I am genuinely curious what the general mood is in Rutland over recent developments. Please only answer the poll if you are in the game

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High King Eirik Trollbane, Vanquisher of Lord Blood, High Chieftain of the Norsemen, and founding member of the Western Alliance, instructed his scribes to write an authoritative history of Rutland, so all may read and know its history. Anvard's chief Scribe, a wise sage know by all by the name Gemini, after many years has finally finished it and presented it to the King, although there may be some mistakes it is considered accurate and will be taught in all the schools of the realm.

The Annals of Rutland: Book I

Prologue: The Awakening of Factions

In the earliest days of Rutland's recorded history, ancient empires and newfound kingdoms emerged from the veil to stake their claims upon the realm. The Circus of the Spider God breached the veil, while the Okar Holy Order moved swiftly to claim the resource-rich lands of Udereska and annex Brantor Bay to secure coast-to-coast port access. Sensing the shifting tides of power, Lord Manfred of Nephren-Ka recognized that the battle for Rutland had begun, rushing his undead forces to occupy the Tered Arafate.

Chapter I: The Rush for Territory and Early Skirmishes

The realm quickly devolved into a land-grab as ambitious factions rapidly expanded their borders.

• The Northern Expansion: The Kingdom of Sturgia joined the fray, their armies arriving in Verentyne where the local Lord accepted King Thorkell's request to merge with their kingdom.
• The Ironpeak Covenant: Seeking a defensible stronghold, the Covenant laid claim to the treacherous cliffs and lands of Vurren Bay.
• The Valthoft Vanguard: Bound by honor, this martial order arrived in Warvatora, eventually vowing to serve as a loyal vassal to the Holy Order upon learning a hidden truth about the realm.

As kingdoms expanded, opportunistic mercenaries like the "Condetre" offered their swords to the highest bidder. The Saltfang Warband held a Council for the Study of Tribal Magics, electing new leaders, while the ruthless General Blood Eye claimed rulership over the newly conquered territory of Myyvetar.

Chapter II: First Blood and the Fall of Vurren Bay

The fragile peace was predictably short-lived. The Ironpeak Covenant faced a devastating, coordinated attack on Vurren Bay, leading to its tragic fall and the demise of many local dwarves. As the Covenant fled, the vampiric Emperor Manfred of Nephren-Ka seized the opportunity to occupy Old Rutland.

• The Battle at the Eye of Rutland Bay: The Anvardian fleet sailed out of port to cut off a goblin fleet, culminating in a fierce naval battle against a menacing Undead Troll fleet.
• The Legion's Landing: The Bellona Legion landed at Seereda and aggressively pushed into Joros Vulen, sparking a series of brutal, muddy encounters.
• The Falcons Strike: In a rapid development, Lord Falcon the Cruel led his forces to attack the Legion, an offensive chronicled extensively in his infamous war journals detailing the fortification and "harvesting" of the Jorronplain.

Chapter III: The Forging of the Northern Alliance

Faced with the rising threat of undeath and aggressive empires from the south, the kingdoms of the North put aside their differences and unified. The Proclamation of the Northern Alliance brought together the Lions of Elmhhirm, the Stags, the Falcons, and the Kingdom of Anvard.

• The Viking Raids:  Anvardian Viking forces, practicing their ancient art of fara í víking, ruthlessly invaded Worronburg before returning to the Bay of Anvard laden with pillage.
• Sturgian Dark Arts: In a desperate tactical bid to reach Joros Vulen faster, Sturgian forces resurrected an ancient Ice Dragon, drawing both the ire and awe of their southern allies.
• The Siege of Sturgia: Forces of the North laid siege to the capital of Sturgia and relentlessly besieged the kingdom. The attackers launched a surprise night attack on Sturgia, which was later revealed to be a mere feint before a devastating cavalry charge. Ultimately, the Northern Alliance broke the siege, and a decisive victory was declared in Sturgia by Anvard.

