Dubhaine Family/Brigdha/Roleplays/2020/September

Dubhaine Family
Fame	40
Wealth	19485
Home Region	Ashforth
Home World	East Continent

Clan Dubhaine:

• Aednadh
• Aibhlidhn
• Aoifa
• Brigdha
• Cathal
• Ciarghuala
• Etain
• Moira
• Rhidhana
• Scein
• Threiginion

1st September

Summer Day - Fontan

Roleplaying Event

The time has come for the Third to fall and the One to rise! For the Whole to be Four! For Trees to Transition! For the Circle to be born!

Repent your sins. If you have no sins to repent, then go and sin, for you shall not be saved without repenting your sins.

Huge Battle Fought

Rumours spread and tales are sung about a huge battle in Nascot:

Yssrgard vs. Perdan

Estimated strengths: 460 men vs. 840 men

The Howling Oath Wolf Legion (Yssrgard), sponsored by Royal Eros Harte, were led into battle by Marshal Germanico Mercator.

Knight Sir Fredrick Stormreaver is spotted wielding the Club of the Badgers.

Warmistress Octavia Fitz Roberts is spotted wearing the Holy Ring of Mercy.

Attacker Victory!

Lord Absent

Margrave Maccio Aurelle has been absent from his position for a long time. If he does not return soon, his title will be assigned to someone else.

Election Starts

The monthly election for the position of Judge (Tormentor/Tormentor) is now starting. Interested candidates can announce their running starting immediately, by visiting the referendum page. All nobles of the realm will vote, each vote having the same weight.

Black Clouds

Billowing, black clouds of smoke have filled the sky as far as anyone can see, blocking the sun, turning day into night, severely reducing visibility, and making travel more difficult. Across western and northwestern East Continent, the smoke is a thick black fog everywhere one goes.

Everywhere, most people are seeking safety, gathering together in large groups, and finding shelter.

Daizen Tideweaver

Whoopsie-Daizen

One moment all is well. The next moment shrieking screams pierce the air around the ferry. The sound of thrashing. Surrounded by darkness, the sounds feed on fear.

A fin is spotted by the distant carcass. Another shriek pierces the air. Another. Thrashing. Another fin seen. A brush against the leg. Soon, there is a mad scramble for high ground on the ferry.

Circling the ferry and nearby carcass, sharks have arrived for a feast. In the chaos, the recently-acquired meat, and several Weavers, have been lost. Several others remain wounded. Morale plummets.Whoopsie-Daizen message to all nobles of Perdan - 2 hours, 47 minutes ago One moment all is well. The next moment shrieking screams pierce the air around the ferry. The sound of thrashing. Surrounded by darkness, the sounds feed on fear.

A fin is spotted by the distant carcass. Another shriek pierces the air. Another. Thrashing. Another fin seen. A brush against the leg. Soon, there is a mad scramble for high ground on the ferry.

Circling the ferry and nearby carcass, sharks have arrived for a feast. In the chaos, the recently-acquired meat, and several Weavers, have been lost. Several others remain wounded. Morale plummets.

William Armsworth

War journal, day 41, noon.

The capital looks bleak in permanent shadow.

My unit is once again ready to go but both cohesion and funds are low.

I really wish I knew what Sirion is going to do next.

Tyrann Thrane

His lobes indeed deceive for Tyrann found himself confused and, perhaps due to his young age, began to grow frustrated.

”I have spoken and they do not hear, they have been shown but do not see! I have seen what lies in the deep for in the depths I have communed with the one to rise.”

His eyes seemed filled with a longing hope and irritation.

”Tell me what must I do?! You need but name it and it shall be done, what must I do to prepare for his arrival?! I will give my life, promise my first born and...”

The young Viscount fell to his knees in desperation and went silent. It seemed the closer he got to the answer the further he would find himself. Did he truly commune with Akesh or was it the sulfur burning his brain? Has what he seen a mere figment? Was he going mad?

Brigdha Dubhaine

Tyrann's soul stood at the brink of The Abyss, that roiling maelstrom of rage and obsession endlessly churning The Flow in its unquenchable hunger, fuelled by the raw emotions of men and gods alike. Had the young lordling eyes to see would he still stand so rapt before the ill-named Scholarly Seer? Possibly. Men were too often set on their own destruction. There he stood, blind and mute in the High Firmament, wrapped in a religious fervour antithetical to The Shadows, his light guttering and fluttering, shot through with an angry puce bruise of actinic rage, chains of balefire holding him fast to another's will. Another's purpose.

Only a fool laid bare their heart to The Dragon. A fool or a madman. Brigdha was undecided which best described Tyrann of Oporto, first of his name...

Still, there was little point dwelling on the lordling's folly. What was done was done and could not be undone. Brigdha put him from her mind and turned her attention to the Scholarly Seer, that puppet mouthpiece of Higher Powers upon whose words a whole continent now waited with baited breath. Unlike the boy there was no particular malice or ambition in him, nor for that matter much learned wisdom. His words were banal but not devoid of truth, and the priestess pondered how many bairns would perish in the coming winters for want of a warm hearth and a full belly. Not that he was to blame. The Lords of the North had set their will against the High Firmament and all now would pay a bitter price.

Few now remembered the fields of ice, reaching as far north as Ibladesh, or the mass migrations of people as starvation and disease and the insatiable hunger of trolls drove them from their once rich pastures. The ice had long since receded to the Southern Ocean, a minor curiosity to be viewed from the shores of Priotness. How would the realms respond to such hardships every year, cycling in perpetuity? To the endless rise and fall of the churning oceans? To the wanderlust evoked by tides and gulls?

With the annoying perfection of hindsight Brigdha could trace the steps which had brought the continent to this moment of decision. That night at the Wedding Feast of Garas and Catherine so many years ago when Ecthelion had staged his own assassination and made himself a living sacrifice to The Dragon, and the first avatar of its ancient slumbering power since the Fall of Ogren.

Now there really was a wise fool, deeply versed in ancient lore yet blind to its meaning. It was a strange twist of fate which had made her Lord Speaker of the Heru Mellen during so much of Ecthelion's premiership, proxies for the fallen spirits of Fontan and Old Rancagua, striving for the heart of the Elven Empire. Sadly Ecthelion had won, the vengeful son of the White Tree laying the foundations of that Great Circle which even now strove against all reason to reshape the world in its dead image.

Never mind that Ecthelion's only vision was of stasis, nor that the Circle had proven a corrupt cabal unworthy of the noble honours and dignity they claimed for their own. Too long Brigdha and Shadowdale had made common cause with them, unable to master her own rage at the old Perdanese enemy. The constant recognition of her own hypocrisy had cut her deep but she'd soothed the wounds with the salve of action, wresting Caligus from its rightful destruction through sheer force of will and condemning Highmarch to the same ignominious fate as her own beloved Fontan.

What a fool she'd been.

But The Sword called to her from its hiding place, that blade entrusted to her so long ago by Meristenzio... The Sword of Elfhame... The Silver Thorn... The Dragon's Bane...

The events in Oligarch finally made sense. She'd thought it was Garas who sought The Sword. Garas who was the puppet...

"Oh Ecthelion. Circle. Had there been but one jot of pity in your black heart all would be so different. For the hatred of Tal you've brought this continent to the precipice, and where are you now? Gone."

Of course she'd warned them. Warned the members of the Circle what continuing on this path would mean. Even opened her mind to her old friend Ivo, sharing with him the same flood of memories she'd received from Meristenzio all those years ago. An inheritance of Elven souls now running like a river through the minds of men. But all to no avail.

Thank Darton for Smiddich. At least he'dd understood momentous events were afoot, the King of her once abhorred enemy now more a confidante than those for whom she'd risked life and soul.

"Show yourself Akesh. I know you're here somewhere."

Aila Storme

"I liked the change, but I think I might miss the beard" The statement breaking the silence in the King's study was Aila's voice, confidently assured that after the last hour of watching him write and write, dip his quill, put a document aside to dry, bring over the next one, write, dip... She had made the right call.

As he looked up from his work at her the angry sea washed against the salt stained windows behind him. What he saw was the end of a blonde ponytail coiled improperly on his rug as she lay back with legs dangling over the arm of his sitting chair. He said about what she expected "Don't loll on the couches, you make the place look untidy."

Aila pushed herself up and off the seat with a huff and moved to the large, diligently organized and spotlessly clean bookshelf lined floor to ceiling with fine leather bound spines. She could tell just from his attitude that he was nowhere near done- and with the world ending outside there was nothing for her to do but write letters, same as him. After the week she had corresponding with Shadowdale- Aila was in no mood to write anymore. The sound of his quill scratching against the parchment told her he had set back to work already

Never had she found a book she liked in his collection. Minor Lords seemed to love giving the King books of naval stories and so he amassed a huge selection of grizzly sea tales, along with them dry manuals about knots and rigging and hulls and sails and things she would have to try very hard to care less about. Today, while looking over all the spines with titles carved in and gilded that she had seen a hundred times a word stuck out to her today that never had before. -Toxophilite-.

Aila glanced over her shoulder at Smiddich before pulling the book off the shelf hastily. The title "Toxophilite" by someone she had never heard of before. When she opened the first page, it said simply "3rd edition" and a page further, it's opening. His young knight closed the book and wiped the look of bewilderment off her face before turning on her heel to approach the King who dropped his quill altogether as she rounded his desk.

He gave her a pensive smile, a glance at his desk gave her a hint- a red Martlet volant stared up at her. Undeterred, she waved she book in his face "Majesty~ Will you let me take this?"

The look Smiddich gave the book was one of slight disgust, "Sirionite foolishness" he grunted, but relented with "Do what you want" sure to give her backside a swat on her retreat.

Tyrann Thrane

Tyrann murmuring aloud...

“Sins, sins. Have my sins corrupted my tongue?”

Continued snarling...

“It has been made known, I have been called!The hour of his ascension is at hand! He revealed himself to me!”

Summer Evening - Akesh Temple

Huge Battle Fought

Rumours spread and tales are sung about a huge battle in Nascot:

Perdan vs. Yssrgard

Estimated strengths: 1270 men vs. 440 men

The Blackmane Paladins (Perdan), sponsored by King Sir Smiddich Fontaine, were led into battle by Vice-Marshal Lorelai Chamberlain.

The Perdan's Golden Lions (Perdan), sponsored by Imperatrix Lady Alyssa Kingsley, were led into battle by Marshal Ulric Hawk.

The Howling Oath Wolf Legion (Yssrgard), sponsored by Royal Eros Harte, were led into battle by Marshal Germanico Mercator.

Countess Dustiria Noire is spotted wielding the Ebony Pike of Defeat.

Viscount Ulric Hawk is spotted wielding the Giggling Shield of Minas Nova.

Viscount Ulric Hawk is spotted wearing the Dragon-Scale Jacket.

Knight Sir Fredrick Stormreaver is spotted wielding the Club of the Badgers.

Knight Greg Derik is spotted wearing the Ducal Suit of the Father.

Mortimer des Greys, Keeper of the Laws of Yssrgard, Count of Priotness was seriously wounded by Lorelai Chamberlain's unit.

Douglas Chaine, Count of Enubec was captured by Ulric Hawk's unit.

Attacker Victory!

Region Lost

Eponllyn has convinced the people of Commonyr to raise their banner and abandon yours. The region is no longer yours.

Mordred Pendragon and his knights have lost their home and estates.

(rogue) has taken control of Commonyr. The region used to belong to Shadowdale.

Bescanon River

Folks are minding their business when they spot it, take a doubletake, and then a tripletake. No, they haven't lost their minds. Or at least they hope they haven't.

But they are certain that that vessel is going up the river. And it appears they're trying to row down river. Boatmen everywhere find new difficulty in navigating a river flowing in reverse, causing many shipwrecks along the river, creating further obstacles and further accidents.

Later reports of flooding upriver arrive.

Darkness Falls

It is dark. There is black fog and dust everywhere severely reducing visibility. There is no sun. You have no idea whether it is day or night, or whether it matters. Travel is all but stopped.

Roleplaying Event - Akesh Temple

Sensing a larger audience, the Scholarly Seer repeated yesterday's message,

The time has come for the Third to fall and the One to rise! For the Whole to be Four! For Trees to Transition! For the Circle to be born!

Repent your sins. If you have no sins to repent, then go and sin, for you shall not be saved without repenting your sins.

Roleplaying Event - Sir Temple

Salvation! Oh salvation is upon us! Flame rises and Chaos sinks! We are blessed!

- Insane Bard

Daizen Tideweaver

Whoopsie-Daizen

After the terror of the sharks had passed, the Weavers had begun to bicker over the lack of food. Daizen's captain did their best to ration and equitably parcel out the last morsels of foodstuffs preserved on-board, but this was insufficient for some desperate Weavers who soon formed a mutinous faction seeking to take possession of the remaining food.

After a confrontation and much laboured fighting, several Water Weavers lay dead or wounded, and the mutinous faction had taken the food. The corpses were pushed overboard and each faction settled in an opposite quarter of the ferry.

Soon, a cry went out as someone spotted a fin and thrashing was heard at a distance. Terror resumed.

---

Even with the sharks circling and feeding on the corpses, friction remains on-board. In a desperate attempt to regain control of the ferry, Daizen's captain leads the loyalists against the mutineers. But all that is accomplished are more dead and wounded, the very last food lost overboard, and the sharks feeding opportunistically. Losing the last of the food only causes further anger and fighting, until both sides retreat, having wasted precious energy on combat. Each side rapidly deteriorates in well-being.

A few Water Weavers, too tired, hungry, demoralized, and fatigued to resist, slide into the ocean, drowning. The energy to stay aboard the ferry amongst the tossing ocean waves is too much for them.

Hunger results in increasing desperation. It isn't much longer, and a few muffled cries later, that no wounded men are left alive, save for Daizen. But bellies are full.

Scholarly Seer

When Tyrann knelt, the Seer knelt with him, finishing the Viscount's sentence in an answer,

..and receive nothing for it. Listen to what is not asked. See what is not visible. Madness shall fall.

With that, the Seer and Tyrann sat upon the stone temple floor once more.

Brigdha had been travelling upon the path, and yet still present within Akesh. The strength of the Communion flowing through her was palpable, if not to the Unbalanced.

Whatever Brigdha may have spoken or thought imperatively, it was not particularly audible a great distance. Even so, the Scholarly Seer responded to Brigdha,

Circle's Transition shall be made complete. The Inheritance shall be lost.

The Lord Tormentor's arrival, even with such an expansive crowd, did not go unnoticed, even if it weren't immediately addressed. The Seer turned across the crowd to finally notice the arrival,

Welcome! Rest yourself! Your protection is appreciated.

Ronnel is soon serving refreshments, and stories, to the Lord Tormentor.

The Seer turns back to Viscount Tyrann,

Sins corrupt the entire body, both individual and public.

Flame's ascension has been revealed to all. May Order reign once more!

Ghostly Ships

Across the land, nobles are experiencing various dreams of ghostly, gray ships leaving for distant shores.

Daizen Tideweaver

The Erupting Tides V

Daizen was plagued with fevered hallucinogenic dreams full of bright vivid colors, many headed snakes, the roaring of lions, a lone rider, and an erupting volcano. For many hours every muscle was seemingly locked in place and Daizen was completely paralyzed. The only indication of life was the slow movement of his chest as he breathed. As the venom ran its course and its paralyzing effects began to wear off, the unconscious noble began to occasionally thrash as his fever dreams ran rampant. Hydra venom was a highly sought after item on the black markets of the worlds various bazaars. It could be used as the base for a powerful tranquilizer or diluted into minuscule doses to yield a hallucinogenic drug. Pure, raw, venom directly into the bloodstream yielded its most potent effects. Luckily for Daizen, the dosage that made it into his bloodstream was small, as the fang that pierced him punctured straight through. However, the amount of venom injected kept him incapacitated in full and he was wholly unaware of all that had transpired upon his now barely floating ferry. The sharks, the starvation, the mutiny, the violence, the ...cannibalism. Soon the thrashing stopped and Daizen's breathing returned to normal levels but still the noble slept.

Some time later...

Daizen stirred. As his eyes cracked open he was greeted with darkness. He was flat on his back and all he could see was a faint orange glow somewhere to his left. He could faintly smell something cooking and tried to push himself up into a sitting position but a searing pain immediately ran down his right shoulder as it collapsed. He cried out in pain only to be met with a searing dry throat.

"W...Water. Water" he rasped.

His men jumped at the unexpected stirring of their lord. His captain, Leinhart grabbed a bowl shaped object and rushed over to his liege.

"Drink m'lord." said the captain as he tipped the helm filled with distilled sea water. As the first drops reached Daizen's throat he coughed and sputtered. It took some time, but eventually he quenched his thirst. Leinhart helping him to sit up and lean against what little bit of cabin that was left. With it being so dark, Daizen could not yet tell how dire the situation they were in was.

"How long was I out Leinhart?" asked Daizen, his voice still raspy.

"Hard to say m'lord, it seems time has been passing differently with no sun in the sky. Total darkness reached us some time ago" replied the captian.

Daizen's stomach growled loudly. With his head clearing, his thirst quenched, Daizen became aware of how hungry he truly was.

"Is there any food ready? I am quite famished from my ...struggles" Daizen asked. He could not see the look that crossed the mans face. The tiny fire that was burning was not meant for light, but rather distilling water and cooking. It was very controlled, to ensure it did not spread to the ship.

"Of course" responded the captain quietly. He quickly left Daizen's side and returned shortly, pressing a slightly warm hunk of meat into his lieges hand.

Daizen bit into the meat and began to chew. He wasn't sure what kind of meat this was but assumed it had been something his men had fished up from the sea.

"This is different. Tough. Kinda greasy. Is this from the hydra? I can't say I've ever had the pleasure of eating hydra" asked Daizen, as he began eating with gusto. His appetite returned in full.

"Not exactly, m'lord" said Leinhart flatly.

Daizen noticed his change in tone. He stopped chewing.

"Leinhart. What am I eating?" Daizen said in a commanding tone.

Silence.

"Leinhart!"

"Chadwick. That was ...Chadwick." said the captain softly.

The face of the man who had been Daizen's rowing relief flashed inside his head. As Daizen realized what he had just eaten, he immediately leaned to his side and began violently retching. He was so dehydrated that what little bit of water he had consumed was not enough to make what he had just swallowed come back up easily. He felt the small chunks of flesh work their way up his throat accompanied by a thick burning bile. Daizen continued to retch as Leinhart pounded him on the back. He felt dirty, unclean, and kept retching to expel the foul flesh from within him. As he continued his fit of sickness, he passed out and the darkness reclaimed him.

Roleplaying Event

The Third shall be sacrificed.

Plenty. Decay. Poverty. Rebirth.

The Forgotten walk amongst us. It rises. It falls. It shifts to and fro. Our chains are released! There will be days of plenty and days of poverty. Days of abundance and days of scarcity. Their bar is no more!

Tyrann Thrane

The kneeling of the Seer eased the frustration in Tyrann and his voice seemed to sooth the young Viscount’s mind. Tyrann sat with the Seer contemplating what he had said, looking across the sea of faces.

“I have sinned and I submit myself to be cleansed within ascension’s flame. Tell me oh Seer...” Tyrann looked again to elderly man beside him, “The Djinthuzul, Akesh the Sun Eater...is he the order to reign once more?” He asked sounding exhausted, mentally worn while drawing a circle in the dirt with his finger.

He knew a direct answer would likely not come but felt compelled to ask.

2nd September

Summer Day - Akesh Temple

Battle in Akesh Temple

Yssrgard vs. Shadowdale

Estimated strengths: 190 men vs. 120 men

The Howling Oath Wolf Legion (Yssrgard), sponsored by Royal Eros Harte, were led into battle by Marshal Germanico Mercator.

Warmistress Octavia Fitz Roberts is spotted wearing the Holy Ring of Mercy.

Defender Victory!

Complete Darkness

You can barely see a few feet. Travel or other activities are impossible in this darkness. There is no sun. You have no idea whether it is day or night, or whether it matters.

You are engulfed in darkness. There is nothing you can do but wait.

Region Lost to Corruption

Local government officials in Akesh Temple announced earlier today that according to ancient documents, Knight Sir Fredrick Stormreaver, who happened to coincidentally be in the region at that time, holds an ancient and undisputable claim to lordship of Akesh Temple. They officially handed control of the region over to him and Yssrgard! Shortly afterwards, the responsible officials were nowhere to be found.

Fortunately, the militia units stationed in Akesh Temple were not so easily fooled and have begun a guerilla war.

Roleplaying Event - Shadowdale

It is ending!

The Third is falling!

Roleplaying Event - Akesh Temple

It is ending!

The Third is falling!

William Armsworth

Staring blankly into the darkness, captain Osmona draws me to the present;

"Letter for you, Sir." she says "It's from the King."

I look her in the eye with raised eyebrows as I extend my hand.

"Not more bad news, I hope."

She hands me the sealed letter.

"Only one way to find out, Sir."

I sigh as I reach for my letter opener and point to an oil lamp spreading a pathetic amount of light.

"Please hold that over my right shoulder."

Osmona looks hesitant at the ball of fur on my left shoulder. I catch her glance.

"Don't worry about Erwin, he just ate."

She smiles nervously and holds up the lamp.

"I heard they can make you sick if they bite you, Sir. Don't we have enough wounded staff already?"

"You're probably right, captain, but it hardly seems to matter at the moment." I say as I point outside.

"We are forced to sit here anyway."

"A little higher." I suggest as my eyes strain to read the King's letter.

My laughter startles both Erwin and Osmona, the former opening one eye, the latter jolting the lamp.

"Do you have a dress, captain?"

"Sir?"

"We're attending a party."

Roleplaying Event - Akesh Temple

The Scholarly Seer turns to Tyrann, and simply states in a patient tone,

"Flame is Order. Akesh abides."

Soon thereafter, local officials announce that the Temple is now Yssrgardian. Confusion spreads. The local officials disappear. Some talk of guerrilla warfare. Amongst this overwhelming chaos, Alfrid makes his verbal vow. The Seer speaks in a commanding, reassuring voice,

"Do not fear! Repent of this mayhem! Chaos is burning. The Flame is rising. Sacrifice your sins upon Flame's Altar!"

Roleplaying Event - Shadowdale

The Scholarly Seer turns to Tyrann, and simply states in a patient tone,

"Flame is Order. Akesh abides."

Soon thereafter, local officials announce that the Temple is now Yssrgardian. Confusion spreads. The local officials disappear. Some talk of guerrilla warfare. Amongst this overwhelming chaos, Alfrid makes his verbal vow. The Seer speaks in a commanding, reassuring voice,

"Do not fear! Repent of this mayhem! Chaos is burning. The Flame is rising. Sacrifice your sins upon Flame's Altar!"

Lord Driven Out

The priest Brigdha of The Shadows has whipped a mob of followers into a religious frenzy to drive Sir Fredrick Stormreaver, Margrave of Akesh Temple from the region of Akesh Temple as an unbeliever. A battle ensued, during which Fredrick was able to recover some valuables, and for a time neither side could gain the upper hand. Eventually, the fanaticism of the true believers prevailed and he was driven out, his estate burned to the ground, and his servants scattered. Fredrick is now an unaligned noble of Yssrgard.

Brigdha Dubhaine

You begin to preach to the gathering of your followers of the iniquity of the unbeliever Fredrick, and your words set a fire in their hearts. 3294 peasants join your uprising. They storm down to Fredrick's estate, but a force led by nobles in the area stops them. A battle ensues, and though they are poorly trained and equipped, your followers have the fire of their faith driving them on. They prevail over the soldiers, but not before suffering some casualties. With the interfering troops out of the way, the fanatics begin breaking into the estate, finding that th e battle has given Fredrick's servants some time to save the most valuable items. They are so driven by their zealotry that they destroy everything in their sight, then set fire to the estate. You begin to preach to the gathering of your followers of the iniquity of the unbeliever Fredrick, and your words set a fire in their hearts. 3294 peasants join your uprising. They are so driven by their zealotry that they destroy everything in sight, then set fire to the estate. Fredrick appears to have snuck out the back door, but you urge the mob after him and they chase him halfway across the region before he gives you the slip. He no longer belongs here, and you have let him know it.

This land lies under the power of The Shadows and will remain so until the current peril has passed. Anyone who seeks to claim Akesh Temple for themselves without our approval will find themselves equally dispossessed.

Complete Darkness

There is still thick, black dust everywhere. Dark clouds cover the sky and even at noon the sun does not penetrate the cloud cover. You wish for rain, washing away the black dust that covers everything.

Brigdha Dubhaine

The power of the three Temples was failing fast as the roiling magma churned ever hotter within the distant volcano, and even now Brigdha could sense the mountain chain beneath her feet rumbling in sympathy. The air was so heavy with brimstone and soot that mortal sight no longer sufficed and all about her was a land of confusion. Any moment Tyrann would break. She could sense it. The Dragon had him wound tight like the spring of a crossbow and one wrong word from the Seer would release the trigger.

Even now in Oporto the young lordling's agents prepared the grim harvest festival that would usher in a new reign of fire. One such as even the Elflords of old could not conceive.

"A new Lord! A new Day!" What was this? The gyre was widening unpredictably as The Dragon's will forced itself further into the mundane world, overlaying its own reality on the settled order. Somewhere nearby she sensed a new presence. An Yssgardian presence...

