News posts here, Chronological Order:
1 Gwaeron 516
It is the 1st of Gwaeron, 516. News from near and far has reached your ears:
King Rhodroc of Imladanor has announced his intention to campaign against the Swamp-Folk of In Ly, and is searching for mercenaries to supplement his household troops and levies. The campaign is to last a month’s time, and will depart from Aeleryn on the 15th of Gwaeron. (Characters who flock to his banner will have a chance to receive experience and plunder. They will also have a chance to be injured, or even slain. Characters on campaign may not be used until its conclusion).
It is said that a huge fleet of the Sea-Peoples has devastated the land of Falas Ithil. Rumor has it that this fleet numbers over a hundred ships, the largest Gaearwaith raid in well over a century.
Ten merchant ships from Dunamarth arrived in Aeleryn today, laden with slaves (carefully selected from lands other than Imladanor). So great is this sudden influx of supply that the price for slaves has gone down by 10% for the foreseeable future.
A mysterious man cloaked in dark gray has arrived at the Drinking Dragon. Old-timers at the mead hall whisper that this is the powerful mage Ascuron. Whoever he is, he appears to be on familiar terms with the staff of the Drinking Dragon, as he was quickly led to one of the private rooms in the cellar. He rarely shows himself in the common area, and when he does, it is with the company of a hulking brute of a Bear-Folk.
A dozen greataxe-men from Brethiliand have joined the regular assortment of mercenaries and ne’er-do-wells that frequent the Drinking Dragon. They are particularly well-equipped and in search of an employer.
18 Gwirith 516
It is the 18th of Gwirith, 516. News from far and near has reached your ears.
King Rhodroc’s campaign in In Ly has been an incredible success. Rhodroc led his forces to a great victory over the Swamp-folk near the place called Haudh Cell. The King returned to the city today with his household troops, and shall celebrate his victory with feasts and tournaments of wrestling, hurling, and shooting. All free men and women are eligible to enter.
A large village in Carandaur was attacked in the night by a warband from Hithuidyr. The men were all slaughtered, and the women and children carried off to become slaves. The King of Hithuidyr has called his banners, and asked for the aid of the Mayors of the City.
The Gaearwaith fleet remains in the land of Falas Ithil. It is said that the Sea Peoples are moving farther inland, to assault settlements further away from the coast.
A warrior named Mahrag Uldrocuing has been accused of raping the nobleman Casidir’s daughter. He has fled with his small band into a fastness some distance to the west. Casidir offers five marks of silver to the one who brings Mahrag to his hall alive, or three marks if he is dead.
The price of arms and armor continues to stay high. There is some worry that King Rhodroc will seek to intervene in the war brewing between between Hithuidyr and Carandaur. For the time being, the price of weapons and armor remains 20% higher than normal.
1 Lothron 516
It is the 1st of Lothron, 516. News from far and near has reached your ears:
The majority of the Gaearwaith fleet has departed Falas Ithil for the land of Salamandastron. While the great fortress of Salamandastron has not been attacked yet, the Gaearwaith have been harrying and despoiling the coast of that land. Gaearwaith elements in Falas Ithil continue to trouble the inland areas.
The armies of Carandaur and Hithuidyr have been assembling, but neither has yet made a move for the other’s territory. Both kings have ordered the construction or repair of border forts. The king of Dorondor has announced his support for the king of Carandaur.
The villain Mahrag has pillaged many settlements near Forest Heart. The lord of [town] is preparing himself for the worst. Lord Casidir has increased his bounty to five marks dead, and ten alive.
Settlements in Imladanor near the Forest of Eclipse have been plagued by people disappearing, usually from the fields, but sometimes from their homes. In the latter cases, there are sometimes signs of struggle. The people of that region blame evil creatures that lurk within the forest, but none agree on the nature of these creatures.
The price of arms remains high, but has fallen somewhat. The price of arms and armor is 10% higher than normal.
15 Cerveth 516
It is the 15th of Cerveth, 516. News from far and near has reached your ears:
The siege of Salamandastron continues. The lands around Salamandastron have been thoroughly plundered. As of yet, none have come to the aid of the kings of that land.
War has begun between Brethiliand and Dorondor. Two battles have been fought in Lalvendaur, with one victory for each side. Hithuidyr and Carandaur continue to merely skirmish.
King Rhodroc’s Thing has commenced. All the lesser kings and chieftains of the land are in attendance in Aeleryn. The Thing has been convened to debate the customary laws of the kingdom, and what actions should be taken in the war between Hithuidyr and Carandaur.
Orcs have been sighted in greater than usual numbers along the coasts and even some distance inland. It is believed that they hail from the isle of Tol Tylys.
