be growing, preaching and evangelising as they make their way South. It is said their true goal is to reach the fabled Garden of The Matron herself and petition Ll’yandra directly for forgiveness, even if it means death. These misfit Ice Elves can be identified by their fire red cloaks and large self flagellation sticks they often turn upon their own flesh as they sing Ll’yandra's praises. 

From the West

Leader of the Church of Light, Archbishop Roderick Hale, has declared that the Greenskin Nation Amaranthia is to be not only accepted as sovereign but respected by all Alliance citizens. He is quoted as saying, “Some of you would call them savages and uncivilized barbarians, and you would not be wrong, but it is not by their nature. They have simply been born into this world outside of my holy illumination. Rather than fear and hate them, we must minister and witness to them. If they are not born under the light then we shall share ours and let it shine above their heads. I will personally see to it that a contingent of my most devoted Shepherds be dispatched to that forsaken land. We will brighten their eyes so that they may share in my glory.” 

Global Updates and Rumours Fall / Winter 2022

(OOG - While we have no Warcry this year, we are moving forward with Global plots. Just because we can't physically meet up doesn’t mean the world stops turning. So please enjoy the following information and rumours on the Global stage and get ready to see more filtered down to your local Guilds. 

Please note: Information is present as factual, however it doesn’t mean it is truthful. This is simply what is being presented to you and the general populace, by your various factions. Sometimes the propaganda is strong. The rumours are maybe true, maybe false, and often a bit of both. Take them with a grain of fae dust.)

From the North:

Mjoll
The war in the North rages on! With the Firstborn Dragon, Zsierra, keeping the vast majority of Pandora’s Ice Elves at bay, the Einish factions continue to slaughter each other, slowed only by the chill of deep winter setting in over the lands of Mjoll. While those supporting either Orin the Bastard or the rebellious Clan Hunhil fight for their lives, Chieftainess Revna Mothersblood gathers her shieldmaidens in an undisclosed fortress on the southern border. Facing accusations from both sides that she wishes the horn for herself, Revna secures a defence against any who would dare say it to her face. On that subject she denies that she desires the horn for herself but stands on record any who carry it must be of sound mind: A question many have asked when considering the breaking High King Thorson’s curse and awakening him from his long slumber in ice.

                                                             From the West:

Felnir
The large contingent of Ice Elves known as the Children of Thaw have been seen in chains, being led south by members bearing the standard of the Church of Light. 

Tiefanue 
Accounts of the Archbishop Roderick Hale capturing the Mortigeist have spread throughout the land. Read here for more detail: https://underworldlarp.com/community/world-news/skip-the-flowers-send-me-the-thorns-warcry-2022-2023/

From the East:

Jericho
A deep and unnatural wintery curse has descended upon the Empire town of Jericho, on the northern borders of the Grey Elven Forest. So great and powerful has this icy curse hit that even the local Skein Gate has begun to malfunction. It allows passage out to those that fear the coming winter but refuses passage in. The Empire town’s guard has set out every resource available to those remaining until either the curse breaks or spring thaw finally arrives. 

From the South:

Amaranthia
High Warlord Gigoliath Flamethrower of the Amaranthine Legion refuses to comment on the accusation that his faction supplied Hale with captured Elves stating, “Your petty politics mean nothing to me.”  However, more silver tongued members of the Greenskin nation speak of discord within the ranks of the legion, gossiping that Gigo is concerned because captured Suvantian elves HAD BEEN distributed for safekeeping to the various Clans under his rule. Which clan or clans made the devil’s deal is still unknown, nor what they received in exchange for it.

Dark Harbor
Here ye here ye, the once independent town of Dark Harbor has joined the Empire’s charge and allied themselves as vessels to the Emperor’s throne. It’s rumoured that Dark Harbor began initial talks of fealty to the Amaranthine Legion, even going so far as to sign a blood pact with local War-Scarred Ur'uk Greenmaw. These talks quickly broke down after the War-Scarred found mysteriously murdered. The Empire coincidentally arrived on their shores shortly after and an alliance was signed. This acquisition secures a critical and strategic outpost for the Empire against the threat of another Greenskin invasion from the South. One Empire, Never Yield!

Umberfloe
Near the Region of Umberfloe, Raven, Dreadknight of Malagant, has shattered Onder: the Orb of Power! It’s rumoured that Raven and his dastardly servants broke into a Lich’s lair, murdered a score full of captured innocent children in cold blood, and even went so far as to sacrifice one of their own to their dark Lord, before liberating the Onder and obliterating it. All shall curse the name of Raven Spherebane.