The Dragon had more than one piece in play. How long had he sat brooding in The Abyss, planning this very day? How many threads of fate had his restless dreams seeded? Well, there was no point holding back. Either she made her stand here and now or there wouldn't be another chance.

"No Lord but a Shadow Lord," the Priestess slammed the butt of her staff forcefully against the paving stones, splintering them with its force.

"No Lord but a Shadow Lord!" she cast aside her travel-stained robe and with it the veil cloaking The Lilith Within.

"NO LORD BUT A SHADOW LORD!!" the darkness amplified her voice, echoing and reverberating from every surface of the ancient temple.

"NO LORD BUT A SHADOW LORD!!!" the refrain spread like wildfire throughout the citadel, its power growing and multiplying as voice after voice joined the chorus.

"NO LORD BUT A SHADOW LORD!!!!"

Roleplay from Devon

He found himself with no silver or gold pieces once he arrived in Perdan.

Bandits and tolls in the north took all he had. He had 3 items that needed repaired and only found sages in the north. With 2 of the items, which belonged to the King himself, repaired adequately, only 1 remained. The ring belonged to Dame Everlight. He had informed her that the delay on her repairs were due to the King's items being in lower condition than her ring. She understood and was very patient with Devon.

In order to move north to find the sages, he had to have silver for the tolls. He decided to hunt monsters in Perdan. All he needed was a little silver to be on his way. He began his hunt with the least amount of risk. After the first hunt, he was able to get a few silver pieces so he began a second hunt and then it happened. Out of nowhere, a large beast came at him and swiped a claw at Devon, hitting him in the side of the face knocking him out.

He wasn't out long, but it was long enough for the unthinkable to happen;

Unique Item Lost

As you regain consciousness from your wounding, you realize that you have lost the Mediocre Ring of the Colonies!

He looked about him and found nothing. Panicking, he looked for hours and hours. And he found nothing. He felt empty. He wished for death. He failed Dame Everlight. He wrote her a letter wanting her to kill him. He awaited her reply, dismayed and destroyed.

Tyrann Thrane

Tyrann looked upon the sky where once the sun was perched, now consumed in darkness. With each passing moment the black thickened and Tyrann began to laugh maniacally.

“Akesh! Akesh! Thou hath eaten the Sun as foretold!”

He then produces a dagger from his cloak and places the blade in his left palm, squeezing tight and pulling quickly. Raising both bloody fist and blade he continues.

“Accept my offering of flesh Akesh, Mightiest of the Djinthuzul and Sovereign of Arkonom! Cleanse my soul of trespasses in flame! RISE, RISE!”

Tyrann slaps his bloody palm onto the temple floor and began to rub into the ancient stone a circle of dark crimson; blood and earth.

“Rise to cleanse the Realms of Men! Rise and bring to heel Kaos the Usurper! In flame order shall be restored! Rise to tear earth and stone!”

Summer Evening - Akesh Temple

Battle in Akesh Temple

Shadowdale vs. Yssrgard

Estimated strengths: 100 men vs. 120 men

The Howling Oath Wolf Legion (Yssrgard), sponsored by Royal Eros Harte, were led into battle by Marshal Germanico Mercator.

Noble Sir Fredrick Stormreaver is spotted wielding the Club of the Badgers.

Defender Victory!

Daizen Tideweaver

The Erupting Tides VI

Daizen awoke sometime later. His head was throbbing.

"Water." Daizen whispered.

Leinhart brought the helm they were using as a makeshift water bowl. The distilling of the sea water was a slow and tedious process. To keep the 8 remaining men on board of what was now just a mass of floating wood hydrated, it constantly required someone overseeing the boiling of the sea water.

Daizen drank. This time it went down smoother. He had not been unconscious long. He quickly drained the bowl for what water it had. After taking a minute or so to clear his head and collect his thoughts he moved to sit up. He felt stronger but his shoulder still ached. Seeing him struggle, his captain once again helped his sit up straight.

The darkness was intimidating. If it wasn't for the faint glow the embers and small flame from the cooking fire Daizen would have thought he went blind.

"Leinhart. You have been with me for a long time. Since I was cast away from Ete City by my father. I have come to trust you implicitly and yet I feel like you violated that trust when you had me consume..." Daizen trailed off. Leinhart just sat next to him quietly. The older man saying nothing.

"Why. Why Leinhart. Tell me. Tell me what has happened and why it came to that" Daizen commanded in a raspy voice.

Leinhart obliged. He told him how the ship took on water, how sharks began to plague them, how they ran out of food, about the mutiny and his attempt to put them down. All while he was battling the hydra venom. Daizen's heart shattered. His men had all been sailors true, had been with him sailing the seas of Kalmar, preparing for the siege, hell most of them had been with him since his battles in Perleone. That they would turn on each other in such extreme measures was a lot for the young noble to take. If only he hadn't been bitten by the damn Hydra maybe he could have stopped it from happening. He could have kept his men as a cohesive unit and not have resorted to ...this.

"You have given me a lot to think about Leinhart. I suppose I can see your line of thinking though it is a lot to ...swallow." Daizen said.

He began getting lost in his own thoughts. His men were skilled fishermen, but wouldn't have been able to fish with sharks. Shark meat was often tainted with poison and not safe for consumption. Killing sharks would have only attracted more. The unreliable remains of the ferry taking on water, the stress of the situation. It was a lot of process. Too much. Daizen needed to shove this aside and move forward if they were to survive. He could come back later and dwell on the things of the past.

"Leinhart. How many men do we have left? What is our current situation" Daizen asked.

The captain began, relief in his voice "Not counting you and I, there are 6 others who remain. We have 4 remaining makeshift oars, 3 spears, and a few small blades. Our space is small enough that though you cannot see them in the darkness, they can all hear our every word. Out of respect they have remained silent. None of us are happy with what we had to do. But we're alive. While we can no longer sea what is in the waters around us, we often hear noises coming from under the waves. Occasionally we will fill something bump but we try not to think on it. We have plenty of scrap wood to maintain our small fire on top of a buckler we found. We are constantly making clean water but its slow. And we have enough ...food, for a few days. Enough ...cooked, that it will spoil before we ...consume it all.

Daizen gritted his teeth. He was weak. He needed succor. "Destiny is yours." That is what was on the note. He couldn't allow conscious get in the way of his survival. He needed to eat. He needed strength. He needed to motivate what few men he had left and work together if they were ever to see the light of day again.

"Bring me some ...food. Make sure the men have gotten enough rest. Once my strength returns, we shall once again begin to row." said Daizen. With grit and determination in his voice.

Roleplay from Tyrann Thrane

“Upon the Alter of Flames I lay my envy, my insecurities, my doubts and ambition! May my sins be cleansed in the flames of ascension so that I may better serve the will of Akesh! So that I may bring about Order and the end of chaos!”

William Armsworth

"Another message for you, Sir. Bearing the Grey Exarch's seal." ,Osmona says as she marches into my opened tent.

I point at the lamp as I take the message from her and my captain takes the hint.

"Found a dress yet?" I ask her as I open the envelope.

"Yes Sir, though when I was trying it on, my mother commented my arms were more becoming a lumberjack than a lady."

I exhale briefly through my nose, slightly amused. "Risk of the trade, I'm afraid."

I unfold the letter and begin to smile as I read it.

"Well, captain, it seems we have a reason to party tonight. I just made Marshal."

"Well done, S.. Marshal!"

"Thank you, captain. Take 9 of our best and give them bodyguard detail. Put Frank in charge of it."

"Yes Marshal."

Roleplaying Event - Akesh Temple

In a flurry of activity, Bridgha slams her staff, and with her impressive oratory and presence, whips the peasants into a righteous fury against the troopleaders.

The Viscount conducts his ritual and petitions.

And the Scholarly Seer disappears without a trace.

Ground Rumbles - East Continent

The air smells...unfamiliar.

The ground rumbles.

Region Changes Allegiance

Akesh Temple has changed its allegiance to the realm of Shadowdale. The region used to belong to Yssrgard.

Region Joins Realm

Fredrick Stormreaver Player experience level: mentor Player play preference: rp-combat has changed the allegiance of Akesh Temple to the duchy of The Shadow's Citadel, a part of your realm. The region used to be a part of Yssrgard.

Together with the lord, the following knights joined your realm: .

Bulge Blows

Having grown into a mountainous tumour, the bulge has finally reached its limits and the pressure blows, forming a lateral blast in Chaos Temple's direction. Fiery rain descends upon the Temple. One such fiery ball caves in the roof. Another incinerates the Redheaded Sibyl.

Many are able to find safety, but not always without injury. Even those outside the region suffer the occasional wound.

Howling Wind

A howling wind blows across the continent. Some claim to hear a wolf's howl in the wind, while others claim to hear a lion's roar.

Returning to Normal

The dust has lifted and the black fog cleared. Much of it has been blown away by the howling winds, though there are still pockets of black dust here and there, still lifting. Things are slowly returning to normal, though much life was lost.

Across the continent, mass migrations of people seeking to re-establish contact with family and friends, or find new, safer homes, result in shifted regional populations and wealth.

Everywhere, there have been hundreds of small disasters - people lost in the woods when the dust fell, floods, landslides, even earthquakes. Thousands of people have perished, but there have been no major catastrophes - or so it seems.

Fredrick Stormreaver

Finishing his letter and passing it off, Fredrick's scribe reads it over and smiles approval before sending it off to be copied and attached to the carrier-pigeons.

"Well done, My Lord... you didn't mention to lizards once", the scribe compliments his liege.

"Well... there are 50 nobles I don't really know here... it is 50 right? It's entirely possible one of them would pick up on my suspicions if I aired them so quickly, if they don't know about my investigations already", Fredrick shrugs. "I have plenty of time to get to know them and find out just which of them can and cannot be trusted. This lovely sounding Duchess Luna for example... did you know Luna is another name for the moon?"

"Yes, My Lord...", the scribe replies dryly and narrowly avoiding rolling his eyes, reminding himself that this man paid him a lot of money to do what he did...

"Duchess of the Moon... I like the sound of that... maybe we need to find her a housewarming gift to show our dedication. But first....", Fredrick trails off.

"Setup the lizard tracking room", the scribe and Fredrick say almost at the same time, causing the noble to grin and his servant to sigh.

"Exactly! There was a large room in the basement next to the statue of Octavian mooning everyone... but then, THEN the gift", Fredrick nods matter-of-factly before leaving his scribe to his weary work.

Geographic Rumours

Eager for rumours of Chaos Temple's fate, you learn it was entirely destroyed. Where it once stood is a Flame said to originate in the bowels of the world. An Altar has been built, whose sacrifices are consumed by the Flame from the depths.

You have heard rumours that Kalmar Bay is now Kalmar River, with many people flocking to reside in Kalmar City, upon a large merged landmass of the former islands, wedged between the former Omsk Peninsula and Perdan Mines.

There is rejoicing as glaciers cannot be seen from any vantage point found. Yet floods have overtaken the Rancaguan plains, rendering them into the Rancaguan Shallows. Somehow, Oroya has managed to survive and remain a coastal city, but such is the confusion of sliding land that liquifies beneath one's feet.

An underground river, supporting tree life, has begun flowing from Herring's Howl to the Astrum Woods. Workers in Greatbridge have grown tired of their namesake being mocked and have erected an excessively large bridge over an aboveground section of the river.

Mountains and valleys have rumbled and shifted, resulting in Partora, Aix, and Al Arab finding themselves resituated. To the north, Parm and Sir Temple suffer a similar fate.

Avamar has slid slightly downriver along a new peninsula that has risen to Fontan's northeast. This peninsula forms a bay, but bitter fighting between Avamarian and Fontanese cartographer guilds upon what to name the bay has resulted in a contentiously split bay between the Firth of Fontan and Democracy Bay. A lighthouse now helps warn sailors of the dangerous waters of Sailors' Lament, if not the dangerous toponymical subject.

Assorted Rumours

New ferry routes are establishing themselves, but also harbour captains now claim they will finally take on passengers for sailing around the continent, after promising this for years. But who would believe those old crusty bastards?

In isolated hamlets across the northeast, elves, now able to see themselves more clearly for the first time in days, feel a bit shorter, not quite seeing the tops of humans' heads the same as before the Darkness. Looking at their reflection in a mirror, observe their ears have become rounded. Attempts to speak any but the most basic elven words result in formerly-elf humans stumbling across their words, no longer able to pronounce the language intelligibly. Soon it is realized that whatever inexplicable events have occurred, elves are no more. Only human nobility remain upon the continent.

The elven legacy is memorialized by the Elvenhome Sea, where new islands have risen to accompany Skezard, which itself has been abandoned to the wildlands.

While summer does remain in effect, astromancers warn that only 21 days remain before a period of decay arrives.

Upon Marinen's shores, Daizen and his small remaining band of Water Weavers wash ashore, coughing water out of their lungs, lucky to have survived, but having lost a few more men in the last calamities.

It appears a tsunami, volcano, and numerous earthquakes are responsible for everything, but you shrug these heretic ramblings off, as it is obvious that the gods caused it, not some unexpected natural disasters.

Tax Change for Evora

Baroness Brigdha Dubhaine has changed the tax orders. The tax rate has been changed from 10 % to 13 %.

Brigdha Dubhaine

A roaring gale buffeted the mountains, dispelling the thick acrid clouds of volcanic ash and a pillar of flame erupted in the far west as the bedrock heaved like water beneath their feet, toppling ancient masonry and throwing the gathered throng into headlong panic as clouds of noisome reek issued from sulfurous fissures. Soldiers hurled aside their weapons and tore at their armour as they ran headlong for cover within the citadel walls whilst groups of civilians huddled wherever they could find shelter.

"NO LORD BUT A SHADOW LORD!!!!!!" Brigdha brought her staff down a second time and drove it deep into the rock, the black ashwood writhing and smoking in her hands as its true form struggled to reassert itself. She staggered backwards barely able to keep her grip on the slender hilt, a ruinous skirling filling her ears and whispering of things worse than death.

She must maintain her grip in this world, anchoring the sword in the stone as she channeled the raw power of the High Firmament into its elf-wrought steel. She must hold on or all would be devastation!

Sweat poured from the Balancewalker's skin like rivers of molten lava as The Dragon unleashed its rage on her etheric form, the skirling rhythms building to ever greater intensity. All about its domain the agitated facies fluttered, fragmentary shadows of those who'd fallen to its power, trapped in that inferno of hatred and self-loathing whilst its will abided. Brigdha clenched her teeth and hung on to the blade for dear life, oblivious to the chaos all about her. This task was too much! She had not the strength to withstand The Dragon alone. Was she destined to join that frightful menagerie, trapped in an eternal unlife of torment and despair?

No. It could not end like this. It would not end like this! The Wyrm must be slain!

Even as hope faltered she felt a pair of hands wrap themselves tenderly about hers, steadying the blade, and allowing herself the briefest of glances with her mortal eyes she realised that it was Anagridh, the usually sardonic expression of the Serpentis heiress replaced by one of concern.

"I haven't the strength to drive the blade home!" she screamed the words from bursting lungs.

Anagridh's lips were moving but Brigdha couldn't make out the words. The cadence though was unmistakeable, a song of power in the ancient tongue of the North before men brought death to the Vale of Sirion.

The facies grew increasingly agitated, as if the song carried some special meaning known only to them, and as some took up the refrain others recoiled in disgust until all about The Dragon was a maelstrom of psychic battle. Brigdha no longer stood alone in that terrible place. She no longer stood alone!

About her the shadows took tangible form, the restless dead of Sirion and Fontan and Oligarch and Avamar and Old Rancagua, Elf and Orc and Man and things akin but unlike all three. These were the damned who through ages innumerable had died for The Dragon's lies and were doomed to share its fate, many willingly his slaves but not all. And there in their midst stood young Tyrann, oblivious, offering his childlike pacts to a power he could not comprehend for a purpose he could not foresee.

"We Must Release Them!" Brigdha's voice was barely a whisper above the thunderous tempest.

"I'm Not Sure We Can!" Anagridh struggled as much to keep her grip on the blade in this place as Brigdha had in the mortal realm.

"The Song! Repeat The Song!"

Anagridh's lips moved again and as they did so the rhythm once more divided the facies into two opposed camps, two armies of such number as to be uncountable.

"FINALLY YOU COME TO PLAY YOUR GAMES, SLAYERS OF WORLDS, LIKE THE SILLY LITTLE CHILDREN YOU ARE. AND YOU BRING THAT PATHETIC BODKIN WITH YOU! HOW I HUNGER TO FEAST ON YOUR ETERNAL REGRET AS I HAVE THOSE OF THE SMITH WHO FORGED IT!!" the Great Wyrm's voice roiled with laughter, drowning out all other sounds as he raised himself up out of the pit, coil upon unending coil of unholy stench, running with molten brimstone. His very presence was a demand to worship, so immense was the power coruscating through his etheric flesh.

"Whilst the dragon slumbers so do I, a curse from Elven youth, but when the dragon rises in ecstasy, I’ll be that serpent’s proof!" the doggeral told to Brigdha by Meristenzio came unbidden to her lips, and as it did the blade seemed to pulse in her hands, and as it did the pulsing seemed to echo one hundred-fold, one thousand-fold, one thousand times one thousand-fold.

Luna Tempest

The New but Familiar Land

Duchess Luna was within the highest tower of Skyspire Castle surrounded by candles when the Shadow's finally abated to reveal the gentle light of a full bright moon over East Continent. The Lady of Shadowdale quickly made her way to the veranda overlooking Fontan so she could survey the landscape. Wind had cleared the remaining ash from the air leaving a crisp unobscured view of the entire city and its surroundings.

First looking inland does not reveal any glaring changes to the landscape to the young but seasoned cartographer. The peaks of Evora still stand tall and proud looking as ever with the forest dominating the foothills and plains below as they have grown for millennia. When the Grey Exarch finally turns to the sea however things are not as they have always been. To the north a land mass has appeared, a peninsula had arisen from the flank of Sirion and at it's tip a tall gleaming gem of a tower clearly evident even from such a distance for the light it emitted across the newly formed bay.

The young Luna's mind was already racing with the possibilities when a shadow appears from overhead in front of the the moon while it crossed the nights sky. Looking up revealed the great eagle that she had bonded with so long ago, Apollo the king of sky had chosen to make yet another dramatic scene for the fair dark haired lady.

"Of course you would make an appearance tonight of all nights," Luna would whisper reaching to grasp the eagle. Unfortunately Apollo would not be gracing the Duchess with another personal visit for he too had much to explore.

With a loud crash and bang at the door Luna's attention was once again drawn into the room to investigate the disturbance. Making her way to open the door revealed her retainer Lissa on the floor rubbing her head with a bunch of letters scattered all around. As Luna helped her up she calmly spoke to her always frantic servant, "Lissa you don't always need to be in such a rush. Taking a single extra moment so to center yourself is always welcome and honestly required in your case."

"Sorry your grace, there are just so many important letters for you to read." Lissa would quickly reply meekly.

Margravine Tempest would make her way to her desk as she replied, "Well bring the letters over here then so I can read what has happened to our land."

Lissa quickly collected the letters off the floor and opened them one at a time handing them to her lady. As Duchess Luna read letter after letter hew eyes grew bright with excitement for reports were pouring in from all across the land. East Continent was not as it was the day prior, new land had risen, old land had shifted and just about every change possible in between.

After reading the final letter Duchess Luna would jump up from the desk and exclaim, "Lissa, write my surveyor Riven, get me some fresh parchment and quills. I have a new map to make for the Rulers of East Continent."

Vilaine Delamoire

Quest for Honor

Sir Vilaine stood on the 2nd floor balcony of House Delamoire nestled into the avenues of Karbala. Even though a lesser house among the Shadowdalians, the balcony provided a broad view of a once crisp crest of the ocean. Where the sky lightened was no longer so simple, as when the storms settled and the shadows lifted, this morning would mark the first of when this horizon changed forever.

The Knight of Karbala drank from a plain iron goblet, which contained only tepid water. His mismatched grey and green eyes were upon this new horizon when he raised his left hand to summon his captain.

"Semund," he paused, awaiting the tall captain's shadow fill his peripheral. "is the Delamoire Guard ready to move?"

The Captain was a few years younger than Vilaine, with short brown hair and a booming voice. "They are ready."

Vilaine set his goblet down on the stone counter next to the balcony chair, next to a scroll bearing the seal of the Grey Exarch.

"We have not been commanded otherwise, and what I mean to do is under no direct orders." Sir Vilaine said, looking over to Captain Semund, "We could find either glory, or punishment."

"The Delamoire Guard will do as you command, Sir Vilaine." Captain Semund said confidently.

The Knight of Karbala, Sir Vilaine of House Delmore, rose from his chair and grabbed the great sword that rested against the balcony railing.

"Then we move out at dawn, wake the men." Vilaine commanded to which even the stoic Captain Semund's eyes widened briefly.

"And to where are we moving, Sir Vilaine?" Semund inquired.

Vilaine looked back east over the horizon, where his prized view from the House Delamoire was now obscured by a new land mass, and he pointed to it.

"There, Captain Semund, we go there."

3rd September

Summer Day - Akesh Temple

No Battle in Akesh Temple

Battle preparations were made in Akesh Temple, but no battle took place because the following units successfully evaded combat:

• Ereptial Dysfunction

Family Investment

Lindow Moonsun, Shadow King of Shadowdale, Royal of Shadowdale, Duke of Shadow's Bluff, Margrave of Karbala has initiated an investment of 350 gold in the region of Karbala. Production soars to 168 %.

Brigdha Dubhaine

"Name your regret, Children of the Vale," Brigdha's voice was a hoarse whisper through gritted teeth, her eyes hooded and downcast before the Serpent's fury, "Name your regret and fulfil your broken oath."

"COIMBRA!!!" the yearning plea reverberated with betrayal. With anguish. With a weary futility beyond enduring. A snare across the ages for all who uttered it.

"Coimbra..." Anagridh wove the word through her song, a recuring drumbeat of despair, "Coimbra... Coimbra... Coimbra... Coimbra the Forsaken... Coimbra the Betrayed..."

"C O I M B R A!!!!!" The Dragon roared in delight, savouring every syllable, "C O I M B R A!!!!!"

"Coimbra," Brigdha felt the blade stir, as if struggling to grasp a long forgotten memory. A glade. An anvil. Burning steel quenched in a forest pool. Darton...

"You know us Wyrm" Brigdha's lips moved but the voice was not her voice, and yet somehow it was, "We are the Balancetravellers, the Walkers of Worlds, the servants of The Hand."

"YOU ARE NOTHING," The Dragon snarled its contempt, "SHADES OF FAILED FUTURES PAST. INSIGNIFICANT AND FORGOTTEN. THIS WORLD IS MY WORLD. ALL WORLDS ARE MY WORLDS!"

"Sometimes it is hard to distinguish between fallen and sacrifice," Brigdha raised her eyes, the blazing scales no longer blinding her, as The Lilith Within flooded her with unimaginable conviction.

"TYRANN. SAY THE WORDS! PAY THE PRICE! OPEN THE GATE THAT I MAY CLAIM MY THRONE!"

"Tyrann cannot hear you Wyrm. You have been weighed in The Balance. You have been measured with the rod which cannot lie. Your doom has been written. Your book has been sealed." The words had a finality which quelled the furious tumult amongst the facies, and from that great and mighty throng emerged a tragic figure clad in raiment of sorrow, the Queen in whose image Elfhame grew.

"Elune!!!" Anagridh gasped, "Elune!!! Mother of my people!!!"

"SEE! SHE IS MINE! MY ONE TRUE BRIDE! AND I HER ONE TRUE HUSBAND!"

"May the Earth mend and may My love help guide the people of the Earth for I cannot," the Mother of the Elves spoke in a hollow monotone, caught forever in her final moments.

"Keep the balance and may you all live in peacefulness," the voice spoke its condemnation and as it did so the blade writhed from Brigdha's grasp to hover guardlike between the two mortal women and the shade of Elune.

The Sword point turned. First to The Dragon. Then to Elune. Then once more to The Dragon.

"NO BLADE CAN PIERCE MY ARMOUR," The Dragon drew itself upwards, its belly an immense wall of adamantine flame, "NO BLADE CAN HUMBLE MY PRIDE!"

"That which was made will be unmade. That which was lost will be reclaimed."

All about them the etheric hummed and buckled as a piercing shriek erupted from The Dragon. The Sword had buried itself deep within Elune's breast, severing the cord which bound her essence to his will, and for the briefest moment love returned to those dead eyes before her soul fled that dreadful place to the loving embrace of her true husband.

The Wyrm thrashed and howled, shrivelling as the stolen power of a Goddess was ripped from its. Sensing its weakness the facies fumed and boiled, whipping hither and thither at their tormentor.

"Take The Sword Anagridh! Hurry! Time Is Of The Essence!" Brigdha extended her arms and uttered words of binding, chains of dread and despair wrapping themselves around the ancient wyrm.

The Princess gripped the hilt in both hands, and with all her strength drove it deep into The Dragon's exposed belly. Balefire erupted from The Abyss as it thrashed in agony, the host of its victims rending at its corrupting flesh until nothing remained.

"T H E C U R S E O F C O I M B R A I S L I F T E D ! T H E D O O M O F T H E E L V E S F U L F I L L E D !"

