VATERMONT 1, AC 1015: New Hard-Ball Season.
Location: All around the NACE. AS
Description: The new hardball season begins in every nation of the NACE. Teams from the same countries compete for the right to go to Ionace in Flaurmont and try and win the trophy. The Mirros Knights are again invited to compete this year. (See Fl. 28.)
VATERMONT 2, AC 1015: Afflicted Harassed.
Location: Ciudad Morales, Torreón. SC
Description: The Afflicted throughout the town of Ciudad Morales find themselves the target of thrown vegetables and rocks. Soon enough, a full-scale riot breaks out in town, and Baronesa Isabel is forced to send soldiers in to calm things down. (See Va. 7, Va. 10.)
What This Means: The Torreóners have also had a slight fear and mistrust of the Afflicted. When a plague broke out last year among them, many began to fear that the Afflicted would cause the death of countless non-Afflicted. The mistreatment of the Afflicted today is simply the continuation of this fear.
VATERMONT 2, AC 1015: Population of Odom Doubles.
Location: Odom, Suma'a. SC
Description: Hopeful miners from Gombar and even Suma'a have flocked to Odom causing its population to double even though nothing has yet been found. A lot of activity outside the mining area is also occurring in Odom at this time with new taverns, inns, and supply stores opening overnight to accompany the projected influx of people. (See Nu. 27; Th. 22.)
What This Means: With the new influx of people the faith of Gombar is beginning to expand in Odom and the Odom region, while the church of Sumag is at a loss at what to do about this.
VATERMONT 4, AC 1015: The Dragon's Defeat.
Location: Black Mountains, Karameikos. OW
Description: Sir Yuschiev and his party find the white dragon's lair. The white is not in, so they plan to ambush it when it returns. Unfortunately, the white manages to sense the intruders and catches them by surprise instead. The battle is bloody on the adventurers' side, as the dragon continuously flies above sword reach, breathing down upon them.
Derkost eventually manages to pull the dragon down, pinning it long enough for his human allies to finish off the huge creature. Several minutes are then spent bandaging the massive cuts on Derkost who had received the full fury of the white's claws during his wrestling match.
The group then enters the lair and divides the treasure amongst themselves. Of particular note, Derkost manages to obtain a staff of power. (See Nu. 18, Nu. 26; Va. 15, Va. 18.)
What This Means: The party was able to discover the lair rather quickly thanks to Derkost. When his group raided King's Road Keep a few years ago, they scouted the entire area looking for their own caverns to rest in. Derkost therefore knew where most of the caverns large enough to hold a dragon were located. The party simply tried each of them until they found the right one.
Now that the white dragon has been dealt with, Sir Yuschiev is once more a hero. The exact contents of the dragon's treasure hoard is up to the DM, but the frost giant witch- doctor should obtain a staff of power or similar magical item.
What The PCs Can Do: Obviously, if they are part of Sir Yuschiev's party, the PCs will greatly affect the outcome of this battle.
If the PCs are on their own and defeat the dragon themselves, then the DM should find another situation for Sir Yuschiev to once more be a hero. Yuschiev must be awarded the title of Baron before the year AC 1018 so the events in the novel "Dark Knight of Karameikos" can take place as written.
VATERMONT 4, AC 1015: Stragglers Return.
Location: Xorg, Orcland. OW
Description: A few stragglers from last year's failed raid on Fort Hobart return to Alebane's keep in Orcland today. They have been holed up for most of the winter, but they come back with some interesting news. They have discovered the highly secret Darokin Tunnel- a back way into Rockhome!
Alebane plots on how best to utilise this information as quickly as possible. (See Fl. 5, Am. 15.)
What This Means: Alebane is getting rash in his old age- due both to the weight of his numerous defeats as well as the influence of the Huptzeen he wears. He plans to build up his forces and mount an assault on the dwarves of Rockhome within the next few months.
VATERMONT 5, AC 1015: Von Klagendorf on a Mission.
Location: Freiburg, Heldannic Territories. OW
Description: Herr Wulf notifies senior members of the order that he has received word of personal matters that must be dealt with in Hattias.
