Summer is at a high point when Dhahal sends word that Scouts from the GLF have broken through to the Garda Plains and as far as southern Anisfarle. The Agents are still wary of travelling as far as Oakenwood, though reports return that from high in the mountains of Region (from where the wood was once clearly visible) nothing can be seen. Knowing that the Enemy's Servants, unable to enter the endless wood, may well have opted to torch it, Erynion despatches an elite group of Elves to find out what they may and approach the wood as closely as possible; none ever return. Before a second mission with Swanknights can be prepped, the Elves are beset with more than they can deal with as the Drowh, having failed to exact suitable vengeance against the Eilindars, now with winter returning fast turn their wrath upon their ancient enemies. Despite good defences, the Drowh are too numerous and early on a sizeable proportion of the Island is occupied. A large number of Wood Elves along with the greater part of the surviving Fire and Light Elf populations are massacred, while nearly 100 earth elves are captured and taken below - whether as slaves or food, none can be sure. Finally, about to buckle under the weight of the onslaught, the Elves turn to the rest of the Alliance for assistance.

Naturally the Eilindainians agree and send Kadichi, Darkendari and Marnish (the Marnish having been extensively trained in underground warfare by former Prince Shadow). Along with these come many Illusionists and Demonists who, having at first assisted the Eilindainians, now find it impossible to return to New Avmar as the Island's continuing peace compact renders them a free port and therefore open to the Drowh to trade - or take their revenge as they wish. More than a few Illusionists disappeared after the initial conflict. Despite repeated requests, the New Avmar Government refuses to send Soldiers or Assistance though more than a few Evermorians, including a sizeable number of Gardainians, sign up and ship out to Elven Island. Despite all this Assistance, the Elves are in trouble. Having taken a large section of the Island's west coast, the Drowh manage to possess and in some cases recruit Renegade Illusionists. The fighting, now directed at driving out the entrenched Drowh, is bloody. More than a few companies of Eilind Troops are surrounded and cut down; even the dread Kadichi begin to take casualties.

The Drowh continue to pump troops into the fray, obviously having brought a great number with them before the Maelstrom was initialised. Finally, Erynion against hope sends word to War-Bard Fiakal, the 'newly' appointed leader of 'Westerness' (the new settlement being prepared to replace Dusk Island). Although Fiakal refuses (as politely as possible), he despatches York Bannon and JD along to deal diplomatically with the Drowh. Despite York's most eloquent speech, pointing out the need for borders and the respect needed for these things to guarantee everyone's safety, the Drowh take the pair prisoner and demand ransom of a thousand sacks of grain. A demand too far - Fiakal answers by despatching a company (80) of Erith-Thane lead by Ruhk, Tane and Sheer. With them goes Shankar to drum up the support of the Arachnians and, just in case all else fails, three Companies of White Guard (240), as capable of penetrating Drowh Darkness as any Erith-Thane and resilient to both damage and mind-influencing psionics. The Drowh put up a brave onslaught, but by capturing York they also bring the attention of Cry Freedom who, without word to the Alliance, despatch a number of phased Troops. JD is rescued before his untimely execution by his panicked captor, but York is not returned...

All hell breaks loose as Garda Dragoons, Rune Warriors and CF march into the caverns below. The Elves, beleaguered but not beaten, throw in everything they have and the Drowh are defeated in three increasingly desperate battles. Finally, as the year comes to an end the Drowh are firmly driven off, suffering as many as another 5,000 casualties. The Alliance has also suffered another six hundred Eilindars, and near fifty percent of the Dusk Island Task force are dead. Cry Freedom announces that they have eradicated most of the Renegade Illusionists and over one night, 8th December, bodies of dead and mutilated Illusionists appear at nearly every Way- and Military station across the Alliance Islands. Before the year closes the Drowh agree not to enter Elven or Eilindainian territory again without invite. It is assumed that they will also be reluctant to approach Westerness with its White Guard and Thane.

As the new year comes and goes, so do many travellers to New Avmar, despite the strong objections of the Patriotic Party and its twenty-seven representatives. The Isle remains a 'Free Port' and therefore is frequently host to Eilindainians, Elves and Westerness Representatives, as well as envoys from the Isle designated a base for the Order of Law and even Kyrie-Sumunai Isle. Although all these are comfortable with each other, the same cannot be said for the other licensed guests in the form of Dark Dreaming Enforcers and Weirdlings (naturally the Ra-men are kept out as it is realised that their ferociousness and unpredictability will lead to a treaty-breaking Incident), along with a large number of Drowh. By late spring the situation is becoming intolerable, as now Inquisition Troops passing with diplomats from New Midigan start to arrive on the Island. The Kleetians and many Darkendari, especially House High Leah and House Sumunai, refuse to set foot on Avmar while an Inquisition presence exists. Meanwhile, the Order of Law say much the same thing with regard to the Dark Dreaming Servants, and the Elves stay away when the Drowh are around in any force. New Avmar finds it increasingly hard to trade with its Allies. The situation becomes desperate, and finally the Government opts to found another trade port across the Island, for Alliance Members mainly - but the mistake is made: they say mainly instead of absolutely!