Brigdha collapsed to her knees on the flagstones of the Temple. Anagridh lay beside her, barely breathing, the same and yet not the same. Of The Sword there was no trace.

Tyrann Thrane

As Anagridh plunged the blade into the belly of Akesh Tyrann screamed in pain. His body began to twist as he clutched his stomach and from his core billowed a thick black smoke.

He hit the ground as if pulled and continued to convulse until the Mighty Akesh was no more. The young Viscount lay there motionless and seemingly void of life...

Vilaine Delamoire

His home city of Karbala retreated behind Sir Vilaine as he led a small unit of armored men known as the Delamoire Guard southward. He couldn't help but continue glancing eastward toward the coast, monitoring for the narrowest point of the channel between him and the new land mass.

So fixated on this Sir Vilaine did not notice the runner trailing them from the city until Captain Semund hailed the runner, snapping the Knight out of his thoughts.

"Who approaches?!" Captain Semund demanded

"I am a messenger from Karbala, I bring word to Sir Vilaine of House Delamoire." the messenger responded, slightly winded from his pace to catch up with the Knight and his men.

Vilaine turned and approached, Captain Semund nodding to the messenger and holding his hand forward to receive the message.

"Get the man a fresh water skin and some salted meat." Sir Vilaine ordered a nearby Guard as Semund opened the scroll case and looked over the documents therein.

"Looks like the War Table approves of our mission, Sir Vilaine." the Captain said as he rolled the scrolls back up.

"Not only has the Grey Exarch given you her blessing, you've been named the Vice Marshall of the Shadow Legion." Semund's chest seemed to inflate as he told the news.

Sir Vilaine's hardened features did not waver as he reached out and took the scrolls, looking them over himself and nodding.

"Rest," he addressed the messenger, "I will have a return message to send back momentarily."

As the messenger turned, being escorted to the side by one of the Guard, Vilaine turned back to Captain Semund.

"Have a response written and returned. Notify the War Table that I am honored by their decision, and my resolve to discover this new land strengthened by their support.

Notify them also that I request two units of archers with capable scouts, and another unit of infantry trained in the shield for good defense. If approved, I want these units to rally on me across the channel, at the base of the Lighthouse."

As Vilaine finished his orders, Captain Semund saluted and hurried off to the horse cart to fetch ink and quill.

Daizen Tideweaver

Whoopsie-Daizen

Large, ominous birds circled above the ferry. Or was that their imagination? One was never certain anymore.

What was certain was that some Weavers had overstuffed themselves upon human flesh when they were starving. They now felt sick and were puking over the side of the raft, amidst the dark. Or on the raft when thrashing was heard in the water. The sailors felt seasick in a way they never had before.

Daizen, having consumed food with more temperance, did not suffer so.

---

The sound of thrashing is different this time. A sailor attempts to investigate, but slips on the vomit, sliding into the ocean, never to be seen again.

But soon the thrashing is obvious as the ferry crashes upon rocks. Breaking apart, everyone is forced to swim for survival. Yet the chaos of tossing wave, knocks Daizen and his captain unconscious...

Upon Marinen's shores, Daizen and his small remaining band of Water Weavers wash ashore, coughing water out of their lungs, lucky to have survived, but having lost a few more men in the last calamities.

Summer Evening - Akesh Temple

Daizen Tideweaver

The Erupting Tides VII

With new vigor Daizen's remaining men paddled. With their lords reawakening and the desperate act they had all done to stay alive there was a certain level of solidarity between the remaining 8 men on what little remained of the ferry. At this point, the men were drifting along the oceans on a glorified piece of driftwood.

Then his men started getting sick. Naturally, Daizen picked up a makeshift paddle and and did what he could. Despite the protests of his injured shoulder. The waters began to get rough. Daizen swore he saw shadows of something large flying over him but the darkness made it neigh impossible to see. Splashing could be heard and he lost another man trying to see what it was. The waters continued to thrash and buckle. When suddenly the ferry smashed into some rocks throwing Daizen and all of his men into the raging, turbulent sea.

Daizen struggled against the thrashing tides. He was an excellent swimmer but between his injured shoulder and his lack of proper nutrition, he was far from being able to utilize his full capabilities. Daizen struggled as much as he could before he finally succumbed to the chaotic waves and was left at their mercy.

---

Daizen awoke some time later being roughly shaken by his captain, Leinhart.

"Lord Daizen! Lord Daizen! Wake my lord something wonderful has happened!" shouted the captain in a raspy voice.

Daizen began coughing violently. The sea water clearing from his lungs and he breathed deeply. As he cracked his eyes the first thing he noticed was light. LIGHT! Glorious sunshine had returned to the land. He bolted upright once again feeling the pang of pain shoot through his right arm. He immediately felt a bit woozy but shook his head to shake the feeling. He found himself on the beach of a port city. A city he had never known of before. Looking around, he could only see himself, his captain, and only three other men.

"Come Leinhart, lets get them up. Lets get into the city and get some proper food and rest" said Daizen.

The captain obliged and the battered men walked towards the city...

---

After a day had passed Daizen had learned much. He was able to send riders out to reconnect with the rest of the Perdan. Within hours he was bombarded with the news of all that had taken place while he was castaway as couriers learned of the returned Knights new location. After addressing the most immediate matters cartographers were sent out to map the new lands. Daizen learned this new undiscovered city was called Marinen. And no noble from the East Continent had ever stepped foot in it before. He was the first. They were bound to no liege and no realm. Just a city of peasants managed by a small city council picked from the more influential merchants. Daizen requested an audience with the council.

Daizen stood before the smattering of merchants and smiled.

"Greetings merchant lords of Marinen. I am Daizen Tideweaver. While we do not know each other yet. We shall soon be very familiar."

He paused for emphasis before declaring in a commanding voice:

"I formally claim this city, and the entire delta behind what is now being called the Kalmar river, in the name of Alexandria!"

There was a burst of noise as chaos erupted. Some of the assembled council looked thoughtful, others outraged. Daizen just smiled. He had survived far worse than what these upset petty merchant lords could muster. From his original 36 men under his command, only 4 and himself had survived the ordeal. The eruption. The hyrda. The mutiny. The necessary cannibalism. The unforgiving sea. They had paid a hefty price. But they had survived. Now gripping his prized hydra fang ...Destiny is his.

4th September

Summer Day - Akesh Temple

Tyrann Thrane

Tyrann awoke coughing, his face covered with a plaster of dirt and blood. As he struggled lifting himself caught a glimpse of Brigdha, also prone and motionless.

The young Viscount felt a difference within, though he knew not exactly how to comprehend it. He last remembers delving into the caverns of Evora and the phrase “The Alter of Flames”.

He limped towards Brigdha and faltered as he knelt beside her. Raising her head carefully he tried to wake her...

Summer Evening - Akesh Temple

Huge Battle Fought

Rumours spread and tales are sung about a huge battle in Montijo:

Shadowdale vs. Eponllyn, Sirion

Estimated strengths: 880 men vs. 330 men

The Shadow Legion (Shadowdale), sponsored by Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, were led into battle by Marshal William Armsworth.

Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted wielding the Glowing Sabre of Little Ogre.

Margrave Foxen Carmine is spotted reading from the Book of Time.

Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted reading from the Ancient Book of War.

Margrave Foxen Carmine is spotted wearing the Lich King's Chain Mail of Sorcha.

Knight Jaques Talos is spotted wielding the Adorned Shield of the Queens.

Attacker Victory!

Takeover Initiated

Knight Gustav Mistmight has initiated a takeover in Montijo. The region currently belongs to (rogue).

Viscount Abdicates

Tyrann Thrane has abdicated from his lordship in Oporto. He has given the following reason:

I admit to both crimes as stated within the Zeroth Laws section 4.1: Creation, spread and practice of any religion is allowed so long as its tenets are not intrinsically harmful to the interests of the realm, such as one that rejects the figure of the Shadow King or the declaration of wars, or one so aggressive that could harm our foreign relations, requiring the declaration of war to every realm, human sacrifices, and so on. As well as Military Law section 2.3: During war time, every noble part of the Shadow Legion must follow the instructions of the chain of command, with the Grey Exarch at the top, then the Marshal, the Vice-Marshal and finally any temporary captain assigned a specific task by a superior.

I submit myself to you judgement, and that our Tormentor, for the transgressions I have made against your sovereignty and the honor of our nobility. I, therefore, do hereby formally relinquish my title as Viscount of Oporto and too shall vacate my estate until granted permission. I ask not for mercy for I, as all of Shadowdale, must abide by the codes dictated in the Zeroth Laws.

5th September

Summer Day - Evora

Battle in Montijo

Sirion vs. Shadowdale

Estimated strengths: 160 men vs. 630 men

The Shadow Legion (Shadowdale), sponsored by Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, were led into battle by Marshal William Armsworth.

Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted wielding the Glowing Sabre of Little Ogre.

Duchess Lady Luna Tempest is spotted wearing the Bizarre Ring of Defeat.

Margrave Foxen Carmine is spotted reading from the Book of Time.

Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted reading from the Ancient Book of War.

Duchess Lady Luna Tempest is spotted wearing the Bloody Plate Mail of Avamar.

Defender Victory!

New Ruler Elected

The realm of Nivemus has elected James Elynbrigge Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp-combat as its new Kronogos.

Taxes Received

As the Baroness of Evora, you earn 264 gold. Since you're within your realm borders, you receive your taxes in gold.

William Armsworth

War journal, day 45, morning.

Our quick advance seems to have caught Sirion by surprise.

This evening's battle will decide whether we can continue reclaiming our region.

My healers ensured me the arrow wound I took won't bother me too much in the heat of battle. I ensured them it hurts like hell now!

Vilaine Delamoire

The Delamoire Guard held back in a copse of trees as the eight lumbering gnolls wandered the region. Sir Vilaine laid upon his stomach with the mismatched grey and green eyes peering through the underbrush of a young maple into a valley of long grass. The morning dew clung to the grass making beads of water drip from leaf and timber onto the ground below and causing the soldier's armor to chafe.

Looking from the dog faced creatures nearly eight feet tall with hunched backs and long arms, to the hillside opposite, Vilaine spotted the other half of his troop laying in wait.

"Just a little bit further." Sir Vilaine whispered to Captain Semund at his side, Vilaine's great sword unsheathed and laying in the grass to his side.

The monstrous humanoids walked further into the trap, "Grull felk dun dorum" the one in the lead muttered to a Gnoll at his side.

"Lorin don grugh muk." replied the other.

Sir Vilaine held his right hand up as the left closed upon the cross guard of his great sword. His hand hung there open palmed for what seemed forever but was only twenty seconds before closing into a fist.

As his hand closed he leapt up from the brush and scooped the great sword up from the grass, grabbing the long hilt in both hands and bursting through the tree line opposite him as the others followed suit.

The Gnolls panicked, some grabbing club and others simply having enough time to shout in alarm as the Delamoire Guard descended upon them in an ambush.

Vilaine caught the closest across the chest with a powerful slash from the great sword, the brown fur giving way to crimson from hip to shoulder as the beast spiraled into the dirt. To Vilaine's right, Captain Semund slammed into another with his kite shield, knocking the creature into the dirt to be finished off with an overhand chop with the long sword he bore.

Across the valley, things did not go as smoothly. The gnoll near the rear of the pack had more time to prepare given the distance of the ambush and their location. One, wielding a large bow with cruel arrows, began to draw and fire into the Guard with deadly precision. Three out of the five Guard fell to the cruel black barbed arrows before they had time to reach the archer to silence his rain of terror.

Semund and Vilaine split then to attend the battle which endured separate needs. Vilaine took to the rear of the caravan where the archer had laid waste to the ambush while Semund joined the front to reduce the casualties with his steadfast defense, summoning the men to rally at his side.

The Knight of Delamoire didn't have time to tarry as a vicious slash came from a gnolish axe with a tall haft and gruesome blade. Vilaine let the strength go out of his knees and pitched his weight backward, the axe blade splitting the wind just above his face as his back hit the ground. As he slid across the grass on his back he reached out with his left hand and jerked the gnoll's foot out from under him. Letting go of his great sword he crawled over top the downed Gnoll before he could regain his footing and punched the dog like snout with an armored fist.

The bone split with the pressure of the hit and caused the gnoll's head to snap back, dazed from the impact. Straddling the chest of the beast Sir Vilaine hit the creature hard three to four more times hard in the face before he was positive it wouldn't wake again before rolling off the body and groping through the grass for his sword.

As he stood back up, great sword in hand and his mismatched eyes alight with adrenaline, he saw that the battle was ended.

The Delamoire Guard were victorious.

"Make sure they're all dead," Vilaine said between labored breaths, pointing to the fallen bodies of the Gnoll, "salvage what we can, we wont be seeing a smithy any time soon."

Sir Vilaine stabbed the end of his great sword into the dirt and leaned upon it as Captain Semund approached.

"Have our scouts returned?" Vilaine asked, to which Semund replied.

"Clear, there is no imminent threat, this was the last of them." Semund reported, pointing to the fallen monstrosities.

"Good, and the Prime Minster of Sirion?" Vilaine implored, regaining his breath.

"As far as we know he did not hear the skirmish, there's been no reports of them moving aggressively or otherwise." the Captain responded.

"Understood, keep an eye on them just in case. Tell the others to rally back over top the hill once they've finished up here. I'll need to inform the War Table." responded Vilaine.

William Armsworth

War journal, day 45, afternoon.

The situation is bleak. The enemies currently in the field would already have been a challenge but their reinforcements outweigh ours by a considerable margin.

I ordered a retreat the moment I saw our flank was threatened but our King saw fit to rescind my order. Apparently I am having a bad day.

There is good news too. I was gifted a famous plate mail by Exarch Tempest. It is about to be stress tested.

William Armsworth

War journal, day 45, afternoon.

The situation is bleak. The enemies currently in the field would already have been a challenge but their reinforcements outweigh ours by a considerable margin.

I ordered a retreat the moment I saw our flank was threatened but our King saw fit to rescind my order. Apparently I am having a bad day.

There is good news too. I was gifted a famous plate mail by Exarch Tempest. It is about to be stress tested.

Summer Evening - Evora

Huge Battle Fought

Rumours spread and tales are sung about a huge battle in Montijo:

Eponllyn, Sirion vs. Shadowdale

Estimated strengths: 1030 men vs. 770 men

The Army of Sirion (Sirion), sponsored by Duchess Lyanna Arylon, were led into battle by Vice-Marshal Elric Altenahr.

The Shadow Legion (Shadowdale), sponsored by Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, were led into battle by Marshal William Armsworth.

Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted wielding the Glowing Sabre of Little Ogre.

Duchess Lady Luna Tempest is spotted wearing the Bizarre Ring of Defeat.

Margrave Foxen Carmine is spotted reading from the Book of Time.

Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted reading from the Ancient Book of War.

Margrave Foxen Carmine is spotted wearing the Lich King's Chain Mail of Sorcha.

Attacker Victory!

Takeover Stopped

The takeover attempt in Montijo has been stopped.

Region Exchange

The realm of Perdan has given the region Troyes away to Eponllyn.

6th September

Summer Day - Viseu

Knight temporarily absent

Jafaria Wolfvern, Dame of Fontan has been captured in a skirmish with Sirion forces.

New Ruler Elected

The realm of Sirion has elected Monterys Velaryon Player experience level: experienced Player play preference: rp-combat as its new Prime Minister.

A New Lord

Duke Lindow Moonsun of Shadow's Bluff Duchy has appointed William Armsworth to the vacant lordship position in Oporto.

Summer Evening

Huge Battle Fought

Rumours spread and tales are sung about a huge battle in Al Amarah:

Eponllyn, Sirion vs. Shadowdale

Estimated strengths: 1250 men vs. 380 men

The Army of Sirion (Sirion), sponsored by Duchess Lyanna Arylon, were led into battle by Vice-Marshal Elric Altenahr.

The Phoenix Hussars (Eponllyn), sponsored by Arbiter Godric Tórrarin ka Habb, were led into battle by Marshal Greatjon Mormont.

The Shadow Legion (Shadowdale), sponsored by Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, were led into battle by Marshal William Armsworth.

Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted wielding the Glowing Sabre of Little Ogre.

Duchess Lady Luna Tempest is spotted wearing the Bizarre Ring of Defeat.

Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted reading from the Ancient Book of War.

Duchess Lyanna Arylon is spotted wielding the Enchanted Shield of Protection.

Viscount William Armsworth is spotted wearing the Bloody Plate Mail of Avamar.

Zodarion Farquaad Brickenden, Noble of Shadowdale was seriously wounded by Lyanna Arylon's unit.

Attacker Victory!

Takeover in Al Amarah

Prime Minister Monterys Velaryon of Sirion has initiated a takeover of your region Al Amarah.

William Armsworth

War journal, day 46, evening.

Hannibal ad portās!

Jokes aside, this was probably the worst beating Sirion will be able to dish out this campaign.

They ventured too close. We will keep striking them until we chase them back like they chased us.

Enemy Activities

Fortifications in Al Amarah are being damaged by enemy troops.

Fortifications in Al Amarah are being damaged by enemy troops.

Fortifications in Al Amarah are being damaged by enemy troops.

Fredrick Stormreaver

Returning to his chambers after yet another day of holding court in Akesh, Fredrick sets his over-sided wig and gavel down on the table and pours himself a couple fingers of brandy while he settles in to read any correspondence he'd missed over the day. Shuffling through the pages, he makes a couple notes until he finds a red sheet followed by a green sheet from different people with contradicting instructions on them. Letting out a sigh, Fredrick takes a large swallow from his cup, draining it, before pouring himself another couple fingers and calling out for his captain.

A few moments after his shout, Captain Bianca enters the room, rubbing some blood off her hands onto an apron that had obviously been seeing a lot of use recently from all the fresh red stains. The sight of her has Fredrick raising an eyebrow but not inquiring just yet, though his gaze was evident and Bianca fills him in without needing to be asked.

"The Keep's staff have been properly screened, My Lord, no lizards found", she relays with a small amount of disappointment that was mirrored in her liege's eyes.

"Even the one that constantly pronounced all 's' sounds in an exaggerated fashion?", he asks with some skepticism, though he did not doubt how thorough she'd been, especially given the sight of her attire.

"Even that one, surprisingly....", she shrugs. "Just finished with him, he's getting cleaned up... was there something else I can do for you?

"Make sure they're all well compensated for their loyalty, it will remind them that service here is serious but fair... the other thing...", Fredrick begins and takes another large pull from his second cup and shakes his head before pushing both letters towards Bianca for her to have look over them, he'd been teaching her to read so this should be rather interesting. "What do you make of this? If I'm honest it's what I expected to happen, though the other letter is what I hoped would happen..."

Bianca reads the both, a couple times and moves to settle in a chair beside her liege, pouring herself a glass as well before answering his question.

"I think this is well over my head", she answers honestly with a bit of a shrug.

"Wise girl... well over mine right now it appears as well... Is Lord Ambrose still in the citadel? Last reports he wasn't very far away, maybe he'd like to come for a drink... from what I've gathered simply being here would indicate earning such a title, it is my ancestral home after all", he adds and they share a smirk which slides into a grin and the captain finishes her drink and rises to have the invitation sent out.

Dana Blackstone

Dana was continuing her journey to Karbbala when a messenger arrived with a letter, which she would open immediately, which would outline a smile on her face, along with a strangled laugh which would attract the attention of her captain, Sebastian.

-Something funny happen my lady?

-More or less, I do not know what is more pathetic, the fact that he needed to send this letter, or the torture that must have been to explain to his scribe that he is not laughing, if not that he wants him to write a laugh, just that.

7th September

Summer Day

Lord temporarily absent

Mordred Pendragon, Noble of Shadowdale has been captured in a skirmish with Sirion forces.

Enemy Activities

Fortifications in Al Amarah are being damaged by enemy troops.

Fortifications in Al Amarah are being damaged by enemy troops.

Fortifications in Al Amarah are being damaged by enemy troops.

Fortifications in Al Amarah are being damaged by enemy troops.

William Armsworth

War journal, day 47, morning.

We buried Frank today. He was the last of my original companions. He will be missed.

I hope the army takes its time replenishing cause I have some urgent business to attend to in Oporto.

Cohesion is at an all time low, I am still wounded and now exhausted. Things can only go up from here, surely.

Summer Evening

Knight temporarily absent

Aldrich Aetheri, Knight of Braga has been captured by Eponllyn forces during the battle in Greatbridge.

Battle in Greatbridge

Eponllyn vs. Shadowdale

Estimated strengths: 80 men vs. 10 men

Knight Gremis Pileran is spotted wielding the Shouting Club of Battle.

Aldrich Aetheri, Knight of Braga was captured by Gremis Pileran's unit.

Attacker Victory!

Fredrick Stormreaver

"Stole it?", Fredrick repeats the words back to his captain after she read the letter from the Tormentor, his voice full of mock disdain and hurt.

"That is what he said", Captain Bianca states with some confidence after re-reading the letter a third time just to be sure.

"I regained my family home", Fredrick protests with the same tone and a grin on his face, the words causing his soldiers preparing to move out to burst into some laughter.

Pondering a moment, his grin expands further.

"That gives me an idea for a new unit name lads and lasses! We're being rebranded once we reach the capital in the Tormentors honour"

Enemy Activities

Fortifications in Al Amarah are being damaged by enemy troops.

Fortifications in Al Amarah are being damaged by enemy troops.

Fortifications in Al Amarah are being damaged by enemy troops.

Noble has left the Realm

Gudhlek Kuriga has taken an estate in Tokat, which is part of Caligus, and has thus left your realm and joined Caligus.

8th September

Summer Day

Enemy Activities

Fortifications in Al Amarah are being damaged by enemy troops.

Fortifications in Al Amarah are being damaged by enemy troops.

Fortifications in Al Amarah are being damaged by enemy troops.

Fortifications in Al Amarah are being damaged by enemy troops.

Fortifications in Al Amarah are being damaged by enemy troops.

Summer Evening - Pedrera Lighthouse

Enemy Activities

The fortifications in Al Amarah have been partly destroyed by enemy troops! The forfications are now down to Palisade (1).

Fortifications in Al Amarah are being damaged by enemy troops.

Fortifications in Al Amarah are being damaged by enemy troops.

Fortifications in Al Amarah are being damaged by enemy troops.

Fortifications in Al Amarah are being damaged by enemy troops.

Important Event for The Shadows

A new member has signed up at the temple in Negev.

Knight Fegeno sverti is now a Unbalanced of "The Shadows".

A new member has signed up at the temple in Karbala.

Knight Andurin Aadin is now a Unbalanced of "The Shadows".

25th member has joined the order.

William Armsworth

War journal, day 48, evening.

I arrived in Oporto, saw the state it was in and dispensed swift justice.

Don't these bloody cretins know what it takes to keep them safe?

Respect is due and I will take no half measures to ensure it is understood!

9th September

Summer Day

Battle in Montijo

Eponllyn, Sirion vs. Shadowdale

Estimated strengths: 170 men vs. 20 men

Knight Gremis Pileran is spotted wielding the Shouting Club of Battle.

Attacker Victory!

Knight temporarily absent

Kled Vise, Noble of Shadowdale has been captured in a skirmish with Sirion forces.

William Armsworth

Excerpt from court at Oporto:

"Next."

"A Sirion sympathizer, my Lord."

"Very well, have you anything to say for yourself?"

"incomprehensible mumbling"

"Speak up, lad!"

"Proud of it, you bastard!"

"Right, off with his head. Next."

Region Exchange

The realm of Nivemus has given the region Kalmar away to Perdan.

Enemy Goals Updated

Godric Tórrarin ka Habb, Arbiter of Eponllyn, Royal of Eponllyn, Duke of Redhaven, Margrave of Oligarch has updated his realm's reason and goals in their war against us. The new reason and goals are as follows:

Calvin Carson

Calvin sits with other Nobleman while watching the proceedings.

"Ah what a shame, perhaps instead of killing him we should simply give him extreme labor until he dies? Better for him to die on his own 2 feet than to waste a man and possibly turn him into a martyr. Breaking the spirit of the people ensures their obedience. Other Nobleman would you not agree?"

Some murmuring in agreement however it is ultimately up to Viscount William.

"Though I do apologize I did not intend on stepping out of line. It was merely a thought."

Important Event for The Shadows

A new member has signed up at the temple in Oporto.

Knight Tyrann Thrane is now a Unbalanced of "The Shadows".

William Armsworth

The prosecutor, closer to the bench from which Sir Calvin and a few others are watching the proceedings, leans over and whispers something in Lord Armsworth's ear.

William looks over to the bench: "Good idea, Sir Calvin."

"All beheadings of people below the age of 30 are converted to death by labour."

"You will be in charge of the execution, Sir Calvin."

Tournament Announced

Jimminy Pantucket, General Supreme of Caligus, Duke of Dawnguard, Margrave of Hamadan, Marshal of the Lion's Guard has announced a Tournament of Swordfighting to be held in Hamadan 5 days from now. The winner will be rewarded with 400 gold in addition to the honour and prestige that his victory will earn him. There will also be a reward of 150 gold for the runner-up. All nobles of the continent are welcome on the tournament grounds on the day of this event. Make sure you announce your participation in time.

Summer Evening

Enemy Activities

Fortifications in Al Amarah are being damaged by enemy troops.

Fortifications in Al Amarah are being damaged by enemy troops.