He manages to convince the others that, as this is personal, and it could affect his ability to lead effectively if left unresolved, he should head south by ship immediately. He appoints a council to rule in his absence, and selects a small group of Knights to accompany him. (See Nu. 17, Nu. 27; Va. 8, Va. 11.)
What This Means: Herr Wulf has come up with an excuse to cover up his mission. As long as everyone believes he has personal business, no one will question his absence. He has decided to name a council to rule in his absence so that no one person can usurp his position easily.
What The PCs Can Do: If the players have lobbied Herr Wulf to accompany him, they will be going with him. If they are working for any of his political opponents, discovering the true nature of this voyage would shake the nation.
VATERMONT 7, AC 1015: Afflicted In Arms.
Location: Ciudadela de León, Torreón. SC
Description: After a week of continuous abuse by the elves and humans of Torreón, a group of Afflicted in the capital take up arms and begins attacking the non-afflicted in retaliation. Another riot breaks out, but it is soon squashed by the numerous mercenary companies found within the town. (See Va. 2; Va. 10, Th. 12.)
What This Means: Despite attempts at keeping the peace, tension is mounting between Afflicted and non-Afflicted.
VATERMONT 7, AC 1015: Jaggar's Petition.
Location: Glantri City, Glantri. OW
Description: Prince Jaggar petitions the Council of Princes for permission and funding to make skyships. He desires to create them to help in the war against Ethengar.
Jaggar uses the arguments that it could also help against Thyatis, who now has its own skyships, and who is much more expansionist that Alphatia ever was.
The Council agrees to the petition. (See Fl. 9, Fl. 14.)
What This Means: Prince Jaggar is using the war as an excuse to increase his own power. With skyships, his military will be stronger than ever, and that will only give him more influence on the Council once the war is over.
Still, the reasons he desires the skyships are valid, and he truly will use them to defend his beloved nation of mages. Another reason, which he did not mention, is that he misses being in the air. His pegasus mounts refuse to let him ride them (because of evil deeds he performed while influenced by Synn), and he has only just begun to realise this fact.
VATERMONT 8, AC 1015: Herr Wulf Departs.
Location: Freiburg, Heldannic Territories. OW
Description: Herr Wulf and his chosen companions leave Freiburg today for Port Hatti.
What This Means: Herr Wulf and his party have set sail for their quest. He has no intention of arriving in Port Hatti, and has made arrangements for a stopover to be made in Zeaburg, Ostland, where he and his party will change ships and head straight for Vanya's Rest. (See Nu. 27, Va. 5; Va. 11, Th. 14.)
VATERMONT 10, AC 1015: Afflicted Regroup in Las Guajacas.
Location: Las Guajacas, Torreón. SC
Description: Afflicted throughout the Baronia de Torreón have begun fleeing to the village of Las Guajacas. The small town soon becomes almost entirely composed of Afflicted and the largest known enclave of Afflicted on the Savage Coast. (See Va. 2, Va. 7; Th. 12, Kl. 9.)
What This Means: Most Afflicted in Torreón were hermits or small groups living just outside of normal people's way. And these small groups were easy targets for the paranoid who feared them. Fleeing from the dangers, many started heading to the village of Las Guajacas, which already boasted a 75% Afflicted population. With the increase of Afflicted to the area, many of the non-afflicted began fleeing that same town.
VATERMONT 11, AC 1015: Stopover in Zeaburg.
Location: Zeaburg, Ostland. OW
Description: Herr Wulf and his party arrive in Zeaburg, and switch ships. Their new vessel, a small sailing ship, will head straight for Vanya's Rest. A substantial sum of money convinces the shipowner that this is not too far out of the way. The original ship will still head for Port Hatti so as not to arouse suspicion. The party leaves the same day. (See Va. 5, Va. 8; Th. 14, Fl. 4.)
What This Means: Herr Wulf had decided before the quest that switching ships would be a good way of eluding pursuit. He had made arrangements beforehand.
What The PCs Can Do: Again, the players are along for the ride on this one. Their skills may be needed to procure extra supplies, however, and to ensure that the whole operation does not attract attention.
VATERMONT 12, AC 1015: New Allies!
