Events of the year 3 DY
Here ye here ye. This here is a fortnightly recording of the going-ons admist the realm in the year 3 DY of the First Kingdom. It is compiled from the decrees of heralds in country capitals, proclamations, public missives, ship captains, and adventurer-nobles.
(But in-able to offer you the truth, we also gather the reports, hearsay, and scuttlebut from tavern keeps (and help), the porters to adventurers and survey teams (often the only survivors of failed expeditions), and merchant marines (and sailors).)
Placeholder name; until I think of a better one.
This page is dedicated to the cool, small events that happen during Dargarth, especially land actions. (Think of it as a historical chronicle-diary of the happenings of Dargarth.)
While an attempt has been made to record these in a narrative, herald like third-personal tone (the type of third person does occasionally change), these are meant to be objective, true facts about significant occurrences at events. (The boring little stuff is (normally) left out.) If you take issue with how something has been written up, let me (Rasheab) know, or edit it yourself.
P.S. First person accounts are awesome! (Perhaps especially if they aren't written from the POV of one of the PCs. These can be easily fit in, if you want to include a space appropriate one. Longer entries might warrant their own stories entry.)
The Day of Slavers (2/24)
On the 24th day of the second month, several bands of slavers were discovered in the unexplored lands of Dargarth. Both Legion and Sanctuary encountered them while surveying new lands. Sanctuary, contrary to its normal policy of negotiation, flew upon them with a murderous rage, slaughtering them out of hand.
Legion, aided by Marek the Rover (a cleric under the banner of the Explorers Guild), having little love for those that enslave others, also descended upon the band they encountered, but with a somewhat surreal tone of revelry and merriment to their actions. In a turn of fate, as the slavers were run to ground, one was mortally injured while another was locked in place by a spell. They were in turn bound and, after ensuring they would not bleed to death, were themselves made captive. Nothing is known of the fate of these prisoners, except that one was gifted to the Dwarven nation, and was taken into the underdark.
Negotiations at Albion (3/10)
On the 10th day of the third month, some minor events in the history of Dargarth occurred (fill in after the land map goes up: Damien getting his own hex, etc).
Of some note is the negotiations that occurred at the ruins of the former Albion capital. The mountainous territory formerly claimed by Albion has slowly been taken by the Explorers over the years, following the collapse of Albion. The remains of the capital itself has been faithfully guarded and ruled over by a quintet of templars, retainers of their ruler Garath. The Explorers on this day, accompanied by representatives of Legion and Alliance, sent a scouting expedition to parley with the templars.
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War Comes to the Shores of Dargarth (3/24)
The drums of war sound as the armies of Dargarth are rallied within their homelands. Much hearsay and rumor spread: a blade was poisoned during the Noble's tourney, and was used to strike down Baron Bran of Moot. That Sir Froste of Mardur was seized by the Academy Arcana Bellum to stand charges for crimes; reports conflict whether it was for poisoning, or to account for crimes committed by his countrymen. The forces of Mardur attacked the arraignment, and a general melee ensued, where traditional alliances were thrown to the wind in the chaos. In the end rumors say that the Academy will march upon the Mardur plains, though no formal or public declaration has been made.* If it comes to be, it can only be speculated what their goal might be; will it to find and burn the College to the ground, or will they strike at the border fortifications?
While the noble's tourneys of the spring were interrupted sporadically by the above events, eventually they were completed. Winners are reported as follows: Aleksii of Legion is the melee champion, while Vodin is the archery champion.
In more mundane events of the half month: Legion continues its exploration, incorporating more of their traditional homeland formally under their control. Both Mardur and the Explorers built towns, while Sanctuary continues to secure their island, and the Briarwood Clan claims more swamplands in the far east.
- since this report was first made, a formal declaration has been issued by Kendric, Archmagi of the Academy Arcana Bellum.
The founding of a nation in the shadow of war (4/7)
Few events of note were reported this fortnight as nations reinforced infrastructure and worked on other internal projects. The exceptions were Legion and Sanctuary, which continued their explorations.