A month of relative peace passes as the New Port thrives, the other Members of the Alliance again happy with the path the Alliance has taken as Drowh, Weirdlings and Enforcers are rare in the new port, named Domain Harbour. Then as summer rolls on, Tal-Zash-Khar announces some blinding information. He informs the Evermorian Government in Exile that his mission was two-fold, and that the second objective has now been concluded. When pressed, he reveals that the Weird Lords had detected the presence of Earth Power, thought lost to the world for three decades since the tragic failure of the land mission, but when queried about the source and its location the Weirdling, as cunning and full of guile as ever, managed to answer without saying anything. Earth-Power is as capable as Runes in fighting the power of Warpstone, and so the Evermorians began to launch mission after mission into the Archipelago to find Tal-Zash-Khar's source. Many missions reported back only skirmishes with the Dozi, who, although bidding their time, were still eager to fight. A great many other missions simply never returned... Still no Ambassador was found to attach to Dinvash-Khul (apparently Home of Troubled Dreams).

As Autumn came to an end, the attempt to pacify the Alliance with Domain Harbour failed as the Drowh and Weirdlings turned up in force. Attempts to deter them from entering the port were repeatedly thwarted by continual reference to the various treaties; in one incident, Cumhal Desturiens and a number of Kleetian Knights became involved in an all-out fight with some Enforcers, before local Militia could arrive and stop the brawl.

There is still no word from Thunderer nor Lightening. Spirits are lifted, though, when reports indicate that a massive assault by Gil Forces against Thimblek's Wall is soundly defeated, but as ever rejoicing is stilled by the failed return of a group of bravos who gave chase, a good many of them renowned Adventurers of Bëor and Kyrie-Sumunai. As winter comes, hope is fuelled again as the Dozi Storm abates somewhat, and though it is still dangerous to travel off-plane and scrying is still all but impossible, the use of Power Miracles returns to the normal casting level and the general health of the populace is once again assured.

Early in the new year, a number of things transpire. Dracos Krull, the Malimorh Bond Servant to Krull Hrodvitnir, announces that the great Dragon has chosen an Island to the extreme east of the Archipelago about three hops (a new unit of measurement of varying size that indicates two land masses before a third which is the destination. This new measurement is more commonly used by the less wealthy classes, who sometimes find it cheaper to pay for a quick ferry trip from one Isle to the next as opposed to the sometimes extravagant cost of a full cruise). The Isle, home to a tiny hamlet, is quickly deserted; the inhabitants without too much complaint are relocated under Dracos Krull's instructions.

In Janur, one night just prior to the midnight hour, a few hard-working fellows and a few drunken adventurers are privileged to see Krull arrive at his new home, straight off the wing. A young local, one of those gifted in the sighting, forms an Order of Guards that a local Baron is only too happy to sponsor. In bright mail and kite-shielded, the Dragon Guard, near one-hundred in all, are formed. Despite Dracos Krull's stong protests, Krull Hrodvitnir gladly welcomes the new Lady Knight and in a jovial and somewhat light hearted ceremony grants her the title Lady Sir Rhian, GrandMaster of the Order of the Dragon Guard and Dragon Knights! Most of her guards swear a fanatical oath that none shall lay hands upon Krull against his will, dead or alive, whilst any stands of the Dragon Guard. Overcome by this, the mightiest of Ar-Spirits forges with the purest magics from beyond the Dream a huge Keep upon his Isle, that they may visit and keep for themselves. He also bestows upon them eleven dozen scales that he has shed in the last millennium and was saving for a suitable hero! The Order now rises from the status of idle, dreaming peasants to a Draconic-armoured fighting force, many of whom have seen Krull on as many as six occasions.

The renegade Ashale Ammo, along with a growing group of Outlaws, managed to free Mook from the dungeons of New Avmar in a daring raid. Tempers reach fever pitch as this group of law-breakers now grows to some two dozen, including some well-known and lauded Adventurers. Attempts by Cythrawl to capture his renegade Ashale Warriors fail. QA conspiracy is suspected, but during a 'Wall' duty season a cunning Priest attempts to question Cythrawl. Despite various divinitions, which work outside the storm, it appears Cythrawl is intent upon his cause and has genuinely denounced his Order! Thimblek's Wall reports that Gil activity has ceased absolutely, though all Military parties involved recommend caution. Erollfini has duped the Alliance more than a few times, feigning less soldiery than was truly at his disposal. In early spring, Hawley Smoot accepts an Alliance comission and despatches some dozen of his Agents into the wilderness that now exists beyond the wall. Reports are swift: every town, village, hamlet and home has been burned to the ground. The Scouts go as far as Southern Anisfarle, but are then pursued back by Creatures before unseen, but quite obviously serving the Eastern Dukedom; many fail to make it home.

