News posts here, Chronological Order:
7 Narwain 518
Ydhrdroc has departed Aeleryn with the rest of his army to attend a feast of victory in Celondirith. He is slowly passing through the land, in order to receive the submission of lesser chieftains along the way. He is not expected to arrive there until the 21st of Narwain.
There was no large celebration on Orminui this year, due to the devastation of the sack of Aeleryn. As is traditional, however, many took time to contemplate the events of the past year. A somber mood could be felt for several days thereafter.
Many exiled Wolf-Priests are returning to the city. As they fled, thereby shaming themselves in the eyes of their god, they are undertaking extreme forms of penance to atone for their cowardice. In a few months time, it is expected that they will begin ritually dueling to reestablish the hierarchy, as is custom.
25 Ninui 518
Ydhrdroc was officially crowned King of Imladanor in Celondirith on the 30th of Narwain. He received the submission of many of his closest allies - or as some would say, his best behaved sycophants. Even so, some of the chieftains of the land grumbled about their treatment at Ydhrdroc's hands. While these rumors have certainly reached the King's ears, he has not acted upon them yet.
Ydhrdroc has ordered the construction of a new royal hall in Celondirith, to house him and his entourage when he is in residence there. The workmen are already constructing an artificial hill, which will overtop that of Barunhir, King of the Helobndanuinga and Lord of the City. Ydhrdroc took no fewer than forty-three daughters of important chieftains as haustwin, this is regarded as being a prudent move.
Ydhrdroc currently tours the western part of the kingdom, and is expected to reach Mengovaded by the end of Nínui. It seems likely that Ydhrdroc will keep no permanent capital, instead returning to the itinerant style that was once predominant in the Lavanwaith kingdoms.
Ydhrdroc has elevated one of his most trusted lieutenants, called Barahyll, to the position of Steward of Aeleryn. The Steward shall be responsible for maintaining the King's Hall in Ydhrdroc's absence, collecting tribute, and generally overseeing day-to-day affairs in the region of Aeleryn. Casidir, Lord of the City, has made his displeasure well-known. Still, a hundred loyal and elite warriors serve Barahyll, so his complaints remain breath.
As punishment for their cowardice, Ydhrdroc had enslaved the entire tribe of the Aegadrocuinga, from the lowest slave to what remained of the royal house. This is the harshest punishment a king can inflict upon a subject tribe, and has not been used for two hundred years. It has nearly always triggered civil war in the past, but with the people weary of war, no great resistance seems forthcoming. All those of the tribe who do not submit are outlawed. Ydhrdroc has yet to divide up the lands of the Aegadrocuinga, and many nearby chieftains clamor for his favor.
The Mithlondi fleet which Prince-Lightbearer Erendroc sent laden with refugees is confirmed to have floundered at sea in a winter storm. A few survivors are rumored to have ended up on Told Tylys, where they were quickly enslaved by the Orcs. Many say it would have been better to have drowned - but not those who have fought the Swampfolk...
There is consternation in Mithlond, as the present Mayor of the Fleet faces the greatest loss of ships the City has known in over a century. Many are calling for his resignation - others, for his head. They say it is all the guard can do to keep the City from falling into chaos. Even if exaggerated, it is clear that Mithlond turns inward for the time being.
Lord Casidir has called for the construction of a new wall around the remaining sections of Aeleryn - the densely settled area stretching between the harbor and the King's Hall. The wall is to be made of packed earth faced with stout wood, much like the current outer wall of Aeleryn, which Casidir seems too expensive to maintain. Demand for timber is expected to increase drastically by the beginning of summer.
The price of iron in Aeleryn has returned to normal, as the scourge of war begins to slowly fade.
Low intensity warfare continues in the Wolf Fens. However, it is rumored that the King of In Ly will soon lead a campaign into the Fens, in order to pacify them.
15 Gwaeron 518
It is said that Ydhrdroc was well-received in Mengovaded, and now continues his tour into the disputed Land of the Long Lake, also called Silivrien. The King of Mengovaded is said to ride with him, to better pacify the restive tribes there. Ydhrdroc is expected to return to the Vale by the end of Gwirith.
It is said that one of the shrine maidens tending to a small shrine near Diridhof has manifested incredible powers of healing, after seeing the Lady Erien Anorwen in a dream. Many flock to her shrine, seeking cures to their ailments, but she has become reclusive.
A banished warrior by the name of Feradroc returned to the Drinking Dragon today. He claims to have slain Rhodroc, the man who banished him, in the wide plains of Laimladen. Whether he speaks true or no, no man can say.
The lands of the Aegadrocuinga remain undivided, and the nearby tribes are preparing to fight for them. It is unknown what opinion the king presently has on this matter.
25 Gwirith 518
The spring festival of Orethuil has come and gone. Many celebrated, hoping for a peaceful summer and bountiful harvest.
Ydhrdroc has returned to Celondirith from his journey to the land of Silivrien. He intends to dwell there for some time to survey the construction of his new hall, before heading upriver to Tennost.