Chapter IV: Intrigue, Betrayal, and Retribution

Behind the clashing shields and booming cannons, the realm was shaped by shadows, deception, and ultimate sacrifice.

• The Ambush at Renhook: The cunning General Blood Eye conducted a ruthless ambush on Anvardian forces as they marched home from the siege.
• The Trial of Thorkell: Deep internal political strife led to the trial and sealed the ultimate fate of King Thorkell of Sturgia, one that saw him turned over to his overlord Emperor Manfred for judgement.
• The Sacrifice of Lord Blood: Captured and unbowed, Lord Blood was taken by the Skull Dragons to the high passes of Cythor. In a haunting ceremony recorded by Brother Alveric of the Holy Order, Lord Blood was given a blade and walked willingly into a dark cavern to face an ancient Cave-Dragon, believing his death would harden the clan for generations to come.

Chapter V: The Rutland Accord

Exhausted by the heavy toll of total war, the leaders of Rutland convened a Diplomatic Summit, concluding the Great War with the historic signing of the Rutland Accord. Decreed by King Magnus Elm-Dragonsbane and witnessed by leaders like Prince Eirik Trollbane of Anvard and Lord Manfred, the treaty forever altered the political landscape of the realm.

• The Neutrality of Old Rutland: Old Rutland was officially released as neutral ground, serving as the seat of the newly formed Council of Kingdoms where grievances could be aired without bloodshed.
• Restoration of Vurren Bay: The territory was honorably handed back to the stewardship of the Ironpeak Covenant in a grand ceremony, though Lord Manfred notoriously kept a manse there to enjoy the sea breeze.
• Vassalages Realigned: The Bellona Legion became an official vassal of Nephren-Ka, while the Houndland Dwarves and the Sultanate of Al-Qadim in Worronborg swore strict fealty to the Ironpeak Covenant.
• The Unification of the Vanguard: The Valthoft Vanguard dissolved its vassal status, fully integrating its paladin knights into the Holy Order's ranks as a single, unified kingdom.

The Annals of Rutland: Book II

Chapter I: The Evolution of Empire and The Call for Peace

Following the signing of the Rutland Accord, the realm briefly enjoyed a tense silence. The most significant shift occurred within the dark empire. On a quiet summer morning, Emperor Manfred experienced a profound epiphany: Nephren-Ka was dead and gone. What use was there in clinging to a legacy of wanton destruction? Overnight, the Empire changed. Its dark grey colors were swapped, and while it remained an empire of the dead, it opened its borders to the living. Strength was valued over mindless conquest, signaling a dramatic shift in the political landscape.

Meanwhile, observing the restless seas, the Western Lords dispatched a fleet of four warships. This Western Fleet Expedition aimed not to conquer, but to scout the distant waters, watch for hostile sails, and offer goods of trade—fine wine and ale—under a banner of peace to any harbor willing to receive them.

Chapter II: The Return of the Dragons and the Fall of the Sultanate

The uneasy peace was shattered by the very forces that had sworn to harden themselves through dark sacrifice. Lord Blood, having survived the cavern-dragon's trial, stood before his gathered Skull and Blood Dragons. Declaring that their homeland of Cyytor was empty and had given all it could, he commanded his legions to strike.

The Invasion of the Sultanate: Without warning, the combined forces of the Blood Dragons and the Skull Dragons fell upon the Sultanate of Al-Qadim Marches in Worronborg. Enthused by their new religion and the return of their leader, the horde washed over the Sultanate in a wave of blood and death. They did not intend to conquer the land to rule it, but to collect souls and empty the territory. The Sultanate was vanquished, its defenders slain to the last man.

Chapter III: The Grand Coalition and the Siege of Worronborg

The brutal annihilation of the Sultanate outraged the surviving realms. To counter the Dragon host, a massive coalition was formed.