Global Updates and Rumours Spring 2023 Part 1

Around the World

There have been multiple sightings of strange celestial built portals being opened up to the heavens and hells of the Arthos Pantheon. Who is responsible, and if they have the best interests of Arthos in their heart, remains a mystery.

From the West

Felnir

In Mrrnall, the Capital of Felnir, Queen Matriarch Seltia Allana and the ranking nobility of the Allana Pride, are making haste to Castle Lightguard to demand an audience with Archbishop Roderick Hale. First Consort, Chandi Mayadev released a statement on behalf of the Queen Matriarch, “We, the Prides of Felnir, believed in the Whiteraven Alliance. We understood the threat the Empire posed in its ever growing expansion and tyranny, and we believed a democratic opposition was both needed and beneficial to our people. This alliance today, is not what we signed up for. The unprecedented rise in power of the Church of Light, the mysterious death of King Roland Tiefanue, a great man that I once called friend, the movement of troops, some of them my own, without consultation from the council, and branding of Prince Leopold of Tiefanue a traitor, without trial or due process, has forced my claws. Felnir will not support the alliance in this form and I will be travelling in due haste to Castle Lightguard, seat of the Church of Light. We will demand that Roderick Hale relinquish the crown of Tiefanue and step down as Grand Councilman of the Elder Council in this alliance. If he refuses then Felnir shall go its own way.”

Various

Former Prince and now outlaw, Leopold Tiefanue, has been spotted in the Northern frozen wastes of Jormunger. These reports are unconfirmed but sources say he’s been identified taking refuge in the Empire held town of Mournfall, within recent months. 

From the North

Mjoll

The battle between East and West factions of Mjoll shows no sign of slowing, as brother and sister kill each other with a vicious fury only the Einher race can achieve. The northern snows are red with blood and the Death’s Oath all Einher spoke remains true and steadfast.

At the edge of the Northern border, a small Einish outpost town, known as Mordenholt attempts to break this cycle of death and carnage by declaring secession from Mjoll. Chieftains from both factional clans declare this action as betrayal and those who live there to be outlawed. With their clan names stripped, the citizens of Mordenholt have discarded their clan tartans and donned the black kilt, a recent symbol for those without honour. This town of degenerates is led by an elder Vitki Wytch who goes by the name of Grimnar Gardarsson and they shall surely be put to the torch once the Betrayer's War concludes. 

From the East

The Conclave, Berphaunt

A vast number of rumours have begun to spread that Vamonora the Clairvoyant, The White Arcanist of the Conclave, has foreseen a great cataclysm. Word of this impending apocalypse, while officially unconfirmed, has spread by both military and guild sources. What the agent of this doom is, when it will strike, and who will be affected, is still unknown but many high ranking nobility are showing signs of concern. It is said that Vamonora used her visions of the future and foresaw the end of the Berpuantian calendar. One theory, popular amongst the Black Cathedral, is that this foretold extinction event is related to the celestial portals which, according to them, are most often manifesting in the heavens of the Light Gods.

The Empire

Outside of Berphaunt proper, Empire towns have been thrown into chaos as orders arrive, by messenger and Skein Gate, that all empire military troops withdraw and return to the Empire’s capital. Greater empire citizens of the noble courts have also been summoned to Berphaunt proper. In addition, any Empire citizen with the rank of Guildmaster or higher have been ordered, by the will of the Emperor, to return to Berphaunt City. No reason or justification have been given in these orders but rumour persists that the Conclave has advised the Emperor of an impending cataclysm and, like a turtle withdrawing into its protective shell, the Empire’s military leadership is digging in to protect the Capital. 

From the South

Amaranthia
The recent actions of the Church of Light and the withdrawal of Berphauntian troops seems to have little bearing on the Greenskin Nation. While information on the actions of the Amaranthine Legion is scarce, rumours persist from Berphauntian spies that High Warlord Gigoliath is too busy dealing with internal clan conflicts. Key intelligence reports state that a number of clans, including The Bar’Ghul and The Razor-Vine, have been recently caught selling Suvantian prisoners of war to the Whiteraven Alliance. 

Across Arthos

From the West

Felnir

Murder or Justice?? News arrives from many reputable sources that the Mother Matriarch Seltia Allana of the nation of Felnir, has been arrested and executed upon her arrival at Castle Lightguard. Dragged in chains before court in the High Temple of Roland, it is said that Archbishop Hale himself judged the Mother Matriarch in Roland’s name, before finding her  guilty of High Treason and Aiding a Fugitive of the Law. She and her entourage were immediately hung from the castle ramparts, although word has spread that the Queen’s lover and First Consort, Chandi Mayadev escaped in the chaos. 