Location: Atruaghin Territories. OW
Description: After weeks of fighting, leaders of Atruaghin war parties and the leaders of the Great Migration meet to discuss an alliance against their mutual enemies, the Tiger Clan. The two parties agree to join forces. (See Nu. 22; Va. 19, Th. 1.)
What This Means: Atruaghin forces have been slowly coming down from the plateau (via routes through the interior) in order to help drive the goblinoids off. It has become apparent over the weeks, however, that the Great Migration's true goal is to raid Tiger Clan lands. If that is indeed their target, the Children of Atruaghin would rather let their enemies fight each other.
After much discussion and communion with their respective Immortals, the two groups have reached a tentative alliance. This will bode ill for the Tiger Clan.
What The PCs Can Do: PCs have ample opportunity to be the peacemakers here, or to attempt to forestall agreements between the two peoples.
VATERMONT 12, AC 1015: Spies Report to Catriata.
Location: Issarthyl, Schattenalfheim. HW
Description: The spies reach Issarthyl, after covertly travelling through the southern part of the Azcan Empire. They are quickly brought to Queen Catriata, who listens to their reports with great interest. At the mention of the lost city of Aengmor, she becomes even more intrigued.
Later that day, after consulting with her generals and advisors, and communing with her patron Atzanteotl, Catriata announces that the Schattenalfen must have this city which once belonged to them. It is their right. However, in order to take the city her spies inform the court that they will have to conquer their enemies the Shadow Elves - otherwise they stand no chance of holding Aengmor. It is thus decided that the largest military force the Schattenalfen have ever committed to battle will be sent up the annelid tunnel to attack the Shadow Elves on their home territory.
Preparations are begun immediately to gather the necessary resources to support such a massive force: food is gathered and stockpiled, as are weapons and armour, clothing, tools, and so on. Meanwhile Schattenalfen tunneller mages set to work extending a tunnel to join up with the annelid tunnel; patrols of outlying territories are ordered to be cut, and the Schattenalfen begin to withdraw from their most distant outposts. In Issarthyl, training camps spring up around the city as large numbers of troops are brought home and begin a series of rigorous drills and exercises. (See Nu. 7, Nu. 8; Va. 13, Fl. 10.)
What This Means: Conflict between the two kindreds of shadow elves has always been a strong possibility since they made contact a few years ago. Now, the Schattenalfen have found an excuse to be the first to strike. Although they will be taking on their enemies on the Shadow Elves' home territory, the Schattenalfen have a slight numeric advantage. They will exploit their element of surprise to its full potential.
VATERMONT 13, AC 1015: Spies Depart for the Shadow Elf Territories.
Location: Issarthyl, Schattenalfheim. HW
Description: Many of the Schattenalfheim's best spies leave Issarthyl today in small groups, heading as fast as possible through (and under) Azcan lands to the tunnel at Atacalpa. Accompanying the spies are some elite tunneller mages, who will begin tunnelling back towards Schattenalfheim to speed the effort of the tunnellers back home. (See Nu. 8, Va. 12; Fl. 10, Fl. 14.)
What This Means: In a matter of days, the Shadow Elf Territories will begin to be infiltrated by Schattenalfen spies. These spies will attempt to cause as much trouble for the Shadow Elves as they possibly can before their military forces arrive.
VATERMONT 13, AC 1015: Slagovich Hires Bounty Hunters.
Location: Slagovich, City-State of Slagovich. SC
Description: Still unable to discover who raided the cinnabryl during the second exportation in Kaldmont 1014, Margrave Miosz II decides to hire bounty hunters.
A Yavdlom swetanga (destituted noble) named Zuberi answers the call. (See Nu. 9; Th. 26, Kl. 20)
What This Means: Slagovich is the main supplier of cinnabryl to the Savage Coast and their Kaldmont shipment last year has been stolen. Margrave Miosz II suspects Hule, Zvornik and Hojah of supporting the pirates, but he has no proofs. Moreover he cannot spread his fleet too far from Slagovich because he fears a new attack by Zvornik and Hojah. What PCs Can Do: PCs with a ship can be hired by Slagovich as hunters, otherwise they can find a work aboard Zuberi's ship.
VATERMONT 13, AC 1015: Dead Elves Can't Talk.