Fortifications in Al Amarah are being damaged by enemy troops.

Fortifications in Al Amarah are being damaged by enemy troops.

The fortifications in Al Amarah have been torn down by enemy troops!

Calvin Carson

With a cocky smirk he stands up and bows to his Viscount.

"Thank you my Lord, it shall be carried out."

He then walks over to his Captain ordering him to take the accused to the damaged infrastructured area.

Finally Calvin returns to his seat as the courts resumed.

Inner thoughts: *I honestly was not expecting him to approve of the proposal, I really like this lord, he certainly knows what he is doing.*

Important Event for The Shadows

A new member has signed up at the temple in Karbala.

Noble Maximiliam O. Waterstone is now a Unbalanced of "The Shadows".

10th September

Summer Day

Huge Battle Fought

Rumours spread and tales are sung about a huge battle in Al Amarah

Shadowdale vs. Eponllyn, Sirion

Estimated strengths: 1170 men vs. 1330 men

The Caran Amlug (Sirion), sponsored by Duchess Lyanna Arylon, were led into battle by Marshal Brian M. Cameron.

The Phoenix Hussars (Eponllyn), sponsored by Arbiter Godric Tórrarin ka Habb, were led into battle by Marshal Greatjon Mormont.

The Shadow Legion (Shadowdale), sponsored by Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, were led into battle by Marshal William Armsworth.

Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted wielding the Glowing Sabre of Little Ogre.

Margrave Foxen Carmine is spotted reading from the Book of Time.

Duchess Lady Luna Tempest is spotted wearing the Bizarre Ring of Defeat.

Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted reading from the Ancient Book of War.

Duchess Lyanna Arylon is spotted wielding the Enchanted Shield of Protection.

Defender Victory!

Huge Battle Fought

Rumours spread and tales are sung about a huge battle in Abadan

Perleone vs. (rogue)

Estimated strengths: 850 men vs. 740 men

The Blazing Swords (Perleone), sponsored by King Gaheris Camlann, were led into battle by Marshal Faridithous von Hammersmark.

King Gaheris Camlann is spotted reading from the Mysterious Essay of the End Times.

King Gaheris Camlann is spotted wearing the Bathrobe of Perleone.

Attacker Victory!

William Armsworth

War journal, day 50, morning.

Despite the low cohesion, the men performed admirably:

We managed to break through their infantry line and gave their archers a taste of what is to come.

My armour is performing likewise. I could plant a small forest with the arrows that bounced off it. I don't even have a scratch!

Region Changes Allegiance

Al Aquabah has changed its allegiance to the realm of Perdan. The region used to belong to Perleone.

Important Event for The Shadows

A new member has signed up at the temple in Al Amarah.

Knight Gustav Mistmight is now a Unbalanced of "The Shadows".

Knight temporarily absent

Dastan Rueda, Knight of Krimml has been captured in a skirmish with Sirion forces.

Important Event for Square of Fate

Aspirant Gudhlek has left the guild "Square of Fate".

Fredrick Stormreaver

Taking a break from sparring with a few of his soldiers, Fredrick plops in an exaggerated fashion onto the stool beside his captain at a table she'd been working diligently at for the past couple of hours. Picking up his mug of ale, he stares at her over the top, asking a question with his eyes that was somehow less endearing that she knew it was meant to be.

"Yes, the coin came in", she answers his questioning eyes with a dry tone and a slight shake of her head before tapping a letter on the table. "As well as a letter from the Shadow King"

Finishing the mug, Fredrick sets it down on the table, on a stack of papers Bianca had been organizing. She twitches a little but gently picks it up and moves it while she asks whether or not he'd like to read the letter.

"No... you can give me the highlights. Good reading practice", Fredrick insists with a smirk, actually being too lazy to read it in its entirety at the present and she knew it.

"Apparently you don't have a good reputation around here and should be careful what you write...", Bianca reads the first line and glances up to see Fredrick squint, then smile and then laugh.

"A good reputation? That's alright, good or bad so long as they've heard of me that's what matters. No such thing as bad publicity my uncle used to say... What DID I write that he didn't like?", Fredrick asks with a little less amusement and more curiosity until his eyes light up.

"Which letter did you send? The first draft or the second one I asked you to write after we found out we didn't need to buy liquor and whores?", he asks with a raised eyebrow.

"First, you didn't ask me to write a second draft. You said 'Bianca, send that letter I wrote to the realm so we can get some coin for more soldiers' after you found out you got liquor and whores for free because they all want to 'meet the Viking'...", Biance adds the last in air quotes and with a disgusted look on her face to match the eyes rolling into the back of her head.

"Sooooo... you sent the original? That's alright, we'll just say mistakes were made on both sides and not worry about it. Though we did learn that the Shadow King doesn't like liquor or whores... sad. What's next?", Fredrick asks in a return to optimism.

Bianca considers contesting that she'd made any kind of mistake but decides it wasn't worth it, he'd simply attempt to flirt with her some more and she'd want to punch him in his stupid face more than she did already, nobody would win there....

"Well, apparently he doesn't like your estates either, something about people not getting enough gold and walking across the whole realm to get to the fighting", she relays the last bit and glances up, confident she didn't want to know what he had to say about that.

Fredrick, much to Bianca's surprise, simply shrugs.

"That's fine, if he wants to fund them all himself he's more than welcome to. We'll just enlarge our only Knights estate and hope he doesn't leave", Fredrick states with a lack of interest returning. "Do write a nice reply from me to thank him, also be sure to let him know about your mistake with the last letter, don't want people getting the wrong impression about me"

With those final words, Fredrick pats Bianca on the shoulder and rises with his mug for a refill, calling out for one of the 'free' lasses that wanted to 'meet the Viking'. Bianca stares daggers into his back and straightens up her work area to begin writing back to the King some of what Fredrick had said...

Vilaine Delamoire

"You've had worse." Jenna said flatly to the Vice Marshall.

The healer's words were unsympathetic, but her fingers sewed the hole in his shoulder that had been hit by a Sirion archer.

"If it would've went just a little further down you could've bled right out on the battlefield." she finished, pulling out a bandage and pulling Vilaine's bare right shoulder upright.

Sir Vilaine stared forward from near the barracks front door, bare from the waist up. His dirty blonde hair was only slightly disheveled as the one green and one grey eye stared forward. He had broad muscled shoulders, a strong chest, and a tight core, to which its exterior adorned multiple scars of battles past. The most prominent being the the continuation of the three claw marks from the right ear, to jawbone, and more prominent across his left pectoral.

Jenna lifted his right arm, wrapping the bandage under and around to cover the new addition to the mural.

"Semund," Vilaine ordered, to which the tall warrior stepped foward, "Make sure the new recruits are in formation by dawn."

"Of Course." Semund responded, saluting and exiting the barracks.

"You can't be joining the next battle?" Jenna inquired sternly.

"I will fight them. Every day. Every night." Vilaine answered, standing abruptly, his bandage hanging over his shoulder as he reached out and grabbed the great sword.

"Bring my armor." Vilaine commanded as Jenna hurriedly worked to finish the bandage.

Jafaria Wolfvern

Waking down to the Med Bay Elisa and I hear a familiar voice.

"Is that the Vice-Marshal I hear?" Questioningly ask Elisa. I believe it is as a smirks grin slow grows across my face. Let's go see how his doing.

We over hear him commanding for his captain to grab his armor. And a second later a tall man leaves hurriedly from the room. We step aside to let him pass. "Man that guy is tall" I say.

"Lady Jafaria come I see the Vice-Marshal come come" she whispers "Elisa act calm we came to peek but also to have ourselves checked out" I stated. I walk in the room and and greet the Vilaine with a salute and sit in the next bed across from him.

Eyes wonder across his body see all the marks and scars across his body. In all they are to serious but none more standout than the one on his face.

Madam please check me once you finished with the Vice-Marshal. As I state this I undo the bandages across my chest being careful that no mishaps happen. Elisa help me in the back please.

She hurries in and undos my back wrapping."Now what you see please don't say to much my family was just very strict when it can to training" I state as my back facing Jenna and Vilaine. Their are multiple scars across the back some pink, others visible stab wounds, blunt wounds, and what seems like whips from a bull whip.

"Jenna youll need check my right ribcage thats where the Vice-marshal cracked my rib" as I flinch in a slight pain. "Thank you fir this it kept be aware and alert and I mean that. Thank you"

11th September

Summer Day

Battle in Negev

(rogue) vs. Shadowdale

Estimated strengths: 80 men vs. 80 men

Knight Gustav Mistmight is spotted wearing the Boring Coat of Boswick.

Defender Victory!

Knight temporarily absent

Byron Dyrk, Knight of Evora has been captured in a skirmish with Sirion forces.

Region Revolts

The peasants of Braga have risen up and kicked out the local nobility, declaring themselves a part of Sirion instead.

The peasants of Oporto have risen up and kicked out the local nobility, declaring themselves a part of Sirion instead.

War Goals Updated

Lindow Moonsun, Shadow King of Shadowdale, Royal of Shadowdale, Duke of Shadow's Bluff, Margrave of Karbala has updated our goals in the war against Greater Eponllyn. The new goals are as follows:

I, the Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, on behalf of Shadowdale, in accordance with the war declared by Eponllyn, declare that

• Shadowdale will continue fighting against Eponllyn until we sign a white peace wherein Shadowdale will cede its previous claims in Eponllyn.
• Shadowdale will continue fighting until all the soldiers and nobles of Eponllyn have left all those lands that in the past were ours.
• Shadowdale will continue to fight until there is a formal statement of apology from Eponllyn stating that Shadowdale has never been the guilty of the Northern Wars.
• In the event of rejecting such claims and continuing your war, we will take a region that is under your control.

Vilaine Delamoire

Vilaine turned to Jafaria as she set at the bed adjacent to where he now stood, a squire of his bringing forward his gambeson and his breast plate. As she mentions the rib he glances down at her bare side where the dark skin had become even deeper in colour with the bruise, though he politely returns his eyes to her own rather than gawking at her partially covered torso.

"As warriors we all become a compilation of our wounds, and each, a lesson." he responded before lifting his arms and pulling the gambeson over his head and shoulders.

"I saw your cavalry unit take on the Sirion forces, and from what I saw, that was a bloody battle. I'm glad to see you made it out alive, and not to worse for wear." Vilaine responded once his head popped out of the top of the gambeson.

He looked to Jafaria for a response while his squire strapped on his breastplate, Vilaine bring his hands up to run his fingers through his dirtty blonde hair to straighten it back out after the gambeson.

Jafaria Wolfvern

"Yes, it was a bloody battle and the first my new calvary. Them damn Sirion and their archers did a number on us before we reached them." Siclica says with a bit of frustration in her voice. "Glad though for what I do have though my life and 4 good men that made it"

Jafaria straightens her back as Elisa finishes the unwrapping around the waist. Placing a hand on the bruised rib finches a bit. "Ahh thank God this was never hit. How did you fair Vice-Marshal last seen you swing like the beast that gave you that mark.

Elisa steps aside giving full view of Jafaria's back upper torso. Its wrapped in its own linen with a layer on top made of different material with her family chest showing in the middle. Jafaria turns around facing Vilaine upper torso completely covered and packed tight to help with movement.

"Elisa I'll do yours once the Vice-Marshal leaves you may not be as comfortable as I am in front of others." she nods and stands at the bed end.

Jafaria looks back at Vilaine curious has to what had transpired for him.

Vilaine Delamoire

Vilaine listened to Jafaria as the squire tightened the breast plate and buckled on the pauldrons.

"Much the same, our approach took a lot of hits from the Sirion archers before we were able to meet their infantry lines. Even with our orders to hang back, it was still brutal." Vilaine responded, rolling his shoulder a bit once the armor was fully put on.

"The Delamoire Guard were nearly forty strong going in, and only a hand full of us made it back to Karbala." He continued, reaching over to where his great sword leaned against the medical bed.

"Which, brings me to my current task, to notify the families of the fallen and provide them a recount of their glorious deeds in the name of the Shadow King."

With that, Vilaine lifted his sword to rest over his shoulder, balancing it with a gauntleted right hand, and put his left fist to his chest in a salute to Jafaria.

After providing Jafaria a moment to respond in kind, he nodded and departed the barracks.

Summer Evening

Maximilian Rea

A dark haired man scowled at Maximilian, watching the former pirate drag himself drunkenly across theground. The man was trim and proper in every sense of the word, from his perfectly creased clothes, to the shining black oak cane, and impeccably trimmed mustache.

"Get up." The man's voice was cold, distant. Maxy rolled over, watery eyes unfocused.

"Wwhay....go erway."

The man sighed, his scowl deepening. The shadows of the dank ally grew longer, and suddenly, Maxy found himself on his feet, head spinning.

Notes of command permeated the man's voice, "Run a lap of the city walls, Maximilian. You may return to our quarters after."

With that, the man turned heel, the click clack of his cane on the flag stones marking his progress. Maxy stood slack jawed, with one hand out, leaning into the ally wall. The world was spinning, and he was struggling to keep his balance. Cool night air slipped past his reddened face as he watched the man turn at the end of the allyway. He should follow the man, go home and sleep it off. Maxy took a step forward, then another. Slowly, leaning heavily into the ally wall, Maxy made his way to the end of the ally, turning to follow the man. Before he took a single step, the Shadows of the next ally rose, and fear shot through the drunken pirate. Maxy yelped, and took off in the opposite direction, stumbling and running into things, in the direction of the city wall.

A few streets down, the man walked, click, click, click. The moon was out, casting long shadows on everything, however, an astute observer might have noticed the man's lack of a shadow. From the way he came, darkness rolled toward the man's back, flowing around the man before rising into a rough shape of a man in front of him. The man stopped short, waiting. The shadow bowed low before a soft voice came from it.

"He is headed for the walls, Master."

"Good. Follow him, and be sure he does the full lap. Protect him if you must, but allow a few bruises. They will be more of a teaching tool then hampering his progress."

Silently, the Shade rolled back where it came, tracking Maxy across the city. The man's walk resumed, click, click, click.

He would teach Maximilian, just as he had taught Maximilian's father.

Letter from Brigdha Dubhaine to Tyrann Thrane

Sir Tyrann,

All energy flows between Turbulence and Tranquilence, between the hot flames of the lower realms and the cool zephyrs of the High Firmament. The powers who shape this world inhabit one or other of these places and it is for us as burdened and weary travellers to seek a path which frees us from their conceits. A path wherein neither extreme commands our loyalty nor our respect.

Adepts of the Flow sought this thtough meditation and the heat of battle. We of The Shadows continue those traditions.

Join me in Pedrera Lighthouse and I'll begin your instruction. It would benefit you to bring a bow, some arrows, and a towel.

Brigdha Dubhaine

Ambassador of Shadowdale

Baroness of Evora

Priestess of The Shadows

12th September

Summer Day

Taxes Received

As the Baroness of Evora, you earn 158 gold. Since you're not within your realm borders, you receive your taxes in bonds.

Vilaine Delamoire

The sunlight crept through the simple stone room that Sir Vilaine slept in at the Grey University of Karbala. The firm bed was adorned with a plain white sheet and light blue cotton cover, which Vilaine pulled to the side as he sat up in the bed. Much of the day yesterday had consisted with sobbing mothers, fathers, or wives, when delivered the news of their loved one's demise at the hands of the Sirion army.

Vilaine liked to pretend that he cared, but after a few declarations you became calloused to the grief.

He wore a simple set of white cotton breeches and his bare feet rested on the cold stone as he pivoted to get out of bed. The light cascaded over his muscled back as his palms rested on the edge of the straw mattress, Vilaine blinking away the remnants of sleep.

Stretching when he stood, he groaned away the pain in his bandaged right shoulder, and walked across the room to a trunk containing his clothing. He pulled down his breeches and kicked them to the side of the room as he pulled out some dark brown trousers. Cinching the drawstring at his waist he pulled out a dark blue tunic with the black hand of Delamoire on the chest.

He tossed the tunic on the bed and dropped down on the ground, palms on the stone floor with thumb and forefingers forming a diamond as he began to exercise. After counting a hundred push-ups, he stood up and grabbed his tunic, pulling it over his shoulders. The Knight left his room at the Grey University then and began his morning run around the perimeter of the academy, barracks, and institute.

His focus was on the war of Sirion as the morning air buffeted his face, the cool air damp with ocean spray. When the sheen of sweat glistened over the Vice Marshall's shoulders and brow, he slowed to a jog and approached the stoic figure of Captain Semund who stood at the exterior door of the University with a clean cloth.

Vilaine grabbed the cloth when offered, wiping his brow and patting the cloth over his neck and shoulders.

"Are the Guard ready?" Vilaine stated, immediately to the point.

"The smithies finished up last night and all the Guard are fitted and ready to march, Sir." the Captain responded.

"Good, tell them to prepare to march, but it will be a move in the cover of darkness. Rest now, we move at dusk, we will assault the Sirion forces with a surprise charge come dawn tomorrow." Vilaine ordered, handing the sweat cloth back to Semund.

Semund nodded dutifully and awaited dismissal.

Vilaine moved over to a central desk where the reports were compiled, motioning to the travelers to leave their renditions for his rview.

"Spread the word, Captain, we move at dusk, I want to hit the Sirion forces at dawn tomorrow." Vilaine ordered.

William Armsworth

War journal, day 52, morning.

The men are mostly ready and the order to advance has been given.

If all nobles answer the call, we will witness the turnaround we have been waiting for since Commonyr.

I am slightly worried about our finances. We are forced to live above our means in order to become self sustainable. We must cross this valley.

Jafaria Wolfvern

In her office a mess has been made papers thrown across the desk. Books lay thrown on the floor. Sheets of reports torn and ink slipped. Jafaria is unwell.

Pacing back and forth mind running in fear Jafaria is talking to herself. "Father will beat me blue skinned and with 10 more lashes if he finds out I'm 1-2 in my matches. All matches are real matches he'd say. NO EXCUSES YOU ARE TERRIBLE AS EXPECTED he'd at me as he always did... I have to do well tomorrow to make up for it. I have to I just have to." She says with stress and fear in her heart.

She remembers the last times she disappointed her father in the martial combat. The hate he unleashed upon her for failing to meet his standards. Always cursing how if he was only blessed with a first born son he wouldn't be so disappointed and ashamed of my performance. Saying if you were a man you could do it now problem.

And he hit her again and again till she could do the swing right, the thrust, the footwork, the power behind a swing, and the grit to show no pain when stricken. The memories haunted her every second she thought about.

The man was once a renown fighter and wanted his kids to be the same. Well his sons anyhow but he was given girls in the beginning and he had never gotten over it always had that look of disgust.

"I have to do well tomorrow I just have to. I dont want anymore lashing. I don't want anymore..." as tears brim her crying eyes. She hears a knock on her door and quickly cleans her face and composure before answering to whoever it is.

Family Investment

Sir Fredrick Stormreaver, Margrave of Akesh Temple has initiated an investment of 350 gold in the region of Karbala. Production soars to 164 %.

Fredrick Stormreaver

"My Lord?"

"Lord Stormreaver?"

Poking. Shaking. Irritated grumbling.

Water splashing.

Fredrick was suddenly very awake as a cold bucket of water was dumped over his head, causing him to jerk upright and come face to face with his captain.

"Bianca? What.. what in the hells...?" He mutters uncertainly at her while she glares back at him unamused.

"Next time you say we're heading out in the morning, maybe don't run off and get drunk with the whores, hmmmmm? Took me 3 hours to find you...", Biance chides and throws him a towel.

It was the blonde Lords turn to grumble, though there were certainly some foggy memories bringing a smile to his face.

Bianca notices his amused look and rolls her eyes, he was awake at least if not sober...

"Maybe next time also don't bring the chequebook? Aside from all the drinks you invested in the local infrastructure... I'm sure everyone will be pleased..."

Fredrick blinks at that and scowls a moment.

"You let me take the chequebook?", he inquires with a straight face before grinning and shrugging. "Maybe it will help my 'not good reputation' or something" he adds with a snicker.

"Maybe..." Bianca replies with a scrunched nose. "We'll see how many half-Viking bastards roll out of here in 9 months and see just how good that reputation is...I'llwrite a nice ether for you so it sounds intentional at the very least"

Summer Evening

Knight temporarily absent

Jaques Talos, Knight of Oporto has been captured in a skirmish with Sirion forces.

Takeover

Perdan has taken control of Hetland. The region used to belong to (rogue).

Fredrick Stormreaver

Still hungover from his excursion on the town in Karbala, Fredrick squints northwards toward the obvious banners of Sirion and Eponllyn with a sour look on his face.

"Did you hear? The Elves are supposedly gone?", he grumbles to one of his sergeants who only grunts and then snickers, not believing it either.

"We'll just have to cut down extra of them and really make sure, check all the ears you know... and while we're at it, make sure none of them have been replaced by lizards either..", Fredrick adds with a slightly strained voice as she covers his eyes and moves to lounge under a nearby shady tree until his captain arrives, causing him to sigh but spare her no more than a quick glance before covering his eyes again from where he now lay.

"Army is moving, ready to fight in the morning...", Biance informs and gives his leg a gentle nudge with her foot. "STILL hungover? You're getting old"

"And you're getting a pay decrease", he mutters sarcastically before there's a pause and they both chuckle. "With all the northerners here, I figure it's only fitting I say something to them, you know... scare them or something. Be a dear and write something from me to them... write it the way you think I would"

Bianca raises an eyebrow and can't hide a grin, a grin he doesn't see, before happily agreeing and skipping off to begin writing, leaving her hungover liege to his peace before the battle.

13th September

Summer Day

Huge Battle Fought

Rumours spread and tales are sung about a huge battle in Al Amarah:

Shadowdale vs. Eponllyn, Sirion

Estimated strengths: 1240 men vs. 1530 men

The Caran Amlug (Sirion), sponsored by Duchess Lyanna Arylon, were led into battle by Marshal Brian M. Cameron.

The Phoenix Hussars (Eponllyn), sponsored by Arbiter Godric Tórrarin ka Habb, were led into battle by Marshal Greatjon Mormont.

The Shadow Legion (Shadowdale), sponsored by Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, were led into battle by Marshal William Armsworth.

Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted wielding the Glowing Sabre of Little Ogre.

Margrave Sir Fredrick Stormreaver is spotted wearing the Blessed Mantle of Dreams.

Margrave Foxen Carmine is spotted reading from the Book of Time.

Duchess Lady Luna Tempest is spotted wearing the Bizarre Ring of Defeat.

Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted reading from the Ancient Book of War.

Defender Victory!

Summer Evening

Battle in An Najaf

(rogue) vs. Perleone, Shadowdale

Estimated strengths: 10 men vs. 860 men

Royal Daedalus Dogsbody is spotted wearing the Shiny Ring of Soliferum.

Royal Daedalus Dogsbody is spotted wearing the Giggling Codpiece of Necromancy.

Defender Victory!

Huge Battle Fought

Rumours spread and tales are sung about a huge battle in Al Amarah:

Perleone, Shadowdale vs. Eponllyn, Sirion

Estimated strengths: 1670 men vs. 680 men

The Caran Amlug (Sirion), sponsored by Duchess Lyanna Arylon, were led into battle by Marshal Brian M. Cameron.

The Phoenix Hussars (Eponllyn), sponsored by Arbiter Godric Tórrarin ka Habb, were led into battle by Marshal Greatjon Mormont.

The Blazing Swords (Perleone), sponsored by King Gaheris Camlann, were led into battle by Marshal Faridithous von Hammersmark.

The Shadow Legion (Shadowdale), sponsored by Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, were led into battle by Vice-Marshal Vilaine Delamoire.

Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted wielding the Glowing Sabre of Little Ogre.

Margrave Sir Fredrick Stormreaver is spotted wearing the Blessed Mantle of Dreams.

Duchess Lady Luna Tempest is spotted wearing the Bizarre Ring of Defeat.

Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted reading from the Ancient Book of War.

Duchess Lyanna Arylon is spotted wielding the Enchanted Shield of Protection.

Defender Victory!

Al Amarah

With too few troops of Sirion left in the region, the peasants have gone back to their normal lives. The takeover has been stopped.

Important Event for The Shadows

A new member has signed up at the temple in Al Amarah.

Knight Maltise Drachen is now a Unbalanced of "The Shadows".

Family Investment

Faridithous von Hammersmark, Knight of Ibladesh, Marshal of the Blazing Swords has initiated an investment of 260 gold in the region of Al Amarah. Production soars to 95 %.

Letter from Brigdha Dubhaine to Godric Tórrarin ka Habb

Arbiter Godric,

Let me first summarise the current situation as we understand it in Shadowdale:

• Eponllyn lacks the military means to contest 1v1 with Shadowdale, or the capacity to significantly expand her territory;
• Sirion is very wealthy and can out-spend Shadowdale but her territory is wideranging and her behaviour in recent months has cost her her historic birthright;
• Shadowdale has more knights than both realms combined and is eager to uphold the claims of the Shadow King in battle if necessary.

Eponllyn may well provide the justification for this war - though that's debatable given that your predecessor claimed to make war on Shadowdale solely to ensure a negotiated peace for Caligus - but in terms of the war itself your realm is not a significant combatant and a bipartite peace is more credible if it reflects this.

Your predecessor was wrong to declare war on Shadowdale. As an ally of Caligus at the time he had all the means necessary to pursue the Caligan claims through military endeavour and hostilities would have automatically ended when the Caligan-Shadowdale conflict concluded.

