Event 1 - 2024

Memory flows to the Gate of Moths like a river, but those close to the gate have detected a change. The torrent of memories that lays just beyond the curtain seems quieter. And yet, the gate itself seems to take up more space. The bright trees surrounding the portal move in an otherworldly breeze.

Over time, tendrils spill from the gate and snake over the ground. Dark puffs mark every footfall. The ground is soft in places, and hungry so that it might swallow those who walk upon it. The fluttering of moths’ wings seems loud in the vast space.

Shifting points of purple light appear near the gate, and a voice speaks. “A great trial lies ahead for Aeledd, and in such times, my gate appears.” The white trees shudder as the figure speaks, and sparks shower from the branches. “The time has come to place the first seal on the Pact. The threats to Aeledd will not be held back any longer. The gate and the people must join to withstand the flood that will soon be upon us. ”

The figure gestures to the distance.

The memories from the gate spill past your feet, flowing ever more urgently into the distant fog behind you. You can not see, but you can hear. Just beyond sight is a building surge, a dense dark wall of loss and Purpose swirling with voices and cries that you can not quite place. There is horror there, and grief. Betrayal, triumph, sweet love, and heartbreak. A mass of lifetimes in a churning, seething, and still growing wave.

“Tonight, I will summon you to the Bridge, and you will set in place the spirit of Skelton as your first seal.”

Though your vision of the Void fades, you can still hear that great wave building in the distance. Lives and memories destined for the Gate of Moths, some you are certain you recognize. It is many hours before the sounds ebb away.

Elsewhere in Aeledd, there are whispers amongst fortune tellers of strange tarot readings; of cards appearing in positions that carry strange meanings; and even more troubling whispers surrounding the High Priestess card in particular. There are whispers of the High Priestess being drawn but unable to be placed on the table; of the fortune teller being wracked with pain when touching the card; and most concerning, of hearing a phantom scream when the card is drawn, as the card turns to ash in the fortune teller’s hands.

Other quiet murmurs have been heard in secret corners. Deep in the darkness, they say, something softly glitters, previously unseen for hundreds of years. It’s been considered precious enough by some to hang on to it, but they’ve only seen a fraction of its full potential. Perhaps in the right hands it will bring a slew of new ideas, methods, and items that previously were only dreams in the eye of a creative mind.

In the Northwest the Vargoth have begun a full scale assault on the Howling Gates. A seemingly unending host of husks has swarmed the gates, inflicting heavy casualties on the valiant defenders. The war with the Vargoth has begun.

Post event 1

A man dressed in a tabard adorned with leaves walks near a ritual site in Ophrailes. Kessel of the Stag Duchy has spent a decade hunting Vargoth husks, but he has never seen them this far from the Howling Gates before. Blood still stains the ground from where the heroes of Fortune’s Bend made a valiant stand against the attempted husk invasion.

Kessel sighs at the thought. Earlier in the week he was tracking Alice Stormbow, who escaped her prison cell late last year. That was a long way from an attempted invasion. But somehow she made her way to Spyndlemere to restock and rest. From there she managed to get herself to the Vale of Scyllina and deal with a powerful ritualist to learn how to disrupt a ritual. She then made her way to the Reache and stole what she needed to sabotage a powerful ritual. These were not the actions of a mindless husk. These were the actions of something else. Something that could think scheme, and worse… blend in with its surroundings.

Kessel curses under his breath. He had never seen this behavior before from someone taken by the Vargoth. He’d had no idea that Alice could show up, free the general, and abscond with him. If Jowenys is like her, the Vargoth have a powerful ally.

Alice had done all this while leaving an open gate for husks to pour into Ophrailes. “Thank goodness for the heroes of Fortune’s Bend,” he thinks. His mind wanders to the husks that broke through the heroes’ lines. There are stories of local farmers being dragged off. Ophrailes was already dealing with a dangerous affliction before the arrival of the husks and now they may have two problems.