The Capital of Felnir now looks to the High Councillor, Matron Mother Rachana of the Grē’llana Pride to guide the masses over the coming weeks of mourning, which are certain to be equally wrought with dread. The new Mother Matron is slated to be escorted to a secure location for her own safety and has released the following statement early this morning:

“In the words of the late Queen Matriarch Seltia Allana -  Felnir shall go its own way. The church of Roland claims treason? If this is the Church of Roland then the Church of Roland is dead to us. Never before have these lands witnessed such tyranny. The Empire pales in comparison. Today Felnir mourns, but tomorrow we sharpen our claws. Our soldiers make haste north in defence of our nation’s prides. Elder Councillors of the White Raven Alliance, reflect carefully on your resolutions. Do not presume your own safety from within.” 

 From the East

The Conclave, Berphaunt

The Indomitable Onimarim of the Red Tower has issued a small number of high ranking members the clearance to investigate the newly discovered sphere of magic. He has instructed smaller Chapter Houses to practise caution in evaluating the safety and stability in this new magic, which the Conclave has dubbed 'Dredgecraft'.
The Mages of the White Tower remind their members of the forthcoming calamities foretold by Vamonora the Clairvoyant, and are actively advocating for the temporary restriction of this magic until such a time as they can be certain that these two occurrences are unrelated.

The Empire

The Empire calls for supplies as the walls of the capital fill beyond comfortable capacity. The Scythe and Sickle offer generous compensation for seed and preserved goods as they prepare for a planting season that must sustain the swollen populace.
To maintain order in the Capital amidst the otherwise startling absence of nobility, swaths of military veterans have been elevated to the order of the Golden Swan. The order has been given judicial authority within the streets of the capital as well as across many of the Empire’s smaller settlements.

From the North

Mjoll

Scribed letters claiming to be copies from an authentic missive from Leopold have begun appearing across the northern settlements. Although, no one has been able to reliably confirm their origins or identify the scribes who are responsible. One copy that was found nailed to a tavern door reads:

“Citizens, Friends, Countrymen of Arthos, I call you to you now. Tiefenue, Duvain, Felnir, Teris, Aslak, Mizrah Atara, the Isles of Shadow, Crescent, and Havenhollow.

Your lands, your homes, your very lives have been overtaken, overrun and are being manipulated by fallacies, perpetrated by the heinous and vicious tongue of Archbishop Hale. Do not be deceived by these cries of treason and treachery, for I still walk the path to protect those of this grand world and I will have back my father’s crown. My crown. 

I call now to those of Einish blood, to the Chieftainess Revna Mothersblood. To Clan Hunhil and her allies, Bothnia and Oslo, as well as Clan Galloglaich and Oresund. I beg you to cease your fighting within and to look without. If the Battle Horn of the Einherjar must be sounded, then let us sound it in defence of all, in the place where it was first forged. My gratitude and allegiance would be unending.

I, Leopold, Rightful King of Tiefanue, beseech you now, to take up arms, gather your forces, and join me in making a stand! Together we shall strike down the self appointed holy army of the Church of Light, together we shall free the world from the shackles of tyranny. We will resist.

Mordenholt

The disgraced sons and daughters of Mordenholt have seen a slight increase in number as small pockets of Einher refuse to put their kin to the sword and instead join their black kilted clad brethren in their exiled existence. The warring clans of Mjoll are wary of abandoning their positions, lest they find themselves surrounded on all sides. Meanwhile, leader of this rebel holdout, Grimnar Gardarsson, has claimed to possess prophetic abilities similar to that of Revna Mothersblood. He has made the following declarations:

“First, The town of Mordenholt has succeeded Mjoll and is independent. The Death’s Oath that brother kills brother, no longer applies on these lands. As such,no Einher may kill another within our borders unless it is in self defence. Second, it has been revealed to me here in this town is where the Battlehorn of the Einherjar shall be forged. If we die, so do all your hopes of clan unity. Finally, Mordenholt is the last line of defence between the wastes of Jormunger to the north. If we fall, you fall.

We offer safety to the rightful King of Tiefanue, should he wish to make his stand with us. 

From the South

Amaranthia

Communication on the current actions or intentions of High Warlord Goliath have been scarce. Information from Berphauntian spies have slowed or ceased altogether. It is possible that those who have not returned to the capital have either been captured and sold as slaves, or slowed their communications to prevent discovery.

