222 Story Updates

Entering Year 222

An Update of the state of the world

Hey everyone, I hope this year bring about the peace and joy in our real lives we all wish for.

I thought it might be fun to do an update on how the world around us (storylines) have progressed and for those returning to Mythic this is a chance to catch up a little.

This is not going to be a comprehensive list of every storyline, as that would be a several hundred , if not thousand, page essay. It is going to be a more work events and knowledge essay.

I hope you all enjoy this, and again Happy New Year!!

Old Wolf Lake

Passing of the Baron

It's been an interesting year for the people and heroes of the Old Wolf Lake region.

The passing of Baron Ian MacCaliesh, left the last remaining House of the region empty. Though it was unknown at the time wether his nephew would return from his military career or not. The call of duty to the crown in these war-torn times has kept the Lord Captain away. In his steed the House of Rickshire has taken over the day to day running of the region.

The New Seneschal

Arianne has, in what may have been one of the worst kept secrets of the Realm, been announced as a member of the House of Rickshire at Yule. Her full list of titles and duties being Lady Airianne Rickshire, hier to the House of Rickshire, Regent of Old Wolf Lake, Seneschal of MacCaliesh castle. As such her paperwork grows ever higher.

Stillwater & Longmire

Stillwater and Longmire now have permanent army stations. These garrisons are growing, and have started to wall around the areas. These walls growing outwards from the local forts, and acting as first lines of defense from the Scar of Entropy, as well as the perils of Theskmaar

The Scar

It has been discovered that the Scar of Entropy is in fact a sort of prison. The Matron Entropy, has kept those who falsly sought oblivion from her as punishment. They toil and hope to one day be released from this prison. The goals around Nindolèn are somehow tied to this release, as are the actions of the heroes.

In fact the heroes actions has led to the release of the Spectral Lieutenant known as the Ghost. The Sister of the Banshee Queen was destroyed in the War of Souls, and with the reassembly of the Banshee Queen's crown, granted oblivion. She has ceased, but her memory remains. The crown being the Beason which would allow the release of the Banshee Queen. The Sister that the Ghost sacrificed evening for, even her knighthood with the Sisters of the Phoenix. As the banshee, all of them, shall remember her, but the sisters shall never be reunited. Entropy's judgements are oblivion.

The Faithless Orc's of Theskmaar

The Faithless, having defeated the armies of the Mutilator seemed to have paused to consolidate their forces. Scouts report that they also turned north, to gather the remaining Tribes under the Faithless banner, and to scrimish with the Volknaar.

This has been a boon to the Defiler and their troops. Yet for how much longer shall this last. The Red Orc will once again turn his eyes southward, toward conquest of the Defiler's armies, and then the Free Kingdoms can not be fast behind.

Can the vastness of the Feylands be enough. The fortifications along the gap of Old Wolf Lake are being built as fast as they can, but will they be able to hold against the might of the Faithless once they again attack southward?

Dead Tree orc or Urak-Vaal

The forests of Elgalas, that surround Mist's Edge and border Old Wolf Lake along the eastern edge of the kingdom have become a quieter, darker, more somber place. The Urak-Vaal, known as the Dead Tree, have settled into the old places of power. These orcish Druids restore the balance in their own ways. They see the world as tilted toward life, and beings staying beyond their natural lifespans, by unnatural means.

Everywhere they go they seek to follow the Old Ways, and thus spread death and decay, to restore the balance as they see it. They seek out those beings, even as benevolent as the spirits of the forgotten Groves, and destroy them. This is their nature, and the way they seek to restore balance.

The elves of Mist's Edge still fought them when they see them. But the Urak-Vaal are every bit as stealthy and attuned to nature as the Elves.

There is much more the these Urak then simple war machines. They have goals, that would seem to in some ways aline with the followers of the Old Ways. They are known to have made pacts with Dark Fey, and angry spirits of nature. Even the Elves and Eldar who still follow the Old Ways seem to have a grudging respect for these Forest Orc.

The question remains why then do the ally themselves with the Faithless. Is it for the never ending supply of lesser orcs, to fill their ranks, labor for them, and even be sacrifice. The Old Ways allow for enemies to make pacts. Yet the Old Ways do not accept the unnatural, like the undead made of Necromancy. The question of the alliance between the Orc's of the Faithless and the Urak-Vaal remains.

Vallenwood

After years of strife and banditry caused by the Civil War in Vallenwood, the Duke has returned, with other Dukes and high nobles from foriegn Dukedoms.

The raids still continue and the "Robber Barons" still roam the lands, exacting high "taxes" upon the common folk. Yet there is a hope in the air. The Duke has called a council of nobles, and claims to be settling the issue of joining parliament or remaining autonomous once and for all.

The rumors abound as to which shall be chosen. Will there be repercussions, more violence caused by the group that loses.? Will the Dukedom unite behind their Duke once a decision is made? Wool they praise their Duke after he has been away for so long, allowing the Carnage to happen in his absence?

What does a reunited Vallenwood look like after so many years of destitution, and violence?

There has even been that of the two sides separating the Dukedom into east and west Vallenwood.

