The Duchy of Moridale Expands

Civil action

The Duke of Moridale's plans bear fruit convining the local baronies and duchy to fall under his banner to resist the threat of both the Kingdom of Geldheim and the Hadovean Empire

The declaration of the expanding of Duchy of Moridale seems a swift one, but truth be told, this was a result of many years of planning and manipulation on the part of the most cunning Duke of Moridale
The recent failed Kingdom advance toward Moridale had made it an easy task for the Duke to convince his neighbours to fall under the banner of the resource rich and wealthy Moridale. He expertly fanned the flames of fear of an imminent Geldheim advance ten time the size of the previous one. Tall tales and misinformation was spread at what life under Geldheim rulership would be like. Although, clearly propaganda in nature, it was enough to convince the local Baronies and Duchy’s to pledge their alligence to the Duke. For their own protection of course.
While all this was happening, the Duke held secret meetings with the local Dukes and Barons convincing them that the Hadovean Empire, using tactic they employed in Wydodwr Poddle, would attack from within, easily and expertly convincing them all of the necessity to remove what small amount Imperial forces where left from their lands and close the borders soon to be expanded Duchy of Moridale to both the Hadovean Empire and Kingdom of Geldheim. Life under Hadovean control would be just as brutal as what it would be under Geldheim control he reasoned with them
The Duke was right about both the Hadovean and Geldheim desire to annex Moridale and the surrounding lands. Moridale's rich fertile farming lands at the mouth of the Escondida River had made Moridale very rich indeed and both factions were well aware of the significant prize it represented. The recent attack by Geldheim had made their intent clear, Hadovea, of course, harboured the same intent but as their border was far further to the West of Moridale. The Hadoveans knew that they would need to advance through the Blackwoods and Pixiewoods before they had any chance to take control of Moridale and be able to hold it. With this in mind they saw no advantage in broadcasting their ultimate intentions. The Duke was of course lying through his teeth about how life would be under the authority of the Hadoveans and the Geldheimers. Those townships, hamlets and cities who have sworn allegiance to their respective factions have been for the most part well looked after and although there is always at least some level of dissent in various corners from time to time it must be said that the majority of their people had great affection for their Leader and felt safe under their protection.
Removing the Hadoveans from their territory proved reasonably simple as the overwhelming majority of what forces were there had either return to their land or had begun travelling south towards Sweetwater in the contested lands where hostilities seemed to be building. It was simple enough to round up what was left and expel them from the Duchy's borders on manufacturers charges of all sorts of evil deeds. It should be noted how well the Dukes plans where put into motion. When the night came to expel the Hadoveans from their lands, they were clearly caught by surprise. It was the first time both Hadovea and Geldheim fully understood the extreme level of cunning and ruthlessness of the Duke of Moridale
With the border secured and "undesirables" removed. The expansion of Duchy of Moridale was declared, much to the chagrin of both the Hadoveans and Geldheimers.