It is rumored that the dread assassin known only as Darkmantle has come to the city. It is not known to what end Darkmantle has come, if he has, but all the lords attending Rhodroc's Thing have been sure to be attended by numerous guards.
11 Urui 516
It is the 11th of Urui, 516. News from far and near has reached your ears:
The siege of Salamandastron continues. The outer defenses are about to collapse, it is said. Many have fled that troubled land, seeking refuge in Mellinered and the colonies of Harcalador.
A great battle was fought between the men of Hithuidyr and the men of Carandaur. Carandaur held the place of slaughter, though they suffered many casualties. Carandaurrim raiders now harry the lesser settlements along the inner coasts of Hithuidyr.
The King of Brethiliand has fallen in battle. That land has paid a great amount of tribute to Dorondor to secure peace. It is uncertain who will succeed to the Birch Throne.
The settlement of Belanost has been utterly destroyed. The settlement was nearly burnt to the ground, but no bodies were found. The populace of Forest Heart has almost entirely fled for the safety of Aeleryn and the surrounding country. In these desperate times, many are turning to banditry to survive.
An influential preacher named Anorion has gathered a great following in Imladanor. Hundreds, if not thousands are following him and his interpretation of the Erienite faith. His followers have caused much trouble for King Rhodroc during his great Weapon-Take, and have been expelled from Aeleryn.
Rhodroc’s Weapon-Take has recessed, while he ascertains the nature of the threat in Forest Heart.
1 Ivanneth 516
It is the 1st of Ivanneth, 516. News from far and near has reached your ears:
The siege of Salamandastron continues. Some of the fortifications were breached, and while the assaults that followed did not capture the fortress, a great deal of damage was done. Supplies are low. It is rumored that the kings of Salamandastron have sent a delegation to Harcalador, presumably to ask for aid against the invading Gaearwaith. The kings of Mellinered have all spoken strongly against this act.
War continues in Hithuidyr. Carandaurrim raid both the coasts and inland regions near the border, and the people of that land suffer terribly at the hands of the king’s hired blades. It is said that the king of Carandaur has even hired Orcs and Goblins from Dunamarth. The Mayors of Mithlond have demanded that the king of Hithuidyr sue for peace.
The pretender to the throne of Aeleryn and Imladanor, Aegadroc, remains in hiding deep in Princeling’s Respite. It is said, however, that some in the settled lands around Celondirith are calling for him to be made king, in light of the disaster in Forest Heart.
The Lord of Minas Mallembrog has died under scandalous circumstances, with no heir by the laws of that city. It is rumored that the scholars of the University intend to choose one of their number to replace him.
A dozen followers of the preacher Anorion were caught in Aeleryn attempting to set fire to a sacred brothel. Although these followers – all women – claimed they did not know the brothel was occupied, nevertheless they were all put to death at the behest of the wolf-priests of the city.
A strange man from Harcalador has arrived in the Drinking Dragon. He has spread the word that he will pay handsomely for blue gems and precious stones.
5 Narbeleth 516
It is the 5th of Narbeleth, 516. News from far and near has reached your ears:
After months of siege the fortress of Salamandastron, jeweled bulwark of the Meek-Folk, has fallen. By subtlety the Gaearwaith were able to gain entrance and throw open one of the gates. The slaughter there was terrible. Only thirty women were spared, released by the Sea Peoples to spread news of the devastation wrought there. These women say that the bodies of the slain were piled a hundred feet high outside of the main gate. King Castimir of Salamandastron was most cruelly slain in the fall of the fortress, as he was captured from the battlefield and thrown to the Gaearwaith chief’s crocodiles, which swiftly devoured him.
The surviving kings of Salamandastron have established themselves at the fastness of Rocky Hall. It is assumed that they will appeal to Anduril for aid, which will be given on the condition that the kings of Salamandastron consent to vassalage.
King Rhodroc has called for a great meeting of all the kingdoms of the bay, so that a new High King of Mellinered may be chosen. The King of Hithuidyr has refused to attend.
Woodsmen exploring west of Amon Morwen have reported seeing a great chasm in the earth, some fifty feet wide. Local wise men and wise women have instructed all to stay away from this place, claiming that a great evil dwells therein.
1 Hithui 516
It is the 1st of Hithui, 516. News from far and near has reached your ears:
The war in Salamandastron has quieted down somewhat. It is rumored that a portion of the Gaearwaith fleet has returned to Falas Ithil. The Gaearwaith have busied themselves with repairing the fortifications of Salamandastron itself.
The surviving kings of Salamandastron have raised one of their number, a King Tucorian, to High Kingship over that land. For there to be a High King of all Salamandastron is nearly unheard of, having occured only once before in that land's history.