Tiefenue

Archbishop Roderick Hale has refrained from speaking to the masses since the very public execution of Felnir’s ruler at the hands of his most loyal soldiers. A review of several days worth of scattered reports indicates that armies are gathering across the Whiteravan Alliance and preparing to march North. While reports regarding troop sizes are wildly inconsistent, there is a strong indication that his numbers are increasing substantially by the day. 

Global Updates and Rumours Spring 2023 Part 2

From the West

The Church of Light

A formal report has been issued and released by the administrative clergy of the Church of Light. It reads as follows: 

In the early month of June, the Church of Light was contacted by concerned loyal  citizens of Maud’madir. They spoke of the small inconsequential town of Misthaven and that it had become corrupted by the Church of Evil and Darkness. The Church of Light can now confirm that this corruption was a direct result of the growing blasphemous and traitorous words coming from none other than regicidal former prince of Tiefanue, Leopold the Blackguard.

With this news the Archbishop himself immediately made haste to Misthaven, both to save those in dire need of the Light’s touch and dispatch this evil sent by the murderous Leopold. When the Archbishop arrived he was heartbroken for the corruption had spread too far. The Archbishop found the citizens of Misthaven carousing with undead, and had even gone so far as to “elect” a powerful Lich as their leader and mayor. Knowing that the only peace he could offer them was through the cleansing flame of justice, the Archbishop, successfully and without note, obliterated the town with the holy might of righteousness. There were no survivors.

Special note to be given to Asher of the Dawn, holy Paladin of the Archbishop, and Inquisitor General of the Citadel. While the Archbishop handled both the corrupted town citizens and the Lich, Asher single handedly dispatched their greatest warrior of evil, Jorin Ironbore, a petulant Dragon Knight of the cursed Firstborn Isana. With a single swing of her Defender, “Last Hope,” she separated his head from his body, granting final mercy to his undeserving spirit. Afterwards, as he stood over the now purified bodies, the Archbishop was quoted as saying, “I have said many times that the Church of Darkness is in league with the Dragons of these lands. Now we have proof. Before they died each individual cried out to their dark master, Leopold the Blackguard. They are all heretics, and even the so-called “Dragon of Enlightenment'' is but an illusionary name for a greater evil. An evil we shall end. I will rally all the forces of the Whiteraven Alliance. We travel north in force, collecting faithful along the way. Leopold the Blackguard, you cannot run anymore for there is nowhere left for you to go. We know you make a stand in the Northern reaches and we are coming for you. The town of Mordenholt will be your grave, and all those who ally with you will feel only the mercy of my holy righteousness.``

Felnir

With troops pledged to the aid of the deposed Prince Leopold, newly crowned Queen Matriarch Rachana of the Grē’llana Pride, rallies her forces north with due haste. 

Dasos

To the surprise of many, the Wolven nation of Aslak, traditionally at odds with Felnir, have taken to the cause and provided many warriors from their Zompi Kyngos and Fysiki Taxi packs. Those Wolven move now to join their once enemies on the road north to Leopold, in defiance of the “false church”. 

From the North

Mjoll
Little news has spread but the Einish war continues. Revna Mothersblood, calls to her allies across the continent to retrieve the pieces of the Battlehorn of the Einherjar and bring them to her with haste.  

Ice Elf activity has increased. While it appears the vast majority of Jormunger’s Ice Elves are still trapped in the far north, handfuls of Ice Elves have been spotted making raids along the north and western fronts of Mjoll. These raiding parties do not seem great in number and the Chieftains of Mjoll suspect these are more out of necessity for survival than out of an impending war. 

Late June, all known Skein Gates across Mjoll cease to function. Travel in or out of Mjoll and anywhere northwards of the region repeatedly fails. The Skein Gates themselves seem without error, but at every attempted use, a golden glow ceases the Gate magic of the mysterious devices. The Skein Dominion reports that the magic is divine in nature and they are working on dispelling it. 

Before the Skein Gate activity ceased a single message was relayed through the town of Mordenholt. It was only partially transmitted and reads “Firstborn and those loyal to them, I am Architect Imyss Protector Of The Sky. I am one of the last remaining Draconians of the Silver Firstborn Daedalon, now unmade. That land is ours. It is the Silvers’, it is the Firstborn’s, and it is hallowed. They are coming and with their bloodshed they will desecrate it. Their Gods have killed my sire, but now they come to grind what is left of his legacy into dust. We must stand. Come to us. The town of Mordenholt is not what you think. It is much…..”

