The girls have been released from captivity and Madame Weller is now looking after their safety.

If nothing else I can consider that a small victory.

We are still no closer to finding out who is supplying Jens Bergen with the girls although the bear paw brand is turning up in more ports across Theah.

Both Hakon & Lukas have agreed to help albeit not as eagerly as I had hoped. My deception did little to earn their confidence. A mistake that will take me some time to correct.

I underestimated them and risked Geralds life in the process. I have been foolish. Part of me still thinking of this as some game a grand society of adventurers saving the world from the evils that plague it.

It’s not a game. Peoples lives hang in the balance. If we do things right, lives will be saved, slaves freed and monsters destroyed. If we fail. If I make mistakes people could die.

I was too cautious and overly dramatic as a result I almost pushed away the men I believe can help us make a difference.

I will be more honest with recruitment in the future. At this stage secrecy is what will keep us safe. There is a long list of people who would destroy the guild in its infancy if they knew what we plan to do.

As for the bear paw marks this requires further investigation. Perhaps its time to take Bergen off the streets.

A good friend once told me rumours about Boli Kollsson which have now been confirmed.

A young Skjæren named Vilkarr was found near death suffering from dehydration, starvation and showed clear signs of torture. All the work of Boli himself who was trying to learn hidden secrets of Lærdom and break Vilkarr’s will.

Thankfully Vilkarr knew the power of Grenseløs and escaped as soon as he was left alone.

After we got him to safety I left Gerald to tend to his wounds and plan his escape while I distracted Boli.

Acting on behalf of a shell company I negotiated face to face with Boli for a large contract to secure his students services for a merchant fleet. I managed to keep him occupied for 8 hours before frustration got the best of him.

Thankfully Vilkarr had gotten out of Kirk in that time.

Once again Gerald risked his life for my cause. he caused the distraction that allowed Vilkarr to board Brunnmigi’s boat.

Then Hakon and Lukas were able to get him to the safety of Magnus Brynjulffrsson without any hassle on Klørbulg.

When I next meet my friend I will have to thank him for recommending them.

The corrupt and controlling hand of the Vendel League plan to publicly murder an enlightened man, whose great crime is trying to free us from those who would make slaves of us all.

Asger Gaidarsson is not the villain of this story. Instead he is a tragic hero who was willing to sacrifice his freedom and his life to save his people from the Murderous plans of Master Allen Trel.

Sadly Asger will be murdered by the Vendel League while the villain Trel walks among us. I encourage all free thinking men and women to help correct this great injustice.

Crime report
The recent devastating attack on our fair cities dock has yet to receive an official explanation with Lord Sheriff Ivar Dags refusing to comment on the investigation.

Members of the Sailors Guild who were hit hardest by this tragedy are laying the blame squarely at the hands of Vodacce merchants. Claiming that such loss of life can only be attributed to the vile poisons preferred by the merchant princes.

In trade
Val Mokk has recently made a huge step forward in improving relations with our Vesten cousins by donating an important cultural artefact to the Skjæren of the Aarensfolk. The Merchants guild hope this gesture will help quell the recent escalation in raiding.

In fashion
Master Anders Noval has not let his injury impede his fashion sense as he has recently been seen wearing an eye patch crafted by the Tailor guilds Amity Neveu. Master Noval says the patch was a moving gift from Mistress Neveu which he will proudly wear till his wound has sufficiently healed.

On my first Siren hunt I witnessed the terrifying Wurm known as the Siren Eater. It killed my mentor ate our prey and left me for dead.
I dedicated my life to killing the beast. I travelled the world hunting monstrosities for every corner of Theah and researched everything known about the beast.

Every 2 years I led an expedition to avenge my mentor. Every time I failed, I would wound the beast but the cost would be far too great.
My obsession with the Siren Eater dominated my life and ended the lives of too many good hunters.

Now the beast is finally dead. My obsession is clear to see. The Gelingen see me as a hero but their praise is misplaced. The wurm was a mindless beast, feeding on a menace to the people of Posen. I was the monster that led good men to their death for my own petty vengeance.

I cannot stay among my fellow hunters and listen to them praise my madness.
Perhaps in Kirk I will be able to do some good and help those willing to fight monsters avoid becoming monsters themselves.