Legion suffered a setback when a scouting party discovered a powerful undead presence in the area surrounding the great pyramid. Despite being native to the region the desert is a dangerous and ever changing environment, and the scouting group was defeated.
Sanctuary continued the pacification of their island. Once again they discovered an infestation of undead, and with the help of some mercenaries crushed the group of zombies. Is there something about this island which draws the undead to its shores?
At sea, a Mardur ship passed close to an Explorers Guild ship in the night, and while hostilities did not break out it seems as if it's only a matter of time. A Legion caravel passed alongside a Bitterpeak caravel in the southern straits, and while taunts were hurled by both sides, nothing but stale bread was launched.
Unbeknownst at the time, in the quiet of events a new nation was founded! Traders report new territorial markers along the borders of the eastern and western trade roads. As the markers are reputed to be in gules and azure, this must be a sign that Baron Dameaion, formerly co-ruler of the Holy Order of Mardur and former disciple of the reclusive Order of the Abbot, has staked a new claim to lands. But what does this mean for the former Abbot lands?
Meanwhile it appears the silence was simple foreshadowing, as reports trickle in that the Explorers are training troops, while Mardur reinforced their fleet with a newly completed warship.
"We ain't got nothin" (4/21)
No chronicler or reliable witnesses (or even drunken tavern patrons) have stepped forward, so it must be presumed that there were no events of note, and overall was dreadfully boring.
Plague (5/5)
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Two Nations Arise (5/19)
Two countries arise to join the ranks of the major nations of Dargarth.
In the south, Erzoth is founded amidst the rubble of Alliance and the Imperial Guard before them; while a long settled region, it also seems to be a curse to the groups that try to rule it. Will these castaways from a foreign land be able to break that curse?
In the north, amidst the eastern islands, territorial markers have been discovered at the edge of the Explorer's land surveys. While no contact has been made with this nation as of yet, given that its borders seem to be entirely above the snowline, curious minds wonder if they could have any connection to the frost giants further to the south?
In the far east, the Briarwood Clan returned with allies to destroy a pack of vicious ghouls that haunted an old keep. With the aid of the powerful holy magics of the Explorers Guild they permanently laid those accursed souls to rest.
Battle of the Wicked Delta (6/2)
A large fleet action occurred off the northern coast of the former Langer lands as Mardurian ships moved to intercept an Explorer caravel anchored off the coast. The battle is is becoming known as the Battle of the Wicked Delta. This dwarfed former naval actions as no less than three ships, one of which a war frigate, engaged in the battle. A recounting of the fierce events, one step removed, was penned by Count Andor, and can be found here.
Additional details: amidst the throng of darkly colored Mardurian outfits were several in the red & blue uniform of Dominion and many in the purple & yellow of Erzoth, aside from those in the purple & green of Moot. On their side of things, the Explorer caravel was mostly manned by their own countrymen, with members of the Academy, Tower, and Disciples among others.
Second Battle of the Wicked Delta (6/16)
Following in the theme of two weeks ago, battle once again erupted as armies of the Explorers and Mardur met in the swampy no-mans land bordering the Bay of Langer. This time the advantage went to Mardur as the groups were forced to engage along a narrow strip of dry land raised higher than the surrounding bogs.
Attempts to parley by the Explorers Guild failed miserably; while the battle was postponed for a few minutes, the results seemed foregone as Froste led the Mardurian heavy infantry forward into the Explorers and the RagnFjord representatives. As the infantry lines clashed a member of the Order of the Abbot accompanying the Explorers skirmished with Mardur's seemingly constant companions Erzoth on the flank before being struck down by Holy Order of Mardur forces.