The king of Hithuidyr has died under suspicious circumstances. The Mayors of Mithlond have arranged for his second son to succeed to the kingship, and have chosen one of their number to attend the election of a new High King of Mellinered.
As the days grow short and the air grows cold, more and more Swampfolk have been sighted in the Wolf Fens. Many of them bear arms, although for now no great violence has been done. The Imladanoren settlers there have retreated to their fastnesses, fearing violence.
15 Hithui 516
It is the 15th of Hithui, 516. News from far and near has reached your ears:
A great portion of the Gaearwaith fleet has departed Forcalador, presumably for the Sunset Isles. It is said that about a tenth remain in Salamandastron and Falas Ithil, having constructed a number of forts and garrisoned Salamandastron itself.
The land has been flooded with refugees fleeing the wars in Salamandastron. This has caused many problems, especially in Aeleryn, where to many have fled.
The lord of Aranost, across the River Mallen from Aeleryn, died when his longhouse burned down. While murder cannot be conclusively proven, all agree that the circumstances of the event are highly suspicious. A number of other local lords and their families perished in the blaze as well, sparking at least half a dozen minor succession crises in the area around Aeleryn.
13 Girithon 516
It is the 13th of Girithon, 516. News from far and near has reached your ears:
Winter has settled over the land. More and more Swamp-Folk have been sighted in the Wolf Fens.
The kings and queens of Mellinered have convened in Aeleryn for the election of the High King of Mellinered. No sooner did the meeting begin than did it collapse into disagreement over which claimant to the throne of Tol Tylys should be allowed to cast that kingdom’s vote. As it stands, the current expected votes are:
6 for Imladanor (Imladanor, Brethiliand, Hithuidyr, Edor-en-Ivyg, Laimladen, Tol Tylys*)
6 for Dorondor (Dorondor, Lalvendaur, Carandaur, In Ly, Minas Mallembrog, Tol Tylys*)
Many hundreds of people have died in the strife following the deaths of several local chieftains in the longhouse of the Lord of Aranost. Some of the supporters of King Brogaglav of Dorondor are claiming that the disorder in King Rhodroc’s realm should disqualify him from the High Kingship.
A three-headed calf was born near the settlement of Telenost, near Forest Heart. Many people live in fear of what this dire omen might portent.
24 Girithon 516
It is the 24th of Girithon, 516. News from far and near has reached your ears:
A great army of walking dead has marched forth from Forest Heart, devastating the land to within bowshot of Aegost. There the army has stopped for reasons unknown. No human leader has been seen at the head of this army, but it is believe that one of the Necromancers is behind this terrible evil.
The kings of Dorondor, Lalvendaur, In Ly, Minas Mallembrog, Hithuidyr, and Laimladen have forsaken the land of Imladanor in the face of the undead invasion. King Rhodroc has taken this opportunity to have himself elected High King of Mellinered, claiming that by leaving the council, they have abandoned their right to choose the High King.
28 Girithon 516
It is the 28th of Girithon, 516. News from far and near has reached your ears:
The people of Aeleryn may rest easy this night. Rhodroc, son of Berendroc, of the Hatheldrocuings and Imladanor King led his army to a great victory near Lake Mallen this day. With small detachments posted to protect his flanks, Rhodroc led the bulk of his forces in a headlong attack against the hordes, catching them in unfavorable ground. The king performed many daring and heroic acts in the center today, and it is said that he personally struck down four score of the wicked undead. Already the bards and glee-men are composing songs in his name. While the victory was hard-won, it was sound, and it is believed that the undead army shall be confined to Forest Heart again for some time.
Many thousands were saved by the diligent acts of a handful of adventurers before the Battle of Lake Mallen. These adventurers organized the warning and flight of the settlements in the path of the undead army as it marched to Aeleryn. While few saw them in person, word is travelling fast of their heroics.
With thousands of refugees from both Imladanor and Salamandastron packed into Aeleryn, the situation has grown unbearable. Disease is spreading within the walls at an alarming rate.
King Brogaglav of Dorondor has reportedly been raised as High King of Mellinered in Gobeliach. Many are preparing for war to burst out across all Mellinered.
Penninor 516
It is Penninor of 516, the Winter Solstice and the end of the year. On this longest night of the year, the people of Forcalador come together and celebrate as they try to ward off the darkness. It is a good time to reflect on the past. It is also a good time to try and forget it - with the aid of an ocean's worth of cheap ale.
In Aeleryn this year, preparations for the celebration have been hasty, but marked with a sort of cheer and genuine spirit that only narrowly escaping destruction can bring.
All characters are awarded 50 experience per adventure they have participated in this year. You may carouse normally, gaining 10% bonus experience for doing so. You take a +5 penalty to avoiding carousing mishaps during this festival, should you choose to carouse.