There is a steady flow of refugees heading up the Gaprill valley for the Mountains of the Dwarves or making for the road south to Tumunzahar. The weather is worsening and the roads may soon become impassable, but it is believed the south road will remain open longer and may deter the Cold Ghosts, as it passes through a volcanic area.
In the Kingdom of the North the first goblin wargrider raids have been reported from the Northern borders with the coming of the first blizzards. The Lord Protector Duke Harrek of Grinen is organising the resistance to these. Adventurers who can tolerate a bit of cold, but do not fancy fighting Ghosts, are volunteering.
In the fortified village of Mind there have been several nights of hard fighting between the hordes of Cold and Were Ghosts and the KOROS Clerics and adventurers. Arador of Carrilon, the Challenger for the Valdrean Emperorship, and his Young Firebrands with their flaming swords have been in the thick of the fighting, as have Adnab and his Keragund Gnomish Druids, bearing a Holy Sapphire of RAYLIT. The village has held out so far.
There are various reports from scouting missions into the deep North East Forest of areas of Madness in there, similar to the Dark Forest that afflicted the North West Forest in the Winter of 2501/2502. These include word from scouts of the High Elvish Spider Cult, the Liantelië, that Jungle Spider Cultists, believed to have been misled by Glersh the Dread, have established an area of Dark Forest in the area of the valley of the River Velli. No significant numbers of Ghosts have yet been reported in that area.
The High Elven Guardians of the Sacred Grove at Waters’ Meeting are also rumoured to have taken action against an Evil attempt to contaminate the Source of the River Caladuin.
In the Gaprillîki it is expected that the refugee camp at the junction where the Tumunzahar road leaves the River Gaprill will be the next place to be attacked. The refugees from Kro and Mind are heading for there, and then either up the road towards Tumunzahar and the coal mines or on up the river to Zill. The KOROS Clerics have today abandoned Mind and are retreating with the last batch of refugees, protected by the Holy Garnet, to the junction camp to defend the population.
The Holy Garnet of KOROS arrived at the refugee camp by the River Gaprill an hour or so before nightfall, with the adventurers escorting in the last of the refugees they have picked up on the road. The Garnet was placed in the centre of the camp, beneath a watch tower. A defensive perimeter of ditch, low rampart and picket fence had been set up so that it is just within the radius. of the light of the Garnet The refugees were packed into the centre, with the adventurers on guard round the edge. The first Ghosts attacked that night. The Undead were not yet here in great numbers and were hunted down by Arador and the Young Firebrands, and by Windwalking Gnomes of the Keragund protected by the Sapphire of RAYLIT. A few Ghosts got through to the camp perimeter, but the defenders were able to deal with these, and the rest were driven off.
The High Elvish Spider Cult of the Liantelië have sent a high-level party into the Dark Heart of the Madness area West of the valley of the River Velli in the NE Forest. There they attacked Glersh the Dread and his Jungle Spider Cultist followers, took control of the Spiders there and drove them off, seizing control of the Dark Circle they had established. Glersh and several of his lieutenants escaped, and they did not pursue, preferring to stay and secure the Circle. The Liantelië are now attempting to bring the whole area back out of Madness.
After several nights of fierce fighting, in which Arador and the Young Firebrands were prominent with their flaming swords, the Cold Ghosts have stopped attacking the River Gaprill refugee camp and the Young Firebrands have returned to Valdran to boast of their exploits.
Janice and Mildor, the leading Men of KOROS from the Valdrean Noble House of Heaven have evacuated the remaining refugees from the River Gaprill, together with the remaining Clerics of KOROS, Keragund, and other adventurers, through a Teleportal to the village of Zill at the head of the Gaprillîki. Apart from the New Hidden Grove and Zill, the whole of the rest of the Gaprillîki has been abandoned to the Ghosts and the snow. There is little appetite for a return until the Spring. Only the Aldalië and Liantelië are venturing into the North East Forest, in order to combat the areas of Dark Forest.
There have been recent reports of werewolves, vampires and suchlike in the Valdrean countryside. Although such stories do circulate from time to time in the normal course of events, these have increased to the point where the Co-ordinator of Provincial Government is sending out fact-finding missions. Junior Champions of the Noble Houses have been quick to volunteer.
The gnome Adnab preached a sermon at the Temple of RAYLIT on Earth in Bjarmigen, illuminated by a Holy Sapphire of RAYLIT, which he said destroys Undead. Adnab told of RAYLIT’s key messages of Friendship and Tolerance, saying that He is known best as the Elf-friend, but among the gnomes of Flerrig He is RAYLIT Morningstar Dwarf-friend. For RAYLIT offers His Friendship to all the peoples of the world.