Your predecessor was also wrong to continue the war by conspiring with realms beyond your public alliances to frustrate the takeover in Commonyr. That was such an egregious breach of currently accepted norms of war that divine punishment was inflicted on him and his co-conspirators in Nivemus and Sirion. That conspiracy has made it very difficult for His Majesty or any of the Shadow Council to treat Eponllyn as an honest actor.

Notwithstanding that fact, if you are prepared to negotiate a bipartite peace in good faith then that seems reasonably likely to bear fruit. If however peace with Eponllyn remains dependent on terms acceptable to Sirion then I think it somewhat more difficult.

His Majesty is a very popular ruler in Shadowdale so Sirion's desire to see him abdicate and be barred from public office for a long period is not acceptable, and their demand of 10,000 gold in lieu of His Majesty's abdication is clearly ludicrous as is the demand for an admission of guilt on Shadowdale's part even though all can see that it was your predecessor who was a transgressor. Indeed it's hard to see any reason for Sirion's involvement in our dispute beyond a desire on their part to assert their stature as hegemon of the North.

Sadly of course for my former colleagues in Sirion their stature has been very significantly reduced in recent weeks for reasons entirely outside His Majesty's control, with consequences which have yet to be fully felt. Still, as a former Lord Speaker of Sirion I'd rather focus my attention on more practical concerns than on the tragic fall of the Elfland I long served in that capacity. It's sins are not your sins and there is no reason why you should choose to pay for them.

I don't raise these points as accusations but rather to suggest particular concerns which do need to be addressed if Shadowdale is to feel trust towards Eponllyn or Sirion in any future negotiations. There will obviously be concerns from your side which likewise need to be addressed by Shadowdale and I recommend a frank and honest discussion of them.

In particular what assurance would Shadowdale have that Sirion would in fact follow your lead and restore peaceful relations in any tripartite peace? Or that the remaining Circle Realms would collectively respect Shadowdale's right to exist independently of them now that our relationship has degraded so catastrophically?

What in short can you say to assure His Majesty that Shadowdale will not suffer the same fate as Fontan, Dunnera, First Oligarch or even Coimbra?

Brigdha Dubhaine

Ambassador of Shadowdale

Baroness of Evora

Priestess of The Shadows

Luna Tempest

The Light in the Darkness

With Hetland now flying a Perdanese banner and loyalty assured, for the moment at least, Kenneth took a moment to arrange the ritual he had corresponded with her about. It seemed simple enough, and would cost nothing but a little time if it was useless. If it worked, however...

He set the brazier up himself in the home he had taken over, having dismissed his staff for the moment. After lighting it, he doused the other lights in the room, closed the shutters, and moved to sit on the opposite side of the pillar from the brazier. He settled into place, eschewing even a chair, and watched.

It really was intriguing. He could see the reflected light, but nothing of the brazier itself, and the flickering of the shadows was not something he had ever paid particular attention to before. For a few minutes, he just enjoyed the movements, relaxing after the bustle of the day. The movements seemed random, although there was a feeling that there must be some underlying pattern, if he could just understand enough...

A thin breeze whistled through a badly-fitted shutter, and the flames must have leapt for a moment, as the shadows went wild, and he realized with a start that he had no idea how long he had been sitting there. He had been lost in the reverie, and only the change allowed him to notice anything at all.

He frowned a moment. There was something to that...Was that not what life, ultimately, was like? He went about his life, one day being much like the other, only noticing when something outside himself imposed a change. Some diplomatic event, some spat or party, some new milestone in his goals...But there were few milestones left. And once accomplished...What was he? Who was Kenneth MacArbin, really? He had always flitted, changing himself with the needs of the moment, rising up with the wind, sinking when smothered, just like the flames in the brazier.

But he was a man, a noble scion...No, not a scion anymore. He was a Duke in his own right, an Ambassador, one of the most powerful men in the most powerful realm of the oldest continent of humanity. There should be more substance to him, now. More to what he felt and was right, and after the long night he knew now what that was...

He was momentarily distracted by the snap of one of the coals breaking, and he smiled. She had been right, after all. This had been the right choice. He moved to rise, and realized both his legs were asleep, and his back was killing him. Perhaps, next time, a chair would be better. Though...A hammock might more fit the contemplative mood...

He laughed. He was already thinking of "next time". And as he called for the servants to return, he kept thinking about it.

Letter from Godric Tórrarin ka Habb to Brigdha Dubhaine

Ambassador,

It appears our perceptions are very different. After Caligus surrendered Shadowdale did not opt to declare peace, they decided to take Commonyr from us. We were thrown into disarray afterwards and I was served with demands from Shadowdale:

Claims:

• Eponllyn recognizes Shadowdale's sovereignty over the Bruck and Greatbridge regions.
• Eponllyn must deliver the following regions
  • Oligarch
  • Commonyr
  • Dulbin
• Eponllyn will must pay 1,000 gold for war expenses and it will be increased to 1,000 more gold for each week that Eponllyn does not ask for peace.
• Regarding the gold, if you do not pay for it we will take it from your lands.

Obviously these were not acceptable to us and I swiftly moved to secure the future of Greater Eponllyn as taking five of our regions would leave us crippled.

It is well known the deals King Moonsun made to take Krimml from Greater Eponllyn and Akesh Temple from Caligus. We were rewarded for our softness with a Shadowdale who quickly turned on each ally in turn, attempting to isolate them. It is scarcely believable that any in Shadowdale are surprised by foreign opinions unless King Moonsun does not reveal what is truly occuring.

You speak of Eponllyn as a non-player in this war but I recall us driving you from our lands. I don't understand this inflammatory tone from an ambassador.

Our demands are simple: peace will be declared between the Sirio-Eponli Alliance and Shadowdale or there will be no peace. You speak of fears that you will be destroyed alongside accusations that we cannot expand. Those realities cannot exist simultaneously. The Circle is gone. It does not work in the same capacity any longer.

Shadowdale is threatening Eponllyn with destruction - King Moonsun's greed is seemingly insatiable. How do you expect us to declare peace when so swiftly Shadowdale exploited mechanics of war to isolate each ally in turn?

You cannot have your cake and eat it too. Shadowdale has lost the last 6, 7 battles? Please examine the realities before insulting my intelligence again.

Hail,

Godric Tórrarin ka Habb

Arbiter of Eponllyn

Royal of Eponllyn

Duke of Redhaven

Margrave of Oligarch

Letter from Brigdha Dubhaine to Godric Tórrarin ka Habb

Arbiter Godric,

You came to me for help convincing His Majesty to make peace, not the other way around. Perhaps Ambassadors in Eponllyn pride themselves on honeyed words and deceit, here in Shadowdale we prefer plain speaking to get to the root of matters. Whilst I have no desire to offend, neither do I see much point in beating about the bush.

His Majesty does not pretend to be a paragon of virtue but he does have a long track record of standing by his word, concluding peace treaties with Nivemus and then Caligus according to Shadowdale's declared war aims. If you bothered to read His Majesty's declared war aims in response to Eponllyn you would see that a White Peace is part of them along with the dropping of all claims against Eponllyn so long as you agree that White Peace.

However let us be very clear. It was not Shadowdale who declared war on Eponllyn but Eponllyn who declared war on Shadowdale. That places the obligation on Eponllyn to offer improved relations if her war aims have been met. Who offers peace may seem like a diplomatic nicety but do remember that whilst your predecessor justified his declaration of war due to his alliance with Caligus, he then engaged in a conspiracy with both Sirion and Nivemus which was clearly outside the scope of that alliance and of his stated war aims. Then as soon as the opportunity arose to break the alliance with Caligus and form a new alliance with Sirion you chose to do so rather than improve relations. This suggests a clear and consistent desire to prosecute war against His Majesty regardless of the fulfillment of existing war aims.

If you're serious about making peace with Shadowdale then a good first step would be to recognise Eponllyn's obligations to act in accordance with the established norms of warfare. This is not a precondition to negotiating a bipartite peace but it would go a long way towards establishing that you are in fact an honest actor and that His Majesty should take your words seriously.

Sirion has chosen to declare war separately against Shadowdale and with differing war aims to Eponllyn. A tripartite peace agreement therefore is not possible. Whether Sirion ends her war is not in your gift and so any offer you make is only binding on your own people. We understand that. You undertand that. And it seems pretty clear Sirion understands that.

Personally I believe you are gambling that the deep pockets of Sirion will outweigh the much larger number of knights who serve His Majesty, and that somehow Eponllyn will profit from the victory you anticipate. I'm old enough to have seen many others think they would gain from Sirion's hegemony only to be disppointed by the scraps they received.

Now, do you want to discuss a practical peace? Or would you prefer to wait until the tide turns in our favour and we do to Eponllyn what Sirion is currently trying to do to us?

Brigdha Dubhaine

Ambassador of Shadowdale

Baroness of Evora

Priestess of The Shadows

Letter from Godric Tórrarin ka Habb to Brigdha Dubhaine

Ambassador,

Again with the insults. What do you gain from that?

We will agree to peace when it is negotiated simultaneously with Sirion. I refuse to be isolated or allow Sirion to be isolated.

It was Shadowdale who declared war on Caligus and we assisted our ally. I offered peace to Shadowdale shortly after I was elected. Moonsun refused it, I was trying to focus on Perdan. Your King chose to continue the war in hopes of gaining 5 of our regions. I argued this war was not the same as our defensive war for Caligus but your King and the gods said I am at the mercy of your demands. What was I to do? Have an ally who could not assist? I chose a local ally that we have deep ties with.

You are gaming "the norms of warfare" and honestly it is disheartening.

Hail,

Godric Tórrarin ka Habb

Arbiter of Eponllyn

Royal of Eponllyn

Duke of Redhaven

Margrave of Oligarch

14th September

Summer Day

Fortification Damage

During a battle in Evora, the fortifications suffer 1 % damage.

Battle in Evora

(rogue) vs. Shadowdale

Estimated strengths: 20 men vs. 30 men

Defender Victory!

Huge Battle Fought

Rumours spread and tales are sung about a huge battle in Al Amarah:

Eponllyn, Sirion vs. Perleone, Shadowdale

Estimated strengths: 280 men vs. 1090 men

The Blazing Swords (Perleone), sponsored by King Gaheris Camlann, were led into battle by Marshal Faridithous von Hammersmark.

The Shadow Legion (Shadowdale), sponsored by Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, were led into battle by Vice-Marshal Vilaine Delamoire.

Margrave Sir Fredrick Stormreaver is spotted wearing the Blessed Mantle of Dreams.

Duchess Lady Luna Tempest is spotted wearing the Bizarre Ring of Defeat.

Margrave Foxen Carmine is spotted reading from the Book of Time.

King Gaheris Camlann is spotted reading from the Mysterious Essay of the End Times.

Knight Alfred Grimcrag is spotted wielding the Flail of Avamar.

Defender Victory!

Tournament Report

The tournament in Hamadan is over. 25 nobles from 7 realms fought and drank. It was a swordfighting tournament.

Theodius Goldhammer, Noble of Sirion won, with Lucius Poe, Duke of the Golden City, Margrave of Aix coming in second place.

Important Event for The Shadows

Unbalanced Fegeno has left the order "The Shadows".

New War Breaking Out

Perleone has declared war on Sirion. They gave the following reason

Perleone hereby declares war against Sirion in defense of her ally Shadowdale.

Hostilities will continue until:

• Sirion ceases her offensives against Shadowdale and accepts the white peace offered by Shadowdale.
• Sirion constructs a guildhouse of the Imperial Embassy in Sirion City and provides 500 gold for it's upkeep, with the aim of fostering continental dialogue.

New War Breaking Out

Perleone has declared war on Eponllyn. They gave the following reason

Perleone hereby declares war against Eponllyn in defense of her ally Shadowdale.

Hostilities will continue until:

• Eponllyn ceases her offensives against Shadowdale and accepts the white peace offered by Shadowdale.
• Eponllyn constructs a guildhouse of the Imperial Embassy in Westmoor and provides 500 gold for it's upkeep, with the aim of fostering continental dialogue.

Family Investment

Gaheris Camlann, King of Perleone, Royal of Perleone has initiated an investment of 260 gold in the region of Al Amarah. Production soars to 169 %.

William Armsworth

War journal, day 54, noon.

I finally awoke from my fever induced nightmares.

It kept raining arrows which turned into snakes, trying to bite me.

Most unsettling.

Important Event for The Shadows

A new member has signed up at the temple in Oporto.

Commoner Daunae is now a Unbalanced of "The Shadows".

Summer Evening

Battle in Evora

(rogue) vs. Shadowdale

Estimated strengths: 20 men vs. 10 men

Attacker Victory!

==== Huge Battle Fought Rumours spread and tales are sung about a huge battle in Kalmar:

Perdan vs. (rogue)

Estimated strengths: 280 men vs. 70 men

Knight Druzil Sharpspeare is spotted reading from the Splendid Anthology of Glory.

Attacker Victory!

Takeover

Perdan has taken control of Lundel. The region used to belong to (rogue).

Summer Evening

War Goals Updated

Lindow Moonsun, Shadow King of Shadowdale, Royal of Shadowdale, Duke of Shadow's Bluff, Margrave of Karbala has updated our goals in the war against Greater Eponllyn. The new goals are as follows:

I, the Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, on behalf of Shadowdale, in accordance with the war declared by Eponllyn, declare that

• Shadowdale will continue fighting against Eponllyn until we sign a peace treaty without winners or losers, in other words, without claims and without war reparations wherein Shadowdale will cede its previous claims in Eponllyn.
• Shadowdale will continue fighting until all the soldiers and nobles of Eponllyn have left all those lands that in the past were ours.
• Shadowdale will continue to fight until there is a formal statement of apology from Eponllyn stating that Shadowdale has never been the guilty of the Northern Wars.

In the event of rejecting such peace and continuing your war, we will take a region that is under your control.

War Goals Updated

Lindow Moonsun, Shadow King of Shadowdale, Royal of Shadowdale, Duke of Shadow's Bluff, Margrave of Karbala has updated our goals in the war against Sirion. The new goals are as follows:

I, the Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, on behalf of Shadowdale, in accordance with the war declared by Sirion, declare that

• Shadowdale will continue fighting against Sirion until we sign a peace treaty without winners or losers, in other words, without claims and without war reparations wherein Shadowdale will cede its previous claims in Eponllyn.
• Shadowdale will continue fighting until all the soldiers and nobles of Sirion have left all those lands that in the past were ours.
• Shadowdale will continue to fight until there is a formal statement of apology from Sirion stating that Shadowdale has never been the guilty of the Northern Wars.

In the event of rejecting such peace and continuing your war, we will take a region that is under your control.

Tyrann Thrane

Tyrann arrived on the shores of the Pedrera Lighthouse as the sun began to fall. He had brought with him nothing more than what the Baroness had instructed; a bow, arrows and a towel...

Jafaria Wolfvern

Up early for watch post surveying the camp her unit had made. Early morning before the red, orange, and gold lights of the sun breach the sky. It is dark with the owls, crickets, and other night time creature still active. Jafaria thinks about the accomplishments her men have made specifically the 4 that made it back to Karabla me with her.

Captain Elisa, Lieutenant George, and private Joyce and Hector these 4 had made it and did excellent work helping rebuild. "I wonder how I should reward them" she ponders. "With how things are they would be the inner core and the most veteran of my men surely they deserve something important" thinking hard to herself.

She walking along the recent stomped made trail they was made throughout the night as she ponders and surveys the camp. "I remembered father once rewarded me with the privilege to go hunting wolves with him saying this was what got us the family name Wolfvern. Our great grandfather was a wolf hunter and also raised wolves himself to protect the village he was raised in." As she thinks the recalls her own experience doing the same with her father runnign the trails, tracking for days, and experiencing for the first time what really made herself a Wolfvern.

It was one of her best memories with her father even as cruel as he was with her. Then she thinks about the pup she was given by him. A wolf pup of redwood fur and stout nose she called Jenny. Her father taught her how to raise her and lead her as well. For she knew how to raise a wild beast then she had the skills to lead a ferocious unit.

She grinned at the thought of teaching her men the same. For there was similarities though now she she is the Alpha leading her family.

​"Once this campaign is over I'm taking them on a hunt they won't forget. I just need them to make it through" mind decisive in thought and happy from ear to ear with a grin.

15th September

Summer Day

Brigdha Dubhaine

The Baroness was reclining on a comfortable couch, surrounded by several companions in similar ease and a number of servants bearing pitchers of wine and plates of various exotic delicacies.

The guttering light of the Summer Sun as it merged with the waters of Democracy Bay made a most splendid spectacle, and the gathered magnates of Pedrera savoured the distinction of being guests at such an extravagant open air event. There seemed no end to food and wine whilst in the background a subtle blend of melodies shifted with the receding light, performed by leading members of the Grey University's Conservatoire Umbra, and the concensus of all was that His Majesty the Shadow King must be a splendid fellow.

"But M'Lady," Castilan Dafys the nominal guardian of the Great Lighthouse was a little more sceptical, "It is clear that the people of Shadowdale are energetic and His Majesty's gifts and kind words have been most welcome, but who can stand against Elfland?"

News clearly travelled slower in this part of the world than along the continental highway from Ibladesh to Oligarch. Or perhaps the Sirionites were conducting their own campaign of misinformation in hopes of retaining their broken hegemony?

The Ambassador uttered a brief phrase in an unfamiliar language, too complex one would have throught for human larynx to master, and a most remarkable woman emerged from the shadows, her tall Elven frame draped elegantly with samite and damasc, threads of silver and gold blazing in the dying light of the Summer day, a singular reminder of what once was before the Gods stripped Sirion of its ancient birthright.

"Please allow me to present Anagridh Elune Serpentis, last of her kind," a hush fell over the gathered company.

"It is my pleasure to meet you, Castilan," the princess presented her hand and without thinking the grizzled warrior pressed his lips to the serpentine gem adorning her ring finger.

"The Castilan was speculating as to the possible fate of his people should the host of Elfland set its sights on the peninsula."

Anagridh laughed a melancholic laugh, the cascade of playful waters from the hidden springs of Sermbar being drowned in the deep waters of Democracy Bay, "There is no Elfland to march against you Castilan and what stands in it's place is a crude people, ugly in their form, mean in their customs, untutored in their speech, foolish in their ambitions. Men. No different in stature or might than you or any other of your kind."

"What my daughter-in-law means to say, is that the rumours you must of heard by now of the passing of the Elves are true."

16th September

Summer Day

Battle in Braga

Shadowdale vs. (rogue)

Estimated strengths: 60 men vs. 10 men

Margrave Sir Fredrick Stormreaver is spotted wearing the Blessed Mantle of Dreams.

Margrave Sir Fredrick Stormreaver is spotted wielding the Club of the Badgers.

Attacker Victory!

Huge Battle Fought

Rumours spread and tales are sung about a huge battle in Montijo:

Perleone, Shadowdale vs. (rogue)

Estimated strengths: 730 men vs. 2510 men

The Blazing Swords (Perleone), sponsored by King Gaheris Camlann, were led into battle by Marshal Faridithous von Hammersmark.

Margrave Foxen Carmine is spotted reading from the Book of Time.

Duchess Lady Luna Tempest is spotted wearing the Bizarre Ring of Defeat.

Knight Alfred Grimcrag is spotted wielding the Flail of Avamar.

Margrave Foxen Carmine is spotted wearing the Lich King's Chain Mail of Sorcha.

Knight Maccio Aurelle is spotted wielding the Cursed Nightblade of Oligarch.

Attacker Victory!

Takeover

Caligus has taken control of Scio. The region used to belong to (rogue).

Takeover Initiated

Earl Christofer III Kane has initiated a takeover in Montijo. The region currently belongs to (rogue).

Tyrann Thrane

There Tyrann stood, upon the shores of the Pedrera Lighthouse, watching the sun sink into the west. He had much time to reflect on the events that had occurred not but a few moons ago and felt vacant. Despite achieving victory over his many shortcomings there still seemed to be something he had not yet reached for, a longing filled his being. He dropped the bow and arrows; held the towel in the air and watched it wave in the ocean breeze. He released his grasp and the towel soon vanished downed the beach.

He boarded a ship bound for Shadowdale...

Summer Evening

Battle in Evora

Shadowdale vs. (rogue)

Estimated strengths: 50 men vs. 10 men

Margrave Sir Fredrick Stormreaver is spotted wearing the Blessed Mantle of Dreams.

Margrave Sir Fredrick Stormreaver is spotted wielding the Club of the Badgers.

Attacker Victory!

Battle in Montijo

(rogue) vs. Perleone, Shadowdale

Estimated strengths: 370 men vs. 1010 men

The Blazing Swords (Perleone), sponsored by King Gaheris Camlann, were led into battle by Marshal Faridithous von Hammersmark.

The Shadow Legion (Shadowdale), sponsored by Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, were led into battle by Marshal William Armsworth.

Duchess Lady Luna Tempest is spotted wearing the Bizarre Ring of Defeat.

Margrave Foxen Carmine is spotted reading from the Book of Time.

Margrave Foxen Carmine is spotted wearing the Lich King's Chain Mail of Sorcha.

Viscount William Armsworth is spotted wearing the Bloody Plate Mail of Avamar.

Knight Maccio Aurelle is spotted wielding the Cursed Nightblade of Oligarch.

Defender Victory!

Fine Issued

Tormentor Ambrose Peregrine has put a penalty of 10 gold on Knight Calvin Carson for this reason:

As per the law of the land Sir Calvin will be fined for insulting Sir Aethon's mental capabilities.

I also advise Sir Calvin to apologize to Sir Aethon and mind his tongue in the future.

Ambrose Peregrine

Tormentor of Shadowdale

Knight of Karbala

17th September

Summer Day

Family Investment

Lindow Moonsun, Shadow King of Shadowdale, Royal of Shadowdale, Duke of Shadow's Bluff, Margrave of Karbala has initiated an investment of 350 gold in the region of Karbala. Production soars to 159 %.

William Armsworth

War journal, day 57, afternoon.

The lack of gold at a time when we need our army most is discouraging.

Many of our nobles have yet to reach Montijo.

I hope Sirion gives us the time we need or my plans could fail.

Summer Evening

Battle in Montijo

(rogue) vs. Perleone, Shadowdale

Estimated strengths: 160 men vs. 1410 men

The Blazing Swords (Perleone), sponsored by King Gaheris Camlann, were led into battle by Vice-Marshal Barthogan Starck.

The Shadow Legion (Shadowdale), sponsored by Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, were led into battle by Marshal William Armsworth.

Duchess Lady Luna Tempest is spotted wearing the Bizarre Ring of Defeat.

Margrave Foxen Carmine is spotted reading from the Book of Time.

Knight Alfred Grimcrag is spotted wielding the Flail of Avamar.

King Gaheris Camlann is spotted reading from the Mysterious Essay of the End Times.

Royal Daedalus Dogsbody is spotted wearing the Shiny Ring of Soliferum.

Defender Victory!

Important Event for The Shadows

Unbalanced Tyrann has left the order.

Takeover Initiated

Knight Vilaine Delamoire has initiated a takeover in Pedrera Lighthouse. The region currently belongs to (rogue).

Fredrick Stormreaver

Carving a piece off an apple he'd scrounged with a freshly-sharpened dagger, Fredrick moves to settle beside Captain Bianca while she shuffled through all his papers. He was rather pleased he'd taught her to read, it was saving him so much time in dealing with the less exciting parts of being a noble.

"Anything exciting?", he asks between gnawing bites, really hoping the answer was 'no'.

"Well... you have a letter from the keep back home in Akesh Temple. Apparently you've 'inherited' a harem from the previous Lord, Maccio. Several young woman and a few children, actually", Biance relays as she lightly taps the letter indicating such, the announcement putting a sour look on Fredrick's face as if the apple he'd just swallowed was sour rather than deliciously sweet.

"Like... he spends time with woman and... KEEPS them?", Fredrick asks, his face scrunching further in obvious disgust. "That sounds awful... they might start to like you or something..."

"No worries about that, nobody is in danger of liking you", Bianca replies with some sarcasm and small smirk.

"You like me", Fredrick replies with some smug confidence.

There's an eye-roll that Fredrick catches from his position on the bench beside her and a small denial along the lines of 'you wish'.

"Well, you certainly liked me well enough the other night when we were drinking and you spent the night in my bed", he replies smugly as Bianca's face turns even brighter red than the skin of the fruit in his hand.

"T-that was a drunken mistake", she replies a little off-balance as she feels the blistering heat in her cheeks and knows she must have changed colours.

"Perhaps the first couple rounds.. but what about the romp you insisted upon sober in the morning?", he returns with a grin before a firm fist drills into his shoulder.

Bianca froze as Fredrick's smirk dropped and she realized what she'd done. It was one thing to tease and harass your Lord, certainly, but she'd just HIT HIM. She could be hung... or worse. Fredrick simply stared at her a long while as Bianca's breath caught and heart raced. This was bad...

"So you sleep with me once and now you think you can beat on me, hmmmmm? That takes at least twice", Fredrick informs before finally grinning and letting Bianca take a haggard breath before pushing her way to her feet and muttering some quick excuse to about having to check on the soldiers, leaving Fredrick amused with himself.

"Fredrick 1, Bianca 0...", he announces to the room before glancing around.