Typ Kopman finally made his approach. Almost two years since he decided that my network was essential to his plans he finally sent his brave adventurers to recruit me.

Typ is a good man and truly believes in what he was doing but I doubted he would have the stomach to do what was needed to save Kirk from monsters. The truth is he doesn’t but he has men in his employ who do.

The Procurer’s Guild have been scavenging outside of the Jenny’s Guild for years, brutalising children all for the sake of money.
Scavengers was all they would ever be. The Bear of Breslau threatened to change that and make them a force capable of taking on Mistress Weller.

I knew the conditions he kept his girls in throughout Ussura I was not going to let that happen to the children of Kirk.

So I sent the Adventurers Guild without knowing what numbers to face or the true extent of the Bears ability. I acted rashly and a good man almost died, had I waited much worse would have happened. My job now will be getting Typ to understand this.

The good news is that Gerald is making a quick recovery. Perhaps the rumour about Ralph Høstsen is true after all.

Crime report
The streets of Kirk were overrun by all vast collection of ferocious beats, they attacked in a frenzy going after anything including each other..
The sheriffs have confirmed that there has been eight death and numerous casualties. A mercifully small number thanks in part to the quick reaction of some of Kirks bravest citizens.

What was proposed to be an exhibition of the courageous hunting spirit of our people was turned into a disaster through a cruel act of sabotage. Ivar Dags has stated that those responsible for the disaster were also the first victims of it.

Famed monster hunter Ana María Pastor Bolivar is now aiding authorities in clearing out the remaining creatures.

Trade
The price of Sea Serpent eggs is on the rise after a cargo ship was sunk by raiders.

Society
Val Mokk is hosting a celebration of the explorers society in honour of their efforts to bridge the gap between cousins.

Fashion
Amity Neveu has taken tragedy and turn it into something fabulous. The Tailor’s Guild have a limited edition black fur coat made from the horrible beats that attacked Kirk. Profits will go to help the clean up effort.

My name is Toril Sorgsdottir I have told the tale of Sodermanvarman for many years.
Of the horrible actions of the Vendel League and the maddened reaction of the Jarls.
How the abhorrent actions of a few almost brought our people to war.

I travelled and spoke to members of each tribe and any Vendel who would listen.
I hoped Sodermanvarman could be a cautionary tale of how close we came to destruction.

An old woman approached me and told me about the spirits of Sodermanvarman.
How they were trapped forever reliving the pain and panic of the attack.
Then she told me she knew how to free them but no longer had the strength herself.

She gave me the stone.
On the boat I felt like a fool tricked by an old woman to take a pebble to a grave yard then when I arrived I felt its power.

The next thing I remember is being carried you.

Crime

The port of Västeras came under attack last night as a group of Vesten raiders attacked killing 24 residents. The quick response of the city guard helped the repel the attack preventing the tragedy becoming worse. Witness mentioned the bravery of some locals who helped the guards push back the murderous raiders including one Vestenmannavnjar warrior who fought alongside the guards.

Sadly the attack on the port wasn’t the only loss of life in Västeras last night. Oddi’s Print works was burned to the ground killing Printer’s Guild member and league seat Jans Oddi along with forty dedicated members of staff. The guard have refused to comment on whether the fire was accidental or malicious.

Trade

All exports and imports to Ussura have been put on hold by the order of Allen Trel as a group of sea serpents have infested the trade route attacking all ships. The Sailor’s Guild have promised to re-open the trade route as soon as possible and the Merchant’s Guild are arranging temporary shipping methods through Eisen.

Society

George Skard has announced that he intends to be the first ever Vendel League chair to attend the annual althing in Thingvallavatn.
The Master of the Brewers Guild hopes his presence can help alleviate tensions or at the very least the Vesten Jarls will enjoy the several hundred barrels of beer he plans to bring with him.

Tala Jónsdóttir has been appointed as the new head of the Alchemist’s Guild following the sudden resignation of Master Jans Ulkopf.

Events

Linnae Knute has announced he has plans for a small tournament in Kirk to allow warriors from across Theah the chance to prove themselves.