The North East Forest has effectively been abandoned to the Cold Ghosts for the Winter, as temperatures continue to fall there - though there are rumours of secret missions by the High Elven Druids and KOROS Clerics.
The Orc-Goblin War has ground to a halt with the onset of Winter. The Orcs have dug in at their advance camps in the Gakkil-Zelg Mountains, from which they are mounting the odd pillaging raid, whilst the Goblins respond with ambushes and raids of theor own upon the camps.
In the Kingdom of the North the annual Goblin raids on the Northern borders have resumed with the coming of the Winter snows. Lord Protector Harrek has issued a call for adventurer volunteers to fight them off.
In Valdran everyone is preparing for the Duel for the Lion Throne, to be held 4 Yarom, between the "Young Firebrand" Arador, Champion of Carrilon and the incumbent Emperor Arril I of Tarm.
The Duel in the Arena at Valdran between the Emperor Arril I of Tarm and the challenger Arador of Carrilon was disrupted by a surprise Evil attack. As the contestants began to fight, a Teleportal opened in the centre of the Arena, and a dozen heavily armed and armoured orcs leapt through. Some attacked the Duellists, whilst others started Casting Spells. Arador and Arril now fought side-by-side, cutting down two of the orcs immediately, and Noble Champions in the audience started Spell Casting or jumped into the Arena to join the fighting. But the orcs had succeeded in getting off an extremely dark wide Radius Darkness, and the Valdreans soon found that a wave of Ghosts was coming through after the orcs under cover of the Darkness.
Arador and Arril both went down under the torrent of Ghosts, but the many Clerics in the audience started Casting credit Dispels. The Sword of the Emperors had Danced to the heir, the twelve year old Crown Prince Arril II of Tarm, around whom the Imperial Guard closed. The surviving orcs had disappeared and the remaining higher-level Ghosts were heading underground, with the newly-created Ghosts of the more vulnerable spectators, as the Nobles and Clerics began to restore order. The Darkness was soon Dispelled, as were the remaining Ghosts (many of which appeared to be weres, as recently seen in the North East Forest). But an unknown number had escaped into the sewers and cellars beneath the city.
Neither Arril’s nor Arador’s bodies could be found, but the Sword of the Emperors having Danced to the heir told its own story. The rumour is that both were Ghosted, and the more fanciful tales have it that the Ghost of Arril is now Emperor of the Ghosts beneath the streets.
The Privy Council hastily met in the Temple of the Sun Diamond, and appointed Hugran 2nd (now 1st) Champion of Tarm and Lord Marshal of Valdrea as Regent to the underage Emperor Arril II. Hugran immediately declared Martial Law in the City of Valdran, and called for all available Clerics to assist in hunting down and Dispelling any remaining Ghosts. The Holy Garnet of KOROS was Word of Recalled back to the High Temple of KOROS in Valdran, and sent out with the Clerical patrols to help reassure the panicked citizens, many of whom were fleeing the city during the daylight hours.
In Valdran last night the Temples opened their doors to provide sanctuary to the citizens. When night fell, curfew took effect, and everybody had to be indoors other than the Clerical and City Guard patrols. Those who had not fled the city either sought sanctuary in the Temples overnight or prepared to defend themselves as best they could in their homes, palaces or inns with plenty of light and Holy Symbols. But the expected mass Ghost attack out of the sewers never came. There were a few isolated attacks reported, but generally the Clerics had some success in hunting down and Dispelling Ghosts – though not as many as they had expected to find.
There was however a Ghost attack last night upon Zill in the Gaprillîki, when most of the high-level Clerics and the Holy Garnet of KOROS were in Valdran. The remaining defenders in Zill were able to deal with most of the Ghosts, but a few high-level ones got through and claimed some souls.
Kyarlin, Champion of Heaven, has challenged for the Lion Throne. Hugran, Champion of Tarm will defend the challenge as the Emperor's Champion. The Duel will be held on 5 Aval 2505 at a location to be specified, with spectators by invitation only.
The bitterly cold Winter continues, as storm-force winds and blizzards sweep down from the Icelands over the Kingdom of the North, North West Forest and Northern Valdrea. Goblin wargrider raiders are attacking in force out of the Northern Wastes into the Kingdom of the North and there are unconfirmed rumours of Cold Ghosts in the North West Forest.
