Under the firelight

Wyndyn Path (Liathaven)

Spring comes to the woods of Liathaven, yet the magic of the winter realm can be felt everywhere one treads. It has been several years since Wither the Seed was cast in the territory, and now the natural cycle has adjusted to the claws of magic; seeds sprout later, new buds are slower to burst forth, birds lay fewer eggs and newborn deer are seen less often. Instead in the region of Liath's Glen there is a subtle thrum in the air, connections are made as the war scouts ply their trade, military information is easily gathered, and through the forests ring the clang of industry. The heralds of Estavus are here at the behest of the Jotun godhi, working to clear sections of forest, mark out fields, and erect finely hewn stone foundations. Settlements are being built and farms are being ploughed.

Autumn constructs and heralds are not the only new arrivals at Wyndyn Path in Liaven's Glen. Dalton Royse, a Mourn beater, has fled the militia and magistrates back in Green March. War scouts have spied the criminal in the area, having met up with a bill unit acting under orders of Stephen of Sarcombe. The beater is a wanted criminal back home, but also represents a serious intelligence concern to the war effort in the western Empire. Taking Royse out will better secure the Mourn from Jotun attack, and deny Stephen another informant.

Objective: Thwart Dalton Royse

A beater threatens to betray Green March
As long as Dalton survives, the region of Green March in the Mournwold will suffer the Under Threat quality

Stephen of Sarcombe has recruited a new malcontent to assist in his bitter, drawn-out campaign of vengeance against the Empire. Dalton Royse, a beater from Pigby in Green March, has thrown in his lot with Stephen. Since returning to the village following the liberation of the Mourn, neighbours noted he spent his time out near High Courage, checking in on isolated hamlets, running messages for alderfolk, and keeping an eye out for the orcs returning. Hardly someone to describe as suspicious, rather quiet community man who might be "short of some boot leather". When the militia forced entry to his cottage it became apparent Royse has been supporting Stephen for over a year, using his time moving around to listen in on gossip and pass news to the traitor's spies. There is also evidence that the beater played a small part in preparations for the attacks on the Spider's Dream and the roads of Kahraman.

Royse has now fled to Liathaven to meet up with his associates and a unit of Stephen's supporters. He poses a significant threat to Green March, knowing the roads and villages of the region like the back of his hand and having insights into how the militia and indeed the Marcher armies might defend against a Jotun invasion. This means that until Dalton Royse is captured or killed Green March has gained the Under threat quality, aiding any future potential assault by the barbarians. Royse could be forced to surrender and brought back to Anvil for trial, or should the situation demand it he could be executed on the field as a traitor to the Empire and the Marches.

Objective: Destroy the Bronze Titan

If the Bronze Titan is not destroyed, the harvesters will remove the Forested quality from the region
Estavus' heralds will improve natural resupply of up to 4 Jotun armies in Liathaven by 250

The endless tracks of woodland that cover Liathaven, aside from the ashen waste of West Ranging, are not seen favourably by the western orcs. The forests, and the vallorn at their heart, are as much a foe to the Jotun as the Empire is. Yet beneath the trees is a prize much coveted by the orcs, the land and soil itself. If enough forest was cleared then the orcs would settle and farm the region, strengthening the Jotun's hold on the territory. To do so, it appears the godhi have reached out to the Autumn Realm and called on ancient bonds with Estavus.

The eternal has sent a workforce known as the Bronze Harvesters of Shikal to commence this endeavour at Wyndyn Path. Oily fumes and the clang of hammers effuse the air, subtly transforming the area with magic of crafting. From this locus of industry, metal-clad warriors and guardians of the City of Fire and Stone have begun patrolling the area, ready to defend the region whilst others set about clearing the forest with the aid of the Jotun.