• The Northern Response: Four Northern kingdoms united and marched into Tarrynland to invade the Bellona Legion, sparking widespread war.
• The Siege of Worronborg: Anvardian forces joined with the Holy Order, the Ironpeak Covenant, and the Assassin's Guild—mustering an army north of 600 men and forming the new Western Alliance. They marched to Worronborg to avenge the Sultanate. The coalition forces surrounded the ruined city, cutting off all supplies. They subjected the enemy fortifications to continuous artillery barrages, specifically targeting the enemy's trebuchets. Supported by the Anvardian fleet and secure supply lines from Ironpeak, the allied forces sought to starve Lord Blood out.

The battle escalated as Sturgian forces returned to support the Blood Dragons, while the Ironpeak Covenant marched deeper into Worronborg. Even the ancient ally of the Covenant, the Kurotatsu, returned to the realm.

Chapter IV: The Blood Ambush at Rydonius

As the Blood Dragons were seemingly preoccupied defending Worronborg, the North saw an opportunity and assaulted Rydonius by land and sea. The combined armies of the Lions of Elmhhirm, the Horse Knights Margraviate, the Knights of The Hart, and the Kraken Clan converged upon what appeared to be poorly defended local levies holding a shanty palisade.

It was a fatal deception.

The Ambush: As the Northern infantry pushed against the palisades, a massive, hidden Blood Dragon army—led by Lord Blood's new bride, the former Lady Falcon—sprung from unseen positions. The Crimson Falcons, a newly formed regiment of heavy cavalry and fierce infantry, drove a wedge into the Northern lines. The Northern forces found themselves pinned between the spiked defenses and the fresh, furious assault.

• Despite valiant cavalry charges from the Knights of the Hart and the Lions, the Crimson Falcons' dismounted spearmen skewered the riders.
• The Margraviate suffered heavy losses, including the death of their leader, and began to rout.
• Kraken Clan warriors fought fiercely but were eventually driven back by the sheer brutality of the Crimson Falcon melee.

Only a handful of Blood Dragons and Crimson Falcons survived the bloodbath, but their brilliant use of terrain and ambush tactics devastated the Northern army, forcing a bitter retreat.

Chapter V: The Fall of Legends and the Third Siege of Cair Anvareth

The realm wept as legends fell, High King Beornhelm was executed in battle by Lord Blood, however In the brutal, ongoing battle, Lord Blood finally met his end, at the hands of King Beornhelms son Erik Trollbane. However, his death did not extinguish the fire; his widow, the former daughter of Lord Falcon, took total command of the Blood Dragons.

Meanwhile, the true cost of war was laid bare during the Third Siege of Cair Anvareth (The Dirge of Sternhead). The Anvardian army returned to Sternhead to reclaim their ancestral capital from the Troll and Undead Horde that had occupied it.

• The Siege: Anvardian forces launched a massive assault with rams, siege towers, and trebuchets. As brutal street-to-street fighting commenced, an elite Anvardian force utilized a secret passage to ambush the Trolls from within, forcing a desperate four-front battle.
• The War in the Skies: Over the bay, as Anvard's fleet burned the ill-manned Troll ships, an epic aerial battle erupted. Three Troll Dragons spiraled upward to combat the Great Dragon of Anvard. The Great Dragon managed to decapitate one of its foes before succumbing to severe wounds, plummeting into the bay and destroying an Anvardian ship in its fall. The remaining Troll dragons devastated the Anvard fleet before finally being shot down.
• The Aftermath: Though Anvard suffered nearly 200 losses, they successfully reclaimed Cair Anvareth, entirely slaughtering the occupying Horde and leaving the trolls' survival in question.

Epilogue: Whispers in the Dark

As the dust settled on the bloody sieges, new forces began to gather. The Mages Alliance, led by King Morphioduse, opened their doors to refugees. The Black Iron Legion of Dwarves, Men, and Orcs marched under High King Thratsut Forge Father, seeking to stake their claim. And in the shadows, the Ancient Assassin's Enclave traversed into Duskpike, their jungle beasts hunting in the dark.