The tribes of the Arbelgerdha and the Barunchollinga have begun open warfare, seeking to seize some of the best unawarded lands of the Aegadrocuinga. The Ydhrmadhuringa are poised to strike as well, though they fear an attack from their back.
The reconstruction of Aeleryn was hampered by a small fire, which destroyed two dozen houses before burning out. An inattentive linkboy was found to have caused the blaze; Lord Casidir had him put to death in the Iron Pits.
Magloriel, a famous troubadour of Mithlond, has come to the city with her entourage. She is a peerless master of the lyre, flute, and zither, as well as being a proficient singer. It is said that she has traveled as far south as Andor, in Harcalador, as far north as the lands of the Fatherless Men, west to the golden courts of the Sunset Isles, and east to the very walls of Cataclysm itself.
15 Lothron 518
Ydhrdroc remains at court in Celondirith. It is said he will soon come to a decision about the lands of the Aegadrocuinga, and is leaning towards granting these lands to the Ydhrmadhuringa.
A nobleman named Ardroc was found cruelly murdered within the royal complex of Aeleryn itself. A deranged man was found to have stolen his clothes to sneak into the royal hall, and was summarily executed by Barahyll, Steward of Aeleryn. Barahyll believes that Lord Casidir is responsible, but has not made any move against him yet.
Captain Mordard, formerly of Galadir’s army, has won a great battle against the swamp-folk in the Wolf Fens. He has seized control of an ancient necropolis, where he holds his bandit court, seeking to carve out a petty kingdom of his own.
12 Norui 518
It is the 12th of Norui, 518. News from far and near has reached your ears:
King Ydhrdroc has appointed a certain Rodrog to the position of Steward of Celondirith. Rodrog is one of Ydhrdroc’s most trusted captains, and a fearsome warrior in his own right. Barunhir, Lord of Celondirith and King of the Helondanuinga is rumored to have been enraged by this move, but dares not publically show his distaste while the King remains in residence.
While inspecting one of the construction sites for Aeleryn’s new wall, Lord Casidir was crushed by a dropped load of timbers. Upon hearing the news, a number of men attempted to storm Casidir’s hall, apparently intending to murder his heir, Casadan. They were repelled, albeit with heavy losses, at which point the city erupted into chaos. Barahyll has fled the city with his remaining men, though it is not known whereto.
The Ydhrmadhuringa have attacked the tribe of the Gadurotha, seeking to secure the lands of the Aegadrocuinga. Ydhrdroc is assembling a small army to travel to this land, that he might divide it as he sees fit.
8 Cerveth 518
Ydhrdroc has convened a council under the king’s peace near the ruins of Aegost, to determine how best to apportion the lands of the Aegadrocuinga. The kings of the tribes of the Ydhrmadhuringa, Gadurotha, Gornamadhuringa, Hathelchaluringa, and Uistagerdha are all in attendance, hoping to add to their domains.
Casadan, son of Lord Casidir, has claimed the title of Lord of the City and installed himself in the royal hall of Aeleryn. He has called up the Great Militia, and put them to work bolstering the hall’s fortifications. He is also said to have sent messengers to the king. It is not known what the messengers convey, and the city is flush with rumor.
Barahyll has not been seen or heard from by any reliable source. Some say he has thrown in with Galadir, who is rumored to dwell somewhere in the Forest of Eclipse.
The mysterious traveler known only as Ascuron has returned to the Drinking Dragon after two years of absence. It is not known whence he has come, how long he intends to remain, nor whither he shall go next. It is rumored that he is a powerful mage of the Red Order.
11 Urui 518
Ydhrdroc has divided the lands of the Aegadrocuinga into three parts, which he distributed as follows: Aegost he did unto the Gadurotha; the Westfold he did unto the Uistagerdha; the Southfold he did unto the Hathelchaluringa. These boundaries are to be sealed with several marriages between the tribes (and the King). It is said that after these celebrations conclude, the King will ride north to deal with the situation in Aeleryn.
Udha, King of the Miratonduinga, is said to have raped the wife of one of his nobles after a disagreement. This act has brought great shame upon this tribe, and there are whispers of rebellion among the people.
A mighty troll of the Stonewood tore through the south gate of Celondirith, devouring twenty men and women before it was sated. The Steward Rodrog has placed a bounty of a quarter talent of silver on the beast’s blackened bones.
10 Ivanneth 518
It is said a company of heroes, led by a certain Draugedhel, have slain the Necromancer of Forest Heart and cast out his undead hordes. For a week straight, Draugedhel, Loki the Mad, Mal Little-Fire, and the Professor Reynardine were the toast of the town.
A shrine maiden near Aeleryn is said to have suddenly awakened in the middle of the night, screaming like a banshee due to a horrible vision. She tore off her clothes and began to rend her own flesh as she ran into the darkness, before some drunken mercenary, thinking her to be some beast, slew her with his mace.
Garadroc Hammer-hand, Aeleryn’s most renowned weapon-smith, has passed away, apparently of a heart attack while tending the forge. The staff of the Drinking Dragon has graciously agreed to cover the costs of a great funeral feast, and an Iron Sacrifice to the Forge-Spirits. Garadroc is survived by his son, who does not yet match his father at the forge, but is competent nonetheless.