The Sapphire of RAYLIT is reported as destroyed, prompting panic in the
town of Zill on the edge of the North Eastern Forest. With the removal of
the Garnet of KOROS to Valdran, there is no Holy Item providing refuge from the
Ghosts.
Reckless, action-hungry adventurers, in a strike force led by Adnab,
are blamed for the loss. Promising to return the Sapphire in two hours,
the strike force had attempted to retake the abandoned village of Kro. The
attempt ended in disaster, with only the direct intervention of RAYLIT Himself
preventing the total annihilation of the strike force and the ghosting of all
who could not flee. Survivors say they were attacked by at least half a
dozen Lost Spectres, that were undeterred by the Sapphire, could not be Turned
or fought, and which Dispelled their protective Spells. RAYLIT rescued the
adventurers by directing a searing blue-white ray at the Sapphire, causing it to
shatter in a blast of fire and intense light. The Lost Spectres disappeared
(optimists say they were Dispelled) and the surrounding mass of Ghosts
retreated.
Adnab vowed to carry on the fight alone, arguing that it would be an
abomination to leave the entire North Eastern Forest as a safe breeding haven
for the Ghosts. Disillusioned comrades predict that he will just become
another powerful Lost Spectre that others will have to deal with.
The Valdreans have taken out a stronghold of the Rat Cult in the depths of the Greenwood somewhere South of Dynor, which they say was involved in the recent Evil attacks by Lycanthropes and Undead out in the Valdrean countryside. There have been what are rumoured to be reprisal attacks on public buildings in Dynor, where the Army is being deployed to reinforce the Town Guard.
Rumourmongers everywhere are telling anyone who will listen for free that a Spree has been declared by the Thieves' Guilds of Valdrea for the night of 25 Yarom. During a Spree all Guild Rules (and Guidelines) are suspended, so Guild Members do not have to pay 10% of what they steal that night to the Guild, non-Guild Members will not be murdered for stealing in Guild territory that night, and all Protection contracts do not apply (due to an obscure clause in the small print). Furthermore, allied Thieves' Guilds elsewhere in the World will honour the Spree in respect of crimes against Valdrean Citizens on their Territories. The rumourmongers speculate (without confirming) that the Spree has been declared in retaliation for the taking out of the Greenwood Rat Cult by the Valdrean authorities. There are also reports that Dynor is being overrun by rats, and has called for a Pied Piper. Wilder speculation says that Harlequin is answering the call.
Tonight is the Midwinter Caeriad - gather your holly while you may.
Across the Valdrean Empire the Army and local militia are out in force to deal with the unrest that is expected due to the Spree. The word is that they have also been briefed to watch out for Evil terror attacks, for which the Spree may be a diversion. Clerics, especially of KOROS are accompanying the guards.
In the Underworld the Lesser Orcish Empire has launched an all-out assault on the town of Zur, by the Big River / River Bleyn on the Northern edge of the old War Zone. Following the last Big Push in the area the town has been under siege for some time, and is seen as the last obstacle before a potential breakout onto the plain of Hulmo. General Kurg (known as "Killer Kurg" - the joke being it is his own orcs he kills) promised the Emperor he would take Zur by the end of the year, and after today there is only one more day left for him to deliver on his promise, or he is liable to lose his own head. Further East the Men of Hulmo have been advancing deep into the War Zone against his virtually open flank, but Kurg claims this is all part of his plan.
As the Sun rose over the Overworld on the first day of the New Year, thieves crept back to their hideouts with their night's booty from the Spree, weres changed back to human form after the night's rampage under the Full Moon, and ghosts sought out the shadows and darkness again. Guards hired by merchants and the Valdrean Army and militia stood down after a busy night.
The Spree was enthusiastically celebrated by thieves and freeloaders alike, and the ownership of much property was redistributed. But it also led to many small fights where private guards and honest town guardsmen sought to prevent burglaries. One of the bolder attempts that is being reported was a raid by Noble adventurers of the House of Tarm and their allies upon the Thieves' Guildhouse of Valdran. Accounts of its success vary widely. Some rumourmongers say it was expected, and nothing was found but traps. Others say a small booty of treasure and low-grade thievish Magic Items was taken, but was a diversion from the real horde. One or two (mostly outside Valdrea or reckless outcasts from the Beggars' Guild) claim the Thieves' Guild was caught with its trousers down and some major Thievish Magic Items were taken. The House of Tarm have not commented.