"HEY! Who's going to write Lord Maccio and tell him about his wayward misfits?", he calls after the quickly departing woman and getting no reply.

"I have to write it MYSELF?! Uggg... what is today coming to..."

Calvin Carson

The Mysterious Maid

While in An Najaf, Calvin decided to take it upon himself to begin rounding up peasents speaking out against the King of Shadowdale.

Captain: "Round up anyone who speaks ill of our King!!"

The guards then begin to grap people and shackling them. Calvin walks up and says.

Calvin: "You are hereby under arrest for insurrection against the crown, however, I am feeling generous today, if you rempent now and join military service for 1 year you will be forgiven and given a second chance to make up for your crimes."

In the end all those who were arrested volunteered for service.

Captain: "Commander, do you think it was to do that in another individuals region?"

Calvin: "Well if the current Lord is going to ignore me then I just have to take the initiative. It is not my problem that the current lord can not handle their territory. If they can't cut it then perhaps they should abdicate and allow me to maintain it."

Captain: "You are quite right my Liege."

Calvin: "Of course I am, when have I ever been wrong otherwise?"

The Captain bows his head then leaves the inn they are temporarily staying at to attend the men.

Calvin: "Am I doing this right? I use to be a commoner, I feel like I'm doing the wrong thing."

Calvin begins to tear up in pain because he is hurting people who he use to be like. Not even sure if what he is doing is right, he begins to question his own realm.

A maid walks in to take his clothes and wash them. He asks the maid.

Calvin: "Maid... do you.. hate me?"

The maid looks at him with some hate her eyes but when she notices that he was crying her eyes softened a bit, but still answer truthfully.

Maid: "Yes Master....... but I."

Calvin: "Its ok...... we probably deserve it. I know what we do looks evil, but we only do it because it is in the best interest of our realm. At least that is what I want to believe."

The maid then looks at Calvin again and then suddenly all her hatred slipped away. The anger of being forced to serve him disappeared.

The Maid then gets on her knees and takes Calvin's hand.

Maid: "Its ok Master........ I did have hate, but after hearing you say that it fills me with hope, hope that there are good people out there. I think of you as a great man. You give me hope Master Calvin."

And without even thinking Calvin hugs her and begins to cry on her shoulder. The maid a bit surprised, yet caresses the vulnerable Calvin.

After an hour passed Calvin gathered himself and asks for the Maids name.

Calvin: "What is your name?"

Maid: "My name..... Is Fontana."

Calvin: "That is a beautiful name. I have a question, would you like to come back with me to Oporto?"

Fontana: "I would love to Master."

Calvin: "No need for the master. You can call me Sir Calvin."

Fontana blushing so bright red she replied.

Fontana: "As you wish Mas-- Sir Calvin"

Then Calvin patted her on the head she suddenly fainted.

Calvin: "FONTANA ARE YOU OK!!!??? WAKE UP!!!"

An hour passed and Fontana finally woke up.

Fontana: "What happened? Where......"

She notices that she is in her Masters bed with him next to her.

Calvin: "Oh you're awake, you scared me there."

Fontana blushing hot red again being so close to him.

Calvin: "Do you have a fever? You're turning all red again."

Fontana: "Sir Calvin no no its nothing like that, it is just that. I am ummmm, I think that I--"

The Captain opens the door fast completely cutting her off.

Captain: "Sir we have a problem!!"

Calvin: "Oh? What is it?"

Captain: "Monster attack Sir"

Calvin: "Ah finally, a chance to fight. Fontana, I will be back shortly, just rest up."

Fontana: "Yes Sir Calvin. Before you go though I want to say one thing. (Inaudible)"

Calvin's face lit up with joy as he closed the door.

18th September

Summer Day

Battle in Montijo

(rogue) vs. Perleone, Shadowdale

Estimated strengths: 40 men vs. 1900 men

The Blazing Swords (Perleone), sponsored by King Gaheris Camlann, were led into battle by Marshal Faridithous von Hammersmark.

The Shadow Legion (Shadowdale), sponsored by Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, were led into battle by Marshal William Armsworth.

Margrave Sir Fredrick Stormreaver is spotted wearing the Blessed Mantle of Dreams.

Duchess Lady Luna Tempest is spotted wearing the Bizarre Ring of Defeat.

Margrave Foxen Carmine is spotted reading from the Book of Time.

King Gaheris Camlann is spotted reading from the Mysterious Essay of the End Times.

Knight Alfred Grimcrag is spotted wielding the Flail of Avamar.

Defender Victory!

Vilaine Delamoire

"YOU! Set the trench there, and there. Pikes people, be prepared!" Sir Vilaine shouted as he paced among the rows of troops working to fortify their camp and dig in.

As he rounded the end of the ditches, he turned and approached Lady Jafaria and Major Gustav.

"We're making good progress, but we need to remember our mission is two fold. Keep eyes on the north and have your units join mine, dig in." Vilaine commanded, looking between the two evenly.

Takeover Activity

Vilaine Delamoire is announcing better times and liberation in the market place.

The locals don't seem to fear Shadowdale as much as before now. The peasants seem somewhat more sympathetic towards Shadowdale.

Jafaria Wolfvern

"Yes Commander" Stern voiced, back straightened, and standing attention with arms folded behind the back. "Once my men have unloaded our supplies I will send half to aid in the dig in and the other half to scout the north. Captain Elisa will lead the the scouting partying and return in a hour time frame.."

"I will stay here and aid in the dig in" saying reportedly. She looks to the right seeing the line of her unit unlouding the cargo supplies. "Hector, Dean, Fran, Robert, Khloe come here!" commanding over the noise of boots, wood, banging of metal area the digsite. "You'll be here helping me with the dig in while the rest unloud the ferry. Private Dean tell the Captain Elisa that once the cargo is done she is take half the unit to go scouting the north for a report."

"I want everything noted every rock, every tree, every animal, every nik and cranny noted. Most importantly if they see the enemy their name, how many, and their Commander noted." She shouted " She has 1 hour to get it done NOW GO! AND BE BACK HERE ONCE YOU'VE TOLD HER"

Letter from Kenneth MacArbin to Brigdha Dubhaine

Priestess Brigdha,

I say Priestess, as I write to you in that capacity. Recent events around the continent have brought troubles to my mind, but a ritual suggested by Duchess Luna helped bring some...Clarity, to my mind. And I wished to learn more of the Shadows, if you would be willing to share something of it.

Sir Kenneth MacArbin

Ambassador of Perdan

Duke of The Riverlands

Margrave of Bescanon

William Armsworth

War journal, day 58, morning.

My plans did fail, though not because of the reason I expected. I was assured not long ago we had gold for another month of operations. This turned out to be false intelligence.

My plan was to take the regions we need in order to be able to continue to pay the army while at war. The new plan is.. far less ambitious. In order to save gold for the next offensive,

I plan not to replace casualties. My current income in mind, saving will take so long our realm and thus our income will likely have seized to exist before I can resume operations. We've lost.

Asbetos Astra

Battered, injured, a knight leads on the wounded unit through the harsh terrain. Despite the bitter defeat suffered, and heavy casualties, every soldier in the company grittily presses on. This defeat did not shatter the morale and leave them in hopelessness,for it has strengthened the hatred of the enemy.

Only thing they wanted now, was revenge.

"Send the messengers, sheep are gathering for the slaughter.", said Asbetos.

And the opportunity for revenge was closing in.

Dastan Rueda

Diary entry

The waiting has become a nightmare, I have not been able to sleep very well these last days, every time I close my eyes, I see a shadow in armor waiting for me to let my guard down so he can slit my trough. Where is this war going to be over? I have lost way too many men in so little time. I have been writing letters to their families, waiting for their love ones to return once the war is over, but all they will get is a letter with empty words, I'm sorry for your lost; They died with honor in battle . I know is not true because I was there and I saw them perish like bugs in a matter of seconds, the poor bastards did not even had a chance. I close my eyes again and I see death all around me, I close them again and I am back at my tent. Now my only companion is this bottle of liquor that is half empty, Time to go to sleep, there are reports that Sirion is getting ready for his next move. Hopefully it will be his last.

Takeover Activity

Gustav Mistmight is announcing better times and liberation in the market place.

The locals don't seem to fear Shadowdale as much as before now. The peasants seem somewhat more sympathetic towards Shadowdale.

Summer Evening

Battle in Montijo

(rogue) vs. Perleone, Shadowdale

Estimated strengths: 40 men vs. 2090 men

The Blazing Swords (Perleone), sponsored by King Gaheris Camlann, were led into battle by Marshal Faridithous von Hammersmark.

The Shadow Legion (Shadowdale), sponsored by Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, were led into battle by Marshal William Armsworth.

Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted wielding the Glowing Sabre of Little Ogre.

Margrave Sir Fredrick Stormreaver is spotted wearing the Blessed Mantle of Dreams.

Margrave Foxen Carmine is spotted reading from the Book of Time.

Duchess Lady Luna Tempest is spotted wearing the Bizarre Ring of Defeat.

Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted reading from the Ancient Book of War.

Defender Victory!

Takeover Activity

Vilaine Delamoire is announcing better times and liberation in the market place.

The locals don't seem to fear Shadowdale as much as before now. The peasants seem somewhat more sympathetic towards Shadowdale.

Letter from Brigdha Dubhaine to Kenneth MacArbin

Ambassador Kenneth,

I did have a brief conversation with Duchess Luna recently in which she told me of your interest in our faith but I did not realise she had shared one of our more practical exercises with you. I hesitate to call them rituals as a true understanding of The Shadows is based in the concrete science of metaphysics rather than the spirit-pandering quackery so many self-described prophets seek to profit from. The proof of the truthfulness of our teachings can be readily discerned from the many miraculous and well-attested events which have accompanied the spread of The Shadows.

What I will say is that the experienced adept can attain a certain stature which to the uninitiated seems magical though in practice it is little more than the reconfiguration of structures in the High Firmament which happen to have a non-obvious correlation with the mundane reality we all inhabit. Not that tampering in the worlds above and below is the purpose of our Order. At our apogee we are the Balancewalkers, Knights of the Transfluence and Travellers of the High Firmament who use our power to ensure some semblance of justice in this world. On those rare occasions when our power is directly revealed it is always for a greater purpose.

Many people assume that our name - The Shadows - is a comment on the beings we worship or the agenda we follow. This is not the case. We continue the spiritual inheritance of the Flow of Balance, the core of lost Fontan before it fell under the sway of carnal men and brought that faith into disregard. Our secrets are open to all though the path to understanding can be difficult and initiates must master self-discipline before they can hope to experience the Flow as a living reality. This is why we place a strong emphasis on martial training as a way of sharpening body and mind. I personally advocate the practice of toxophily which I've found very helpful during my long life but there are temples and shrines dedicated to all manner of arts.

A good example of the dangers involved in rushing this process are the recent events in Akesh Temple. Has report reached Perdan of what transpired there? If not I will save the blushes of the young nobleman whose folly in pursuing knowledge for which his mind was not yet ready nearly led to a cataclysm far beyond what in fact transpired. It is a pity that the price for saving the continent and his soul was the loss of the Elven reality, the consequences of which may take many years to fully resolve. It is deeply sobering to realise that all that culture and literature is now lost to the minds of men, for even though I retain the speech I struggled so hard to learn during my many years living in Sirion, it seems no longer possible to phrase it in the words of men.

Still, that's a matter to discuss on a different occasion. Perhaps in the Bloody Stump where the wine will sweeten the bitter aftertaste.

If you wish to learn more of The Shadows I can visit you in Perdan when my current explorations of the newly formed Pedrera Peninsula are concluded.

Warmest Regards,

Brigdha Dubhaine

Ambassador of Shadowdale

Baroness of Evora

Priestess of The Shadows

Takeover Activity

Gustav Mistmight is announcing better times and liberation in the market place.

It seems that fear of Shadowdale is dropping considerably. The peasants seem somewhat more sympathetic towards Shadowdale.

Vilaine Delamoire

The fortifications had been setup, trenches were dug as deep as a man is tall in a wide circle around the Lighthouse with wooden pikes shoved into the dirt and braced for impact. There were large deep blue tents pitched within the circle, along with the tents of Lady Jafaria and Major Gustav. Armed sentries patrolled the boundaries of the trench, spears held up right with open faced helmets revealing perceptive skeptics.

"Major! Dame Jafaria!" Vilaine shouted, requesting their presence at the base of the Lighthouse.

"It's past time we left this building unchecked. We need to investigate to make sure no beast lurks within!." he continued, looking up at the tall structure.

With a gauntleted hand, he pushed open the door, which until but a few days ago was immersed in the deep eastern ocean. The rusted hinges groaned in protest as the door begrudgingly opened, revealing the remains of the Lighthouse's first, of many, floors.

Vilaine ventured into the lighthouse, assuming that Jafaria and Gustav would follow.

Jafaria Wolfvern

Jafaria follows the Commander Vilaine into the room. "What would you have us do. If it is scouting for beast I would be the best choice. My unit is fast and I am trained for tracking an hunting beast." Answering back.

They walk into a empty room with a round table in the middle with a rough looking map if the nearby areas.

"Perhaps you have other meaning behind this if I am wrong" curiously waiting on a from Major Gustva and Commande Vilaine.

19th September

Summer Day

Region Taken

We have successfully convinced the people of Montijo to raise our banner and abandon their old allegiance to (rogue).

The region joins the duchy of Shadow's Bluff. The region now needs a lord.

Taxes Received

As the Baroness of Evora, you earn 158 gold. Since you're not within your realm borders, you receive your taxes in bonds.

Fredrick Stormreaver

"Do you think now is a good time to point out that I re-named the keep when I took over Akesh Temple?", Fredrick inquires aloud after reading Maccio's letter about leaving his collection of trophies and their spawn in the keep.

There was no reply, Bianca was satisfied ignoring him for the moment, still irritated that he'd managed to get under his skin and doing her best to keep from actually speaking to him unless absolutely necessary.

"Maybe not... to fresh perhaps....", Fredrick muses and waits, again nothing.

"If you don't want to talk, I can think of a couple other things we could-", he begins before she turns and glares daggers at him, making him grin rather than recoil.

"Or not... I'll just write him a friendly letter... unless you'd like to do it for me?", he asks hopefully, to which she only turned back around and muttered something under her breath about him not being worth her own head.

"Writing it myself it is...", he chuckles and shuffles around the desk looking for the quill and parchment he was so ill-acquainted with....

Nearby Beatdown!

Within Montijo, an adventurer was beaten by Mordred Pendragon, Knight of Karbala.

Letter from Kenneth MacArbin to Brigdha Dubhaine

Priestess Brigdha,

I am afraid I am rather lost in your descriptions of the Shadows. "Metaphysics" and "reconfiguration of structures in the High Firmament" are both so foreign to my understanding that they seem to render once-familiar words near them foreign, a spreading confusion that threatens to spill over your letter entire.

Perhaps it will all make more sense over some wine, and yes, you are certainly welcome to come visit when matters are more settled. I myself am attending to business in the new Kalmar Delta, so there is certainly no hurry.

Sir Kenneth MacArbin

Ambassador of Perdan

Duke of The Riverlands

Margrave of Bescanon

Takeover Activity

Vilaine Delamoire is announcing better times and liberation in the market place.

There is a little bit less fear in the eyes of the peasants now. The locals now seem to like Shadowdale a lot more than before.

Family Investment

Lindow Moonsun, Shadow King of Shadowdale, Royal of Shadowdale, Duke of Shadow's Bluff, Margrave of Karbala has initiated an investment of 300 gold in the region of Montijo. Production soars to 79 %.

Aethon Ravenhorn

"My Lord! My Lord! I bring important news! Wake up my Lord!" cried the stumbling, half running scribe towards his Lord's tent. Never in his life would the scribe imagine he would be in this position.

Just yesterday, he had been introduced to the lord, while marching towards Montijo. He had heard rumors about the last scribe being executed for a major mistake in his work. It had even sparked debate and punishment amongst the nobles of the realm.

If given the chance, the scribe would not touch such matters with a 10 foot pole. Yet now he was running towards his "scribe executing" lord's tent with possibly the worst news of his life so far. Standing in front of the Lord's tent, he realised this was his last chance to turn around. Sweat droplets started running down his forehead, his eyes revealing a desperate but contemplating look.

"No, i cannot run away. Other servants of the army have already seen me, and what would happen to my family back in Braga?" No matter the consequences, he could not abandon his wife and infant daughter. Swallowing his saliva, the gulp was audible enough for his lord, Knight Aethon to hear it inside the tent.

"What is it? And what are you doing waiting outside the tent? If the news are as dire as you claim, then a mere tent flap should not bar your path scribe" came from inside the tent, startling the already nervous scribe.

The voice was rough on the ears, almost sounding like grinding rusty old metal. Yet there was a sense of calmness and determination coming from it too. Quickly tidying his unkempt clothes, the scribe entered the tent.

Standing in the middle of the tent was a bare chested young man, with black raven like hair and broad shoulders, the scribe could tell he had just washed from the water droplets still running down his face. If someone had told him the voice belonged to this young man he would have called them a drunken liar, yet here he was standing, unable to deny the truth. Looking at the scars on his arms, the scribe was quick to bow his head, lest his lord found him staring.

"Well, are you gonna say something or did someone cut out your tongue?" Asked Aethon, opening his eyes, visibly displeased about this ordeal. Catching his breath, the scribe quickly started recounting what he had seen.

While bringing his lord the news, the scribe saw Aethon's brows furrow deeper and deeper, his eyes squinting. If one were to ask the scribe later, he would swear that the anger was palpable in the air, making it harder to breathe.

"So your telling me that the entire retinue i brought with me from my family's estate has disappeared without a trace in the night?" Aethon lashed out in rage against his wooden desk, his shout loud enough for the entire camp to hear.

Watching the desk break and crumble from Aethons bare handed strike, ink and parchments strewn across the floor, the scribe dared not move a muscle lest he suffer the same terrible fate as the desk. After an unknown amount of time had passed Aethon turned away from the broken remains of the desk, walking with heavy breaths towards his clothes neatly laid out on the bed.

"Back to your task scribe, and my thanks for delivering the news to me. I will personally handle this affair, you are dismissed now." was the last thing the scribe heard as a fully clothed Aethon looked him in the eyes and patted his shoulder whilst walking past him. Hearing the footsteps of his Lord getting gradually more distant, he finally felt able to breathe, the stifling feeling in his chest gone. Wiping the sweat from his face and feeling his back drenched with it, he thanked every god he could think of that he only had to order a new desk from military command and not a new scribe this time.

Jafaria Wolfvern

"Captain Elisa, Lieutenant George, and Private Joyce and Hector its about time I've rewarded you for be the remaining 4 of the original unit." Walking back and forth as the 4 stand at attention "Go into the village and gather fur pelts of your choice. It doesn't matter what they are just as long as you like them "

Confused Elisa asked "Commander why fur pelts what are we to do with them"

"I'm going to use them to make fur cakescapes as a award for your durability and good service."

"What if they don't have what we like?" Hector questioningly. "Then we shall hunt them ourselves if that is the case." Jafaria responded.

"Now go to the village and take this gold with you" she commanded.

Takeover Activity

Gustav Mistmight is announcing better times and liberation in the market place.

There is a little bit less fear in the eyes of the peasants now. The peasants seem somewhat more sympathetic towards Shadowdale.

A New Lord

Duke Lindow Moonsun of Shadow's Bluff Duchy has appointed Flavia Arindal to the vacant lordship position in Montijo.

Tyrann Thrane

The sun began to set as Tyrann found himself at the edge of the Shadow King’s domain. He exhaled and looked left, right and then behind him. He watched his shadow upon the grass and remembered fondly his arrival and as his mind traveled through time the small smile faded.

In front of him, lying in wait, was the region of Tokat in the realm of Caligus. He marched against these once proud people not too long ago when the city of Fontan was seized. He hesitated to step and thought of the missive he had left, the point of no return had been passed. Now was the time.

Into the future and the unknown he would tread, hoping the bridges he had built would remain free of fire. He lifted his head and began to walk, his shadow behind him.

Letter from Tyrann Thrane

Shadowdale,

For many moons I have proudly called you brothers and sisters and it is with a heart of sorrow I leave the domain of our Shadow King. Through the deception of Akesh my heart was twisted, and in the scar that remains upon my soul a great shame resides.

I intend to leave this place with honor, though I know not how much of it remains. I hold no thoughts of malice towards any of these lands of Shadow. I know that some may deem my exit as a terrible transgression and they are entitled to think as such, for I am no sovereign over the hearts of men. Know that despite what may come to pass I shall always speak of Shadowdale with reverence.

To mention by name those whom I hold dear would be pointless, for all have taught me a great deal about myself and of the world in which live. Know that I shall always answer any letters that are sent from any of you and I hope we can continue to strengthen the bonds that have been created. In truth I am at a loss for words and fear that should I continue to write I may never truly express how I feel. I wish you all the best of luck in times to come and know that you will always have a friend in me.

Yours,

Tyrann Thrane

Noble of Shadowdale

Family Investment

Flavia Arindal, Margravine of Montijo has initiated an investment of 300 gold in the region of Montijo. Production soars to 156 %.

Vilaine Delamoire

Sir Vilaine scans the room, keeping a close watch on all the nooks and rubble of the Lighthouse for signs of any danger. The round table in the room was old and worn, the map was carved into the wood of the table and was obscured by debris and dead seaweed.

"These land masses seem to have risen from the ocean, yet, these structures exist." Vilaine stated as he walked cautiously through the lighthouse.

"Doesn't that strike you as odd? That means... not only did these land masses rise from the ocean, but at one time, they also sunk while being inhabited."

To accent his point, as Vilaine rounded the old central table, he came across a human skeleton laying on the ground, rags of what must've been a tabbard covering the worn corpse.

He glanced over the table at the center, brushing aside some of the dead fauna to see the writing beneath.

Spotting the Lighthouse on the map, he pointed, and then to the immediate surrounding.

"Looks like the old road heading northwest from the Lighthouse goes to a coastal town known as Cliffdover." He said as much as a statement, as a question.

"Jafaria, why don't you and a squad of units head northwest to inspect this ruined village to make sure there's nothing there. The Major and I will have the units clear out the Lighthouse so that we can use this as a staging point and War Room to plan our mission." Vilaine commanded, nodding to Lady Jafaria.

Jafaria Wolfvern

"Understood" saluting "I leave immediately with half the unit. That should be enough eyes to survey the area and also if we are surprised by any creatures there."

"As for Cliffdover I've never heard of it but maybe there will be records or books still there that explain it history and maybe what happened" ending her response as turn around to leave.

"Give me 3 hours to return if something happens the rest of my unit is your" sternly saying.

Walking out into the camp the men are busy still fortifying the camp. The dirt is tossed and packed into dug outs. Spikes are lined outside the small ditches stretching 4ft long. hastily made wooden walls.

We came for a takeover of sympathy but just to feel safe we made a camp.

Strange I would how the people view us. For random people to come armed to convince them to join our realm of Shadows but, then to also make a camp so fortified.

She was lost in thought thinking this as she made her way to gather her men.

"Captain Elisa gather me half the unit we are to scout the ruin village if Cliffdover. Yoy are to remain here and take over till I've returned. Now go we leave in 5 minutes" she commands

Summer Evening

Noble has left the Realm

Tyrann Thrane has taken an estate in Tokat, which is part of Caligus, and has thus left your realm and joined Caligus.

Takeover Activity

Vilaine Delamoire is announcing better times and liberation in the market place.

The locals don't seem to fear Shadowdale as much as before now. The peasants seem somewhat more sympathetic towards Shadowdale.

Jafaria Wolfvern is announcing better times and liberation in the market place.

The locals don't seem to fear Shadowdale as much as before now. The peasants seem somewhat more sympathetic towards Shadowdale.

Jafaria Wolfvern

An had pass since leaving the camp headed to Cliffdover. Upon reaching Cliffdover their sat a lake in the middle of the ruins the remains of the once-bustling town of. From the size of the place it had a population of around 600 people with a simple array of shops in town, including a sawmill and a post office. Stonework lions, dragons, and phoenixes where around nearly every corner as if it was tourist village with it being so close to the coast. Many people must of come here during the summer times when weather was pleasant. Now though the pieces were aged, damaged from eroded passing of time. Moss and greenery covered every building, pieces of stone on buildings were gone. The church that stood in the middle was the biggest structure and only its towering clock showed no damage of water rest along it stone. This place was once sunken that was for sure.

"Fan out and make notes of what you find. Go in groups of 2" shouting orders." Becareful the Commander said this place was odd so try to find some records if possible"

"There's water everywhere" proclaimed a solider.

"I don't know be be careful there is a strange feeling of this place."

Takeover Activity

Gustav Mistmight is announcing better times and liberation in the market place.

It seems that fear of Shadowdale is dropping considerably. The peasants seem somewhat more sympathetic towards Shadowdale.

20th September

Summer Day

Paganism Surge

There is a surge of paganism in Pedrera Lighthouse. Many people are finding more solitude in the old local faiths and all religions lose followers.

Takeover Activity

Jafaria Wolfvern is announcing better times and liberation in the market place.

The locals don't seem to fear Shadowdale as much as before now. Shadowdale is received a bit more warmly now, but not much.

Gustav Mistmight is announcing better times and liberation in the market place.

