The Gathering Of Northhaven

[Mirtok 2853]

*Scaffolds run up the mountain peak and cranes tower over the many Sariants working below, hoisting up massive slabs of stone and brick to be expertly placed into position. The Citadel Stonehallow is destined to be among the greatest of the Realms architectural achievements, rivaling the majesty of Castle Greywynn and The Jewel from Konigsburg. The banners of the Order proudly rest along the walls of the unfinished keep, and the basics of habitability are moved out of the snow and into the warm light of the many fires. Among the first rooms to be finished is the Meeting Hall, a place for the battles of diplomacy to take place. A modest throne facing an elevated table from which visitors may represent their people under the roof of Hanseti. Just in time too.

 

 

*A large horn blast can be heard echoing off the cliff faces of the mountains, the sounds of troops marching with a slow rumbling thunder rest under the constant wind of Northhaven. The Sariants continue about their work and toil unphased- a scout jogs briskly through the Citadel gate to report the coming guests to the Hochmeister. Mirtok awaits the leaders of each incoming faction from the peak of a small hill at the foot of the keep's walls. The first of the banners to be seen floating over the landscape is that of the Orvars, soon after the sigil of the Rovins. As the men file into formation around the Citadel, other clans and groups follow suit. Mirtok nods to the leaders of each force as they ascend the steps up towards him. Together they make their way to the Meeting Hall.

 

 

“I am Hochmeister Mirtok DeNurem, the leader of the Teutonic Order and the Regent of the Realm of Hanseti. It is a pleasure to have you all in my citadel so that we may discuss the future of Northhaven or alternatively The Northern Mountains, the lands we all now call our home. I would have any of you present the first topic of our meeting if you so wish, otherwise I will open with my own.”

 

*Mirtok salutes the men in front of him and takes a seat on his throne awaiting his guests to speak . . .

[Andartus Orvar 20]

Andartus Stag-Headed, High Priest of the men of the Northwood, and Clan Orvar's Gorunprestr, carries the standard of his Battlelord Morvan Orvar. The snow-white stag-skin cloak and hood that gave him his name is wrapped around him, and woad of the purest white daubs much, if not all, of his visible skin.

 

He is there to advise his Battlelord, and mutters fervent blessings to the Gods as he marches.

[Abeam 511]

Alberg Geirbjorn, Reaver of the Clan Orvar, joins the procession of his Clansmen to the neighboring land of Hanseti.  His mighty Dane-Axe is used as a walking stick, instead of the terrible weapon of war it is meant for.  Upon the processions entry to the unfinished keep, Alberg splits off, mingling with the various Sariants.

 

He is there to guard his Battlelord, making sure to keep their peoples friendly intentions known, however.

[cman64 66]

Percival Bearclaw, Navigator of Clan Orvar, stands to the side and listens. He waits to advise his Battlelord with the given discussion that has taken place.

 

A fairly large axe rests upon his back, yet seems easily accessible if needed. The broad shouldered man and his bearskin cloak brings true meaning to his name and strength.    

[Zhulik 3559]

Voron Rovin, Markgraf of Aesterwald, would be seen arriving to the procession whilst he hobbled with his rugged cane. He wore the tabard of House Rovin, a nearly golden base with a large two-headed eagle. He entered the meeting room, sitting upon one of the few chairs provided. He remained silent for the time being, having not much to say.
 

[MajesticOwyn 334]

Morvan Orvar, Chieftain of Orvar and Yagar of the Gorundyr made his way into the hall, flanked by his clansmen. With a quick nod in Voron's direction, he takes his seat, his gaze focused directly on Mirtok. A large bald eagle is perched on his shoulder, it's eyes flickering between the procession. With a sigh, Morvan taps his fingers on the table, not moving to speak.

[Mirtok 2853]

*nods at the two main leader's silence and clears his throat before speaking . . .

 

"It has been nearly a half an Elven year or so since we all made landfall into this new world. For the most part we have been able to establish for ourselves a firm foundation from which we can grow our respective nations. It is also true that we were so far able to accomplish all of this without so much as a single border conflict between each other, resulting in a seamless migration. I must thank both of you for keeping a level head and making this a huge success."

 

*Mirtok lowers his head for a moment in respect then resumes speaking . . .

 

"I propose we hold a celebration between all of our peoples so that we may further bolster a long lasting friendship and cooperation. Have you any ideas?"

[Kickstarted and Running 965]

Konrad waits outside, wool lined chainmail hood pulled up above his head, holding his arbalest to his body, scanning the surrounding area, looking to Quin to his left he grunts "Twenty Minas says the Markgraf comes out drunk."

[MajesticOwyn 334]

Morvan's face erupts into a smile as he pounds his fist on the table with enthusiasm, roaring loudly into the hall.

 

"FEAST! Let us all meet in a single hall for a night of drink and food, there is no better way for one to get to know another, at least among my people! Let there be dance, song and ale for all. The North is for Northmen, so let us feast like true Northmen would.

 

He stands from the table, a large bearskin wrapped about his shoulders, as he turns to his clansmen. 

"I think I speak for all of my clansmen when I say we are sick of eating pine cones, aye?"

 

He drops to his seat once again, his enthusiasm draining away quickly, now calm.

[Mirtok 2853]

"My comrades are no stranger to the comforts of meat and ale, a feast for all our people would be a perfect way to celebrate. We shall work out the details of the necessary provisions after the meeting."

 

*Mirtok shifts his position on his throne before speaking once more . . .

