Turn 1: Haelynier 1, 551 MC (Jan 31 2007): The Gorgon's Surprise
"Hail to all kings, queens and scoundrels of the Highlands.
I bring news to your court yet again. And again on this day you will pay thrice my price. For the southern wind bring news cold as ice:
The Gorgon has crossed the Ruide river, to invade the Downs: His goal I hear is neither expansion, nor the reputed treasures of ancient giant's graves, nor the dwarven silver mines; but a jewel even more precious to be found in Silverheart; for it seems that the old song is true: the legendary elven mage by the same name had a tower hidden in those mountains among the ice giants. It was he who was said to possess a silver pendant in the shape of an owl, which Vorynn bestowed unto his weaver Ruornil before battle: No one knows the pendant's powers but one assumes that a gift given from a god of old to a god of new must hold immense powers. As second to the wizard-hero of Deismaar, Mage Silverheart cared for it long after his master ascension.
Now the Gorgon has an interest in the owl-shaped piece of jewelry and an old riddle seams to have led him to believe he can find where in the province to find Silverheart's turret. But the Gorgon will need to wait a season or more: his army has much ground to cover before Silverheart. Now, I propose to make a run for the tower and beat the Gorgon to the enchanted keep. A couple daring adventurers and I are meeting in early summer. Solve the riddle and you too my royal graces will be invited on the hunt... bring us your swords, your wits, your staves and wands, for the old elf silverheart had many traps we need untrapped, clues that need answers, and many Giants or Fhoimoriens that may yet object."
"Now here is more boring news to sing to your graces:
King Varri of Sjtordvik gave the throne to Arnora of Lofkirdik. Varri kneeled before Arnora and kissed each of her feet to show that he is dedicated to her as the new regent of Stjordvik if she will have it and the responsibilities that go with the regency. I've heard that the new Queen is a beauty, and they celebrated long into the night in Lofkidik.
The Stjordvik Traders guild seem to have taken a vested interest in the province of Bjarnheim. While not actively disputing the presence of the more traditional Three Tree Traders, the guilds activities have increased manifold in the area, craftsmen and trade stalls flocking to Storm Holtson's charismatic banner."
Fulgar the Bold, boldy occupied two of his provinces where the Witch had holdings, and proceeded in razing her guilds to the ground and impaling her followers on stakes, lining the roads near Yvarre with their pitiful corpses to the horror of hos neighbors.
King Hruthvar of Svinik set about recruiting and training sheriffs and agreeing a common system of law that might recognise similar treatment for crimes across Svinik, he also set-up a couple trade routes to Halskapa.
The Siren stayed silent, but worked at increasing her loyalty among her people
King Bernivig of Halskapa had trouble remembering his lines during a coronation whereby he willingly gave away his kingdom and bloodline to Dherg Wir. All went smoothly, and with less teeth grinding than expected; all jarls were present, and swore oaths of allegiance to King Dherg: The feeling amongst the jarls was that Dherg was a good choice and would help keep Halskapa united and strong.
King Alnor of Jankaping was in Rjutafel to help people move into that province: Fear of the Ice Fiend had lowered that province's population, but renewed interest by the king promises to help make Rjutafel prosperous again.
Queen Freila of Hogunmark was just across the river at the same time: overseeing some large project there: a Shipyard perhaps.
While High Priestess Gretta Seligsdotter was in Jurva (Jankaping) interviewing possible lieutenants.
the Oaken Grove's good deeds: Günther Brandt and the druids of the Oaken Grove spoke out in favor of King Bernivig retiring and the coronation of Dherg Wir of Selkhauske. On his way to attend the coronation, the High Druid visited several Jarls who, in the past, had spoken out against the King. He gave stirring sermons on the virtues of loyalty, duty, and humility. The jarls and their people were asked to give their new champion their best."
As for the White Witch, reports suggest that she traveled to Pitea, through Boden, to show the populance her benefice and the beauties of Karesha in Spring. Her sleigh was decked with laughing silver bells, and she threw coppers to the children throughout her travels. She was said to pay special regards towards tribal Rjurik.
Little news from Lluabraight, as expected. The reclusive kingdom fell into even further isolation as the elves cast powerful warding spells over many of their provinces. Their spells went so far as to ward Rhuidar and Caer Cwynar: Ghuralli won't be happy, but if it be true there is little the giant beast can do!
Rumbles in the forest suggest that Ghuralli was busy trying to firm up his grip on a couple provinces
The Dwarves of Khurin-Azur were busy within their realm and little news came forth from them.
But up in Urga-Zai, The Goblin King Dargal was busy putting a new legal system in place to reinforce his control over various tribes
As for Hjolvar, the King there is said to have ordered a fleet of ships to rival that of even Brecht realms... now we should see if the ships are actually built!
That's about it for news this spring!.. Now we'll see what summer holds for us all!"
-- Sigrun Kjornaal, Skald of the Highlands