There is a little bit less fear in the eyes of the peasants now. The locals now seem to like Shadowdale a lot more than before.

Nearby Beatdown!

Within Braga, an adventurer was beaten by Mordred Pendragon, Knight of Karbala.

Dustiria Noire

Bruce crumpled the letter in his beefy fist. "Sally ready the Countesses room. Make sure the bandages and sh*t were replenished after the last time. " He poked his head in the kitchen, "going to need meat for Burr ready and a good hearty stew in a few hours"

Bruce goes back to the bar and begins to wipe it down. His lady was wounded again no way she is leaving the stump till she is healed

Takeover Activity

Jafaria Wolfvern is announcing better times and liberation in the market place.

The locals don't seem to fear Shadowdale as much as before now. Shadowdale is received a bit more warmly now, but not much.

Summer Evening

Battle in Montijo

(rogue) vs. Perleone, Shadowdale

Estimated strengths: 230 men vs. 190 men

Tormentor Ambrose Peregrine is spotted wielding the Shouting Club of Battle.

Defender Victory!

Takeover Initiated

Knight Maccio Aurelle has initiated a takeover in Greatbridge. The region currently belongs to (rogue).

Takeover Activity

Vilaine Delamoire is announcing better times and liberation in the market place.

The locals don't seem to fear Shadowdale as much as before now. The peasants seem somewhat more sympathetic towards Shadowdale.

Dustiria Noire

Bruce hovers behind Dustiria as he follows her up the stairs. Ephrem follows close behind.

She growls at them both "leave me be. The wound is almost healed" she uncharacteristically slams the door in their faces, throws the lock and goes to the bed. There she curls up in a fetal position and cries til she falls asleep alone except for Burr purring on top of her.

Letter from Brigdha Dubhaine to Kenneth MacArbin

Ambassador Kenneth,

I should probably have been more restrained in my explanation. The Shadows conceal as many paths as there are those who travel them and no two are alike. Mine has led me deep into areas few nobles ever have need to explore. There is much to be gained on other paths as General Luna and Priest Bryce can attest.

I'm rather keen to visit the new Kalmar Delta myself when the opportunity arises. How does it compare to the ashlands of the Obsidian Isles?

Brigdha Dubhaine

Ambassador of Shadowdale

Baroness of Evora

Priestess of The Shadows

Fredrick Stormreaver

Bianca is drawn to fits of laugher, followed by a few moments of silence only to be regailed with laughter once more. Making her way into the command tent, she finds her liege laughing at a letter and wiping away a tear.

"Something amusing?", she inquires with a bitter tone, still barely speaking to him.

"Just the Lord Tormenter... I've finally figured it out. All the jabs, the constant attention seeking and the confrontational attitude..." Fredrick informs with a grin as the laughter slowly subsides.

"He's jealous. Quite jealous. I'm uncertain of whether it's of Duchess Luna or myself.. perhaps both or perhaps everyone. He isn't getting attention any longer so he lashes out hoping people will notice him. Perhaps he just needs a hug? Might stop the verbal jabs, superfluous fines and constantly confrontational attitude..."

Bianca rolls her eyes and turns around, this was well above her paygrade...

Cayden Navaar

Cayden watched a scene as a noblewoman stormed past. An expression of anger or grief lit up in her eyes. He did not know her, but he says a small prayer to Galtea and continues to drink. Report from Fredrick Stormreaver

Family Investment

Gaheris Camlann, King of Perleone, Royal of Perleone has initiated an investment of 310 gold in the region of Krimml. Production soars to 173 %.

Takeover Activity

Gustav Mistmight is announcing better times and liberation in the market place.

The locals don't seem to fear Shadowdale as much as before now. The peasants seem somewhat more sympathetic towards Shadowdale.

21st September

Summer Day

Battle in Montijo

Sirion vs. Perleone, Shadowdale

Estimated strengths: 1030 men vs. 140 men

The Caran Amlug (Sirion), sponsored by Duchess Lyanna Arylon, were led into battle by Marshal Brian M. Cameron.

Prime Minister Monterys Velaryon is spotted wearing the Daemonic Vest of Lysander.

Attacker Victory!

Region Taken

We have successfully convinced the people of Pedrera Lighthouse to raise our banner and abandon their old allegiance to (rogue).

The region joins the duchy of Shadow's Bluff. The region now needs a lord.

A New Lord

Duke Lindow Moonsun of Shadow's Bluff Duchy has appointed Vilaine Delamoire to the vacant lordship position in Pedrera Lighthouse.

Summer Evening

Battle in Al Amarah

Sirion vs. Shadowdale

Estimated strengths: 550 men vs. 120 men

The Caran Amlug (Sirion), sponsored by Duchess Lyanna Arylon, were led into battle by Marshal Brian M. Cameron.

Prime Minister Monterys Velaryon is spotted wearing the Daemonic Vest of Lysander.

Maltise Drachen, Noble of Shadowdale was seriously wounded by Theodius Goldhammer's unit.

Attacker Victory!

Battle in Pedrera Lighthouse

(rogue) vs. Shadowdale

Estimated strengths: 10 men vs. 120 men

Knight Gustav Mistmight is spotted wearing the Boring Coat of Boswick.

Defender Victory!

Dustiria Noire

Rested Dustiria gets up. Changes into a clean, purple, fighters shirt and belts her sword over it. Burr jumps to her shoulder as normal. Once again she is thankful for the extra padding her healer had put in so the cats claws didn't keep getting her.

"come on Burr lets see if Bruce has any mail for me"

she heads downstairs and goes over to the bar where Bruce hands her a missive.

Burr hops to the bar to snatch a piece of meat Bruce set there.

as she reads she says, " you spoil him too much. Burr is going to be too fat to ride my shoulder. Interesting Sir Apollyon wants a training match."

"Ephrem say your wound is ok with that," Bruce says and steps back out of hitting range with a smirk.

"I say if my wound is ok with that" she glares at Bruce then more quiet, "Ephrem said i am cleared for everything or i would still be locked in my room" she smiles a little.

"i think I will accept."

Fredrick Stormreaver

"I really don't think you should be telling everyone the Tormentor has a crush on you", Bianca laughs and shakes her head, the first time she'd let herself not be upset with Fredrick in the past few days. They were sharing an ale and stories with some locals, the best way to make friends as far as Fredrick was concerned.

"Are you sure? He can't stop talking about me, it's like he's a young school-lad and can't get me off his mind... next he'll be sending me personal correspondence or gifts. A shame, really, he's not my type", Fredrick grins.

"Not pretty enough?", Bianca rolls her eyes.

"No, there's no space for me. It's like he already has a stick up his-", Fredrick begins before a messenger joins the noble and captain at the table of the inn they'd been celebrating at with the locals of Greatbridge; Fredrick footing the bill for keg after keg of ale.

"Ahhh! Excellent! My gift for the Duchess Luna, about time", he announces to a curious-looking Bianca before flipping a silver coin to the courier, finishing his tankard of ale and collecting the small wooden chest.

"Don't wait up", he informs and playfully ruffles Bianca's hair before heading off with the small chest tucked under one arm.

. .. ...

Several minutes of wandering around the camps outside the village, Fredrick found the standards of House Tempest. Pausing a moment, the blonde noble glances into a nearby puddle to check himself over. Clad in a mix of metal chains, leather and furs, he was certainly a mix of a Viking and proper knight; all Viking as far as the northerners were concerned however. Deciding he looked presentable enough to be in front of a Duchess, he continues to the edge of the camp and present himself to the guards.

It takes an exaggeratedly long time for Fredrick to produce all of his weapons, a small pile of metal being left at the feet of one of the unimpressed soldiers while they wait for Fredrick to be announced and invited in.

Letter from Kenneth MacArbin to Brigdha Dubhaine

Ambassador Brigdha,

Then possible a less esoteric path may be helpful for myself and Sir Cayden, yes. The Altar of Flames calls to us both, and I thought that the Flame may well cast Shadows, if you take my meaning. There is much in the new lands that astonishes, but none more than that.

Which leads to your question: The difference is like night and day. There are rich, fertile lands here, fed by the ash no doubt, and a bustling realm can now be supported without reliance on Kazakh or other lands beyond its confines. There are still ashlands, but even they have revealed new deposits of obsidian and other stones which will be useful in building and rebuilding here. All in all, it is rather wondrous that such rose up from the waves.

Which, in turn, leads to another question from me: What do your paths say about the recent events? They seem more good than ill, overall, despite the loss of life.

Sir Kenneth MacArbin

Ambassador of Perdan

Duke of The Riverlands

Margrave of Bescanon

22nd September

Summer Day

Battle in Greatbridge

(rogue) vs. Perleone, Shadowdale

Estimated strengths: 40 men vs. 1270 men

The Blazing Swords (Perleone), sponsored by King Gaheris Camlann, were led into battle by Marshal Faridithous von Hammersmark.

The Shadow Legion (Shadowdale), sponsored by Shadow King Lindow Moonsun, were led into battle by Marshal William Armsworth.

Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted wielding the Glowing Sabre of Little Ogre.

Margrave Sir Fredrick Stormreaver is spotted wearing the Blessed Mantle of Dreams.

Margrave Foxen Carmine is spotted reading from the Book of Time.

Duchess Lady Luna Tempest is spotted wearing the Bizarre Ring of Defeat.

Shadow King Lindow Moonsun is spotted reading from the Ancient Book of War.

Defender Victory!

Battle in Oporto

Sirion vs. Shadowdale

Estimated strengths: 870 men vs. 90 men

The Caran Amlug (Sirion), sponsored by Duchess Lyanna Arylon, were led into battle by Marshal Brian M. Cameron.

Prime Minister Monterys Velaryon is spotted wearing the Daemonic Vest of Lysander.

Attacker Victory!

Battle in Al Amarah

Shadowdale vs. Sirion

Estimated strengths: 10 men vs. 470 men

Duchess Lyanna Arylon is spotted wielding the Enchanted Shield of Protection.

Duchess Lyanna Arylon is spotted wearing the Whistling Ring of the Moon.

Defender Victory!

Takeover

Perdan has taken control of Kalmar. The region used to belong to (rogue).

Looting Activity

Someone from our realm has plundered Watersedge ((rogue)), stealing food from the grain stores.

Someone from our realm has plundered Watersedge ((rogue)), stealing food from the grain stores.

Takeover Initiated

Viscount Vilaine Delamoire has initiated a takeover in Watersedge. The region currently belongs to (rogue).

Letter from Aethon Ravenhorn

Lady Brigdha, i would not classify someone damaging your property as "treasonous behaviour". Lord Mordred did not conspire or wish to bring harm upon the King. He may have harmed the Kings Royal Household by beating a commoner, but i do not think and will not accept that you are trying to push martial law onto something as simple as a civil recompense disupte.

Where are the Noble's rights in all of this? Are we not above the common folk? No matter the affiliation or the personal relationships of this commoner, in the end they are still a commoner, and and it is every right of the Noble's to discipline and hand out judgment towards common folk. It is stated so in the Zeroth Laws 0.5 : "All nobles have some degree of legal authority, dependent on their rank and role. Knights can judge commoners, lords can judge knights under their command and commoners".

As far as i can tell, Lord Mordred has not broken any laws. On the contrary, he has only fulfilled his obligation to the Honor Laws 3.2: " Every noble has the right to be respected." And i would like to point to the latter part of Honor Laws 3.2: "In the case of commoners, the noble has the right to beat them up or, if one has a letter as proof, it can be sent to the Tormentor to request an execution."

Even if the commoner has affiliation with the king, he has no legal basis to punish Lord Mordred, rather he should reward a Noble for upholding the laws of the land. If the King wishes to protect his affiliates or members of the Royal Household, i would suggest giving them Honorary Noble Titles, as to elevate their status from commoner to Noble, albeit temporarily.

As for the second part of your letter, Lady Brigdha, i have not been in service of this realm for very long so would not have any knowledge of prior statements made by our King. Might i suggest putting it into the Laws of the land, so that every noble would be aware of what our King's decrees are and how we should conduct ourselves with members of the Royal Household?

To reach a conclusion, Lord Mordred has upheld his family's honor and the Honour Laws that the King and The Tormentor has approved of, so i see no basis of punishing Lord Mordred. We Nobles have an etiquette and code of conduct to abide by, and lord Mordred has done exactly that. Not to mention, the punishment from the king is simply outrageous. Are we to punish the Noble's of the realm for abiding by the Common and Zeroth law?

Aethon Ravenhorn

Knight of Braga

Letter from Lindow Moonsun

Shadowdalians,

It is absolutely right, the nobles must punish those commoners who do not behave as they should. However, that does not authorize you to beat them up for the mere fact of seeing them.

My agent Daunae, a relative of mine that all of us can know from the information provided by our servants, was beaten by Sir Mordred while she was on a mission to Sirion to spy our enemies that I ordered her. This knight said at first that there is no law that prohibits hitting our commoners, it is true, but also there is not one that authorizes him to do just for fun. Shadowdale is a civilizated kingdom with nobles of worthy families, if you want to enjoy harming commoners do it outside the realm but do not be unworthy to do so to your own kingdom.

On the other hand, we can see reading Sir Mordred´s letters that he has changed his version, at first he said that he did not know that Daunae was my agent and later he said that he did know her but that she did not bow to him. So what do we must think? The only proof is a nobleman with a background of beating adventurers and who is generating a bad reputation for Shadowdale within the adventurer guilds.

Some may not understand it, but we should not antagonize the adventurer guilds, thanks to them we can request the help of adventurers to hunt monsters and undead, buy unique items or repair them, services that many of us need and some of you will need in the future.

For all nobles, you are prohibited from beating for pleasure adventurers you see within the realm. If the adventurers belong to enemy kingdoms, then you must capture them. So for all nobles, you are prohibited from beating adventurers you see within the realm just for fun. If the adventurers belong to enemy kingdoms, then you must capture them.

And I inform everyone, this is a monarchy and the first rule that you must learn is this:

Article 1 Zeroth laws: Whoever the current Shadow King of our realm might be, he is the source of legitimacy of the laws and, thus, remains unbound by and over them. His word has to be considered a law of topmost priority. If no duration is specified, it defaults to the duration of the case it was used in and cannot be used in later occasions.

Respect and obey your king and the king will respect and reward you, do the opposite and you will not have a good future in Shadowdale.

In the Shadow,

Lindow Moonsun

Shadow King of Shadowdale

Royal of Shadowdale

Duke of Shadow's Bluff

Margrave of Karbala

Summer Evening

Skirmish in Montijo

The following units attacked Montijo:

"Wolves" (Dawson Lawson, Margrave of Negev, Shadowdale)

Due to the overwhelming odds, however (13372 CS defending forces), the attackers were quickly surrounded and forced to surrender.

The attacking units were dissolved, and their commanders taken into custody in Sirion.

Lord temporarily absent

Dawson Lawson, Margrave of Negev has been captured in a skirmish with Sirion forces.

Takeover in Montijo

Commander Elric Altenahr of Sirion has initiated a takeover in Montijo. The region currently belongs to Shadowdale.

Takeover Activity

Elric Altenahr is announcing better times and liberation in the market place.

It seems that fear of Sirion is dropping considerably. The peasants seem somewhat more sympathetic towards Sirion.

Ubin Clipt is announcing better times and liberation in the market place.

It seems that fear of Sirion is dropping considerably. The locals now seem to like Sirion a lot more than before.

Periurium Baceolus is announcing better times and liberation in the market place.

The locals don't seem to fear Sirion as much as before now. The locals now seem to like Sirion a lot more than before.

Monterys Velaryon is announcing better times and liberation in the market place.

The locals don't seem to fear Sirion as much as before now. The peasants seem somewhat more sympathetic towards Sirion.

Conrad Graves is announcing better times and liberation in the market place.

The locals don't seem to fear Sirion as much as before now. The peasants seem somewhat more sympathetic towards Sirion.

Sulla Angmar is announcing better times and liberation in the market place.

The locals don't seem to fear Sirion as much as before now. The peasants seem somewhat more sympathetic towards Sirion.

Important Event for The Shadows

A new member has signed up at the temple in Karbala.

Knight Davidus Van Abis is now a Unbalanced of "The Shadows".

Takeover Activity

Lyanna Arylon is announcing better times and liberation in the market place.

It seems that fear of Sirion is dropping considerably. The locals now seem to like Sirion a lot more than before.

Brian M. Cameron is announcing better times and liberation in the market place.

There is a little bit less fear in the eyes of the peasants now. The peasants seem somewhat more sympathetic towards Sirion.

23rd September

Autumn Day

A New Season

The season has turned and it is now Autumn.

Enemy Goals Updated

Monterys Velaryon, Prime Minister of Sirion, Royal of Sirion has updated his realm's reason and goals in their war against us. The new reason and goals are as follows:

The Republic of Sirion hereby declares war on the Kingdom of Shadowdale.

Our former allies have seemingly renounced all bonds of kinships recently, warring with each of their neighbors in turn.

Hostilities between Sirion and Shadowdale will end under the following circumstances.

1. Shadowdale signs peace with Eponllyn, dropping all claims to Eponllyn regions or reparations. For clarification purposes, regional claims include not just regions currently owned by Eponllyn but also Greatbridge, Commonyr and Tabost on the southern border.
2. Shadow King publicly renounces his imperialistic desires (announcement to the rulers) and promises to completely abandon his apparent goal of vassalizing the North.
3. Shadow King offers a private apology to rulers of Eponllyn and Sirion for aggression that caused broken relations.
4. Shadowdale will not expand in Pedrera Peninsula beyond Coquarda and Watersegde as Rowanglade and Flismar are Sirion's claim, as are all other rogue regions north of Avamar.
5. Shadowdale accepts to engage in civil discussion about a possible joint colony in the aftermath of this war, which would be based out of Avamar.

Once the above terms are delivered/confirmed by the Shadow King the armies of Sirion will lower their arms and return to their lands.

Signed,

Monterys Velaryon, Prime Minister of Republic of Sirion

Enemy Goals Updated

Monterys Velaryon, Prime Minister of Sirion, Royal of Sirion has updated his realm's reason and goals in their war against us. The new reason and goals are as follows:

The Republic of Sirion hereby declares war on the Kingdom of Shadowdale.

Our former allies have seemingly renounced all bonds of kinships recently, warring with each of their neighbors in turn.

Hostilities between Sirion and Shadowdale will end under the following circumstances.

1. Shadowdale signs peace with Eponllyn, dropping all claims to Eponllyn regions or reparations. For clarification purposes, regional claims include not just regions currently owned by Eponllyn but also Bruck, Commonyr and Tabost.
2. Shadow King publicly renounces his imperialistic desires (announcement to the rulers) and promises to completely abandon his apparent goal of vassalizing the North.
3. Shadow King offers a private apology to rulers of Eponllyn and Sirion for aggression that caused broken relations.
4. Shadowdale will not expand in Pedrera Peninsula beyond Coquarda and Watersegde as Rowanglade and Flismar are Sirion's claim, as are all other rogue regions north of Avamar.
5. Shadowdale accepts to engage in civil discussion about a possible joint colony in the aftermath of this war, which would be based out of Avamar.

Once the above terms are delivered/confirmed by the Shadow King the armies of Sirion will lower their arms and return to their lands.

Signed,

Monterys Velaryon, Prime Minister of Republic of Sirion

Letter from Brigdha Dubhaine

Rarely do I ever speak in favour of war. Nor as a former Lord Speaker of the Elven Heru Mellen have I ever wanted to see conflict between the Republic and the former Southern Duchies. However Sirion has been the hegemon of the North for generations to the point where it became corrupted with power and now cannot face the prospect of losing that position. The Lords of Sirion seek to do with gold what they cannot do with the numbers of their knights and impose upon us a yoke of servitude which once would have been considered unthinkable.

This has not gone unnoticed in the High Firmament and they already suffer a heavy price for their arrogance. The great fortress of Avamar no longer commands their southern approaches as once it did, and what few remain of the Elven people no longer call Sirion their home nor acknowledge the humans who now rule there as heirs or successors of their patrimony. The divine protection which made them strong has been withdrawn and we have an obligation to humble them in hopes that our former friends may be reconciled with us.

Brigdha Dubhaine

Ambassador of Shadowdale

Baroness of Evora

Priestess of The Shadows

Letter from Brigdha Dubhaine to Kenneth MacArbin

Ambassador Kenneth,

Many things are revealed to me but sadly not the future. Or more accurately, I see many possible futures but it's not given to me to tell which will come to pass. Still, this is not the first time the world has been reshaped nor will it be the last. Each time humanity has always found a way to thrive no matter the circumstances.

The changes here in the East do offer hope of a better future than if the Higher Powers had not acted, with fewer obstacles to separate men and fuel the entrenched hatred between peoples which have brought so much of the continent to stagnation. I doubt that will do much to increase peace as the nobility are a fractious lot, prone to make war over petty slights and always eager to profit from their neighbour's good fortune. Perhaps that is the will of the Higher Powers and of The Hand who weighs and measures all things...

I look forward to visiting this Altar of Flames.

Brigdha Dubhaine

Ambassador of Shadowdale

Baroness of Evora

Priestess of The Shadows

Luna Tempest

Duchess Luna was within her tent tending her usual letters of military orders and foreign diplomacy when her Captain, Theomona intruded with a message,

"Your grace, you have a guest, Lord Fredrick, shall I show him in?"

The Grey Exarch glanced up from her papers and simply motioned for her Captain to do so. When Lord Fredrick entered her tent Lady Tempest finally stood up from her desk to address her newest Lord properly,

"Margrave Fredrick, it's about time I met the most controversial Lord of Shadowdale. Tell me, how are you finding the Shadowdalian way of life so far? I assume its quite different from what you are used to but despite what any say I am glad you are with us."

Luna would motion to a nearby seat before continuing, "Please have a sit if you wish. So tell me Fredrick. What brings you to me today? Finally greeting your Duchess in person? I will admit this meet is overdue but my life has been quite hectic as of late. You can understand why I am sure."

Leaning against her own desk Duchess Luna would study the man before her while waiting for his reply. By this point the young Duchess was used to often addressing men younger than her, but at least Margrave Fredrick had the look of a few seasons on his face.

Autumn Evening

Duchy Changes Allegiance

The Duchy of The Omsk Peninsula has changed its allegiance with all its regions to the realm of Eponllyn. The duchy used to belong to Nivemus.

Fredrick Stormreaver

Offering a deep bow, thinking better of doing anything fancy with a fragile object in the chest under his arm, Fredrick flashes a warm yet confident smile to his liege as he rises.

"You have certainly been busy and I know better than to interrupt the driving gears of the war machine for something as relatively unimportant as saying 'hello', Your Grace. I am pleased to finally get the chance to make your acquaintance after the flurry of activity my arrival has caused..."

Fredrick was more than amused at being called controversial and his expression showed it, let alone the list of other names he'd been labeled with since his arrival, wearing each as a badge of honour and pride with no shame whatsoever. He takes the offered seat with a little more grace than he would have in his own hall -simply flopping down and reaching for an ale- and gently sets the chest between them, gently playing with the latch with his thumbs.

"I admit this place isn't what I expected, though to be honest I didn't really expect anything, this was all rather a surprise dropped in my proverbial lap by powers on high I would assume", he shrugs as if either he didn't put much stock in it or he was unconcerned of the origin of the path that brought him there. "That all said, most of the people have been quite welcoming and I've enjoyed fighting alongside them... considerably less looting than I'm used to but we are trying to rebuild an empire so I suppose stealing from our own people is... unproductive."

Slowly turning the small chest so it faces Luna, he slowly lifts the lid, exposing something the size of his fist carefully wrapped in cloth.

"I was taught that it's rude to not bring gifts when meeting someone of import for the first time, if possible, so I wanted this to be finished before I interrupted your busy schedule...", he informs as a grin tugged at his lips again. "This was another fortuitous thing to find me, the stone anyway, the artisan took considerably more time to find."

Reaching further in, he gently tugs the cloth away exposing a diligently carved bird before withdrawing his hands and pushing the chest slowly closer to Luna for her inspection.

A closer look at the bird reveals it to be a mix of iridescent blues and whites, painstakingly carved entirely out of a single stone into the shape of a great eagle, the sigil of House Tempest.

"A moonstone for the Duchess with the name of the moon", Fredrick informs as she watches her reaction with as casual curiosity as he could manage leaning against the table.

24th September

Region Taken

We have successfully convinced the people of Greatbridge to raise our banner and abandon their old allegiance to (rogue).

The region joins the duchy of Shadow's Bluff. The region now needs a lord.

Letter from Luna Tempest

Shadowdalians,

I share the same sentiment as many of you. Where just yesterday I was in favor of accepting a peace that I have worked quite hard to broker, today I am not longer in favor of a peace agreement. Despite all my hard work that will be thrown out as result it seems we have little other choice.

Once again all our honest talks and attempts at diplomacy with the Northern Hegemony has been returned with contempt, dishonestly and malice. I guess such should be expected when dealing with a snake who claims themselves anything but a snake. The truth of the matter is they are snakes, they don't care about Shadowdale and never will. All they care about is maintaining their dominion over all others.

It will be on all the Shadowdalian's to support this fight. We can win, I know we can but it will be a long tough struggle along the way. The Shadow Legion certainly could have used a moment of peace to catch our breath, but not with just contempt being directed our way. If this is how Sirion will treat us then to hell with them.