RagnFjord had intended to have diplomatic meetings with the Explorers Guild on neutral ground, however the sudden attack by the Holy Order of Mardur ended talks. As recompense for the interruption, Bodvarr challenged Mardur to put forward a fierce opponent to meet him in single combat, to which Mardur agreed, using "Thorne" as their champion. The combat was fierce.Bodvarr drew first blood and disabled Thorne's leg, however a swift attack to Bodvarr's shield arm lost him his protection and victory soon went to Mardur. Both champions were taken from the field by their respective countries for medical attention, and RagnFjord and the Holy Order of Mardur left under peaceful conditions, leaving behind the bodies of the Explorers Guild army.
Admist the rest of the realm Sanctuary (Q: any allies?) completed the pacification of their island by eradicating the last band of slavers on the southeast coast, and rescuing the slaves they had in their possession. Meanwhile on the Isle of Langer the advance of the Mercenaries of Bitter Peak was halted as Mercenary members met former Men-at-Arms of the Knights of Solaris. (TBC)
(6/30)
Summer Fundraiser
Adventure (7/14)
Erzoth Adventure (when named, will link).
There were cultists, and a demon dragon thing (point: there were a lot of fireballs). The cultists seemed to dance; this dance apparently had an enraging effect upon the heroes of the realm.
(7/28)
Battle day
Banner Battles & Giants Roam the Land (8/11)
For more information see here.
Also of some small note Sir Byron, diplomat of Alliance reappeared; apparently not lost along with the rest of his countrymen.
The Lay of Eliananna and Tanith Lorn (8/24-8/25)
Adventure
Fall of Endor (9/8)
Legion sailed an expeditionary force to the ancient fortress guarding the lighthouse overlooking the eastern maelstrom. When their hails were unmet, and with silence overlaying the keep, Stefan struck the gate down and he and Rasheab entered the walls.
Within, they found charred bones scattered across the courtyard and within the halls and meals left uneaten upon plates and in kitchens. However there was also evidence of hasty packing and the charred remains were not spread across the whole fortress, leaving hope that part of the population managed to escape.
In the aftermath, the powers of Dargarth have declared Endor to be no more, and await more information to be discovered about their fall.
- Details details details from Bodvarr (the land marshal)
On the mainland, after months of relative isolation, the forces of Dominion have finally left their holdings. Traversing the unoccupied mountains and swamps to the north with record speed, the party reached the coastlands of the Bay of Langer. There, in the swampy marshlands bordering the bay, Dominion discovered a band of brigands occupying an old keep. As the brigands sallied forth, Baron Dameaion organied battle lines: a large number of Legion mercenaries took the fore, to act as interdiction against the armored bandits, while Dominion took to their bows. In the end the plan worked near flawlessly; despite scattering and attempting to attack from all sides, Legion held the rogues at bay while Dominion swiftly cut them down. In the end the day was won with hardly a casualty.
Adventure (9/22)
Equinox
Bitterpeak adventure: link when exists
(10/6)
First Day of Fall
A number of mighty battles occurred upon the shores of Dargarth this fortnight.
In the far east, an exploration party led by Legion departed from the mountaintop lighthouse, crossing the bay to set foot on the Endorian mainland proper. However on the beach they were met by a pack of ghouls, considered by many to be amongst the most fearsome of opponents. The odds appeared bleak, but the party was able to regroup and rally with the other elements of the expedition, led by Count Arminius, and together the ghouls were able to narrowly be defeated. In the aftermath it was discovered the ghouls were clad in the vestiges of Endorian uniforms.
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Sir Byron hired the Mercenaries of Bitter Peak to act as his agents in the reclaiming of his home. Sir Byron approached a number of Dargarthian personas, and organized and funded an expedition, with Bitterpeak acting as the muscle. The expedition set forth from the eastern Bitterpeak island-city and made landfall on a desolate beach at the south of Alliance peninsula. From there they traveled inland, heading for Byron's family estates. However they came upon a new landmark: crude but extensive palisades extended from a stoney hill. A horn was blown, and a stream of bugbears issued forth from the fort. The pack was led by three armor plated bugbears, who would not be reasoned with, bribed, or back-down, and battle ensued. Despite the furiosity and armor of the bugbears the expedition emerged triumphant (though it was close), and the reason for the bugbear's mulishness was discovered: the rude fortifications were only the top of an extensive warren, leading deep into the earth, as well as containing a previously unknown gold vein.