The other parts of the Free Kingdom watch. For right or wrong Vallenwood has been cited as the source of most of the bandits in the northern parts of the kingdom. Will a reunited Vallenwood affect this perception?

Sudomir

Much has changed in the past few years in Sudomir. They see enemies both from outside, but also with in their borders.

The northern border is now nearly closed, as the Duke's troops inspect all who enter and leave Vallenwood. Striping then of any cargo they see as contraband. This includes anything beingbeyond one weapon of war, one dagger or knife, and told of travel such as hunting bow and a hand axe. All others are ceased.

With this closure, smuggling has become an issue. And the small paths are lined with the hanged bodies of smugglers.

The swampland has receded, exposing Old structures and village lost. These have been the targets of grave robbers and explorers to detrimental effect.

Items found at auction, seemingly stolen from these now exposed crypts, are occasionally found at the bazaars around the kingdom.

Worse some tombs have been defiled, and those that should have remained asleep have been awoken. Baron Malvictus is one such being. His vengence was terrible for the desecration of his wife tomb. He killed the Iron Baroness Mors-Kolvack, and raised her as one of his death knights. The entire village was raised to fill his Skeletal army, and though he has released the Baroness as a free willed vassal. She remains a death knight, whose very name now brings terror to her former subjects.

The Court of Ivan the first

Malvictus was not the only member bof the first Duke of Sudomir to return. That would be his Seneshal the first lord of Tyrannei. Now a vampire lord, he travels enacting the will of his former Duke. Also Ivan's court mage has arisen as a powerful ghost, still capable of terrible magics.

Why has each of these arisen as a Different form, even classification of undead?

Rumor now appears in hushed tones. Could it be true that The First Duke of Sudomir, Ivan van Neste, still exists as the brewing of Sudomir children's tales, the Pale Monster?

Aeldirmann

The horse lords of Aeldirmann have begin to recover from the raids of the Herald of the Faithless, and the attacks of the Dead Tree.

Not all has returned to normal though, and Old alliance are strained in the process.

The lands of Suthenfold, as well as the Drurandall are not a fertile as they once were. The harvest has gone from Bountiful, to what one might expect from the soil.

House Martarus survived the Urak-Vaal attack on its ranch, and the rebuilding over the season has continued at a good pace. Even, if rumor is to be held a true, adding Pegasus to their Ranch.

It seems the Blackwall may declare a new Earl soon. As Lucian Blackwall prepares to assume the title from his uncle. His uncle will retire and act as one of Duke Xavier's personal attaché, even going to parliament.

House Ventris has survived the brutal attack, which killed Lady Ventris. They have begin to rebuild, and their merchants can be seen all around the Dukedom, selling much, but especially high quality Blacksmith goods.

Duke Xavier himself is rumored to be in Vallenwood, and has sent 2500 Riders to help Sudomir patrol the border with Vallenwood.

Queensland

After over two long years at war in Berowick and Durenmyr, the troops are beginning to come home. Those from Berowick's front line at least.

Parliament, with some coaxing has begin to move troops around. And increase funds so that ships could be taken south to Durenmyr.

The Queen's 3 granddaughters have been seen, and each could not be more different. One has decided to join the Academy Sorcerous, as a dean, and researcher of the magical arts. Another has begin to learn the lessons of parliament and political intrigue. The last has returned after her disappearance, changed. Katarina van Neste has taken a keen interest in military matters, and has even trained with and joined the ranks of Her Majesty's Golen Lions.

Rumors of a underground cabal have begin to spread. A group of nobles, crime lord, and smugglers who secretly control much of what goes on in the Queensland, and have undo influence even in the halls of parliament.

Berowick

Berowick's war against the Orc's of the Merciless have been victorious. With the aid of her allies, first the Elves of the two bordering Homely Homes, then the Eldar, and the Dwarves of the Gold Hammer Brigade, the Orc's are now trapped and what few remain of the Merciless troops, are on the run.

This was not without consequence, to both the people of Berowick in battle, but also to the lands themselves. The river was diverted, and a new lake formed at the border of the Feylands, between the elven Homely Homes. This was the cause of the almost 3 years of earthquake, and ultimately destroyed several miles of farmland.

Yet the Merciless will not traverse water, so there will be no reinforcements. There will be no new invasions. The farmlands that remain have new sources of water, as the level of waters rise in the newly formed lake and branch of the river.

Edomere

The sooner border to Durenmyr was blessed after the war against the Merciless began. It remains closed, and the entire length of the Riverway that formed the border between the two Dukedoms is patrolled. The Valiant Dragoons have taken command of the Edomerean troops, and cut off all the bridges to their southern neighbor.

The attacks of the Merciless, never came to Edomere, because of its border being surrounded by waterways, and the Southern most of the Homely Homes.

This has brought extra riches and prominence to the Dukedom, due to its good fortune. Trade abounds, it's ports see ships from not only other Dukedoms, but other nations as well. The Farseni note is so trade to come to the Free Kingdoms, and Edomere is the gateway to the kingdom.

Other groups are also present. Rumors of humans dressed in foreign manners, their faces covered at all times. Yet these strangers come bearing gifts, antiquities thought lost to the ages. Even those from the Old Kingdom of Alinoir.