Event 2 - 2024

In spring of this year 124, the Vargoth Empire hereby declare their founding as a nation of Aeledd. The Vargoth have battled for their independence in what has amounted to a costly war for all involved. They hereby wish to normalize relations with all countries so that further bloodshed may be avoided. The people of the Five Duchies are to abandon the Howling Gates and cease their aggression toward the Vargoth. Anything short of a full withdrawal will continue the war that will ultimately end with the forceful subjugation of the people of the Duchies. Any country found to be aiding the Duchies will be considered an enemy of the Vargoth and subject to the full weight of our forces. Emissaries will be dispatched to each country to establish trade, lines of communication, and mutually beneficial relations. There is much to be gained from an alliance with the Vargoth. Each country should weigh the cost of a war against the benefits of an alliance.

Alice Stormbow

High Herald of the Nation of Vargoth

Event 3 - 2024 (teaser #1)

Reports are now circulating about the battle that took place at the Devano Peak Mines. The Severed Tongue were as shocked as the heroes of Fortune’s Bend to find that their project leader Lance was an agent of the Vargoth. Many of them laid down their weapons and surrendered as the Turned was forced from the battleground.

Shortly after that, Mellurian reinforcements arrived and engaged Lance. Though they suffered heavy casualties, they were finally able to subdue him, taking him and the remaining members of the Severed Tongue into custody. Master Miner Trent Keeling was initially congratulated for his work to secure the mines from hostile forces, but was ultimately summoned for questioning regarding the situation.

Vargoth diplomat Alice Stormbow, formerly of Spyndelmere, arrived in Saphiren City within hours of Lance’s arrest for a private audience with the Mellurian Council. The next morning, she left the Mellurian capital with Lance. There is no word yet on where they went, though most presume that they traveled north into Vargoth territory.

The Mining Guild of Melluria’s official stance is that their investigation into the battle at the Devano Peak Mines is still ongoing. Metallurgists and other scientists have begun to visit Fortune’s Bend to study the ore that was sent there from the Devano Peak Mines, having dubbed it Valcroftium after the place of its original discovery - the Valcroft Grotto.

At this time, Melluria remains neutral in the Vargoth conflict, but has strongly condemned Vargoth actions on sovereign soil. The Vargoth Empire has apologized and offered reparations in return for ongoing negotiations.

Event 3 - 2024 (teaser #2)

An Open Letter to the People of Fortune’s Bend

Greetings to all from Their Supreme Majesty, who has allotted some of Their coveted attention to your island town. By Their Grace, I have been commanded to present myself to you, and then by Their Dispensation, to relay Their most Gracious and Well-Reasoned Statement.

Thereby, I present myself, Rocco Vendetti, as an emissary from Their Supreme Majesty, and with Their Blessing I deliver this statement.

_The beings occupying the former nation of Valarmore have dared the world to challenge their supremacy. We recognize the right of nations to attempt conquest of their neighbors, and to pursue their own interests. Yet, We reject and repudiate this proclamation, as We believe all leaders of Purposed nations must._

_We have dedicated Ourselves these many long years to the rulership and protection of the Purposed, and we hold them and their role in the balance in Our Great Regard. Our Perspective is vast, and so it is clear to Us that this nascent attempt at a nation is a great threat to the Purposed._

_For the preservation of the Purposed, each of us must be willing to put aside lesser enmities, and defeat the Vargoth in united effort._

_So say I, Supreme Ruler of the Barred Commots_

Following Their statement, I bring you an offer of aid from the Barred Commots. I have been asked to approach you rather than the leaders of the Duchies, and while Their Supreme Majesty has no obligation to offer explanation, They bade me tell you that They will coordinate their efforts through Fortune’s Bend, as They believe that you will be less susceptible to the influence of the Vargoth. If the strength of the Barred Commots is to join that of the Duchies, it will be done in agreement with the People of Fortune’s Bend.

Let this letter, and Their Statement, serve as the first public rejection of the proclamation of Alice Stormbow, High Herald of the Vargoth Nation. I will attend your town on behalf of Their Supreme Majesty at the next available opportunity, so that we may discuss in close quarters what aid The Barred Commots might supply through coordination with the people of Fortune’s Bend.