 

"I believe we should further discuss the others who have taken up settlements here in Northhaven, those who are not Northmen, not Highlanders. Though we have many in our cooperative there still exists those who have yet to either come into the fold or be driven from the true lands of the North. Snow Elves were for a moment attempting to settle in the Northern tip of my Realms holdings. They did eventually leave after some discussion but it appears that trouble is still following them. My scouts report movement on that front and I expect a small scale war to take place in the Creature Lands relatively soon. What ever be the case, the Realm of Hanseti cannot participate in any hostile activity against them for honor reasons.

 

Furthermore, the settlement that was once belonging to darker beings has come under new lordship. Near the bridge to Northhaven, between Rovin and Hansetian borders. I suggest a keen eye be kept on those who have taken up residence there just to discern whether or not the corruption has truly left those grounds and so that we are not ambushed by potential war mongers.

 

Other than that, The Valley grows with more and more people with each passing month. I have discerned them to be a non-issue threat wise but of course some waves have been made and it has displeased some far away lords. I suggest caution when striking deals with the people of The Valley lest they use you as a shield in a war of their own creation."

 

*Mirtok leans back in his throne bringing his hand to his chin- elbow resting on the large stone arm of the chair- waiting for the others to put forth their thoughts on the matters.

[MajesticOwyn 334]

Morvan nods approvingly, standing from his seat to address the hall with widespread arms, his face suddenly taking on a darker light. I glances about the room with cold eyes, meeting everyone's gaze at least once.

 

"I agree completely, Mirtok of DeNurem. Many have approached us for alliances, protection, especially down in the vale. It would be wise to keep a cautious distance from there. 

 

My Warhawks have brought in disturbing reports of the area, not only that of Northhaven but that of the jungle and mesa beyond. There are strange things, evil things, lurking about in the darkness. I speak not of just oddities, no, there are things out there that speak of a deeper evil. One that my people have faced before. 

 

Far to the west are a strange land which appear to be desolate and barren. It has a dark presence about it, one that saps at the very strength of your bones as you traverse its treacherous landscape. Dark creatures have been seen flickering about, ones of shadow and flame. In Anthos, my people were wiped out by the Scourge because of our lack of understanding, of preparation. This time will be different.

 

We have erected a new gate to defend our pass into the Jungle; Helgrind. Let it be known that I pledge my people to the defence of the North, not from the warring peoples in the jungle below, but from whatever threat lurks out there. The signs have come, it is only a matter of time before we are tested by the gods once again. Those with a fragile soul and weak sword-arm will not survive."
 

With that, he falls back into his seat, his hand tapping against the table in a steady rhythm.

[Mirtok 2853]

*Mirtok grunts as he rises . . .

 

"We of the Order have faced many foes, both of mortal being and immortal. From the Undead, to the Liches, to the Scourge; The Sariants of the Teutonic Order and even the Realm of Hanseti have plenty of experience against these evils. If an evil does in fact lurk in the Westerns of Northhaven you better believe that we will respond with a most righteous of furies to purge the darkness that would otherwise see the end of all. When the day comes to march, the thunder of countless zealots of war will be heard for miles,joining rank with your own. I hope to see the Rovins among you.

 

Hanseti also pledges itself towards the defense of the North."

 

*The Hochmeister once more takes his seat and looks towards the Rovin leader for any words on the matter . . . 

[Zhulik 3559]

Voron Rovin coughs a bit, speaking for the first time.

"Evil vill always be present, but ve must never let our guard down from external und internal threats. Ze North ist for Northerners, if we choose to appease zhese new factions by giving zhem a cookie, zhey vill ask for milk. Regardless; any evil zhat lurks vill be no match for mein righteous warhammer nor zhat auf our combined forces. However, if we let ze menace auf the surrounding factions to expand, zhey vill get blinded by zheir own idiocy."

Voron would pause for a moment, scratching his blonde beard.

"Ve came to live in peace und alongside nature; however zhese savages continue to ruin ze natural terrain und are making demands for expansion. To believe zhat var vill not come to zhis region ist simply ridiculous, ze real zhreat ist zhose who are around us, und vithin us."

He pauses once more, pursing his lips.

"Und as for a feast, zhough I vas never a man who enjoyed celebrations or social events, I do see ze use und effect of a gazhering. Und zhus, I support ze motion."

[Mirtok 2853]

*Mirtok nods . . .

 

"Good to hear we are all on the same page, and your words have allowed me to bring us to another topic of consideration. We have in our domains a plethora of ruins that we struggle to understand. Already, several of these timeless features have been destroyed or pillaged without regard to what knowledge or significance that they may behold.

 

In my own Realm lay a few things that I feel are much worth protecting, and so I have made steps to do so. In lands essentially shared by Hanseti and the Clan Orvar is a discovery of considerable size that with further study we may determine to be safe to use. We are all sitting on something unknown and I believe it is within our interests to protect anything and everything we may find lest it fall to further decay or banditry."

 

*He pauses for a moment, scanning the men before him then the walls of the hall itself. Mirtok looks towards Morvan . . .

 

"We have already talked of ancient things. My men have been writing up nearly a mountain of reports based around what is spread throughout Northhaven. I ask that you accompany me to one place in particular, Morvan, when the time comes I will send word. As for the rest of you, I would like to hear your opinions on the matters of ruins and olden things in these lands. What have you discovered?"

[TheBareSheet 194]

Moved to the Great Library. It shall be sorted into appropriate category shortly.