Just as the seasons continued to turn 977 years after the fall of the Seleucarian Empire, so too did the fortunes of Baron Balam Agab and the goblinoid inhabitants of Dun Fortress. Attempting to navigate volatile alliances and fierce rivalries between the various city-states, the Baron (that him!) walked a fine line, striking clandestine accords in exchange for weapons, armour, protection, future favours, trade, and even bombs. All of these accords teetered on a knife's edge, with Mhaldor, Cyrene, and Hashan all demanding more and more of the Baron in return for their continued support.

Conflict between Dun and the rest of Sapience escalated rapidly as Balam began sending warbands of ruthless raiders into villages and towns, prompting desperate battles between the Baron's allies and Targossas, who saw the raids as confirmation of their own stance against Dun. Jaru in particular found itself repeatedly besieged, prompting strategic deployments of its own militia and assistance from Targossian guards. In response to the mounting tensions, an obscenely large pike bearing Balam's severed head was erected by Dawnlord Aroan outside of Targossas, leading to an arms race of ever-taller intimidation methods, including the tallest pike ever constructed and an an even taller platinum trident raised by Cyrene in an attempt to win over the Baron.

Following an ill-fated attempt by Orc Chieftain Tap'choa to align with Mhaldor, Baron Balam swiftly executed him, triggering internal strife within the Baron's ranks that resulted in the expansion of his court, appointing the adventurer Othival first as his official Bard, then new Chieftain of Gar'nok, Admiral of his fledgling navy, and finally as his Chancellor. His court also grew to encompass other adventurers: Aegoth as his Mage, Tabethys as his Troopmaster, and Elmer as his Vice-Admiral.

A turning point came when dwarves from the Siroccian mountains set up a clandestine meeting with the Dawnlord of Targossas. Forming a secret coalition of their own, they were able to intercept and seize a bomb destined for Beggar Tuck's shop, exposing Hashan as collaborators in the Baron's plots and triggering widespread outrage and further skirmishes between the city-states. Attempting to downplay this disruption of his plans, the Baron declared that he would be hosting a feast for all of Sapience, which gave Targossas and the Orcsplitter clan the opening they needed to carry out their schemes

Disguised as a trio of famous orc and ogre cooks, Guardians from the Hearth infiltrated Dun, talking their way past the ogre knight and setting up a totem designed to guide dwarven sappers to a weak point in the Fortress. Mhaldor was quick to uncover the ruse, however, and a grand battle between the forces of Evil and Light took place within the dungeons. Eventually, the Orcsplitters were able to tunnel through, igniting Hashan's stolen bomb in a spectacular act of vengeance. Amidst the ruin, Baron Balam Agab vanished, his reign and ambitions seemingly ended.

However, it soon became apparent that Balam survived the blast, stumbling through the Vashnars until he came across the Sky Temple. Filled with fury and a desire for retribution, Balam's rage-filled prayers drew the eye of Aralt, the Stormshaper, who accepted him as the Storm's newest supplicant.

With alliances shattered and new threats emerging from Dun, the turmoil ignited by the Baron (that him!) can still be felt across Sapience. And as the seasons continue to turn, the future of the ogres and orcs of Dun Valley remains up in the air.

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Summary: Baron Balam Agab of Dun Valley navigated complex alliances and escalated conflict across Sapience through raids, treachery, and dramatic warfare. After surviving an explosive defeat delivered to him by the combined forces of the Orcsplitter Clan and Targossas, the Baron retreated into the Vashnars and began learning the art of Stormcalling.

Penned by my hand on the 1st of Ero, in the year 977 AF.