Deep beneath a ruined fortress, a skeletal Lord Falcon the First sat upon a throne of black iron, commanding an undead host, entirely indifferent to gold or glory. The Northern Alliance had dissolved, replaced by a fellowship of equal realms known as The True North. The Great War had ended, but the struggle for Rutland was merely evolving.

The Annals of Rutland: Book III

Chapter I: The Shattered Peace

The fragile stability of the realm was irrevocably broken by "The Falcon Wedding" at Braccenfoot. Intended to be a grand unification of Rutland's leaders, the event devolved into a crisis when Queen Blood arrived uninvited. The subsequent duel, the brutal killing of a surrendered knight, and the public display of dark blood magic served as a stark message: peace was no longer a viable option for the warring factions.

Chapter II: The Naval Inferno at Devil’s Coals

The southern waters have become a furnace of war, hosting what is now recognized as the largest naval engagement in the history of the realm.

• Escalation: The battle at Devil’s Coals has evolved into a brutal struggle for control of the seas and the vital supply lines they govern.
• Naval Forces: The conflict involves large-scale fleet deployments, such as the pirate fleet commanded by Admiral Lord Lothar, who previously evacuated Nagash and his horde from earlier battles.
• Advanced Tactics: Specialized warships like the Atlas and Veloce Custos—equipped with heavy ballistas, mortars, and reinforced cannons—have been deployed by the Ancient Assassin’s Enclave to support their Anvardian allies with suppressive fire and troop transport.

Chapter III: Instability and Internal Conflict

While the coasts burn, the interior of Rutland is fractured by civil strife and dark movements:

• Griffin Rebellion: In the lands of the Griffins, internal conflict has spiraled into full-scale civil war. Lord Oswell Reynolds has returned to power, promising to execute dissenters and sentence the remaining guard to hard labor.
• The Shadow of Nagash: Reports indicate that Nagash, while encamped half a world away from the naval battles, is orchestrating a "sinister" spell at Dakkathor. The realm watches in terror as this mystery unfolds, with Dakkathor visibly groaning beneath the weight of this dark power.
• Military Innovations: In response to the evolving nature of combat, Sturgian engineers have perfected new anti-cavalry tactics, utilizing a combination of armored tanks and spear-wall formations to crush enemy infantry and cavalry alike.

Chapter IV: The Brink of Total War

Old Rutland, once a neutral sanctuary, has become the most volatile location in the realm. Armies of the North and the West now stand in a tense standoff. Both factions claim to be acting for the sake of stability, while simultaneously accusing the other of manipulation and hidden intent. The militarized presence of the Holy Order has further deepened this suspicion, and observers warn that a single spark could turn this region into the epicenter of a continent-wide war.

Chapter V: Prophecy

In the library of Braccenfoot, Brother Alveric of Cythor uncovered a cryptic, ancient parchment that many fear is a prophecy rather than a dream. It speaks of an ocean of blood from which a cold-blooded dragon erupts, signaling a time when "blood will fall like snow upon the world".

As the Ironpeak Covenant and other watchful realms prepare their steel, the realm waits for the first strike. The night holds its breath, and the shadows grow long over Rutland.

The Annals of Rutland: Book IV

Chapter I: The Deception at Vurren Bay

As the forces of the West and South marched to war, the continent braced for the apocalyptic Battle of Vurren Bay. At the front of the Western host stood the Ironpeak Covenant—unmoving and unyielding. The Southern forces advanced to meet them, led by High King Bormund Bronzebeard of the Black Iron Legion. Two massive armies surged toward a violent collision. But as the distance vanished between them, a shocking event occurred: they stopped. In a stunning revelation, the oaths of old were honored. Rather than clashing, the Black Iron Legion revealed their true allegiance, and what was meant to be a slaughter became a unified front. The South's assault on Vurren Bay had been brilliantly subverted.