Still nothing is heard from Thunderer or the Lightening. As Autumn 5863 comes on, a dark mood settles as a Gil Emissary from inside the Archipelago approaches the New Avmarian Government and proposes a new Free Port Alliance with the Gil Troops - who are far from home and therefore far from their dark Master's far-reaching hand. The Parliament explodes in uproar as Weirdlings, Ra-men and Enforcers break into the inner chamber and slay the Emissary before a stunned Parliament.

Hostilities immediately cease, but the new rulers realise they have allowed to much leniency with these Chaots and are now all but friendless; their own population is reduced by 40% in the past 12 months by many who, unwilling to live alongside Inquisition, Drowh and Weirdlings, sail off to settle nearby but safer Isles.

As the year comes to a close, the Government of New Avmar seeds its two Free-Ports to the Smoot Corporation. In return, Smoot is to have any Uitlanders watched should they leave the Port walls (and in a secret section Smoot's Brute squads are to deter whenever possible). After only a month, it works and order is restored to those areas beyond the Free-Ports, but now Smoot allows Outlaws to frequent his Free-ports and it is quite often that Ammo and Mook are seen about Dark Port. By and by the Alliance is reformed, the Eilinders and Elves happy that those whom they despise are under the tender care of Mr. H. Smoot Esq. As the new year comes and goes a great many voices are heard calling for Government reform and another Election; finally under continued pressure all parties agree to commence another General Election in the early Spring.

Still no word of York Bannon, nor of any of the Earth Elves taken by the Drowh. Duran Dusk has not returned, Cade still languishes in Kaz Kyr Utmarl, John Lambert if at liberty has sent no word from Draconsmere, Oakenwood has vanished and there is still no word from Thunderer or the Lightening!

For the first time since its establishment, Darkport, head quarters to the Smoot Corp., opened its doors to the outside world and to the surprise of many more than a few Adventurers (including a number of Elves) attended. The Corporation assigned all new arrivals a Pass, but it seemed that the Security, a rag tag bunch of Humans, Half Ogres and Half Orcs had not been given any formal instructions on processing these documents, as was obvious when one Ogre proceeded to eat three passes at once. The Corporation was thoroughly understanding and would quickly furnish any such luckless soul with a new Pass - for a small administration fee!

On Friday night fifteen souls, hired by Evan Havar, a Gardainian and Proctor of the Island of Skorsby, set out to find a disappeared Priest or his Liche Bell to get rid of a dreadful Curse of 'Undeath' laid against the dead of the Island by a Necromancer, Kulthas Math, killed by Evan's Father Hathon Havar. Despite six casualties the mission was succesful. A number of smaller missions, the rescue of a wizard's apprentice, and the thwarting of an evil fellow who was attempting to replicate an Army of Crystal Creations, were successful with limited loss.

That evening, some sixteen Adventurers accompanied Sir Vaydakor Alton (KDR) through a mysterious Portal that had appeared on a deserted rock near Elven Island. Finding themselves in the Land of the True Game, the Adventurers were taken prisoner by Immagery. They successfully negotiated their freedom by volunteering to rescue Windlaw, Immagery's former Tutor and Mentor, from the Dark Demesne. This they achieved, but Damian of the Summunai and Pug of House Bëor were killed and Dracorn the Warrior, Perrin the Witch and Ka of the Cave Bears are stranded and in sore need of rescue.

High Table saw events and politics become increasingly complex. As the dispute with the Rune Warriors, under their leader Lyle, escalated, the timely arrival of a Catspaw Knight representing Lord Utterdark and declaring a treaty with Darkport, active immediately, allowed all out confrontation to be avoided. The Rune Warriors sent back a tardy reply, that they would follow their new orders to the letter!

Meanwhile, a strange mist sprang up the very same evening about the West coast of Elven Island. This mist hung without drifting in the same place for three whole hours and then disappeared as swiftly as it had arrived. The time of the mist dissipating corresponds with the arrival of a blue-clad stranger bringing rhymed portents to High Table...

An attempt by the ruling government in New Avmar to disband House Kyrie-Sumunai has met with strong opposition and the condition of one moon been placed on their reinstatement as a formal House!