To stop Estavus' forces, the Empire will need to defeat one of the eternal's Bronze Titans. The Titan is well protected by the Crucible Guard that accompany it. These heralds have been observed casting mending spells and even collaborating to cast enhanced versions of The Anvil of Estavus upon it. To complicate matters the potent Autumn magic that blankets the area is empowering the colossal Autumn construct, making it much easier to repair and maintain. To stop the creature, heroes will need to drive off its attendants, then lure it into a warded area - There Is No Welcome Here or Retreat to the White Caves - to weaken it before it can be finished off. The alternative would be to damage it enough to force it to begin repairs, allowing time for a coven to perform Words of Ending at magnitude 40 to destroy it.

If the Bronze Titan is not stopped, the Forgemistress' Harvesters will clear swathes of woodland. This will mean the region will lose the forested quality. The Jotun will be able to settle the region, building farms for their thralls and enhancing their control of the area. The timber cut down will go to feed the forges of the Prince of Shikal - in return, her heralds will help to resupply Jotun armies increasing the natural resupply of up to four Jotun armies in Lithaven who are not engaged in battle by 250.

Objective: Seek out the Feni

Wise Rangara claims there are five Feni trapped behind the Jotun lines
If the Empire help the Feni to escape with their stolen mana crystals then Liath's Glen will be under threat from the Empire

Much of the information on what is going on in Liath's Glen has come from Grandmother Winter. One of their heralds, a bird-headed creature called Black Feathers is eager for the Empire to try and rescue a small group of Feni who are trapped in the woods behind the Jotun lines. According to the Clever Spider's mouthpiece, the Feni were looting mana crystals from the rich sites that once supplied the Navarri vates who used to live here, when they were cut off. If they are discovered by the Jotun, they will be killed.

Black Feathers says that if the Empire help to rescue the Feni, and help them to escape with their bounty of mana crystals, then she will arrange for them to return the favour. Should the Empire attack Liath's Glen any time before Winter 387YE, then Feni scouts will assist the invading Imperial forces, helping them outmanoeuvre the Jotun forces. That would make claiming a beachhead here much easier - effectively the region would be under threat for the coming year.

The herald is notably coy about about the Feni's intentions and has point blank refused to explain why they were taking such risks or what they are planning to use the mana crystals for, but Imperial prognosticators believe it could be to fuel an attempt by the Feni to break the Winter curse, Wither the Seed, which is currently in place over Liathaven.

Battlefield Environment: Hammers in the Forge

Wyndyn Path is under the effect of a powerful Autumn magic aura
All characters experience an urge to settle old scores
Any artisan may recharge a single magical item bonded to them once during the battle

The land near Wyndyn Path is under the influence of a powerful Autumn magic aura that affects everyone who travels to this location. Unless you have a way to resist the power you will experience the following roleplaying affect:

You are reminded of every grudge you bear against those who have wronged you and feel an urge to settle unpaid debts.

A character may resist this effect if they:

Expend a hero point upon entering the area
Are subject to an anointing
By drawing on their merrow lineage and assuming a calm demeanour
Are bonded to a magical item or have a ritual enchantment that mitigates effects like these

Any artisan who is in the area will find they can draw on the power of the Autumn realm to recharge a single magical item that they are bonded to that has a per day ability. They may use this ability once during the battle.

If used on a Thundering Mace it will restore the one use of STRIKEDOWN, but if used on an Ironbound Axe it will restore all spent uses of CLEAVE.

Hvalgrunn (Kallavesa)

Scouts bring word that the Jotun have been encountered moving at speed into West March from Greenwall, spreading out across the expanse of West Marsh. From the reports, this is not an invasion of scale, and no armies are committed to this attack. Instead, units of elite kirkja, backed by yegarra from Kalsea, along with representatives from Eisa Winterborn and Yanya Uranduln great warbands, are crossing the hinterlands of Hvalgrunn, several days south of Rest.

The marshes of the Kallavesi are more than just the spiritual heart of Wintermark. The rolling hills and bogs of Hvalgrunn have been the site of numerous clashes between the Mark and the western barbarians for centuries. Alongside the great heroes of the Mark interred here are the remains of countless Jotun champions. The Jotun may not be fond of marshland, but they have long nursed an ambition to take back these lands from the Mark hoping to reclaim some of the lost treasures of their people.

