Missive from Sir Mansford Helmsdeep, Knight of Furyondy, to Yanesh, leader of the Knights of the High Forest Harvester, 597 Furyondy: Sirs and Ladies of the Hart: As you may or may not know, the King of Furyondy, Belvor IV, recently had open diplomatic relations with the nation of Ket. This, my friends, is most troubling news, and as I was there myself personally and spoke with the king, I find the need to call upon your ancient oath to protect the lands of Furyondy, the Vale, and the High Forest. It seems as if Belvor IV has forgotten that during the war, Ket sided with the Old One. Knights of the High Forest, you well know that your Elven heritage is despised there and you are called monsters by the people of Ket. It also came to my attention that the Beygraf of Ket allows the Church of Hextor to freely operate in their country, and it deeply concerns me that they would allow the Herald of Hell to be worshiped openly. So now I ask you, both the Knights of Veluna and the Knights of the High Forest, to aid us, the Knights of Furyondy, by using all your political power to influence King Belvor IV to seek military and trade alliances with a nation other than Ket. Perhaps by strengthening our ties to the Highfolk and people of the Vale, Belvor IV can achieve his goals and our true allies can benefit as well. Yours in service to the Hart, Sir Mansford Helmsdeep Knight of Furyondy Defensive Pact Announced Flocktime, 597 Dargas Mor: Urdred Ironstone IV, thane of Dargas Mor announced the signing of a defensive pact between Dargas Mor, Clan Oronodel and her allies, Clan Shandareth and her allies, and the town of Highfolk. This defensive pact states that if any member attacks another member, the remaining member(s) are to come to the aid of the member being attacked. A tentative agreement was signed at the Thamek Mor Assembly and after further diplomatic efforts by all involved, the final agreement was also signed. Those involved in this effort hope this is the first step in reconciling the differences between the Oronodel and the Shandareth. To this end, all members have agreed to meet in Highfolk town for a series of reconciliation discussions and to settle the question of the rightful heir of House Rellen, as well as resolve the growing theological differences between the Home of the Sacred Forestmistress and the Hearth of the Unicorn's Heart. Verbeeg Hill Burned Fireseek, 597 Verbeeg Hill: The town of Verbeeg Hill, located on the Velverdyva River near the pass where the Yatils and Clatspurs meet, has been burned to the ground. A horde composed of human mercenaries, orcs, goblinoids and red draconic creatures led by a warlord named Gixarytiss, successfully attacked the town. The town's defenders, a collection of militia, elves and adventurers, were unable to stop the horde. The horde sacked the town for several days, eventually burning it. Since Verbeeg Hill lies on the Velverdyva Trade Route, this has disrupted trade that normally goes through the town. Perrenland has dispatched an expeditionary force to secure this vital and strategic area. Refugees from Verbeeg Hill have made their way to Stoutstump and are wintering there. Many are hopeful about returning to rebuild Verbeeg Hill come spring. Strangely, the Smiling Halls of Good Fortune still stands, although it has been damaged by fire both inside and out. When asked about this, the High Roller Malson Minfrid quipped, 'You got to know who you are playing with.' The High Roller refused to elaborate further. Old One's Troops Forced Out Ready'reat, 595 Vesve Forest: The war is over! The forces of the Old One had fled to the edge of the Defiled Glades where they sought to make their last stand, but the forces of the Green White have crushed them. During the fighting, it came to light that the Betrayer of Clan Moonbow, Arair Galaindel, had assumed command of the Old One's forces following the death of Field Marshal Azrin at the hands of someone called Hunter in the Shadows. Finally forced to show himself after all these years, he was immediately targeted and dispatched by a strike force sent by Clan Moonbow PCs. But the forces of the Green and White were not without their casualties. The Loslain Talus Wintershale of Clan Seldorian was murdered; as was Giela Xerlos, handmaiden to Avereen Volmiryth. An attempt was also made on the Lord High Marshal Elrenn Walthair but of force of Knights and Rangers were able to drive off the attackers. During the celebration afterwards, Mayor Tavin Ersteader was fatally poisoned, and despite being returned to life, he has stepped down from his post as mayor of Highfolk. Longtime council member Mordianna Rellen-Tamarel was elected by the town council, including adventurer members Ashlain Leafburn and Mnemosyne Menanine-Rellen, to fill the vacant position. Iuzian Spies Massacred Patchwall, 595 Highfolk: The Blood Owls, in cooperation with members of the Fifth District, have rooted a group of spies calling themselves I.U.Z.5-06. These miscreants were had infiltrated the Roots under a recently erected obscene statue in a bohemian neighborhood calling itself the Artisan's District. Investigation learned that not only had members of I.U.Z.5-06 infiltrated the tunnels of Highfolk's subterranean prison, but they were also arming the prisoners with all manner of dangerous magical items. In a lightning raid, Homeguard forces using Blood Owl intelligence stormed the affected area of the Roots and killed all of the Old One's minions to the last man. There were no survivors. That entire section of the Roots has been filled in and during the construction, the Artisan's District and the offending statue that gave access to that area of the Roots has been leveled. Perrenland Forces Destroyed Coldeven, 595 Vesve Forest: In has come to light that the remains of the Perrenland army sent to relieve Quaalsten last fall were discovered in the Vesve near the Quaalsten road last winter. Details just now being released by the office of Mayor Tavin Ersteader suggest that fully half of those Perrenlanders set to in the war efforts against the