Literature

The Grumfather Cycle. The Living Myth of Vestenmannavnjar is to published for the first time by historian Bens Postma

Adventurers your actions at the Althing have helped prevent chaos from running over these lands.

George Skard is perhaps the most beloved man in Vendel his death would have guaranteed a war.
His survival ensured his mission of peace was a successful one. Tensions among our people have quietened down while sadly temporary it is a welcome reprieve and gives us a chance to prepare for the future.

A future of peace among our people is possible but we will have to work very hard to achieve it and defeat those that seek to destroy it.

We already knew of those within the Vendel League who seek to profit from war and of the Jarls who are so blinded by revenge that peace is not an option.
Now it seems that something much older is also at play. The stones of the Nyrna were not just uncovered and used to attack the league. They were handed out by the Nyrna themselves who wish nothing but death for us all.

We have great challenges ahead of us. Challenges that together we can overcome.

Crime

Member of the Vaticine Inquisition sought to use St Simon’s as a place to spread their violent campaign of madness across Kirk.
Thankfully due to the actions of the Kirk guard and a few concerned citizens their plot was foiled before it could begin.
One of the inquisitors survived and is set to go on trial this week.

Society

The new head of the Alchemist’s Guild Tala Jónsdóttir has been turning heads with her arrival in the league and keen fashion sense. this week however she showed her generous side by offering to pay for all the damage done to St Simon’s by the Inquisition.

Events

Master Knute’s open tournament is set to begin this month. Linnae has confirmed that swordsman guild membership is not required but that master swordsmen are forbidden from taking part in the tournament.

Trade

Master Noval has denied plans to open new stores. The master watchmaker has stated that more stores will not help them keep up with the increasing demand but that he was working hard to train new apprentices to hopefully lower the waiting list for Kellos-Noval timepieces under 6 months.

Tributes

The Explorer’s Society have praised the efforts of the 12 members that were killed in last weeks violent robbery.
Their bravery prevented the rarest and most precious of works falling into the hands of criminals.

The Vendel League have declared a state of Martial Law in Kirk following the death of Magnus Desaux du Montaigne.
Magnus was a guest at Linnae Knute’s tournament of potential. The tournament came to an abrupt end when Magnus was shot in the back.
Sources from within the Town Guard have confirmed that one of Erl Rasmussens students is suspected of the murder.

Tensions between the Swordsman’s Guild and the Rasmussen School have always been high in Kirk.
After the murder of the Swordsman Guilds founder sources within both organisations are fearing all-out war on the streets of Kirk.

Throughout the day small fights broke out across the city with Swordsmen and Pistoleers filling Kirks jails and hospitals. There were no more deaths till a group of Rasmussen attacked the head of the Razors Alvhilde Saukkosdottir af Skadesfolk. Miss Saukkosdottir is recovering from her injuries but her assailants were killed.

Sailor’s guild marines and hired mercenaries have been deputised by the town guard to help prevent any escalation of violence.

Under the pretence of peace but in the name of profit Murder has been deemed legal in the streets of Kirk.

To maintain the status quo and to keep the wheels of capitalism moving Val Mokk has declared an amnesty on all crimes committed since the assassination of Magnus Desaux du Montaigne.

The Montaigne nobleman was of course avenged by the gallows but what of the people of Kirk whose lives were damaged by the madness caused by the Swordsman’s Guilds entitled thugs and the Merchant’s Guilds hired goons.

What about the murder of Erl Rasmussen by the hands of the swordsman’s guild chief assassin.

The simple answer it would delay trade and inconvenience the wealthy too much.
Guilders must flow and the peoples health and safety are secondary concerns at best. Mokk has proven this today.

For months now there have been reports of individuals acting in secret to help the people of Kirk.
Whether it was chasing pimps out of the city, preventing assassinations or facing off against the Inquisition. These heroes have acted to make our streets safer for all.

Master Typ Kopman is responsible for this Adventurers Guild and has so far run it in secret to protect its members. In the face of increasing danger to our society the time for secrecy is at an end.

Today the chairs of the Vendel League gather to vote on whether the Adventurers Guild should be sanctioned or forced to disband.