The night having been a Full Moon as well as the Midwinter Caeriad, the weres were particularly active. As well as the usual rampages in Kyr, attacks were reported in the Kingdom of the North (with major raids against Ubor, the Mern Gap Castle and Frayn), the Mountains of the Dwarves, Taur Galen and the Valdrean Empire. As expected, wererats were a partcular problem in Greenwoods Province, and in Dynor (where they participated in the Spree). Also mentioned in reports from the Valdrea Provinces were Ghosts of Weres, which were encountered in Escari Vale, Aven Province and on the Eastern Plains. To counter the increasing threat of Evil raids in the countryside, the Imperial Government is showing a newfound interest in Druidism. With the assistance of the Druids of Three Rivers Province and the High Elves of Mírlinnyrn it is said they have founded a new Sacred Heart Circle in the depths of the Imperial Hunting Forest. Counterattacks against the Evil raiders were also launched last night in the hills above Shoderon, Torel Province and the Forest of Bavenne.
In the Underworld the Hulmo town of Zur fell during the night of 25 Weven to the assault by the Lesser Orcish Empire. The victorious orcs fell to rape and pillage, but were counterattacked by weres and ChaosMasters. As tends to happen with ChaosMaster attacks, this caused a lot of disruption but no clear result. At best, it bought some time for the refugees to flee the town. The orcs are now threatening to break out of the historic War Zone into the open Plain of Hulmo, but first Killer Kurg must regain control of his army, most of whom are still intent on supplementing their meagre or non-existent pay with booty. and have been fighting amongst themselves for the choicer items.
Hugran, Champion of Tarm, Lord Marshal and Regent of Valdrea is reported dead this morning. He apparently died peacefully in his sleep. The Imperial Secret Service are said to be investigating, and rumours are rife that he was assassinated by the Assassins' Guild on a contract from the Thieves' Guild in retribution on the House of Tarm for the attack on their Guildhouse. Emirron, Director of Diplomacy, is now Champion of Tarm and Regent, and will defend the Duel on the 5th against the Challenger, Kyarlin of Heaven, as Champion for the boy Emperor Arril II.
Mildor of Heaven, Master of the Imperial Games, has confirmed that the Duel for the Lion Throne will be held in the main Circus in Valdran, as the climax to the Imperial Games being held to celebrate the challenge.
The Valdrean Empire has a new Emperor. Kyarlin, Champion of Heaven has defeated Emirron, Champion of Tarm and Regent for the boy Emperor Arril II, in the Duel for the Lion Throne in the Circus in Valdran. Emirron attempted to use his Invisibility Spell to make up for Kyarlin's superiority in a straight fight, which did not please the crowd at all. But Kyarlin outwitted Emirron with clever movement and use of Dusts of Appearance to reveal him, and then beheaded him with his vorpal sword. Emirron regenerated, and Kyarlin spared his life. The Emperor Kyarlin is now making his Imperial Appointments and selecting his Privy Council.
The Emperor Kyarlin has made his Imperial Appointments and convened his first Privy Council.
Evil raiders continue to harry the Kingdom of the North, Valdrean Empire, Gaprillîki, Desolate Coast and Kyr under cover of the snow. In addition to the goblins and werewolves that are usually driven south by the winter, there are reports of Undead, and the Cold Ghosts are said to have been attacking the Kingdom of the North and Valdrean Empire, though not in such numbers as in the North East. The local armies and volunteer adventurers have been fighting back, and there have been skirmishes all along the frontier of the Kingdom of the North and in Southern Plains Province of Valdrea.
The Armies of the Lesser Orcish Empire are advancing beyond Zur into South Western Hulmo, and are preparing to lay siege to Fort Invincible, the Men of Hulmo’s big castle above the river on the edge of the War Zone. The Men of Hulmo are being forced to withdraw forces from the Eastern War Zone, where they had previously made big advances (but only into already war-ravaged areas), in order to shore up their defences in the West.
In Duels following the assassination of Hugran and accession of Kyarlin as Emperor, Francesco Champion of Carrilon has taken the Lord Marshalship of Valdrea and Tarsus Champion of Satril has taken the Lord High Chancellorship of Valdrea. Kyarlin has now appointed the Miltary Governors of the Military Areas and appointed Nicro 12th Champion of Heaven (his former Deputy in SARAN's Palace Guard) as Lord Commander of the Imperial Guard to fill the vacancy left by the appointment of Decus 6th Champion of Heaven to the West Post Military Area.
There was a major assault by Evil Goblins, Wargriders and Werewolves last night upon the town of Frayn in the Kingdom of the North. The defending adventurers were forewarned by their scouts and had put out a call for reinforcements. The reinforcements and the advantage of a defensive position and time to prepare allowed the Evil assault to be driven off. Many of the adventurers pursued and hunted down the retreating Evils.
