Hi everyone! Mr. Cosmogone here with another peek at Lordbound.
Today we’ll be exploring the region of Gardale and the center of the Valley. Read on for a look at the Imperial presence in Druadach, some hot-headed Orcs, and fearsome Reachmen:
Gardale is a fully fortified settlement that used to be a major trading point along the route connecting Skyrim to Jehanna. Since then, the town has retained a mercantile mindset that has pushed them towards establishing peaceful relations with their neighbors, be they old Breton blood or newly arrived orcish settlers.
However, the arrival of the Imperials has tipped the scale of a fragile balance, prompting some of the ambitious citizens of Gardale to take action against the now established orcs. Their deeds did not go unpunished. The fiercest of the clans following chief Gorek attacked the settlement, killing many and driving out the rest.
The refugees took shelter in Sashundal, an old Nordic ruin within striking distance of the Imperial camp. The situation weighs heavily upon the limited supplies of the military cohort, who made camp directly at the exit of the reopened tunnels to Skyrim.
Within the ranks, soldiers whisper rumors of Reachfolk and bloody sacrifices. Of untold riches amassed by the orcs of Garshakur, and of the cruel ambitions of the Thalmor. At the same time the cohort’s leadership is working hard to fill the ranks, with mercenaries if need be, and to preserve the fragile peace of the valley.
To the north stand the Highcrown peaks, a mountainous region home to ancient Dwemer facilities and wild Reachmen.
The relentless industrialization of the Dwemer has left its mark on this part of the valley, polluting soil and sky even to this day.
From towering peaks to deep canyons, as far as the eye can see, the landscape is dotted with their ruins.
Closer to the Gardale, the Reachmen thrive on the chaos that has gripped Gardale and have seized the opportunity to take over the town’s mine. They aim to extract the ore needed to fashion the arms and armor that will empower them to expel all intruders from their valley.
They descended by night from their many camps hidden in the mountains and easily dispatched the miners, who had been left practically defenseless.
This surge in audacity and confidence might still prove fatal for the Ravenheart Clan. Their forces have begun clashing with the Imperials, who are unlikely to tolerate this thorn in their side when they mean to set their sights westward to Garshakur.
Between Gardale and Sashundal, nested against the southern mountains, lies Gardale’s cemetery. Here, the lords of old were buried. A tranquil place, yet untouched by the valley’s turmoil, but sure to welcome a number of fresh guests before all is said and done.
That’s all for today on my end!
I trust that this peek at the Druadach Valley has left you wanting for more so why not check our accompanying teaser for just a few more morsels of content?
In any case, join us next month for a preview of the southern parts of the Valley where giants roam the valley, accursed ruins stand in eternal vigil, and the enigmatic Longfangs are ready to sacrifice everything to keep outsiders out of their lands.
We are, as always, open for recruitment. If you’re willing to help, please apply via our Volunteer page, or join us on Discord and send a DM to Kiria.
Thank you, and see you all next month!
-Mr. Cosmogone