In the early morning of June 20, the Fractured
Skull Orcs performed the ceremony of spilled blood and declared war on the new
settlement on the fringe of the Forest of Tears. The ensuing battle was hard fought and led to victory for the
humans and elves who defended the town. The
Orcs proved resilient however, and many pitched battles were fought throughout
the day between members of the town militia and small groups of Orcs.
Only a few casualties were reported during these raids and the Orcs did
not successfully threaten the main part of the settlement until much later in
the day.
This
occurred when the Orc King himself led his personal guard in an assault which
was met by the militia on the outskirts of town.
The Orcs had a siege weapon which fired exploding missiles and these
bombs held the militia at bay for quit some time.
Eventually the Orcs ran out of ammunition and charged.
The slaughter that ensued was gruesome.
Not one orc fell during the battle and the militia was routed.
Some time later a second wave of Orcs marched on the main town with the
intent to burn it down. They made
it to the door of the Mystic Highlander, but were at last defeated by the
militia. Throughout the day the Orcs were constantly out matched by
the bravery of Sergeant Kelindil, the spell casting of Morgan Scenarius and the
expert bowmanship of Azrael Bloodstorm. It
is good that such allies are available because it would appear that the War of
the Fractured Skull will be a long drawn out affair.
A permanent earth circle has been formed as part
of the new settlement. This
important asset was a gift from Lord Balladan.
It is payment for all that the citizens of the new town have sacrificed
to keep the outpost safe against orc attackers and bandits. A man from Stonegate Keep identified as Alex Cotterban was
traveling in to perform the ceremony which would allow the circle to be formed.
Alex never made it to town, but was killed on the road on the way in.
His body was found along with a note from Lord Balladan and a gem.
The note gave mention of the gem and of a hammer as well.
The hammer was missing.
After
much trouble with the Orcs and other problems, the townsfolk decided to seek the
Rune Seer. He examined the gem and determined that the hammer was essential to
the formation of the earth circle. To
the dismay of the adventurers, he did not know where this hammer could be found.
The Seer did describe the ceremony which was required to form the earth
circle with the gem and the hammer.
A
bizarre twist of fate brought the hammer to the group.
On their way back from visiting the seer they were attacked by Orcs along
the road. One of those bandits
carried the hammer! Hurrying back
to town, the group entered one of the newly constructed buildings to perform the
ceremony. Morgan Scenarius cast the
necessary magic and shattered the gem with the hammer.
A burst of light filled the small chamber and when it faded, the
permanent circle of power remained.
The now familiar face of Captain Flanagan arrived
in town in the morning hours of the seventeenth day of June, 595.
He started a militia which will be funded by Lord Balladan and Stonegate
Keep. Each man was paid a starting
sum which will be their monthly salary. In
return, they will protect the town, patrol the roads, and protect the citizenry.
These duties are especially necessary in times of war.
If you have any questions see Sergeant Kelindil for
details.
Members of the militia and other townsfolk were
visited by a strange and foul beast after dark. This creature did not show itself but spoke to the people out
near the lake. It talked of
attacking the town and killing all the people who have chased its prey away by
moving into the area. Even the
stoutest of hearts were afraid of the beast’s blood thirsty howl and glowing
red eyes.
In response to the orc declaration of war in the
ceremony of spilled blood, the Hoblings also declared war.
On the night of the assault on the outpost the Hoblings held the ceremony
of the clean feet. They all sat and washed their feet and told stories to each
other until no odor remained on anyone’s feet.
General Thistlethorn (formerly Ambassador Thistlethorn), led the army
into the field. They took a wrong
turn and marched almost to Stonegate keep itself before turning back.
At
one point the weary Hoblings did engage the enemy.
On the journey back there arose cries of painful agony from a farm house
not far from the road. Thistlethorn decided that the Orcs must be torturing
these poor farmers and so he immediately ordered a charge.
The Hoblings stormed the building and broke down the door to save the
day. The midwife was extremely
angered by their intrusion, and her labored patient was no less surprised.
Wielding a straw broom, the grizzled nurse quickly dispatched with the
Hoblings in time to perform her duties. None
were hurt and Thistlethorn decided that the Orcs must have fled when they saw
his army closing in. Lord Balladan
has requested audience with the Great Old Guy to discuss a more advantageous
utilization of Hobling forces.
Lord Balladan will pay a visit to his new
territory on the twenty-first day of the upcoming month.
He is expected to name the town and visit the Great Old Guy at this
point. He wishes to inspect the
militia and tour the new territory in the days that follow.
He is very excited about the new outpost and is looking forward to
meeting the people who have made it a success.
Brave
man and women are needed for the Brotherhood of the White Bear.
My
name is Artemis Silvertree, I own the local tavern. I am forming the brotherhood
as a Force independent of the militia to defend the economic interests of the
town and the healer’s guild. After what occurred last month in my tavern, I
felt this is called for. Two more enterprises have started in town already, a
weapon shop and a general shop. The Brotherhood will be backed by these
businesses and will protect them. The Brotherhood will provide training, armor,
weapons, spells and lodging for its members. Fighters, healers, mags, rogues,
weapon smiths, armor smiths, and alchemists wanted. All applicants will have a
two-month trail period before joining. Pay will be four copper per day plus room
while in training and then varies upon entering the Brotherhood. Apply at the
Mystic Highland Tavern.
Dear
settlers, I, Ahua-Can Achi, mystic wood elf, am presently making plans to open
shop in your fair land. I am interested in hiring anyone with the following
skills:
Armorsmith
Weaponsmith
Alchemy
Create
Scroll
Create
Potion
Create
Trap
Anyone
with these skills can meet me for an interview at the tavern the morning after
Lord Balladan’s visit. Bring Examples of your work and an eager mind to
bargain. I will want to meet as well with my three hired men. Until we meet
. . .
Ahua-Can
Achi