In Their Service,

Rocco Vendetti

Privy Councillor

Event 3 - 2024 (teaser #3)

There are beings known as the Gargoyles. These are not the grim, stone creatures of old tales but wondrous creations of Fate, bound with the substance of the Shade and Aeledd in equal parts. Once thought to be mere myth, their presence in the world has been palpable in recent centuries. Each was entrusted with the task to watch for the gifts of the living that Fate held dear and their names speak of those assets: Lore Keeper, Tune Weaver, Heart Binder, Oath Taker, Light Seer, and Way Finder. Now they watch the Purposed and have made it their duty to bestow blessings upon those who embodied the same gifts that Fate held dear the most.

Lore Keeper wanders through villages and cities, their ears listening for the retelling of tales of old and the first utterances of new tales that could become local lore. Their eyes watch for those who seek out the old knowledge in book and scroll and share the legends of their people. Tune Weaver, on the other hand, floats through the streets and festivals, listening for melodies that stir the heart and move the soul. Their presence is often marked by the harmonious hum of music and song.

Heart Binder moves among communities, oft unseen but ever present, their focus on those who mend broken bonds and foster unity. Oath Taker is a silent guardian of promises and commitments, recognizing those who uphold their word with unwavering resolve. Light Seer, a beacon of hope, roams the darkest corners of the world, seeking out those who bring light and optimism to others. Way Finder is the guide, they watch for those who plan, get ready and prepare. Honoring those who help others be ready for what will come their way.

Once a year, people across Aeledd celebrate the Gargoyles' watchful presence. This day, known as the Sidereal Vigil is marked by festivals, stories, and songs. Villages hold grand gatherings where they share tales of the Gargoyles' visits and the virtues they watch for. It is always a hope that one of the Gargoyles will walk among the people during these celebrations to bestow one of their gifts.

Children listen as their elders recount the stories of those granted boons by the Gargoyles. Stories such as the person who remembered an old well from a tale their mother told them that helped during a drought was gifted by the Lore Keeper.

The bard who brought a room to tears with a haunting melody whose songs were given power for a time by the Tune Weaver. Light Seer bolstering those who brought hope to a plague ravaged town. When a young child brings a community together to help an old farmer plant his field, the Heart Binder granted a boon to the child. When the soldier held up their oath to their commander to the brink of death, the Oath Taker honored the soldier. When a weather seer chose to lose their sight instead of their foresight of the storms to protect the surrounding farms, Way Finder gifted them a new type of sight.

It is said that while the Gargoyles see the world and the virtues, they need the help of the Purposed to determine who is best aligned. For that role, the choosing, fell to Fate in the times before, and now Fate’s place is empty. As with so many things in the world, it falls to the Purposed to take on that mantle and act in Fate’s place. So the Gargoyles gather in a place, decided by some unknown method, to determine the worthy.

The people know the Gargoyles are watching and blessing their world. In this way, the Sidereal Vigil has become not only a celebration but a reminder of the power of virtues to shape and uplift the community. It is a time to honor the watchful Gargoyles and to commit, once more, to living out the virtues they so gracefully watch for.

Event 3 - 2024 (teaser #4)

Major publications have largely ignored the stories, but nonetheless word has moved mouth to ear in an ever-expanding web. Merrigor has held council with Fortune’s Bend. The Five Duchies have turned to people there for help. Those in the know even say that the surprise proclamation from the Barred Commots was accompanied by an offer of diplomatic relations with the town of legend.

And in every nation, there are those who see these stories as signs of hope for a united resistance against the Vargoth. For even though the Vargoth nation has made it clear that they will tolerate no questions of their sovereignty, there are those within the ranks of power in Aeledd nations who wish to work against them. These steadfast souls have called themselves the Alliance Council, and they are reaching their hands across national borders to attempt to make a difference.

With the exception of the Barred Commots and the Five Duchies, no sovereign powers have chosen to challenge the infamous Vargoth Proclamation, and so the Alliance Council must work subtly. Toward this end, they have made an innocuous-seeming invitation to influential people across Aeledd.

A trade council. To be set against the backdrop of the eminent Fortune’s Bend. A chance to gather the powerful, the wealthy, and the well-connected together for the promise of profit. It is the hope of the Alliance Council that if they can facilitate enough mutually beneficial taxes between nations, it will open the door for later discussions of alliances.