They have not committed to an attack in recent years, perhaps believing that such a sacred site would be as well protected as their own Mount Majastind. Raids and testing attacks have been thwarted in the earliest stages, or deterred altogether by the Empire's strong magical defences. Now things might be changing in the minds of the barbarians, it seems a new generation of Jotun have decided the rewards are worth the risks. They have sent an advance force of raiders into the marshes looking to blaze a trail for those who might follow.

At the vanguard of this raid is the army standard of the Bear Who Swims, carried by their champion Idunn Ironjaw. Idunn Ironjaw and his warband are a mix of kirkja units backed by war parties of yegarra out of Kalsea. Alongside them are a group of heralds of the eternal Janon, the Shadowed Flame. These creatures of the Night realm dance and slip among the orcs, beating drums and spurring the Jotun to acts of heroic passion and marvellous feats.

Objective: Claim the Banner of the Bear Who Swims

Idunn Ironjaw, champion of Yanya Uranduin, carries the standard of the Bear Who Swims
If the Jotun return from their raid with the banner then their army's current quality will be improved
If the Empire take the banner from the battlefield, the Bear Who Swims will gain no benefits when claiming a beachhead for a year

Yanya Uranduin, champion of half a dozen victories against the Empire and child of Veerkarsa, has been given command of the Jotun army, the Bear Who Swims. In doing so she has passed on leadership of her former warband, the Howling Bears. The army is famed for its ability to attack deep into enemy territory, the warriors abilities allow them to attack regions that are not adjacent to land controlled by the Jotun without penalty. While useful, it is dangerous for any army to attempt such an invasion alone.

Yanya intends to put that right. To demonstrate her army's strength, she has sent the war standard ahead with the scouts, to show other Jotun the strength, cunning and determination if the Bears. If the raiders return still carrying the banner, it will bolster the courage of the army and all who fight with them. This will improve the quality of Yanya's army. If that happens, the Bear Who Swims, and any army that fights alongside them will be able to attack regions that are not adjacent to land the Jotun control without penalty.

Such a strategy is not without risk however, Yanya can only prove her army's prowess by putting the banner at the front where it will be in danger. If the banner is captured and taken from the battlefield, if Yanya's champions do not return to the Jotun lands with it when this raid is over, then the Bear Who Swims will lose confidence in their new leader. If that happens the army will not be able to benefit from their ability to launch an attack in this way for the next year.

Objective: Recover the Sibling Swords

Prevent the Jotun recovering the three swords, Skofnung, Angrvurdr and Hofnd
The Jotun will use each of the storied blades as inspirational gifts to improve one of their armies
The war scouts will be able to provide further information on location they can be found

During a period of relative peace with the Jotun during the second century of the Empire, the Suaq runesmith Appo Mäkitalo crafted three fine swords for Jarl Taala of Kierheim. They were forged following peace negotiations and given as a lavish gift for the orc's children. What became of the Thaneswords (commonly named Bravo's Blades), is unknown and they were presumed lost with the death of Jarl Taala after the peace broke down.

It seems that these three items of worth may even now reside in Hvalgrunn - scouts report that the Jotun are carefully searching for them. Their progress is delayed because they are taking great care to try to avoid disturbing the rest of any of the spirits of the dead heroes interred in the marsh, but they seem confident that they will find what they are looking for soon. Yanya plans to present the storied blades as gifts to the generals of the Shield of the Mountain, the Southern Bear and the Howling Night.

According to the skops, Skofnung was wielded by Eino, Taala's first child and was said to be sharp enough to cut through stone. Yanya plans to present the blade to the Shield of the Mountain to inspire them to destroy the Empire's fortifications. Angrvurdr was borne into battle by Lynea, the Jarl's daughter. It is said that once drawn the blade could not be returned to the scabbard until the bearer had claimed victory or lost their life. Yanya hopes to present the blade to the Southern Bear to make their heroism match that of the Green Shields. Hofnd, the final blade, was carried by Taalason, the Jarl's son. According to the verse, whoever fought with Hofnd would never know fear. If Yanya can deliver the blade to the general of the Howling Night it will inspire enough warriors to join the army to enlarge it.

