Stirrings of War

[[DM] Grinning Death]

Rumors circulate that the Mossdale border has been extremely active as of late. New, unknown tribes of Bloodmaim have been spotted at the edges of the wood, and Legion patrols have taking harder hits than usual.

Myrios Gorst has also been spotted being almost completely rational. The 12th Legion sees this as a sign of bad times ahead.

[[DM] Grinning Death]

Reports go out from the Mossdale Border.

Legion forces, aided by adventurers of all kinds (whispers speak even of Thayan assistance) managed to hold off the wave of Bloodmaim orcs against the Arbiter's Stand. Reports indicate that a group held the norther border for almost an entire day and night. As they did, a heroic group of adventurers spearheaded through the front lines and killed the leading Tribal Chief, snapping the neck of the attack in one swift blow.

However, the Bloodmaim made one final attempt against the Stand. Reports say that the general of the Legion, Imperatu Verinus Nauticus himself made an appearance and aided the adventurers and Legion forces against the Bloodmaim.

Witnesses say that the Legion general resolved himself to fight alongside his men, and prove that Sundren's Legionnaires are of the same steel that forged a nation in this harsh and unforgiving valley.

At this news, the populace of Sundren has taken a positive turn, a fierce pride in their general. At the news of the victory, Sundren City quietly toasted the dead before raising their glasses in an eve of celebration. While dark times lie ahead, the people are readying themselves with a iron will for whatever may come.

[[DM] Grinning Death]

New reports come in, this time from the Schild Mountains. It seems that the Bloodmaim menace has spread to the Veritas hold, and attacked the Veritas troops stationed there. The people feel uneasy, wondering where the Bloodmaim will strike next.

They also feel conflicted about the Veritas. Calls have gone out to aid them, others to damn them. There is a unified front on recalling the Illmateri priests working with the Veritas, but they refuse to leave them in a time of need.

[Satoshi]

Brother Rafael Frais leaves a message with the Red Blade and Legion Officials near the Twin Peaks Road saying that the Veritas have finally taken the time to listen to his words, and he will therefore no longer be able to fight against the Veritas rebels in good conscience as there may be more who are willing to listen in the name of peace. He also urged them to report to their upper authorities to "end this ideological conflict at least long enough to stand united against the true threats that darken the lands; the savage orc alliances, the demons, the undead, and the Tyrants of the Black Hand who oppose all that is good and free."

[[DM] Grinning Death]

Continued reports come in from the Mossdale and Viridale Borders. It seems that the Bloodmaim menace has spread to different parts of the valley, and no one knows where they might strike next. The Legion has sent out patrols to the best of its ability, but it cannot march across the length of the valley in order to keep a stable perimeter.

Legion forces have been ordered to work double and even triple shifts in the last few months. Most have been compliant, but a few soldiers have been reasonably displeased with the turn of events.

The Veritas forces have remained holed up in their mountain, beating off Bloodmaim attacks as necessary. They have sustained heavy losses, and are slowly giving ground.

The Viridale has been bolstered by members of the 4th Legion under the direction of Myrios LaCroix, but even they are showing signs of strain.

Sestra and Aquor have seen recent signs of increased activity from their respective forces. The Corps, under the direction of Directeur Mard, have employed mercenaries, while the Thayans have sent out more knights under the direction of Knight Commander Lauan Tissle and Alcazar Tel'Rune. The noble populace is somewhat ill at ease with the turn of events, and have asked for more Legion troops to come to Aquor.

The Port is relatively unchanged, already being under guard by a Legion.

The roads have become unsafer, and indeed dangerous. Most of the bandits are getting desperate for travelers to waylay, and to avoid Bloodmaim scouts. They have recently taken to killing and looting what little traffic does come through, as opposed to simply robbing and moving on. The Sundren government has taken to dispersing small funds to mercenary groups willing to deal with them.

((If any PC's wish to pursue any of the events going on above, please send me a PM to make an appointment.))

[[DM] Grinning Death]

Reports come in that the Viridale is seeing regular patrols of Bloodmaim, and that the troops have been bolstering the fort as much as possible.

Dawn came to Sundren with a notable column of smoke drifting up from the north for all folks to see at Arbiter's Stand. Those that came had to deal with multitudes of bloodmaim outside the gates.

On the inside there were wounded to tend to, and it was confirmed that the negotiations for the Blackwood contract ended, and the Legionnaires of Arbiters watched the Blackwood unit leave the fort to go back to their head office for reassignment.

[[DM] Grinning Death]

Rumors have circulated that both the Black Hand and the Sundren government have upped mining of Sundrite deposits in the valley by huge amounts. When asked, the Stewards remain comment less on the move. Recently a deposit was discovered in the abyss of Shar's Abbadon, and a team headed by the Judicator of Wrath was able to secure the site.

[[DM] Grinning Death]

Word gets out that Bloodmaim have pushed back the forces arrayed at Aribter's Stand to a degree, and strike teams have been spotted within the valley. People are closing their shops early, lately. No one wants to be on the roads at night, and only travel under heavy guard during the day.

Imperatu Verinus has had a notice issued warning people to travel in groups, and with armed guards.

[[DM] Grinning Death]

Rumors circulate that Veritas refugees have begun moving to and from the Veritas stronghold in great numbers. With the recent advent of the Bloodmaim tribes on the open plains, this has become a dangerous occupation.

Squire Faucon and Broken One Presea were seen rescuing Veritas common folk from Bloodmaim scouts, and saved at least a dozen lives with their quick thinking.

[[DM] Grinning Death]

Tales spread of the stand of a few Red Blades and a group of adventurers on the bridge at the Gate of the Sunderer. An orc battle party sought to attack the Gate, but they were fended off by this brave group after several waves of Bloodmaim.

Judicator Tornbrook fought their leader in a one on one duel, breaking the war band's spirits and sending them running with their tails between their legs. Red Blade Jameson was heard saying that he hasn't seen swordplay like that in years, as the Judicator easily bested the orc in single combat.

[[DM] Grinning Death]

Rumors circulate that the 12th Legion is becoming increasingly desperate and forced back from the border. They are asking the other Legions (whichever can be spared) for resources and soldiers.

The death tolls are becoming ever higher, and some say that it is a mere shadow of what it once was before the Bloodmaim began their renewed assaults.

Their only relieving hope, or so it is said, is the quiet but powerful presence of the Imperatu Verinus and his Evocati. He has single handedly revived the 12th Legion from what could have been certain death, and instilled some measure of hope and resilience.

[Standur]

Mossdale raiders attacked the Exigo trade post and there are rumblings about a fire giant being deployed in their midst.