Despite the season's slow turn towards late spring and the awaited summer to follow, the weather continues to behave in a preternatural way. It grows colder by day and the first crops of the season are dying soon after planting!
Most of the events of the past fortnight have been centred heavily around Elven Island and a sequence of events that may be set to have repercussions long into the future...

Even as people started to arrive for the Elven festival of Lumenore, those who required Adventurers' muscle were quick to move in. On Thunder evening a group were hired to search out 'one' Garphen, a physician of ill repute, who had negotiated with the Evermorian Government to hold research into the disease known as 'blue lightening'. Because of Garphen's history (he is said to have conducted experiments for and with the Inquisition during their occupation of Garda) his team were taken to an apparently deserted Isle. It has now become clear that the Isle was deserted as it was revealed to be a sacred burial site for the Dozi. The Party were eventually unsuccessful in their mission, but nearly two thirds escaped with their lives. There will be no rescue attempt for those unaccounted for and they are to be hence forth ruled L.I.A.

That night the Elves had provided a waystation for Adventurers - some distance from their capital, due to their current wariness concerning Ashale and other Elf-hunting renegades. Despite their best precautions a young Ice elf was killed outside the tavern on Thunder eve. The Elven security redoubled their efforts and when Cumhal of Kleet was seen attacking an apparently defenceless man, Turalyon of the Wood Elves and current in charge of Security interceded. Cumhal refused to co-operate and warned the young wood elf away. Turalyon suspecting that an illusion or imposter was imitating Cumhal shot him twice and killed him. Later realising his actions Turalyon took his own pistols and shot himself!

Some time later on a delegation of the Council of Eilind demanded audience with the rulers and were granted such. During the negotiations many voices were raised in anger against the Elves and Erynion strove to calm them, but at the last the Eilindainian council, amongst them Mook, Basho Hamek, Inotoul Palhal, Mercer Sumunai and the Kamarthian Khan of the 'Cattle Horde', called for the unconditional surrender of Elven Island to the forces of Eilind lest there be war! They would return in twenty-four hours for the reply.

The next day, business was as usual as one party found themselves hired to witness the dual of the greatest ever Swordsmen. One foolish rogue attempted to cut the throat of a combatant and was slain for his troubles. Another group went to an Island, where a Simian civil war raged. That evening a group of 'Rune Warriors' and Shinii found themselves pitted against a Shinii Demonlord intent on marriage, they themselves allies to a lovestruck young Bravo! Despite casualties, they were successful.

That night the Elves resituated the High Table into their own capital for safety. Already reports of Spies and Ashale being arrested and captured were spreading. What better chance for Ammo now, than to humiliate the Elves in their own capital?

Despite this opportunity and some clandestine help from sources that can only be guessed, at Ammo's group only made three raids against high table. Whether a feint or not, these attacks did result in the death of a Rune Warrior, Jack Thompson - for reasons unknown a large number of 'Outlawed' Rune Warriors were present in New Elf Home! The Simians came to thank the Adventurers who had aided them, but darker guests also came to show themselves. Leithran Wavernswrath, a Ranger Outlawed by High Table in 5853, arrived to present himself and also to announce the founding of a new company: 'The Pathfinders'. Like the Garda Dragoons before them, Wavernswrath announced the group would have Dusk Island backing. Set out predominantly for Rangers and Scouts many joined. Later, the Rebel Ranger and three Ladies summoned on request sang the Outlaw song 'Free Garda Day'! A new light Elf Prince came to High Table and seemed fully intent on bringing his race's dilemma to a military conclusion (to the appreciation of some few, in hushed voice).

At the appointed time twenty four hours after their first meeting Members of the Council of Eilind came to ask for their reply. The Elves attempted to resolve the matter by offering a duel; the Eilindainians refused immediately and so the Elves capitulated and surrendered. Soon after the Council had left a Kadiche representative whose name was unknown, re-entered and issued the following demands upon the Elven Nations:

• No Elf nor Elven Nation would make War upon the Island of Tal-Anum without due provocation.
• No Elf nor Elven Race would do harm to any person out of Eilind without due and proper provocation.
• No Wood Elf should be allowed to carry firearms from this day forward forevermore!
• The fourth law should be that the Elves should police their own state and that, should they fail to do so, then the entirety of the Eilindainian Alliance would make war upon them until such time as every man, woman and child of the Elven Races should perish!

The Table was stunned for only a brief while as next to enter came a Swanknight Marshall flanked by two brother Knights. This Swanknight declared himself to be the rightful Prince of the Noldor and demanded the surrender of Elven Island immediately to its rightful Ruler. This Ruler, it was later announced, was the rightful king in Dagravanes absence: Duke Utterdark of Draconsmere. Before Gaunt could rise to his knees the Swanknights had left...