For any of that to succeed, the Council looks to Fortune’s Bend. One of the Alliance founders, Orente Bullivar, has sent the following message via a trusted courier.

To the Esteemed Citizens of Fortune’s Bend,

I write to you on behalf of the Alliance Council to request your presence at an important gathering. I also request your discretion, as overt action may scare off national leaders who do not wish to provoke the Vargoth.

The event is a trade negotiation that will take place in your town on the 25th of this month. Representatives from most nations will convene in Fortune’s Bend in the hopes of expanding their imports and exports.

During this event, each representative will present a list of resources they either have in abundance or are in dire need of. The primary objective of this assembly will be to negotiate the trade of these resources, but we in the Alliance Council hope for a bit more. We hope that opening these conversations will pave the way for a later conversation about standing against the Vargoth. We also hope that some of the negotiators can be persuaded to move surplus goods to us at a reduced cost, and we will move them on to the war effort.

The ambassadors will arrive in our town during the time of breaking fast, and the council meeting will commence shortly thereafter, lasting for an hour. The residents of Fortune’s Bend, who have played a crucial role in uncovering the activities of the Vargoth, will have the opportunity to consult with their respective counselors. However, please note that all final decisions will be made in accordance with each country’s unique culture and policies.

Your vigilance and dedication have been invaluable, and your voices will be heard during this pivotal gathering. We ask for your continued support and cooperation as we work together to secure a brighter future for all.

With utmost respect,

Orente Bullivar

On Behalf of the Alliance Council

Event 3 - 2024 (teaser #5)

It is a dark time for the Five Duchies. The Vargoth Empire once again masses to the north to continue their assault on the Howling Gates, ending the brief respite the winter brought the defenders. The Vargoth numbers are seemingly endless. They now not only control the first gate, but they move with discipline and leadership. Scouts even report siege equipment being constructed beyond the reach of the defenders. This newfound horror is presumably provided by the leadership of the very man who presided over the defense of the Howling Gates not long ago: General Kiernan Jowenys.

Even as war weary eyes watch the north with trepidation, a small well-funded army from the Reach marches through Qatran. Scouts report the army marches under the banner of Reach Lord Sarah Jackson. Spies have discovered that this is the very same Reach lord known to have conspired with the Vargoth at the last gather. They have also confirmed that this force has intent to make good on the agreement that was made during the last gather to assault the Five Duchies in return for Vargoth Aid in subjugating the Reach. They will arrive at the southern border of Stag Duchy in a matter of days.

If that were not enough, ships have begun to gather off the coast of the Boar Duchy. These ships do not fly the colors of any nation, instead flying terrifying marauder flags. Tales of an unprotected coastline have reached the ears of every cutthroat and criminal looking for an easy score. Preparations are being made to pillage the vulnerable coast with no force available to stop them, the people of the coast lines have begun to flee inland taking only what they can carry with them.

Event 4 - 2024 (teaser #1)

Masquerade Invitation (image below)

Event 4 - 2024 (teaser #2)

Soldiers of the Five Duchies, Friends and Allies:

While I know little of the Vargoth Empire, I do know some things about leading an army.

I know that supply lines are the lifeblood of any large force. As the Vargoth Empire has pushed past the First Gate to the Second Gate, their numbers have been significantly reduced the further away from Old Valarmore that they advance. I believe that even these bastards need to eat.

With Winter coming and more help trickling in each day, I have made the decision to pull our forces back to the Fourth Gate and burn everything behind us. By employing a scorched earth strategy, we will keep the enemy from being able to resupply from the land. I do not think they will be able to pursue us if we stretch their supply lines thin and we can hopefully continue to count on allied support to bolster our numbers and even discuss a Spring campaign.

I did not make this decision easily and it pains me to yield any land to these monsters. However, we are fighting a war of attrition and the odds are stacked against us. To our allies far and wide and especially to the Heroes of Fortunes bend, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you. This force is like nothing the world has seen before and without your tireless work, the situation would be far worse than it is.

Stay safe and protect your loved ones.

Robert Thomas,

Ranking Officer at the Howling Gates