Old One were slain by an unknown force. While thousands of Perrenland soldiers, their baggage train, and all pack animals were discovered slain by scouts sent by the Rangers of the Vesve, no signs of their assailants were present. The remaining forces for our neighbor have divided themselves between the Perrenland garrison at Ashenglade and those forces patrolling the northern end of the Quagflow Road and the Sepia Uplands. Rumors suggest that those soldiers deployed to Ashenglade may soon march to Quaalsten to aid in the pursuit of those forces retreating from the siege of that city. Upheaval at Doom's Retreat Readying, 595 Highfolk: Rumors abound of upheaval among the ranks of the Guildsmen of the High Art at their hall known as Doom's Retreat. After sponsoring an expedition of adventurers into the Vesve, several members of the Guildsmen have not been seen and sources claim some are dead are or missing. Those few that have been seen have only come out for food and supplies before closeting themselves back with their brethren. It has been said that the Guildsmen of the High Art have found something of great power, but whatever that may be, for the moment they aren't telling. Quaalsten Won! Ready'reat, 594 Quaalsten: The Second Battle of Quaalsten has been won! An assemblage of five armies has turned back the tide of the Old One's darkness! The Warriors of the Protector's Moon composed of the Knights of the High Forest, the elven clans, and the dwarves of Dargas Mor came together to assassinate the enemy's commanders while preventing the escape or maneuvering of the Old One's troops. Those Rangers of the Vesve and Helping Hands of Ehlonna came together under the banner of the Legion of the Rampant Unicorn to assault the enemy behind their lines and disrupt their supplies. The Brigade of the Shining Axe, largely made up of the Furyondian garrison of Ironstead attacked from the south and held as a wall of steel against the evil hordes of undead. The Quaalfolk stood with honor atop their stout wooden walls. The biggest surprise was the fifth army. Lord High Marshal Elrenn Walthair who has been missing for over a year appeared with a small army of Beastmen from the far north of the Vesve. These beastmen proved and effective counter for the altered beastmen strange undead that Old One's twisted wizards had created. The Old One's forces are routed and fleeing into the Plaguehold. There is celebration in the streets. This is the first decisive victory over the Old One for the Green and White since the Greyhawk Wars. There is no word on the Perrenland forces that were supposed to be present. The forces of the five armies are waiting on reinforcements before pursuing the forces of Old Wicked. Flameflower Retaken Goodmonth, 594 Flameflower: The forces of the elves, supported heavily by the recently contacted dwarves of Dargas Mor as well as the adventuring community of Highfolk town, have retaken the elven capital of Flameflower and expelled the occupying grugach forces. Reports are speculative, but stories say nearly all the buildings of Flameflower have disappeared, and the once fabled magical defenses of Flameflower no longer stand. In addition, some rumors suggest that Lord Kashafen Tamarel has returned to take his place as leader of the elven nation. If so, this may mark the turning point of the war in the Vesve. Elven Army Moves In Planting, 594 Ashenglade: Following the declaration of Tymir Menanine, Sword of the King, that closed the Elven District to non-elves, large numbers of elven military forces have begun occupying the empty homes and lots of Ashenglade, that recently constructed town just north of Highfolk. The purpose of these troops has not been made known to the public, but they have constructed barracks in excess of their need and are at work on a wooden palisade that will surround the town. Clerks have begun a town census to determine the number of residents, as well as the amount of available housing each owns. Those living in Ashenglade have been encouraged to devote their spare time to the construction of the palisade and several needed watchtowers. Knights of Veluna Recalled Goodmonth, 593 Veluna: Dire news out of Veluna. The vast majority of those Velunese forces fighting the invasion by the Old One have been recalled to Veluna. The loss of such experienced troops is expected to deal a dire blow to the defense of the Vesve. Notices from Canon Hazen and the College of Bishops went up in towns across the Vale, ordering roughly 80% of those forces loyal to Veluna to leave by the following morning for the Veluna border. Some dissenting voices are refusing to go and there is no way to notify the troops trapped within the siege of Quaalsten, however it seems likely that most of the Veluna garrisons will be deserted within the week. Grugach Haunting Quaalsten Wealsun, 593 Highfolk: Contact has become sporadic at best with the town of Quaalsten. Most travelers or caravans between Highfolk town and Quaalsten have gone missing with no sign of their passing. Rangers of the Vesve warn travelers to refrain from travel to Quaalsten if possible. Rumors abound of an army of grugach haunting the surrounding the wood. The Guildsmen of the High Art have begun offering their services to magically transport couriers, supplies, or those seeking to aid against the isolation of the northern town. Mayor Tavin Ersteader urges calm and vigilance against this unknown threat. Adventurers have been seen leaving the city, both through magical and conventional means from Quaalsten. Smiling Halls Turned Upside-Down Fireseek, 593 Verbeeg Hill: Rumors abound that the impossible has happened. The Smiling Halls of Good fortune, temple to Norebo, may have been robbed. Despite assurances from High Roller Malson Minfrid, rumors and speculation continue to circulate that somehow following the Needfest celebration; all proceeds from the Blessed Gaming Floor were somehow removed from the vault. As of yet, no one has been able to confirm these rumors. ^ back to top

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