Vote

Abstain – Eladio Ballesteros & Joseph Volker

Disband – Joris Brak & Red

Sanction – Val Mokk, Sela Cole, Allen Trel, Lorraine Weller & George Skard

With a majority vote the chairs have voted to officially sanction the Adventurers Guild.

The vote will now pass to the Seats of the Vendel League a majority vote there will make the adventurers guild an official part of the Vendel League.

The Gervalp. Oh the tales I had heard from my fellow hunters about them. Wolves as big as horses they would say. Bigger and bigger with each telling and more drink of course.

Then at the Althing I saw them. Fierce and giant. As big as ponies they were prey worth a tale.

Once me and Bens began looking into the Nyrna I focused most of my attention on Dyr. The ancient Vesten referred to her as the mother of monsters. In quieter times she once protected the people of these island by keeping the great beasts away from the towns and villages. Then when the Nyrna decided to rule Dyr directed the monsters to the towns that wouldn’t bend the knee. When the Grumfather tried to stop them Dyr drove his pet wolf mad.

The Grumfathers wolf Ger. Father to the Gervalp. Had I not seen it myself I would not have believed. I have seen smaller ships than that colossal wolf.

But I have gone off track. After the attack of the Gervalp and the Nyrnas appearance I linked Dyr to their attacks. So I sent out for information on all Gervalp appearances hoping to track her down.
To my surprise there was no news. Previously there was at least one report a month of Gervalp sightings but once I started looking they vanished. So I searched known lairs and hunting grounds and found nothing.

Then after three months the reports started coming in. Dozens of them all from Kivik. I knew we had to go there it was our only lead.

As we climbed that damned mountain we saw plenty of Gervalp mostly dead. The smaller ones had been killed by the larger ones.
We then found them. Dozens of Gervalp the largest 3 times the size of an Eisen warhorse. They ignored us entirely and attacked the roots of an ancient tree in the mountainside.

Bens theory was correct Dyr had found the prison of the great wolf and was using his children to free him.
After some fierce fighting we put down the Gervalp and for a second I genuinely thought we had stopped Ger returning.

Then she appeared an ancient withered woman moving with speed and purpose looked as though she was trapped between flesh and spirit more wraith than flesh.
The Nyrna Dyr.

She walked straight into the tree and then Ger awoke.

I have travelled the world fighting monsters. I have nearly died countless times and to my endless remorse lost more comrades then I can recall.
Seeing Ger caused me to pause. I stood stunned by my fear.

My comrades however were fearless Lukas and Lockhart actually climbed the damn beast while that crazy bastard Hakon decided to grab the attention of Ger by attacking the source of his legendary virility.

Their courage spurred me to action and I pinned the beasts tail as it chased Hakon.

Lukas got ripped from Gers shoulders and attacked its leg trying to slow it down. Hakon joined him and combined they got the beast to fall. The Lockhart, the boy who I didn’t think should come on such a dangerous expedition fell with the beast and with all his might plunged his blade deep. Combined with the force of the fall he pierced its brain.

That is how Ger the Great Wolf, the hunting wolf of the Grumfather was slain.

Then Dyr showed herself fully intending to finish us off. Completely unaware that we knew her weakness she made no attempt to defend herself and died quickly.

It was only after the fight did i realise Knarr wasn’t with us. Dyr had killed him before waking Ger.

If only that was the end of this adventure.

We went back down the mountain eager to rest and return to Kirk.

The boat was attacked by an natural storm and we were dragged to a place were we could see the Nyrna as they truly were.
I fought with a strength I have not had in many years battle clouding me to all but my enemy. It was as though i was young and foolish once more.

When I came out of my haze we had returned to normal. Knarrs body was missing as were several of the crew and Bolivars beast.

We killed two Nyrna on this adventure and one of the greatest beasts of Vesten myth.

So much for retirement.

Crime

Sheriff Dags has no official comment on the decline in street crime. Sources from within the Sheriff’s office are happy with there new initiatives though can’t fully explain the cities drop in homeless.

Trade

Master Trel of the Sailor’s guild has responded to the recent increase in raider activity by promising that all league Merchant ships will now have a naval escort.
He refused to give any comment on rumours about the recent savage attacks or the alleged valkyrie that leads them.