Also the Shadow King did not take the liberty of directly quoting the Prime Minister's most recent letter however I will. I feel every Shadowdalian should see the true words as written by the ruler of Sirion.

Message sent to: Godric Tórrarin ka Habb, Lindow Moonsun - just in

King Lindow,

Are you seriously trying to tell me that you would consider expanding through all the rogue regions around Sirion and Eponllyn if we dropped our claims? I am appalled. What kind of a Kingdom would this be where you spread around like rats, just looking for land to take regardless if it is cut out from your mainland and regardless if this makes your Kingdom look like a bosom of some tavern wench? Are you a King of nobles or a King of Vermin? Please come to your senses. Comments like these make me want to toss the proposition I so gracefully and generously offered into the flames.

Signed,

Monterys Velaryon

Prime Minister of Sirion

Royal of Sirion

Despite all Shadowdale's and my own honest efforts we would all be referred to as vermin in the eyes of Sirion. Worse still he claims our realm would look like the bosom of a tavern wench when Sirion's own greed has left their internal borders shattered like weak broken glass scattered across the ground. What a joke.

I had hoped a new Prime Minister would change things, but with this most recent development it is clear that the Northern Hegemony will NEVER give Shadowdale a fair deal and I don't know why we even bother engaging in diplomacy with them. Oh I remember, because we are not a faceless unified mass of jerks. Shadowdale has always been willing to engage in honest talks and meeting in the middle, even with those that do not deserve as such simply because we are the better realm and people. We have the highground, don't let them ever convince you otherwise.

From the Shadow,

Lady Luna Tempest

Grey Exarch of Shadowdale

Duchess of The Shadow's Citadel

Margravine of Fontan

Corvus Crux

The temperate hinterlands of Negev stretch out on either side of Corvus and his 25 Cobalt Guards. His men are relaxed in their homeland, but there is some tension as they move toward the great Capital of Karbala. As they move, Corvus rummages through several letters and correspondence.

"They called us Vermin." says Corvus as he glares at one particular piece of stationary.

"Pardon me, milord." says an Armsman just to the side of Corvus.

"Those self-righteous Sirion named our King, 'The King of Vermin'. Men, we've got a lot to do in Karbala, because now we have a destination to move to."

The men of the Cobalt Guards unconsciously form up behind their Knight leader and their step quickens as they move as one. For men that were hired from the very same Kingdom that was just insulted by outsiders, this is surely a grave insult indeed.

Autumn Evening

Takeover Initiated

Viscount William Armsworth has initiated a takeover in Dulbin. The region currently belongs to Greater Eponllyn.

Family Investment

Lindow Moonsun, Shadow King of Shadowdale, Royal of Shadowdale, Duke of Shadow's Bluff, Margrave of Karbala has initiated an investment of 230 gold in the region of Greatbridge. Production soars to 117 %.

Important Event for The Shadows

Balance Walker Brigdha has promoted Luna to the rank of Benefactor. Luna is now a full member of the order.

Report from Brigdha Dubhaine to Luna Tempest

Duchess Luna,

I've picked up the outreach to Ambassador Kenneth and believe we may see him come to the faith in the coming months. Excellent work good Lady. Excellent work.

It would be my pleasure to see you join the mendicant ranks of our Order if you do not mind stepping down from your military obligations. Whilst I have known Priests who were Generals I cannot say that's always proven popular and a General really needs to be able to show their face in battle, not just to coordinate things from behind the scenes. The glory of this world will no longer be yours to claim and your focus will be on higher things.

However as a Priestess you will have considerably more time for administration, some of which you will also wish to invest in Oratory training at the academy as well as committing time to preaching. This would benefit both your religious duties and diplomatic duties should you wish to pursue such a career path. Whilst I cannot promise the sense of immediate achievement a good victory in battle brings, with patience and careful application you'll find a power warriors cannot even fathom.

A power to sustain.

A power to resist.

A power to overthrow.

Above all a power to speak and be heard by the common folk.

Brigdha Dubhaine

Ambassador of Shadowdale

Baroness of Evora

Priestess of The Shadows

Priest Activity

A priest of The Shadows has preached in Evora. Her words calmed down the followers of The Shadows and caused a morale raise.

Family Investment

Brigdha Dubhaine, Ambassador of Shadowdale, Baroness of Evora, Priestess of The Shadows has initiated an investment of 260 gold in the region of Evora. Production soars to 142 %.

Corvus Crux

The evening is late on the Academy grounds in Karbala's District of Letters. The two Knights of Negev greet each other warmly and grasp forearms. One of them is a young and optimistic man named Sir Raymond Ranma. The other seems to be a little older in his mid twenties, with rougher features, he is Sir Corvus Crux.

Both men have several guardsmen that decide to mingle like their leaders. One set of three guardsmen are dressed in blue and black tabards over chain mail wielding spears and shields. The Cobalt Guards are led by a tall man with a broadsword named Andre. The guardsmen and women following Raymond wield impressive longbows, and wear leather armor with a hood over their shoulders the colors of wine red and black. The Crimson Rangers are led by an impressively strong woman named Cynthia.

Corvus speaks up, "Well met Sir Raymond, it is a pleasure to meet you in person."

"I can finally place a face to the man I have come to know and consider my friend. Well met, Sir Corvus." Raymond says with a smile.

"Well, I can't say I'm not eager to test the abilities of another Knight. Also, I recently recruited more men to the Cobalt Guards, should show them noblemen can fight too, huh?" Corvus jokes and gestures to the three members of the Cobalt Guards.

Raymond looks at the Cobalt Guards. "I can understand that feeling. I have recently hired new men and women as well." says Raymond while sneaking a peek on the newly hired Captain Cynthia of the Crimson Rangers.

"I offered the bout, so what do you choose for weapons? Sword and shield, perhaps?"

"I accept those terms." Raymond Replies.

The two men return to their guards on either end of a dry, cracked arena floor. Night has come and the arena is lit by several lanterns. Their men hand each of them a practice weapon and shield. They catch the attention of a nearby Weapon Master making the rounds within the Academy Training grounds, and he moves over to oversee the bout. The match is called and they close in on one another, shields held up and swords gripped tightly.

Raymond stares at Corvus and can’t help to think, "He was so friendly but now he looks like a scary giant." Raymond feels his back starting to sweat.

A high swing from Corvus begins the bout. Raymond brings his shield up and blocks the blow, then counters with a thrust at Corvus' midsection. Corvus dodges and steps to the dominant side, sending a swipe low and connecting with Raymond's legs. Raymond brings his thrust into a swipe that strikes just above the shield onto Corvus' shoulder. They break apart and reset 5 feet apart.

Raymond starts to gain confidence and charges towards Corvus.

Shield connects against shield and both bring their practice swords around to strike. Raymond takes the initiative and his blow gets through Corvus' guard, sending him back. Corvus moves in quickly, eager to get him back and sends a hard swipe against Raymond's shield. The blow pushes the shield to the side and a strike comes in that Raymond parries.

Raymond steps back to reset the 5 feet apart. Then suddenly he gets distracted by something he sees at the corner of his eye. Raymond sees Captain Cynthia talking to Captain Andre from the Cobalt Guards.

Corvus notices the opening and comes in fast, another low sweep and Raymond is sent to the ground. The breath leaves Raymond as he looks up at Corvus' practice sword hovering above his neck. The men of the Cobalt Guards cheer and the match is called by the Weapon Master overseeing the match. They both grin as Corvus tosses his practice sword aside and offers Raymond his hand.

Raymond takes Corvus’ hand. "Your swordsmanship is incredible! I still have a lot to learn!"

"Don't you worry about it, we were evenly matched until..." Corvus’ eyes wander towards their entourage and lowers his voice. "Just don't let it distract you on the field, Sir Raymond." Then he places a hand on Raymond's shoulder and raises his voice. "Well fought, how about that drink?"

Raymond blushes. "I won’t be distracted anymore. Thank you Sir Corvus! I would love to have a drink with you! And please, call me Raymond. I consider you a dear friend, after all."

The two knights reunite with their entourage and they move off the field heading toward Royal Street to trade stories and discuss the state of the war.

Important Event for The Shadows

A new member has signed up at the temple in Karbala.

Knight Corvus Crux is now a Unbalanced of "The Shadows".

Report from Ambrose Peregrine

Noble warriors of Shadowdale,

Within the Shadow Council we have been discussing the routes to peace for a long time. To me and to Priestess Brighda it has been obvious from the start that there will be no just peace as long as we don't show Sirion that we are not weaklings whom they can bully around. But we have been in the minority for a while.

Thankfully, I am happy to report that after a lot of back and forth, and most importantly the latest correspondence from the enemy rulers, the Council has finally tilted to our opinion - fight on, make them plead for peace.

Viscount Vilaine,

I will have to decline your request for aid. I am presently riding to Karbala on His Majesty's request. You will have to manage the region on your own.

Ambrose Peregrine

Tormentor of Shadowdale

Knight of Karbala

Jafaria Wolfvern

Days have passed since Jafaria had sent 4 of units men to go collect fur pelts. They were to be made into clothing as a reward for their service to her.

The first one she works on is Hector's coat. He gave her pelts of a Darwin's Fox. Blue furred creature with tiny spots of white throguhout its body, with bigger spots on its upper legs, chest, chin, and ears on the inside. Its ears are red and so is the back of legs of its front legs. They are small beings going no taller than shin height of a average person.

Have such a small creature and with 6pelts she'd make a coat with fur covering the neck and hands portions of the body. It was enough to evenly spread apart to areas.

The neck showed of the foxes blue fur the most with its tiny white drops covering everything. It looked fashionable shiny, soft, and fluffy. The hands showed of its bigger white spots and the red of it ear and legs. These were also a bit stuff to increase the fluff an look.

The body of the attire that these were stitched to was a black leatherette coat down to the knees. Lined with show cotton and other soft material to protect from the cold.

She spent a good portion of her night finishing this project making sure it was ready by the time the sun rises.

When she had finally finished she layed it across the bed in her room. And looked and craftsmanship she had made. It had been a few months since she last made any type of clothing with fur. Thankfully her years of learning from her father and the others from her family's guild still sat firmly in her hands and moved on their on. Once satisfied she hung the coat up neatly and finally went to bed with a few hours to spare before the sun rose.

Duchy Changes Allegiance

The Duchy of Rancagua has changed its allegiance with all its regions to the realm of Sirion. The duchy used to belong to Nivemus.

25th September

Autumn Day

Davidus Van Abis

During the night Davidus could not sleep in the cabin of the ship taking him from Negev to the Pedrera Lighthouse. He got up and decided to go to the upper deck. Standing by railing he gazed upon the sea, at night so truly dark that it feels as if one is peering directly into the abbys. Is this what it means to be in the shadow. Being able to look upon the darkness, being able to detach from your senses and focus on the inner workings of ones soul. Davidus never reached this meditative state so deeply.

The last couple of days Davidus' life has been changing rather quickly. After the death of his mother many things have happened. His father, in a moment of sobriety, gave Davidus some gold. An uncharacteristic act of kindness form his normally selfish father. Davidus sighs. He knew this was the moment to act and make something of himself. What a brilliant move to immediatley gain the following of some troops under his banner. He knew this would attract the attention of the noblemen and woman he has been looking up to his whole life. "Is it luck, divinity, or something else that made this work?" This feeling of faith smiling upon Davidus was ameliorated because that very same day he was given the estate of the Grey university of Kerbala. A sense of luck, appreciation of his lords, excitment, and yes, even happiness, came over Davidus.

"And now I am part of a selected few in the army, hopefully we will be able to bring glory to Shadowdale," Davidus thought to himself. Before leaving on the ship he met some of his comrades for drink and food in Negev, an event organized by Sir Aethon. They seemed to be pleasant and welcoming people. "Surely these bonds will strenghten even more in the coming months. I, for one am looking forward to this."

The nigth was still dark and the moon seemed to be blocked out by the cloudiness. "Tomorrow, I will arrive in Pedrera and start to gain honour and prestige with actions." Davidus went on to visualize many futures for himself. Futures leading men into battle, futures of marriage and royal life, futures of comraderie and drinks, futures of glory and fame. After an hour or so Davidus felt that it was time to take his rest. He should gather his energy for the exciting days to come.

William Armsworth

War journal, day 65, morning.

Now that our diplomatic efforts proved fruitless, we can finally engage our enemies unreserved.

If Sirion intends to do what we think they will, they will play right into our hands. Time will tell.

I'm needed in Oporto to quell another uprising. Apparently they didn't learn their lesson last time.

Aethon Ravenhorn

Aelfmona was the recently named captain of the Horned Raven's company, a retinue under Aethon Ravenhorn. She personally disagreed with her superiors choice, as she would rather serve a Noble who did not execute scribes in droves and lost his former retinue in Montijo. Alas fate had seen fit for her to be in service of Lord Aethon.

"Well, perhaps fate, or the fact that my superior holds a grudge for his failed advances" Aelfmona shrugged, thinking to herself how she got into this situation. Standing in her Lord's tent, she saw a round wooden table with 4 chairs put around, fresh food and beverages on the table. Sighing to herself, she turned around and walked out of the tent. She had to report to her Lord that the arrangements have been made. Walking outside she saw Aethon standing on the docks, looking towards the sea. "He must be thinking about how to execute his new scribe" Aelfmona shrugged her head, having mixed feelings about this new and upstart lord. Walking down the cobble road and onto the docks, she called out to her lord.

"My Lord, the arrangements have been made. I have also seen to the men, and they have packed ready, waiting to sail to Pedrera Lighthouse as soon as possible."

Aethon turned his head slightly, making eye contact with his new captain for a few seconds, then slightly nodding his head. He had just received word earlier about new Lord's joining the Shadow Guard, under the command of Vice Marshal Vilaine. Wondering how their little excursion and how the new Noble's would perform in the Shadow Guard, Aethon could not help feeling his blood boil. This is what he lived for, the thrill of battling the enemy, leading armies and outmaneuvering the enemy.

"Very well captain Aelfmona, you should rest too, before we set sail. We have a long journey ahead of us and i want all of us in good shape." Aethon responded, his rough voice sounding like grinding metal, to the great displeasure of his new captain.

"Oh and I've been meaning to ask, what are your impression of the retinue? I know we haven't been travelling together for very long, but i'm sure you must have some impression of your Lord and his unit of men." Aethon turned around, squinting his eyes and furrowing his brows. He has had a bad impression of this captain since he first lay eyes on her and her attitude have been displeasing to him, questioning his every decision.

"My Lord, the Horned Raven's lack unit cohesion but they show potential. I think they best serve under a Lord who would use them to the best of their abilit-" the sentence was cut short when Aelfmona realised that a boot had connected with her stomach area, sending her rolling across the wooden planks of the docks, throbbing with pain. The echo of metal boots colliding with her armor ringing in her ears. Coming to a stop on the ground, Aelfmona heaved after breath, feeling overwhelmed by throbbing pain and the dizziness she felt. Putting down his foot, Aethon slowly walked over towards his newly appointed captain, crouching down and pulling her head up by her hair, staring into the eyes of his wounded captain.

"The next time you insult your lord will be the last time you use your tongue. I do not care for insubordination nor do i care for your reasons. I know you are aware of my reputation amongst the scribes, and although i do not wish to further this particular renown into other areas, i do not fear it either. Never forget that you are a commoner, and it is not your place to question the decisions of your lord." Releasing his grip of her hair, Aethon slowly got up from his crouched position, and started walking towards his tent without as much as casting a second look at his captain on the ground.

Priest Activity

A priest of The Shadows has preached in Evora. Her words calmed down the followers of The Shadows and caused a morale raise.

A priest of The Shadows has preached in Evora. Her words calmed down the followers of The Shadows and caused a morale raise.

Autumn Evening

Battle in Greatbridge

Eponllyn vs. Perleone, Shadowdale

Estimated strengths: 100 men vs. 130 men

Arbiter Godric Tórrarin ka Habb is spotted wearing the Forgotten Breastplate of the Badgers.

Arbiter Godric Tórrarin ka Habb is spotted wielding the Old Buckler of Obsidian Islands.

Arbiter Godric Tórrarin ka Habb is spotted wearing the Ring of Loyalty.

Defender Victory!

Takeover Stopped

The takeover attempt in Watersedge has been stopped.

Family Investment

Lindow Moonsun, Shadow King of Shadowdale, Royal of Shadowdale, Duke of Shadow's Bluff, Margrave of Karbala has initiated an investment of 260 gold in the region of Braga. Production soars to 185 %.

Corvus Crux

The pass through Negev was all too brief.

Many men of the Cobalt Guards have family on the fields or in the many fishing boats dotting the shoreline. One, bold enough, called out to the Knight leading the column on foot.

"Sir, do you think we could stay for a spell?"

Corvus, who had been lost in thoughts of granaries and supply lines, distractedly replied "We move to the ferrymen and then across Diplomacy Bay." Corvus paused in step for a moment, continued walking and said "Though I told you all that when we left Karbala. Armsman, we go across the bay to the Badlands where peasants are starving and Sirion sends more troops across the continent to battle Shadowvale Knights whilst they still have much of their territory closer to heart claimed by the Rogue."

"Me uncle said that Sirion ain't the issue. He says it was the Perleone that were the real trouble."

Captain Andre raises his voice from farther in the ranks "Jenkins, you better shut it or it'll be a floggin'."

"Well, your uncle doesn't seem to have much of an education" replied Corvus, "The north constantly insults our fairest offers of peace, and continue to act like Shadowvale is nothing more than the heaving bosom of some common tavern wench. I know not, all the politics involving Perleone. Though, if your uncle was a true Kingsman, then he would refrain from saying such things ever again. Speaking upon what you do not fully comprehend is criminal."

The column of cobalt and black dressed spearmen continued in silence for a few hundred meters along a road bordering the Firth of Fontan in complete silence.

"You know Jenkins, I do believe that my campaign tent needs a thorough cleaning before we embark to sea. While the others enjoy their last evening on land, you will clean it for me. Andre the Giant, you will ensure this happens."

"Yes, sir"

A couple snickers and a few hearty slaps on the back followed that statement by the Knight.

"Knew he was a coot..." grumbled Jenkins.

Knight Corvus Crux and the Cobalt Guards will embark later that night on a ferry to join his fellow Knight Jack at Pedrera Lighthouse. The campaign tent was pitched on the deck to dry during the journey.

Vilaine Delamoire

Democracy Bay was still as glass as the ferry passed through carrying the Delamoire Guard, Vice Marshall Vilaine's unit among the newly formed Shadow Guard. Sir Vilaine sat at the bow of the ship in a simple cotton tunic and black trousers. His dirty blonde hair was always well kept, parted to the side, the neatness which lay in contrast to his stern features that bore three scars diagonally from right ear to chin. The three claw marks narrowly missed the mismatched grey right eye. His square jaw and severe brow highlighted the symmetry of Vilaine's face, where the scar and the mismatched right grey and left green eye championed asymmetry.

Vilaine looked backward, back east, toward the ripples in the glass left by the ferry as it left Pedrera Lighthouse behind.

"What was happening, were his troops in danger?" he worried, though his expression did not change.

"He belonged back there, on the field, not here.." he thought, turning to look back west to his destination, Karbala. It was the seat of his the Delamoire_Family, yet it was never his home. His cousin, Emilia, eldest daughter of Leonora, who was the heir to the Matron, it was her home. House Delamoire dated back to the Dark Era of Shadowdale, when the Spider Queen ruled and his grandmother Nelrina made her fame.

Sir Vilaine was the soldier. He was the eldest of the 2nd generation of the Delamoire children, the first to try his hand at glory. The first to learn that glory had an ugly sibling that was reality. Glory came with watching your best friend's neck split to see the gush of blood mingled with tendrils and sinew, pouring out of the husk that was the source of laughter just hours before. Glory was to see the look of astonishment when someone realizes, this is the end.

But, it was not your end. And for that, you bear the mantle of glory like a thick perfume over the sweat of one's labor.

Glory broke people.

As Vilaine looked westward toward his home of Karbala, he bore the burden of Glory. But he would not break.

His mother broke, Ristarra, the previous heir to House Delamoire. Both beautiful and cunning, she had bore six children with his father, Rune. He knew little of his father, fading memories, as during the establishment of the Shadow King's reign, Rune had convinced Nelrina to forswear the Spider King and come under the Shadow King's banner. And it was in this war, that his father died for his convictions. And when his father died, his mother had collapsed in on herself. For no matter how clever, his mother couldn't overcome Grief.

But he would not break.

He had a duty to his King and Country. The Shadow King had pardoned them after the war, allowing his grandmother Nelrina to keep her freedom and their home. His father had died fighting for the Shadow King, and Sir Vilaine had his father's convictions, and his mother's cunning. He had a responsibility to rise above where his parents had fallen, and he would be damned if he let the Sirion and Eponllyn forces belittle and raid Shadowdale.

So he sailed west, back to Karbala to plead for money. The Shadow Guard had taken Pedrera Lighthouse, he had cleared out an estate in the village of Cliffdover, and the banners of Shadowdale hung high over new lands. But his loyal men and women starved on quarter rations; often slept on the hard ground which was barren of foliage and life.

They needed money.

So the Soldier had to turn to Diplomat. He had used the first part of the voyage to write letters and send them out by raven's claw to the noble houses of Shadowdale. The success, or failure, of said diplomacy would reveal itself when he arrived at the banks of Karbala.

"Had he addressed them by their right titles? Had he overstepped his position and made a political blunder?"

Emilia would've known, but he could only wait, and hope. The life of his troops depended on him, on his ability to return quickly with wagons of grain and salted meat. His ability to afford and commission builders and scribes to establish a guild hall.

Sir Vilaine sat at the bow of that ship, too stressed to sleep, and too stubborn to try. Every minute counted, and he would not let down the Shadow Guard and he would not let down the Shadow King.

26th September

Autumn Day

Fortification Damage

During a battle in Evora, the fortifications suffer 1 % damage.

Battle in Evora

(rogue) vs. Shadowdale

Estimated strengths: 10 men vs. 20 men

Defender Victory!

Taxes Received

As the Baroness of Evora, you earn 140 gold. Since you're within your realm borders, you receive your taxes in gold.

Davidus Van Abis

Having just set foot in Pedrera, Davidus is filled with resolve. “First things first, it is important that my mens equipment is prepared for battle.” He looked around fir a local and shouted: “my fellow Shadowlian, can you help me out. I am looking for the blacksmith!” The commoner, seemingly startled, apologized and said:”Im sorry sir, we don’t have a blacksmith around here”. Davidus gritted his teeth and blaimed himself for not knowing this. Upon closer inspection he saw how meagre and underfed the man was. Actually, looking around the people here seemed like a miserable bunch. Davidus was filled with terror, in Karbala he had never seen so many apparent poverty as is the case in Pedrera. He thanked the man for his help and then remembered he was not supposed to feed his own men from his personal reserves, but the reserves of the city. Effectively, taking food out of this mans mouth. Davidus felt nauseous and thought to himself “ Hopefully we can improve the condition of these people with our presence. The preshadowlian rules really made a mess.”

Enemy Goals Updated

Monterys Velaryon, Prime Minister of Sirion, Royal of Sirion has updated his realm's reason and goals in their war against us. The new reason and goals are as follows:

The Republic of Sirion hereby declares war on the Kingdom of Shadowdale.

Our former allies have seemingly renounced all bonds of kinships recently, warring with each of their neighbors in turn.

Hostilities between Sirion and Shadowdale will end under the following circumstances.

1. Shadowdale signs peace with Eponllyn, dropping all claims to their regions or reparations. Regions included are all regions owned by Eponllyn and all regions that may have been lost during this war.
2. Shadowdale drops claims of all of their holdings in Pedrera Peninsula, and this request further extends to all land north of Avamar and east of Sirion River, and is forbidden from annexing Tabost badlands, or any land north of Tabost which fall under hereditary right of the fallen Niveman royal line, or Sirion's rightful claim.
3. Shadow King Lindow Moonsun abdicates his throne for the minimum period of three years (twelve seasons).
4. The new Crown makes a public announcement in which it renounces imperial plans to vassalize the North as they were mandated by Shadow King Lindow Moonsun.

Signed,

Monterys Velaryon,

Prime Minister of Republic of Sirion

Autumn Evening

Battle in Evora

(rogue) vs. Shadowdale

Estimated strengths: 10 men vs. 10 men

Defender Victory!

Battle in Montijo

Shadowdale vs. Sirion

Estimated strengths: 60 men vs. 1380 men

The Caran Amlug (Sirion), sponsored by Duchess Lyanna Arylon, were led into battle by Marshal Brian M. Cameron.

Royal Ivo Mersault is spotted wielding the TK Jones's Hammer of Dreams.

Royal Ivo Mersault is spotted wearing the Old Armour of Blood.

Duchess Lyanna Arylon is spotted wielding the Enchanted Shield of Protection.

Duchess Lyanna Arylon is spotted wearing the Whistling Ring of the Moon.

Royal Ivo Mersault is spotted wearing the Grim Band of Doom.

Defender Victory!

Region Lost

Sirion has convinced the people of Montijo to raise their banner and abandon yours. The region is no longer yours.

Flavia Arindal and his knights have lost their home and estates.

A New Lord

Duke Lindow Moonsun of Shadow's Bluff Duchy has appointed Jafaria Wolfvern to the vacant lordship position in Greatbridge.