From the South

Amaranthia

Information out of the Amaranthia is scarce, but what reports are making it to Maud’madir are grim. Rumours persist that two major clans within the Amaranthine Legion have turned on their High Warlord, Gigoliath the Flame Thrower. If true, this may mean that the strong foundation of a united Greenskin nation could be at risk. Compounding that are the whispers that Legion Orcs were responsible for the transfer of captured Suvantian Elves to the Church of Light in its bid to capture the Mortigeist. No official word from the Legion has been released, but as this situation between the Church of Light and its own allies worsens, surely Leopold will reach out to his old friend Gigoliath for aid. 

From the East

Berphaunt

The Empire’s official channels have gone silent. With all Imperial troops withdrawn into the capital it appears as if the Empire closed ranks as it waits for the Whiteraven Alliance to resolve its infighting.  

While official channels are silent, unofficial ones are echoing Dark chants. The word on the streets of Berphaunt proper is that the head of the Dark Church, Samara the Ungraved, once a Lich before Roderick Hale forcibly removed her immortal form, has begun a quest for revenge. It is said she seeks her Dark brothers and sisters to join her in vengeance for the atrocity the Church of Light committed in daring to cleanse her of undeath, as it was a gift from her God Malagant. They speak of this as if it were a bad thing. 

Global Updates and Rumours Summer 2023 Part 1

From the North

We have received word from inside Mjoll. The Chieftainess of Clan Oslo, Revna Mothersblood, sends word and a call to arms.

“It is with great reverence that, in the town Mordenholt, on the eve of August 5th 2265, I invoke the presence of every mighty clan to an Althing. The armies of Roderick Hale and the Church of Light rush North at quickening speed. If we do not stop killing each other and unite, under ANYONE’S banner, we will all be slaughtered like pigs and our clan names dishonoured. I do not ask this without showing my own sacrifices. I have sheathed my blade and spoken with Orin the Bastard, my enemy for this past decade. The same man who declared my Shieldmadien’s outlaw, allied himself with Fenrick traitors, and put many of my sisters to the sword. He has agreed to attend the Althing to resolve this once and for all. Thanks to the brave and valiant people of Arthos, I have assembled almost all the components of the Battlehorn of the Einherjar and, when complete, I will use it to free High King Throson Bloodeye and take my place at his side, as we are oathed. Orin has vowed that he will bring his father, trapped in his icy curse, to Mordenholt. 

 

Shieldmaidens - We Shieldmaidens swore an oath to protect the High King at all costs. The High King lives still and nothing, not accusations of treachery and not betrayal, will release us from that oath. We are bound by it until released by the King of all or in death. Remember this. 

 

To the non Einish, The Althing is a brief moment of peace where the gods watch, and decisions are made that will change the future forever. Violence or any breach of our customs will be dealt with harshly, and most likely, violently. I know our politics may seem brutish and ugly, but they will resolve this. I consider that, for the first time in our people's history, neither clan nor race divides us. We do not have the liberty of keeping this internal, as is our way. We fight for the survival of all people and you fight for us in equal measure. If your lives are dependent on our decisions then you have every right to be a part of that decision making process. You are Einher for the Althing. Any who stand against my word on this will find their bones whetting my blade. 

 

Together we will unite under the banner of Thorson Bloodeye, High King of the Einher. If we cannot free him, or if he is not capable of leading, then, under the eyes of the Gods so Savage, we will choose another. 

 

Currently, I stand accused of treason, of harbouring ambitions that would betray the very core of my loyalty to the High King. It hurts my heart and my spirit like a wound from a  poisoned dagger but it is not the first time Shieldmaidens have been falsely accused of treachery. It does not negate our Oath. I will build the Battlehorn to give back to the High King so that he may sound it and rally forth the Valiant Dead to fight by our side. If he cannot take it, then make no mistake, I will, but it will be by blessings of the Gods, not subterfuge. That is Fenrick trickery and I have no taste for it.

 

Gods watch over you. Make haste to Mordenholt. 

 

Chieftainess Revna Mothersblood, Clan Oslo"

From the West

The army of the light marches north. For many, amidst the rolling hills and verdant valleys of the Whiteraven alliance, a radiant beacon of hope emerges: the Church of Light. They speak of their sacred mission to defend the realm against encroaching darkness to the North. A darkness led by a traitor Prince and army of heathens. With unwavering faith, they embark on a holy crusade, marching northward, their ranks swelling with each passing day.