Location: Great Forest of Geffron, Denagoth. NW
Description: The party of elven explorers who entered the Denagoth Plateau last year discovers many skeletons and common graves inside the Forest of Geffron. After examination, the group realises that all of the bodies are those of elves. The Alfheimers start to understand the extent of the atrocities committed by the Shadowlord. Nevertheless, they continue to advance. (See Th. 13, Fl. 19.)
What This Means: The Alfheim explorers on the Denagothian plateau have now discovered the horrible truth about the clans supposed to live there: they have been almost completely exterminated by the mysterious Shadowlord, whose troops now claim nearly two-third of the Geffron Forest. Also, as no reports come from the scouts who went to the Lothenar Forest about three months ago, their comrades start to fear the worst.
What The PCs Can Do: If the PCs are members of the expedition, they will have a tough time repelling the goblinoids and monsters that ply the forest.
VATERMONT 15, AC 1015: Hero's Welcome.
Location: Mirros, Karameikos. OW
Description: Sir Yuschiev's band arrives back in Mirros at the head of a caravan (carrying the gold from the dragon's treasure). Word of their deed has arrived in Mirros before they did, and many people are waiting in the streets to welcome them as heroes. (See Nu. 26, Va. 4; Va. 18.)
What This Means: Defeating a dragon, even a young one, is no easy feat. They deserve the heroes' welcome.
Derkost is not with the party, having returned to the School of Magecraft. He plans to discover all the secrets of his newfound staff of power.
What This PCs Can Do: If they took part in defeating the dragon, then the entire celebration is in their honour. Let them reap the rewards.
VATERMONT 16, AC 1015: Humans Hit Alfheimers.
Location: Forest of the Curse, Wendar. OW
Description: The humans living along the borders of the Forest of the Curse (the Alfheimers' territory) start making frequent raids into the forest. They slaughter many woodland animals, often leaving carcasses scattered around the forest, cut off many trees and even cause havoc in a few small elven villages by driving large packs of wild boars or other nasty animals through them. (See Nu. 8 Nu. 14; Va. 24, Va. 27.)
What This Means: The humans want their revenge against the Alfheimers, accused of having caused the plague that has killed more than 40,000 of them during the last year. They are arranging things to provoke the elves without attacking them directly and they are succeeding. Again, this plan is (unknown to the Wendarian humans) being orchestrated by the followers of Idris.
What The PCs Can Do: If the PCs are Alfheimers, they can try to avoid major damage caused by the humans, but this will not stop them. There are different groups at work, and the PCs will not be able to stop them all. If however they are humans, they can either participate in the raids or pretend to ally with the human bands while working undercover for Bensarian to discover who's behind these actions.
VATERMONT 18, AC 1015: Sir Yuschiev's Reward.
Location: Mirros, Karameikos. OW
Description: During a ceremony in the court of Mirros, King Stefan Karameikos III announces that Sir Yuschiev, in honour of the several brave deeds he has performed for the nation and the royal family, is awarded the title of Baron. He is awarded Rugalov Barony - land along the Rugalov River, several miles north of Rugalov Keep.
Baron Yuschiev's men, including Grygory, are also all knighted personally by the King himself.
A celebration is declared, and it takes up the rest of the day. (See Va. 4, Va. 15.)
What This Means: Yuschiev is the first Traladaran to obtain a landed nobility title. King Stefan viewed this as another way to cement the relationship between the two peoples of his nation. Unfortunately, it will have mixed results.
Many of the older Thyatians were able to live with the Traladarans as equals, but now that one of them is actually of higher social standing than they are, the minor nobles begin to fear being outclassed by the Traladarans. This sparks up feelings of hatred toward Traladarans which started out as, unfortunately, nothing more than jealousy toward an individual who is now of higher social class.
Although now a greater noble of Karameikos, Yuschiev will be mocked by the lesser nobles whenever they can get away with it. This will only further his hatred toward the Thyatians.
But Yuschiev still doesn't have complete support of even his own Traladaran people. The most powerful Traladaran lords, notably Dmitrov and Marilenev, are angered that this adventurer gained the title of Baron before they did, seeing how they have been ruling their own lands for over four decades now.
