It were as if the seasons were in tune with the fortunes of Lundland’s people.
The Growing season proved to provide the most agreeable weather it had in decades, and the crops of the land flourished under warm suns, gentle breezes, and light drizzles. The people were happy, their optimism was boundless, and their good fortunes seemed to be carrying into the later season, as their crops looked as numerous and delicious as imagined.
The event on every commoner’s lips seemed to be the grand wedding of Ragnvald Vasa, the heir to House Vasa, and the second daughter of Lord Eadric Summer, Emily. It was a wedding of the most grandeur of proportions, but because it was held on the isolated island of Orkneyjar, the precise details of the wedding seem to depend on whomever is talking about it. It is, however, known for sure that the extravagance of the wedding equalled the mythical affairs of past Overlord’s weddings, and that it took a whole season to fully prepare.
The whole affair seemed a testament to the great wealth, power, and prestige of both partaking Houses, and all those in attendance could not help but be awed at all they saw.
All was peaceful and prosperous for most in the past season. But, as the weather grew colder, so did the hearts of men.
The Grand Cathedral of Bernwick was alight of late, but no matter how much the bishops were pried for information, they were as tight-lipped as rag dolls. But, very recently, they have made their qualms known: the Church had very good reason to believe that the King of Therral is a heretic, who desires the downfall of the Church of Lundland, the collapse of the Faith itself, and the destruction of Lundland’s crown.
Their proof for these accusations are a series of letters in correspondence with Lord Lothar Wolff of Attolia, whereupon the King admits to a number of intentions most foul. And though the Church discreetly invited the King over the Bernwick, that he might be afforded the chance to defend himself in a trial, he refused to show up within the time allotted. It was therefore that, on the morning of the thirtieth day of the fourth month, Archbishop Innocent III issued this proclamation:
“To all the Faithful of Lundland,
God is all-forgiving, but if the sinner does not repent, God cannot forgive.
Such is the case with Lord Solterra Behringer, Lord of the Lands of House Behringer, and self-styled King of Therral. He has made his evil intents known through letters toward the King of Attolia. We do not wish to say who made us privy to these letters, but these letters were undoubtedly and verifiably written by his hand.
A season ago, we asked that he attend an investigation of these letters. He could have said many things in his defence; that the letters were forgeries, that he had written these letters in a fit of rage, or even that he wrote the letters with clear intent, but regretted his actions. Lord Solterra did none of these things. Instead, he ignored us. Turned us away, as the Traitor denied our Saviour.”
He then proceeded to issue a formal condemnation against Lord Solterra Behringer, stating that any Lord would do well to make war with him, so as to show him the error of his ways, and either give him a chance at redemption, to bring him back into the fold, and into God’s good graces, or to smite him where he stands.
The condemnation could not have come at a worse time for the Kingdom of Therral. A royal decree had been sent out to outlaw alcohol and any herbs or potents that could have a recreational use. All breweries, vineyards, and wineries were to be seized and shutdown, with all produce to be taken and sold in a foreign trade deal. As if this did not cause enough outrage, as soon as the official Excommunication was given, Lord Solterra began sending his soldiers all across the land to pillage every place of worship toward the Lundish church. Innocent, unarmed priests were slaughtered at the altar. The people watched in horror: how could their kind, generous king, who had given them only goodwill, do such terrible things?
As a sign of protest, numerous former clergy performed the Sacrament of the Supper, complete with wine, in the middle of Bellmoral. Soldiers attempted to take away the alcohol, but the priests resisted. One blow lead to another, and soon a riot engulfed the square, killing dozens.
To top it all off, a huge force mustered at the borders, and began marching east.
Meanwhile, in the Crownlands, the terrible conditions of late grow worse. Despite all the charity afforded to them, many thousands still starved, particularly in the Falkwreath region, where the Bogans had laid waste to everything.
It is odd, then, that the feckless Rone has chosen this time to leave Bolgaz. With the Knights of Everfallow, cladden in white armour, and surcoats bearing the crest of House Trisch, they ride along side a vast force of mercenaries, toward the lands of House Vearin.
The mercenaries in question bear the flags of La Familigia de Meaux, the powerful banking family of the Ordained Kingdom, and one of the richest organizations in the known world. The mercenaries are clearly apart of their private army, but it is uncertain how Rone managed to get their aide.
With this army at his side, a letter arrives at the desk of every Lord and Lady in the realm, sealed with the crest of House Trisch: "All Lords and Ladies of Lundland are to pledge support to Rone in the conflict against House Vearin. Rone has given them ample time to release his sister, who is wanted for high treason against the crown, and has been refused each time. Rone does not ask you to raise any levies, only for you to pledge your support, and deny aid to House Vearin. Those found aiding the enemy, or the wayward princess, are to be tried as accomplices to treason."
And if there were any hope for peace left, the recent conflict in the Ironstone Islands has dashed it. Numerous raiders have destroyed the wealthy towns of the Island, and the Strongheart family has been killed to the last child. House Ealmund is doing battle with House Reaver and Bloodhorn for control of the island, and both sides are weighing their best options. Around them, the common people rage at their desperate situation, as all their food and money has been taken from them.
Hope among the Lundish has died as quickly as it was born. Knights and lesser lords cry out that conflict has come again, and eagerly await the glory and riches battle might bring them. The Great Lords and their vassals all vary in the reactions. But one opinion is held in agreement among all high society: a great war is coming, to be fought over all wrongs of armed men's eyen.
It is now the Harvest Season, AU 107