They sell rarities, and broker for normal commodities. These Ith, and their giant ships are becoming a more common sight in the ports and coffee houses of Edomere.

Durenmyr

The Merciless invasion was horrible, and lightning fast.

Before any knew or could organize they had control of over a third of the Dukedom, and had destroyed both 4 noble houses of Durenmyr, as well as the free barony houses toward the Flame Desert. At the time it was thought they would swam over the entire Dukedom, but this did not happen.

They sped at the mighty river to the east, and dug in. The Merciless fortifications displaying the flayed skins of every noble they had killed, from the infant to the elderly.

The Long siege has now lasted many years. Durenmyr nobles food nothing to help the Queen's troops. Instead they fled to their coastal estates. Leaving the middle lands of Durenmyr to the peasants and lawlessness.

The noble hired mercenary, Landschnekt, to defend them and there fortunes, all while still demanding taxes and tribute from their abandoned commoners.

Bandits roamed freely, and Edomere was forced to seal the border with Durenmyr, to prevent lawlessness from spreading, even with crawling her Valiant Dragoons in the process. For if Durenmyr won't risks is own to protect itself, why then should others.

This was the state as Durenmyr pressed the queen to send troops to the new border with the Merciless, all the while refusing to send its own, nor bare the cost of the war.

The Queen did answer, and parliament did authorize the transport of the troops to the new border. Though the Queen's troops do small raids and continue to fortify the western shores, the Merciless so have not sent troops back across to attack.

Yet this is a long stalemate, and few believe that the Merciless will be pushed back in their life times.

Dwarves

With the invasion of Berowick and Durenmyr. The Merciless swung up through the Feylands. Effectively surrounding the Southern Karak. But all was not lost here , for Dwarves know well how to defend their homes. The Karak was able to seal its doors and though surrounded, the Merciless have yet to try to invade the Dwarves fortifications or passageways.

Communication still occurs, and the Dwarves of the Southern Karak are still industrious and alive.

Unfortunately the same can not be said of the Middle Karak of the Dwarves. Communication has been lost for about decade now. The Karak's does have been sealed, and none have heard from its denizens in all that time.

There are rumors of a few Dwarves that might have escaped. They travel, never settling down, and avoiding other Dwarves. These sundered beings, if they exist, are the only ones with knowledge of what happened in the Middle Karak.

To the north the Dwarves prosper, and the North Karak is powerful and strong. Her Goldhammer Brigade coming to the aid of her allies. Most recently being seen aiding the Ancients to surround the Merciless which invaded Berowick, and now fighting to eradicate those Merciless troops that remain, along with the armies of the Free Kingdom.

Bonds of kinship have also been renewed, especially between the Dwarves and their cousins the Gnomes. Strength, respect, and even endearment all grow among these cousins.

Ancients

What is happening.

A resurgence of interest in the Old Ways. This started as a response to understand the Urak-Vaal, and had grown into a connection to the True Fey.

Several True Fey once again make their presence known.

Yet none so much as an escaped Hound of the Wild Hunt.

This Hound has asked with the Urak-Vaal, been seen speaking to Dark Fey , such as the Windego and Petrynoal of Elgalas. How it escaped the hunting grounds, and what it plans are yet to be seen. It does seem to be preparing to open a gateway to the hunting grounds that imprisoned the Huntsman and his wild hunt.

Druen'Ell

The Druen'Ell and her Husks have been reported as far into the Feylands as the border of Rom.

Yet the Druen'Ell is rarely heard from. Her Husks seem to spread unceasing into those areas along the various borders of the Feylands. These curious and sorrowful creatures are gathering something. But what none Yet know.

Beyond

Farseni

The Farseni have lost their traditional types through the flame desert to the Merciless. Though their kingdom is not in jeopardy at this time, it's trade are. Some enclaves have stayed in the Free Kingdoms looking for new sources of trade and value. Others have opened up the sea lanes as fast as they can bringing goods to markets across the Free Kingdom, and making the ports of Edomere wealthy as the first stop along these coastal routes, and places of haven for the seasonal caravans to travel inland.

Romanovi

The people of the Romanovi Tribes have been quiet recently. Though so seen from time to time, something seems to be happening which has dampened the Tribes as a whole. Some sort of convergence is seen in their cards. Return of those lost to the people has been prophesied, yet not without pain or challenges all their own.

Shirelings

With the reclaiming of the farmlands of Berowick, and the new river and lake, it is a time of great opportunity for the Shirelings. In fact the first new Shire in 100 years is being built along the very shore of that new lake. Farming and fishing abound in the area, and the stout Shirelings have learned well how to defend their new home.

Closing

I hope everyone enjoys this update.

A lot has changed in the Wield of Mythic, and you the players help us shape all these stories and much more.

There is a ton going on and happening, and not everything made this list, in fact most things did not.

This is a wonderful time to think of what your character is interested in. Maybe next event or three share stories and information around the tavern or camp fire.

Take time to get involved into the stories your companions are involved in.

Help others to complete or research their arcs.

The sky really is the limit, especially on a Pegasus.

Thank you all. - Gary