Note that, as mentioned before, it is important that Sir Yuschiev becomes a baron and Grygory receives his knighthood. The Thyatian-Traladaran hatred is also a necessary part for the setting of the novel "Dark Knight of Karameikos."
What The PCs Can Do: If part of the dragon-slaying party, they can probably also be rewarded with the title of knight or something similar. Regardless, they should be treated as heroes for the next few weeks at the very least.
VATERMONT 19, AC 1015: First Blood!
Location: A few miles outside of the village of the Chameleon Tribe, Atruaghin Territories. OW
Description: Joint Atruaghin/goblinoid forces clash with the army of the Chameleon Tribe today. After a fierce and bloody battle, the Chameleon Tribe army is soundly routed, the penalty for having underestimated their foes. As they retreat to their city to await reinforcements, the opposition marches closely behind them. (See Nu. 22, Va. 12; Th. 1, Th. 17.)
What This Means: Hool's quest for the Great Knife begins here, in the Tiger Clan territories. As followers of Atzanteotl, Hool hopes they will have knowledge of the Knife's whereabouts. He will interrogate any prisoners he manages to capture, using any means of torture available, in order to secure what he seeks.
VATERMONT 21, AC 1015: A New Way of Rafiel?
Location: City of the Stars, Shadow Elves Territories. OW
Description: The Civil War has ended, but the religious problem over the rightful Way of Rafiel lasts. The Royal Wizard Kanafasti invites Princess Tanadaleyo to find a peaceful solution to the problem of the Wanderers. Though she could not care less about the Shamans and their ritual, the Radiant Princess is sympathetic to Kanafasti and Falanen, now both Wanderers, so she asks the Shamans in City of the Stars to attend a meeting to revise the verse of the Wanderers.
Porphyriel does not care about the Wanderers as long as they do not cause problems with Rafiel's main project, the Chamber of the Spheres, so she agrees on a meeting to be held in City of the Stars. (See Nu. 7, Nu. 20; Th. 26, Fy. 3.)
What This Means: The meeting will be held in City of the Stars, so Wanderers won't be allowed to take part in the debate because they're not allowed underground. Kanafasti selects Princess Tanadaleyo as the Wanderers' representative at the debate. Many important people will take part in the forum, including Porphyriel, King Telemon, his daughter Calenderi (a young Shaman) and several high level Shamans.
While the long debate goes on, General Garafaele and his troops (those who didn't get back) stay in Rafielton to prevent another uprising.
VATERMONT 24, AC 1015: The Alfheim Avengers Strike Back.
Location: Forest of the Curse, Wendar. OW
Description: After many incidents caused by humans, the Alfheim Avengers start to organise retaliatory actions against the humans living nearby their territory. Unfortunately for them, some humans are injured, a village is burned down and they take the blame for it. (See Nu. 14, Va. 16; Va. 27, Th. 3.)
What This Means: The Alfheim Avengers have fallen into the trap of the Church of Idris. Having set fire to some cottages which resulted in the destruction of an entire village, even the elves believe they might have gone a little too far. This and the fact that some huntsmen have been injured by the Alfheimers will be used by the humans against them.
What The PCs Can Do: The PCs can only limit the damage if they are on the humans' side, or help in the raids if they are with the elves. They won't have the opportunity to discover the followers of Idris at work before it's too late.
VATERMONT 27, AC 1015: Humans vs. Alfheimers.
Location: Wendar City, Wendar. OW
Description: A delegation of human citizens led by human mayors petitions Gylharen for heavy sentences to be passed onto the Alfheimers responsible for the destruction of the small village of Barkhill. Gylharen officially orders Doriath and the other Clanleaders either to stop the Alfheim Avengers or to think about relocating to another region. (See Va. 16, Va. 24; Th. 3, Th. 9.)
What This Means: Law is against the Alfheimers. The humans are manipulating the events to have Gylharen expel the Alfheimers without breaking the laws of the country. Gylharen knows the fault lies on both sides, but the evidence of the facts shows that the Avengers have gone too far. He regrets taking steps against his brethren, but he must if he doesn't want to provoke a civil war.
The Alfheimers are now seriously thinking about the possibility of moving to a different region for the spring.