The Lesser Orcish Empire are now besieging Fort Invincible on the edge of the War Zone in Hulmo. Advance parties are breaking out into open country in Hulmo itself and Hulmo forces withdrawn from the East are manoevering to contain them. Panic is breaking out in the towns further upriver, and even beginning to spread to Huhulmo itself, where prophets of doom are openly foretelling defeat (at least until they are silenced by the military or torn apart by mobs).
A Valdrean Imperial Army and adventurer force led by the Lord Warden of the Western Military District, Koman 3rd Champion of Carrilon, has taken out a cave complex full of Ghost Werewolves in Torel Province. The Army are continuing to clear the area, but Evil attacks continue during the night on patrols, remote settlements and farmsteads. There are also reports of clashes between Valdrean Army patrols and Undead and/or Werewolves in Northern and Southern Plains Provinces.
The Valdrean
Emperor Kyarlin I has issued a Proclamation that, with effect from 19 Destri
2505 (the fourth anniversary of the
Proclamation of Arril I), the boundaries of the Empire will be restored to
the Demarcation of SARAN. The new
Provinces and Military Areas of 2501 will become self-governing, but will be
granted the special status of Protectorates provided that they retain certain
basic laws; such as the Duelling system (which may be open to non-Valdreans and
non-Nobles but must still be open to Valdrean Nobles), the outlawing of Evil and
Chaos and the ban on Demon Summoning; but not including the Teleport ban or the
licensing of Elementalism. In
return Protectorates will be granted free trade with the Empire and mutual
defence treaties. Hazki Province is
to be restored to its former name of Border Province.
The talk in Valdran is that the Protectorships of Kris and Garf Lea will
be attractive posts for Valdrean Nobles, the others less so.
The Elven Roads are expected to return to the control of the Elves and
the NW Gap and Caldrick Moor Protectorates may be opportunities for junior
Nobles to gain military experience.
The Korred Protectorate (formerly the land annexed to Torel Province) will be a
bit of a backwater and will need to retain close ties to Torel.
Adventurers defending the Kingdom of the North have defeated a large Goblin warband in a battle in the frozen wilderness North of Frayn.
The Valdrean Emperor Kyarlin I has announced that he will be leading a big hunt in the Imperial Hunting Forest on 18 Destri to celebrate the last day of Winter and of the extended boundaries of the Empire. All Valdrean Nobles and selected guests are invited to participate. There will be contests for the most kills, for the biggest stag killed and special prizes for killing albino stags or any Evils who may dare to try to interfere.
With the first day of Spring now just two weeks away, thoughts are already turning to the forthcoming campaigning season in the Overworld. The Badlander Clans are heading for Horning Crags for their Clanmeet on 19 Destri, amid rumours that they will hold a contest for a Warlord who, rather than invading Valdrea, will make a legitimate Duelling Challenge for the Protectorship of the new NW Gap Protectorate (and further rumours that there may be war if he loses). In the Kingdom of the North the adventurers defending the frontier have started carrying the fight to the goblins and are actively hunting for their camps to exact retribution for the Winter's raids. In the New Hidden Grove and Zill the Dwarves, KOROS adventurers and Werebears are preparing to reclaim the Gaprillîki from the Cold Ghosts, and perhaps even then venture back into the NE Forest. In the Valdrean Empire the last of the Evil raiders are being hunted down and killed or Dispelled.
In Hulmo the small town of Yair on the River Halarin has fallen to Orcish and Sahuagin raiders. The last of the townspeople made a last stand in the Temple of ZAKEL, which was destroyed with much slaughter. But despite such successes by raiding parties across the Glorr salient the armies of the Men of Hulmo have generally had the upper hand against the more cautious Imperial Oricish armies in open warfare, and the breakout is being contained and even reverting to trench warfare in places.
The Valdrean Master of Imperial Games, Mildor 3rd Champion of Heaven, and Director of Imperial Works, Rodric, 2nd Champion of Carrilon, have announced that a new Arena will be built in the grounds of the Imperial Palace, to be used for Duels for the Lion Throne and for major Offices. The old Arena site on Arena Island is to be landscaped as parkland with choice lakeside plots to be auctioned to the wealthiest Nobles for the building of luxury villas. The Rainbow Court will remain at its present site on the tip of the island.
Go on to Spring 2505
Go back to Autumn 2504
Return to News index