Chapter II: The Falcon's Crusade

Within the quiet halls of Braccenfoot, Lord Falcon formally ascended to the throne, taking up his father's silver armor. No longer an heir, but an absolute ruler, his first act was to denounce his own sister, Queen Blood. Declaring that she had turned Harragos into a "den of blood and madness," he announced a holy Crusade. He ordered the complete destruction of Harragos and every trace of the Blood Dragons, commanding his forces to leave "no memory, no refuge, no future."

This declaration sparked a massive hunt for Queen Blood. Count Saint-Cyr rapidly mobilized a diverse strike force—including rangers, wizards, catapults, and cavalry—crossing Dakkathor and Myyvetar to assault Harragos and purge the horrific blood magic.

Chapter III: The Last Stand of the Blood Dragons

The crusade culminated on the plains of the Vyle Coast. A grand Coalition of the North and West marched in grim unity to break the Blood Dragons. The vanguard was led by Count Joran Saint-Cyr, General Bernhart von Strasburg, High King Bormund Bronzebeard, and Valkyrie-Commander Astrid Ironvein.

• No Retreat: Commanded by Horus Valerian, the Blood Dragons dug no trenches and prepared no fallback lines. Their oath was absolute: "We do not yield ground. We do not retreat. We stand… or we die."
• The Clash: The Coalition opened with a devastating artillery barrage of cannons, ballistas, and catapults that tore through the Skull Dragon infantry. Yet, the Blood Dragons stepped forward through the smoke. Dino riders, hounds, and heavy cavalry surged forward in a massive, apocalyptic counter-charge. The battle was absolute carnage, leading to the ultimate destruction of the Blood Dragon line.

Chapter IV: The Shifting Sands of the Realm

As the major wars reached their bloody conclusions, the geopolitical landscape of Rutland shifted drastically.

• The Dragonborn Mercenaries: A new power emerged—the legendary Dragonborn Clan. Offering their services to the highest bidder, they quickly became known for wiping out entire armies without losing a single member, terrifying the local markets.
• The Desert Rebellion: A formalized Desert Rebellion rose to power, eventually opening the Grand Desert Trail Network.
• The Necromancer's Beacon: Far from the battlefields, within his island fortress of Grombolar, the dark sorcerer Nagash cast a massive spell. By combining his dark book and staff, he raised a massive beam of light into the sky—a beacon seen by his loyal servant Lord Arkhan at Devil's Coals, signaling the rise of a new undead threat.

Epilogue: The War Continues

Though the Blood Dragons had made their last stand and treaties of "Peace Written in Blood" were attempted by the Blind Oracle, the realm could not rest. With the Southern Alliance broken, the Ironpeak Covenant formally declared war upon the remaining forces occupying Devil's Coals. The cycle of war, it seemed, was destined to continue.

Appendix:

I. List of battles in Rutland

Based on the historical archives of Rutland, here is the chronological list of every major battle, siege, attack, and invasion recorded in the realm.

The First Era: Early Skirmishes and the Great War

• 2026-02-08: Battle between the Anvardian Fleet and Undead Troll fleet in the Eye of Rutland Bay
• 2026-02-08: The Battle at the Eye of Rutland Bay
• 2026-02-09: Attack on Vurren Bay
• 2026-02-09: The Battle of Vurren Bay
• 2026-02-09: Falcons attack the Bellona Legion
• 2026-02-09: The Viking Invasion of Worronburg
• 2026-02-10: The Battle of The Blood Road
• 2026-02-11: Invasion of Parthenion
• 2026-02-12: Attack on Entarbor
• 2026-02-12: Attack on Sternhead (First Siege of Cair Anvareth)
• 2026-02-12: The War of the Northeast
• 2026-02-12: The First Battle of Parthenion
• 2026-02-17: The Siege of Sturgia Begins
• 2026-02-18: Surprise Night Attack on Sturgia (The Feint)
• 2026-02-18: The Charge at Sturgia
• 2026-02-18: Ambush: General Blood Eye attacks Anvard at Renhook