As the Church of Light makes its resolute advance, its fervour and righteousness inspire a groundswell of support. Peasants and common folk, yearning for purpose and protection, flocked to their banner. It is impossible to say if they are drawn by some force unseen or perhaps just the promise of salvation. Whatever the reason, these newfound recruits have joined the ever-expanding army of Light, adding to its strength and diversity.

From the East

Still no word from the Empire

From the South

A message across the Skein Gate from the High Warlord

“Leopold,

My heart sings for battle beside you again, but I cannot listen to its song. It pains me, more than you shall ever know, but apparently strife, treachery and betrayal isn't limited to your pale skins. Within this last moon some of my own kin dared turn on me, and now corruption grows from within the Legion. I will put these dogs down, make no mistake, but should I leave my home, it will be seen as weakness and this disease will spread faster than I can cure it. I wish upon my ancestors that I could be there by your side, and it is no surprise that the Empire has remained cowardly silent, but this does reek of design. I wish you victory in battle, my battle bother. Fight with honour, never yield. 

To my brethren, sons, daughters, and children. I call to the Amaranthine Legion and all her allies.

 

Let it be known that individuals of the Bar’Ghul and Razor-Vine Clans have turned upon their own people. My Scout Masters have informed me that a sizable force, including two War-Scarred, have taken a handful of Orcish ships after disabling many of ours. They have begun sailing toward Whiteraven territory with haste. 

 

I fear their spirits polluted and our investigations point deeply to Wytchcraft and demon interference. Although it brings me great pain, I ask you to capture or kill these traitors. Any Greenskin that stands against you from these two clans, I will pay a bounty of 5 gold per head. For the two Wars-Scarred, I want them alive. 50 gold each.

May the fires of the Legion burn brightly in your spirits and may you die with honour in your hearts,

 

Gigoliath the Flame Thrower

High Warlord of the Amaranthine Legion”

From Arthos

This declaration has been shared by Bastion Leaders in each applicable town and city.

“Friends,

 

I am a leader of a Bastion of hope and justice. Above all that I will say today, know this first. I am Elija Quintrell, Cleric of Kael. I am, or was, a High Adjudicator in the Citadel. I am a friend to all life. I was also an angel to Roland. This may not come as a surprise to all of you but all my brothers and sisters, who established these Bastions, are Fallen. Each has their own story and I will not tell it, but know the truth, we sinned against our Divine Lord and some manner and were cast out of their celestial heaven rather than put to death. We did not know this until very recently. The items many of you have been retrieving from the celestial realms are manifestations of the essence and memories that were taken from us, when we were made mortal. Now that some of them have been returned, our eyes are open. We believe this is why we were never swayed by the false Church and their obfuscating enchantments. I am telling you this because we have a job to do and you need to trust me. The Archbishop and his frantics need to be stopped and if we do not make haste to Mordenholt and ally with the rightful Prince of Tiefanue, all will be lost. The Skein Gates are closed by some foul magic but there is another way. As Angelic beings we have the innate ability to travel to the celestial realms.

And we can bring others with us. 

 

My Bastion brothers and sisters will be opening up passages to the heavens of a dead god. We have scouted the location this past week. It is safe and devoid of any harmful life. We will use this as a muster point to gather all our resources before the real challenge begins. From there, in one week's time, we will combine our abilities and send you to the closest place to Mordenholt that we can. The Glacial Authority. Inside the realm of the Ice Queen is a stronghold, Winter’s Might. We will exit our passage directly into a room filled with portals known as the Wyrmgate. This is how Pandora and her Ice Elves travel across the vast expanse that is her domain. We suspect this room was created when she possessed her Orb of Power, Blite. In that room there is a portal to Mordenholt, or as close to it as we can get. We get in and we get out, as quickly and as quietly as possible. We liaison with Prince Leopold and a Bastion leader we’ve been in contact with, in Mordenholt. Finally we believe we can cleanse the Skein Gate in person, to allow for any late travellers. We have reports that ships from Dark Harbour have already made landfall, carrying troops and adventures. We know that Felnir and Aslak have joined the fray, making their way North. Together, united, we will defeat this false light.

Each Bastion leader will open travel to the muster point today. Prepare yourselves and meet us there when you are ready. We make move for Mordenholt in one week’s time.” 

(In each Bastion town, your local Bastion Leader initiates an innate Celestial Passage ability. A golden tear in the fabric of reality pulses with golden light and magic, opening the way for you to travel to your muster point destination. You may travel back and forth freely until Thursday Aug 3rd.)

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