Sir Byron's estates were reached and discovered relatively intact, and after debts were paid to the adventurers and mercenaries Bitterpeak gladly turned over ownership of the territory and departed, leaving Sir Byron with a new fortification and mine. However while reinforcement of the fort continues, it cannot be overlooked that the fort also contains a new route from the underdark...
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However all was not well everywhere. A large RagnFjord expedition met a force of dreaded Wights in the company of a Banshee. Despite a good battle plan involving armor, blessed weapons, and creating a giant amidst the undead ranks, it ended up being to little avail. The scream of the banshee incapacitated the giant and the warriors surrounding him, cutting a hole in the center of the RagnFjord formation. Meanwhile, the wights feinted in and out of the battle-line, sniping at the limbs of isolated combatants, felling them with the touch of their cursed blades. In the end though they fought mightily, the undead resilience carried the day. But the true horror didn't come till after. For while the heroes had been defeated, over half their number remained alive and conscious, crippled by the curse of the wight's blades. The last of the porters, fleeing the battle, report seeing the undead fall upon the still living heroes...
All Hallows Eve and a Knighting (10/20)
Recently in your travels you have been hearing rumors of a town plagued by unusually aggressive and populous Goblins. Some say they're actually Trolls. Or Troblins. Or Grolls? Either way, the rumors have piqued your interest, and you soon find yourself on the road nearing the Town of Bounty's Bog...
Also on this day, in the third year of the First Kingdom, Kendric Flamehands was knighted as a peer of the realm.
Victory to the fallen countries of Dargarth (11/3)
A series of victories were won by the defunct countries of Dargarth this past half-month.
To begin with the mundane, Legion disembarked ship and led an army of adventurers into the wilds of the Langerhausen mainland, bordering Mardur and Abbot lands, and easily destroyed a vexation of zombies dressed in the rags of Langerhausen uniforms thanks to a wineskin of blessed liquid.
On other fronts, the living remnants of former countries stood strong. In the south a quartet of skirmishers, claiming to be low-born warriors of Alliance, opposed an expedition of Erzoth and Mardurian allies. After parley failed, battle ensued, with the fickle hand of fate somehow allowing the skirmishers to hold the field against the superior numbers of Erzoth and Mardur.
In the north, the Mercenaries of Bitter Peak again sallied forth against the Men-at-Arms holding the plains in the middle of the island. Despite the superior numbers of the Mercenaries and their hired fighters, they again were rebuked; the thick armor and shields of the Langerhausen men-at-arms could not be pierced, and for the second time the defunct Langerhausen forces held the field.
A Demesne of the Damned (11/17)
Dread rumors sweep the land this fortnight. It is said that a demesne of the dead has arisen in the east, and that dead heroes of the realm stalk among its hordes.
On the mainland, Erzoth, buttressed by heavily armored allies and mercenaries from Mardur, again sallied forth against the warriors to their south-east. Despite displaying the colors of Alliance, Erzoth claimed them to be little more than bandits, and set upon them in short order. However in the chaotic melee the lightly armored skirmishers were again able to rebuke those that trespassed against them, without taking casualty. When one of the warriors questioned Thorne, before he fell, as to why he led his country against those defending their sovereign territory, Thorne replied: "Because we're being paid good gold."
Legion led their band of adventurer-explorers northward, encountering another pack of zombies in the swamplands along the Bay of Langer, which they easily smote to dust, thanks to the copper tea kettle that Earl Arminius blessed prior to the battle. However the main reason this action is of note, is because, by all accounts, Witchbane Cragon led the pack of zombies. He paced and ranted, sputtering accusations at Arminius before attacking in a frothing rage. When struck in the leg by a blessed blade, Cragon collapsed, his likeness quickly melting from the corpse, leaving a badly decayed and anonymous body behind.