The Second Era: The Fall of the Sultanate and the Naval Wars

• 2026-02-24: Dragon Host Attacks Worronborg
• 2026-02-24: The Falcons and the North attack Tarrynland
• 2026-02-25: The Kingdom of DrakeHaven attacks Nephren-Ka
• 2026-02-25: Battle off the Coast of Worronborg (Combined Western Fleet vs. Blood Fleet)
• 2026-02-27: The Siege of Worronborg
• 2026-02-28: The Battle of Rydonius
• 2026-03-04: Lord Blood Attacks the Western Forces
• 2026-03-04: Queen Blood Attacks the Western Forces' rear and burns their ships
• 2026-03-07: The Battle of Worronborg (Final Outcome)
• 2026-03-09: The Second Siege of Anvard
• 2026-03-09: The 2nd Naval Battle of Anvard Bay
• 2026-03-12: Assault on Cair Anvareth
• 2026-03-13: The Third Siege of Cair Anvareth
• 2026-03-16: The Battle of the Frozen Wastes (Kraken Clan Invasion)

The Third Era: Betrayals and the Southern Crusades

• 2026-04-07: The South Attacks The Devil's Coals
• 2026-04-08: Battle at Devil's Cove / Devil's Coals
• 2026-04-11: The South attacks Vurren Bay
• 2026-04-12: The Vanguard Clash at Vurren Bay (Oaths Revealed)
• 2026-04-12: The Battle of The Devil's Coals (Final Outcome)
• 2026-04-17: Attack on Panakor
• 2026-04-19: An Attack in the Marches
• 2026-05-15: A Failed Invasion

II. The various factions in Rutland

• Ancient Assassin's Enclave (also referred to as the Assassin's Guild)
• Anvard / Kingdom of Anvard
• Bellona Legion
• Birkenwald Rangers
• Black Falcons / Falcons of Braccenfoot
• Black Iron Legion
• Black Mantles
• Blades of Tython
• Blood Dragons
• Circus of the Spider God
• Condetre (Mercenaries)
• Crimson Dominion / Sea Raiders of the Crimson Dominion
• Crimson Falcons (Formed by the Blood Dragons)
• Dattakhori / Dattakhori Mercenaries
• Desert Rebellion
• Dragonborn Clan
• DrakeHaven / Kingdom of DrakeHaven
• Griffins of Yomsreach (and the Griffin Guard)
• Holy Order / Okar Holy Order
• Horse Knights Margraviate
• Houndland Dwarves / Dwarves of the Houndlands
• Ironpeak Covenant
• Kingdom of Yenvar
• Knights of the Hart
• Kraken Clan
• Kurotatsu
• Legions of the Night
• Lions of Elmhhirm
• Mages Alliance
• Nephren-Ka / Empire of Nephren-Ka (also just "The Empire")
• Saltfang Warband
• Sanskrat Republic / Legion of Sanskrat
• Skull Dragons
• Sturgia / Kingdom of Sturgia
• Sultanate of Al-Qadim Marches
• Troll Horde / Undead Troll Fleet
• Valthoft Vanguard
• Vikings of the North
• Wolfpack

Major Realm Alliances

• The Northern Alliance (Later reformed into The True North)
• The Southern Alliance
• The Western Alliance

Guys I am new to this, I have been building an offline pc just for fun, but my problem is the battery... I am using a surface pro 4 because it works without a battery, and I like the form of it... But I know they are prone to battery swell. Is it even possible to drill a hole in the case and extend the battery lead and connect the internal battery to the outside? So that if/when it fails I can just replace it without going inside again? Fully expect to have to replace my screen the first time I go in to remove the current battery...

Question: remove internal battery drill hole, put battery lead outside case, attach internal battery on outside?