War is declared on Moridale

War is declared on Moridale after the Duke of Moridale falsely accussed the Hadovean Empire, The Kingdom of Geldheim and the Sacred Lands of Doomsayers to be under Erayax control and reveals he has taken Lord Piter Callingber and Prince Bromel Thorsten as prisoners

News has quickly spread of what the Duchy of Moridale has labelled Justice Day. Over 200 people who were judged guilty of Treason against Moridale and Ashnoor were executed in Moridale’s Grand Square. It is said that the dark gloomy skies overhead did little to dampen the crowd’s enthusiasm as great cheers rang out with every swing of the executioner’s axe. Watching stoically, bound and gaged, from a caged platform was Lord Piter Callingber and Prince Bromel Thorsten. Their faces dirty and unkept, they were wearing what could best be described as rags which were splattered with the occasional impact from rotten vegetables thrown in their direction from those with a true enough arm to reach their position from the square. After the final execution was completed, the Duke of Moridale addressed the crowd from a balcony overlooking the Grand Square. It is said that the people of Moridale hung on his every word, gasping at the Dukes shocking ‘facts’ and cheering at the Duke’s declaration of future victory. "Courageous and brave free citizens of Moridale. I come to you with news that cuts deep into my soul. For some time now we have suspected that the Erayax has so deeply infiltrated the higher echelons of power in the Hadovean Empire, Kingdom of Geldheim and the Scared Lands of Doomsayers that these areas are under the full control of the Erayax. For countless sleepless nights I refused to believe it, wishing with all my soul that such a devastating thought could surely not be true. But alas it pains me to tell you, that it most definitely is. You see before you, Hadovea’s Lord Piter Callingber and Geldheim’s Prince Bromel Thorsten, who we have long suspected of being key figures in this most insidious of Erayax plots. Intercepting the corrupt delegations heading to Doomsayers to further plan their ludicrous sham so called trial, loyal and brave freedom fighters devoted to Moridale were able to snatch these two evil traitors from under the inept and soulless eyes of Doomsayers. At great personal risk, they brought them here to Moridale so as to learn the truth once and for all. Yesterday these two, although not deserved of one, were provided a fair trial. The finest legal and honourable minds in all of Moridale were in attendance as they witness these traitors full and unconditional confession to treason of the highest order, not only to Moridale, but all of Ashnoor. I weep for the plight of Ashnoor, but people of Moridale hear this, I will fight with every ounce of my soul to prevent Moridale befalling the same fate. Now that their insidious subterfuge has been revealed for all to see beyond all reasonable doubt, they will of course react with violence against the peace loving and honourable people of Moridale. Already their forces gather outside our lands eager to do the bidding of their Erayax overlords. Hence, for our own protection, I have closed our borders. People of Moridale, for the good of all that is holy we must all see to it, each and every one of us, that they die on our walls. Believe not their propaganda and lies for they are not who they wish us to believe they are. For those of you with friends and family outside the safety of the Duchy of Moridale, spread the word and warn them of their peril. Implore them to take back their freedom, but I counsel you this, those friends and family may already be so brainwashed by dark forces that they may not listen to reason. Alas, be that the case, there is nothing more that can be done for them. People of Moridale, I know I ask much of you, but our very freedom relies on it. We must fight for every inch of Moridale, every field, every rock, every creek, every homestead. The aggressors will learn to fear the might of our resistance. We will prevail, we are the last defenders of Ashnoor against the darkness and through our hands the Light shall return. We will not and must not fail for if we do all will be lost." The response from Hadovea and Geldheim was swift. Furiously denouncing the Duke’s lies and declaring war on the Duchy of Moridale, both with the full support of the guilds of Doomsayers Keep. War with Moridale has begun. Both Geldheim and Hadovea are now engaged in a deadly race to reach the city of Moridale itself. Given the usual tensions between both factions has not abated in the slightest, time will tell how that will impact the battles to come.