Society

Joseph Volkers recent party to celebrate the relationship between Vendel and Eisen was a roaring success. Volker promised funds to help rebuild his damaged homeland and honoured the Eisen mercenary captains who helped boost Kirks defence recently. Master Noval of the watchmakers guild made a rare appearance since his accident.

Amity Neveu will be holding the tailors guild annual ball next month. Don’t be alarmed if you haven’t received an invitation yet. Mistress Neveu hasn’t sent any yet and apparently has a surprise in store for all her guests.

Events

The Sailor’s Guild new Flagship “Progress” will have its launch ceremony at the end of the week. Master Trel believes the mere sight of it will cause any smart raiders to run.

Announcements

Boli Kollssons school has shut it doors while it is undergoing refurbishment. During this time Kollson will be taking a well deserved break two of his senior students will be dealing with the school’s business in the interim and working out of the carpenters guild building.

He climbed the hill to see the only person who could answer his questions.
The spirits would only talk of destiny and what must come next. How he had to save his people.

He would ask her and she would tell him what he already knew.

He greeted her politely and accepted the seat and the stew he was offered.
He listened to the stories. All the old tales of there people, then the stories of the runes and the first high king that told as she witnessed them. She listened to her talk about the love she held for her husband even after all this time and how part of her longed for his death so she could be free.

For twelve days he listened to all of her stories from the birth of their land to the poor cursed fool who visited her last.

Then she told him to ask his question.

Then she told him what he already knew.

He was chosen for a reason. All of his people were in danger. The time for hiding was over. Time was running out.

Gjæving left her cave and headed back down the hill. His hood down unable to hide the tears in his eye.
He had left the cave with more questions than answers.

Could he do what must be done?
Could his people endure the horror ahead?
Where Gods and Legends failed could he rely on heroes?

If not all could be lost.

The man came and told us about the goddess. How she could keep us all safe and make us strong.

Most of us knew better and stayed away but Jakob went with them. We all had nothing but Jakob had an accident and couldn’t move his right arm any more he was desperate.

We were worried about him but we didn’t tell anyone. Then after two days Jakob came back he looked great, he had been well fed and his arm was better. He was stronger than he had been stronger than all of us. So when he said the Goddess still wanted meet us we went.

She was kind and caring and gave each of us a stone. None of us felt hungry or sick anymore. We were all faster and stronger and she never asked for anything in return.

During the day we did whatever we wanted and at night her fire kept us warm.

Then you turned up and we tried hurt you. We didn’t want to but she made us.

I saw what she really was then. I know its dead but I don’t feel safe anymore.

“As the Vesten slowly became the Vendel my power slowly changed. No longer a symbol for wealth of knowledge but for monetary wealth. Greed became the motivation behind the use of my power and I changed with it.
We are all slaves to our power we are all corrupted by it. As Krieg became an avatar of violence, I became an avatar of greed.
The only way I could be free of it was a drastic measure. I had to make sure no-one knew my laird. Through my greed I could engineer the war. I could escalate it to ensure devastation. I would doom us all to be forgotten. To be free.

Now my mind is clear again. I can see the madness of these last twenty years. I can see that something far worse than me is happy with these events.

Five of the living runes are dead, more lost. Our people are divided and dedicated to destroying each other. The Great Wyrm is returning. There is nothing that can hold it back now. No tricks to deceive. No power to wound it. We die or live as slaves.

All because I was blinded by greed."

War

Master Trel of the Sailor’s guild is demanding the full support of the League to take the fight to the raiders after the horrific events in Västeras. Trel is demanding that the invasion of Västeras be matched with overwhelming force.
Master Trel has a lot of support but many in the League including Val Mokk are wary of war.

Economy

The Usury Guild is in disarray after one of its senior members Peter Vel resigned unexpectedly. Vel was a financial institution in Kirk owning one of the largest loan companies in Vendel.
Vel’s shock retirement has also come with the closure of his business and all debts being cancelled.
Master Red while shocked by the announcement has said a sudden burst of wealth among the poorest is great for the economy.

Crime

Sheriff Dags has refused to comment on the increase in violent street crime. Sources within the sheriffs office have stated that the people are scared and lashing out.

