"Fall is upon us and Erik's summer grace fades as lady Winter's cold fingers stretch out from the Taelshore. The eve of the dead has fast come upon us... And so let me a moment recall the events of fall: This season has seen many too battles for many to grow concerned with the fate of the highlands! If this Rjurik Wind is to come from amongst us, then I do pray Erik that he comes to us fast; for the Gorgon's quick advance on Svinik and his large army in the downs are worrisome not only to the landed and blooded -- but to most kind folks who call the highlands their home.
The First month of Fall saw news of the Gorgon's advance through Rjuvik and Svinik. In Sehnir he launched an unsuccessful attack on Leivika and was repelled by young General Sven Viigharlson - As his forces retreated back through the Taelshore the Svinikers took the fight to the Downs and harried the Gorgon in Bjorlangen. There however, they had unfavorable terrain and had to retreat at first blood. Finally the Blood Skull moved its horde and attacked Hjarrsmark in Rjuvik; three fronts and just as many worries. This makes joining the Taelshore alliance the new trend in the west: The Siren's realm, Halskapa and Rjuvik have all signed-up and further expansion of the loose alliance could be foreseen.
... But here are some other interesting bits from the rest of the highlands:
The Siren made her first appearance outside her realm; and traveled to Hollinghomen (Stjordvik) where she signed into the Taelshore Alliance. The Siren's armies while bound for the Downs seemed to have been subverted and directed to attack Leivika. The siren is said to be in tears by her Lieutenant Cannock's treacherous defection.
King Dherg did too sign the Taelshore treaty, and send troops around the firth alleviating many fears that he had turned to the Gorgon's side.
Svinik's King Hruthvar had many fronts to consider; he fared well in Leivika; poorly in Bjorlangen -- and his troops are a stones through from the Blood Skull horde in Hjarrsmark.
Fulgar Signed on with Taelshore, and too assisted in the hunt for the Gorgon's fleeing army; but now has Hjarrsmark occupied!
Stjordvik sent troops to the Downs, as did the Emerald Spiral
The Blood Skull Barony was quiet until the last month of summer. Refugees from Hjarrsmark say they have see countless Orogs come down on their land with the most exaggerated numbers claiming dozens of attacking units
Hogunmark was quiet and focused on growth again this Fall
While Jankaping held the trial of a Jarl embroiled in an embarrassing slander case - the jarl was found innocent but many feared he would step down.
The White Witch so too suffered from similar rumors. She made sure to squash them promptly and exonerate her trustworthy Captain. The Witch spent of herself to go to Danigau and fetch an artifact called the Fang of Karesha; The Gorgon had set-up a trap but she managed to come out (though stretched) clinging firmly to her new found treasure.
The elves finally attacked Ghuralli's forests, as assumed; they looted and destroyed. Some say that elven settlers are already back reclaiming this land once theirs
Khurin Azur's Dwarves got a new wizard - I think - though I never saw him.
King Dargal sent his own wizard to help the Witch on her artifact quest; He's also spent much to get this beautiful wizardess started with sources in the goblin heartland... In the mountains undead have been said to cause rampage and destruction though. Dargal will have to do something about the undead problem at one point before they move and pillage another province!
No news from Kvigmar, but Hjolvar's King Ulgrim is said to have chosen an heir through a convoluted selection process. He's also taken his nephew as court mage; the lad is young and will need time to tap into Hjolvar's vast magical resources!"
Finally come winter we'll retry at Stjolvar's sword; I've a feeling that we may have had less success of it last season; I've scouted the area myself since then and found three cavernous entrances! We'll meet on the tenth day of Winter at the source of the Hjaring in Hjorvaal province.
-- Sigrun Kjornaal, Skald of the Highlands