RagnFjord marched against unhallowed ground in the snowed and sooted tundras of their ancestors, they were halted in the wood by the discord of bones and blight. Again, the Witchbane's semblance was seen amongst undead terrors, a mob of skeletons clad in decrepit and hoary northern armors stood with him as he called to the Ragnfjord troop. A well-shot silvered arrow cut his bellows short as it sunk true and deep into his skeletal pelvis, negating the evil bonds that held the form erect, and the other bone-men were just as easily shattered by the heroes. However, upon further inspection, all skulls appeared relatively devoid of Cragon's appearance.
(12/1)
As the last month of the year dawns, the year begins to come to a close. ...and absolutely nothing interesting happened. Sasquatches were seen in the east, the "maginot line" nears completion, and nothing is heard of the Damned. Erzoth began expanding to the west, exploring south along the coast, and met and defeated a lone crazed goblin. (But OOC, it didn't rain and we got to fight, so it as a good day.)
(12/15)
The last month of the year seems to be destined to be a quiet one, as little of note apparently occurred.
An army of Erzoth boarded ship and set sail to the north-east, and Legion patrol ships did not interfere. The Damned expanded their borders. And rumor has it that in addition to Sanctuary's HMS Kingfarer, Moot and Dominion might have unaccounted for fleet elements being held in reserve.
Beginning of Winter (12/29)
As the seasons change and winter comes to Dargarth, the previous quiet of the month is broken. At the same time as countries collect their quarterly incomes...:
In the west, Legion exploration parties explored more of the swamplands bordering the bay. At first seeming like a finally peaceful survey mission, but that was before humanoid shapes began dragging themselves out of the stinking mud. As the forms lurched forward, the party organized themselves into battle-lines, and where the mud had dripped off, bits of blue & black uniforms were seen. The bog monsters were quickly surrounded and shattered by the Legion party reinforced by Dominion and RagnFjord mercenaries, and were discovered to be yet another group of zombies. What is it about these festering swamps that only the undead are to be found?
Along the southern coast, Erzoth continued their explorations. Continuing their march down the coast, they encountered a familiar sight... it was a lone goblyn, resting on the beach with a drink. Erzoth and their hirelings formed ranks and advanced, to find it was the same goblyn which they had defeated many miles and several weeks previous. A repeat of the prior events occurred, with the goblin inflicting several limb wounds before being defeated by teamwork and numbers. <insert bit about a copper mine being found; not sure how to explain that>
And in the east, events far more menacing occurred. The Damned again sallied forth and attempted to invade the lands of RagnFjord. However this time they were met at sea by RagnFjord and Explorer ships. The floating wreck of the Damned managed to ram the RagnFjord ship, and as both ships began to sink a desperate melee ensued. The living warriors discovered to their disconcertion that the rotting corpses seemed little affected by the holy and silver weapons which had previously been their bane. The RagnFjord warriors held strong, however, and managed to slowly push the undead back, with their leader Bodvarr bellowing "throw them into the ocean!"
The plight of the undead was furthered as an Explorer's Guild warship came to rest nearby, and a RagnFjord scout (which had been tasked with leading the Explorer ship through the waters) began loosing arrows into the flank of the undead. At the same time Count Arminius chanted over a book, and at a critical moment unloosed a ball of holy energy which landed in the midst of the remaining undead warriors. This, combined with the push of the RagnFjord warriors, was enough to shatter their resolve, and they were quickly shattered or cast into the ocean.
In the aftermath Canibus Maximus blessed the ocean, and the scout aboard the Explorer vessel transferred to the sinking RagnFjord ship and mended the shattered hull where seawater had been gushing through. The Damned ship was found to be unrecoverable, however; not only is unknown how a wreck with such gaping holes was ever able to stay afloat in the first place (but the Damned ship was also found to be made out of toenails.)
Include the action under the RagnFjord capital later.