Trade

All merchant ships are stuck in port as the Sailors Guild refuse to provide naval escort till the vote on action against the Vesten takes place.

Fashion

No invites have been spotted for the Tailor’s Guild annual ball. Mistress Neveu is keeping things very secretive for now though she was happy to see that masks were becoming this seasons must have accessory.

In the halls of the Vendel League all seats had been assembled to discuss the emergency vote that could start a war.

Five Vesten warriors entered the hall after killing the leagues guards.

" I am Krieg
The Wyrm has brought us back from Valhalla to serve as its champions. Consult your seers and spirit talkers and know my words ring true.
You are less than a shadow of a great people serve and gain a life with purpose.
The Great Wyrm offers you one chance to supplicate yourselves.
You are invited to The Wyrms Althing.
Serve or Die."

During Kriegs speech Kjølig unrolls a scroll and pins it to one of the halls pillars with her knife.

The Vendel League have been given a deadline.

I pray there will be Skalds left to tell the tale.
The fall of Hjalmar and the heroes who died to give us time to escape.
The Great Wyrm has taken the High Kings Hearth and all surrounding land.
The battlefield has been chosen.
Grumfather help us.

When I was chosen to be High King I felt as though I was cursed. Hounded by our ancestors I was shown the destruction our people were inflicting upon each other. How cousins killed each other in the name of progress or to defend the past.

I knew what the Grumfather had selected me to do and I prayed for him to change his mind.

The task impossible and I was not the man to take on such a role.

Ignoring the cries of our ancestors I travelled in secret from town to town. Meeting Vendel and Vestenmannavnjar alike. We were not so different, unfortunately we are equally stubborn and hardened our hearts towards one another. How could one man change the heart of a people divided.

So I hid. Like a coward I hid.

I hid as our people slaughtered each other. I hid as the nightmares of our past attacked our spirit.

I can hide no more.

The Great Wyrm has returned. We must overcome our stubbornness and stand shoulder to shoulder as a united people or we will all fall before it.

Every Vestenmannavnjar and Vendel killed is one less soldier to fight the Wyrm.

Gather all your men, all your ships. We are going to war with the greatest enemy of our people.

United we shall win.

My name is Gjæving Asbjornsson, I am the High King of the Vestenmannavnjar and I am aware how little that title means to many of you gathered here today.
I come before you today not to claim sovereignty, instead I come to join you.
I have recently joined a guild and even acquired a seat.

The guilds of the Vendel League have always looked forward, you have helped shape the destiny of Theah and made other nations fear aggression against our home more than any High King, Jarl or raider fleet ever did. Through commerce you have ensured peace and that should be commended.

Now however you face a foe you do not understand. An enemy of the past who cares not for money, who can’t be negotiated with and is only interested in our complete subjection.

The Great Wyrm is real. Its power is overwhelming and it hates all of us. Every time it has come for us we have pushed it back as a united people. The Wyrm attacks now for we are a fractured people. The Norvik islands have never seemed more far apart than they are now.

The divide between the Vendel and the Vestenmannavnjar has harmed every man and woman gathered here today. Our families have been torn between tradition and progress.
We have all lost. Perhaps too much damage has been done for us to be one people again.

Hjalmar has fallen and soon the rest of Viddenheim will fall with it. Your more traditional cousins are fighting the Wyrms forces to buy all of us time to make our attack.

I beg all of you gathered here today to not let those brave men and women die for nothing.
The Vendel and the Vestenmannavnjar as enemies cannot survive. Together we have a chance.

Please do what you do best and look forward. Look toward a future of peace between our people and the nightmares of our past forever laid to rest.

I have a plan to rid our people of the Great Wyrm if you are willing to listen.

The Vestenmannavnjar and the Vendel united as one.
The Living Runes sacrificed their power.
The First High King for over 100 years appeared and summoned all of the champions of Valhalla.

All to give a handful of adventurers the opportunity to defeat the Great Wyrm.

The sacrifice was worth it The Great Wyrm was killed and its cycle of destruction finally at an end.

Now the Vestenmannavnjar and the Vendel have the hard task ahead of them of building a lasting peace.

That however is a story for another time.