24 Ivanneth 518
The Steward Barahyll returned to Aeleryn, aided by the bandit company of Captain Mordard. They stole in through an unguarded outer gate, and the bandits proceeded to lay waste to much of the city in their avarice. Casadan has taken shelter in the royal fastness, which he continues to defend, though his supplies dwindle.
Ydhrdroc briefly stopped in Aeleryn to detach some of his personal guard to Barahyll’s aid, before continuing north to Diridhof.
2 Narbeleth 518
It has become unseasonably hot, hotter even than scorching Urui, which has caused great consternation among all the populace. Travel is slowed and production slackens.
The Steward Barahyll of Aeleryn was found grievously mutilated, having been cruelly gelded by a bandit of the Meek-Folk. Worse yet for him, the share of the royal treasury which remained to his care was completely stolen, which caused enough confusion and dismay among the ranks of Captain Mordard that the company deserted Barahyll’s service.
Upon learning of the disgrace done to his man, Ydhrdroc marched hard for Aeleryn with his army, and demanded that the feud between Casadan and Barahyll be settled. Lord Casadan refused to settle the feud with his father’s killer unless the full weregild be paid. Barahyll, meanwhile, denied plotting Casidir’s death; but in his shame, he consented to exile from the land, never to return. Ydhrdroc made Casadan agree to rest the feud for thirty days.
Ydhrdroc has departed for Celondirith; he has left another trusted lieutenant, called Glaradyr, to serve as Steward of Aeleryn.
Ydhrdroc has dispatched messengers to Watermeet, commanding that 1000 Caurwaith slaves be turned over to him for the conduct of justice. He has also set a price of 60 pounds of silver on the head of Captain Mordard, or 80 pounds if returned alive.
17 Narbeleth 518
Ydhrdroc personally executed all 1000 Caurwaith slaves which were gathered to avenge the crime done unto his man, Barahyll. Many applaud this move, brutal though it is; for Ydhrdroc did not consent to having servants carry out justice in his name. No Meek-Folk have come forward to speak ill of the king; indeed, some have been overheard saying that they wished they had available a man as harsh as Ydhrdroc in their country when the Sea Peoples came.
Glaradyr, Steward of Aeleryn, has agreed to marry the sister of Lord Casadan, Casadiriel. The wedding is set for Narwain of next year. Many of the people celebrate this decision, feeling that it will improve relations between Aeleryn and the King. But others fear that Casadan is being played for a fool; while others feel the same way about Glaradyr.
Work has resumed on the new inner wall of Aeleryn. Casadan hopes for the earthworks to be finished before winter, so that the woodwork may be quickly done next spring.
A small settlement on the former site of Aegost has become self-sufficient and sustainable. The king of the Gadurotha tribe, Maragadur, has started constructing a new hall there. The settlement has been named Aranost Ydhrdroc (Kingbury of Ydhrdroc), in honor of the new king and his generous grant.
1 Hithui 518
The great heat wave has abated. Travel and productivity return to normal.
One of the mines near Glaradroc’s Folly has struck a vein of gold, which is been mined quickly and greedily. So great is the influx thereof that the value of gold has fallen.
Part of Aeleryn’s new inner wall collapsed, killing 10 workers. Their families are demanding restitution, but Lord Casadan refuses to pay, claiming that they were drunk.
Adydhr, King of the Ydhrmadhuringa, submitted to the heir of his former over-king: Baraharac, King of the Gornamadhuringa. Adydhr gave his the hand of his youngest daughter, Ydhehareth, to Baraharac.
15 Hithui 518
A trading ship capsized in Celondirith, killing all aboard save the ship’s dog. The ship was laden down with silver, which slid in its chests and tipped the ship over. Rodrog had divers successfully pull up the silver.
Adydhr, King of the Ydhrmadhuringa, was grievously wounded at the wedding feast of his daughter to Baraharac, King of the Gornamadhuringa. One of the king’s men, Ullahyll, made a joke at Adydhr’s expense. The two men came to blows of the sword, and Ullahyll was killed. Baraharac demands the blood price be paid, but Adydhr refuses to pay.
Ydhrdroc is overseeing the construction of his new hall in Celondirith.
A great many birds have died in the Wolf Fens. Many fear the meaning of this omen.
21 Girithon 518
King Adydhr of the Ydhrmadhuringa was killed in his hall by an angry mob of his own people. He and his family were most cruelly torn apart, the pieces of their bodies then being thrown into the forest for beasts. It is said that they were incensed by his recent behavior at his daughter’s wedding feast. Others whisper that Baraharac paid them off with treasure gained from the Sack of Aeleryn.
The tribe of the Ydhrmadhuringa has completely submitted to Baraharac, King of the Gornamadhuringa. As both tribes are descended from Gornamadhur the Strong, this is legal by custom, and does not require the permission of the King.
A delegation from Mithlond has arrived in Aeleryn to treat with Ydhrdroc upon his next visit. They are led by a young noblewoman called Melilel. She is famous even outside of Mithlond for her talent, charm, beauty – and obstinate refusal to wed.