There is no possibility of any kind that these blades still possess any magic, but they are relics of great worth - at least to the Jotun. Each blade that the Empire can claim in battle with the Jotun will prevent Yanya from empowering one of her fellow generals from improving the quality of their army in the coming season.

Objective: Speak to Mikko 'Stoutheart'

Speak with the ghost of Mikko 'Stoutheart'
Find a way to allow the spirit to pass onto the Labyrinth

A Kallavesi mystic, Sygbald of Wythe, has spoken with the ghost of a Suaq warrior, called Mikko 'Stoutheart'. This restless spirit is haunting the woods of Hvalgrunn near where the Jotun are searching for the lost blades. The mystic believes it is their presence, the Jotun raiders, that has triggered the ghost's appearance.

If it is the presence of the Jotun that has impelled this restless spirit to manifest, then it will likely fade once they depart the area. Sygbald asks the heroes of Wintermark to try to reach the ghost and talk with it before that happens. Exorcism would be a last resort, especially here in the marshes. Better by far to talk with the ghost and see if some way can be found to ease Mikko's passage to the next life.

The name of Mikko 'Stoutheart' is not listed in any official records, but the scops may know more of the man's tale.

Battlefield environment: Hearts Aflame

The land near Hvalgrunn is under the effect of powerful Night magic aura
All characters experience a feeling of great purpose and zeal
Any character from Wintermark, the Brass Coast, and the Imperial Orcs may use one additional hero point whilst in the area

The land near Hvalgrunn is under the influence of a powerful Night magic aura that affects everyone who travels to this location. Unless you have a way to resist the power you will experience the following roleplaying effects:

Your heart pounds with energy, as a sense of unbridled zeal and greatness rises; the magic of inspiration, celebratory emotions and fervour fill your mind.

A character may resist this effect if they:

Expend a hero point upon entering the area
Draw on the spiritual strength of an anointing
Draw on their Draughir lineage and assume a cold and distant demeanour
Are bonded to a magical item or have a ritual enchantment that mitigates effects like these

The effects of the aura have a particularly strong impact on any Imperial Orc, Freeborn or Wintermarker, who has been fighting alongside the heralds of Janon in the conflicts with the Jotun. If you are a member of one of these three nations and your character would have been fighting to support the Imperial armies that have been accompanied by the heralds of Janon then you may use one additional hero point whilst in the area.

Torchbearer's heralds are dispersed throughout the area, in eager anticipation of the battle to come. These jubilant creatures prance and beat out discordant rhythms, empowering the hearts of Jotun warriors. Should anyone the Brass Coast, Wintermark or the Imperial Orcs approach the heralds and recount tales of their exploits fighting alongside the attendants of the Shadowed Fire in recent campaigns, then the heralds might well reward them with a boon.

Hard Heads (Sermersuaq)

A Jotun warband accompanied by heralds of Cathan Canae are travelling to raid the Pride of Ikka's Tears
This skirmish is a combat highly likely encounter
The Custodian of the Pride of Ikka's Tears is responsible for defeating Freydis and the rest of the Jotun

The garrison of Olgafsdottirshal are rarely tested; the Jotun have been focused to the south for the last year except where they have had to respond to the cunning strikes of the Empire into the territories of Kalsea. With no hint of the Jotun invading the home of the Suaq this season it was a chance for the garrison to pile on the furs and prioritise training during the harsh winter. It was during one of these training sessions that a large raven alighted on one of the archery targets, and surprised everyone present by speaking in a gravelly voice to introduce itself as a messenger on behalf of Feather'd Rain. The raven explained that the herald of the Ancient One dispatched them so as to hold to the terms of its agreement with the Empire after it was bested during the Autumn Equinox. The messenger wants the garrison to pass on a warning about Freydis, a summerborn champion of the Queen of Ice and Darkness.

Freydis is leading a Jotun warband accompanied by several heralds of Cathan Canae and has crossed from Tromsa intent on raiding the Pride of Ikka's Tears. If they are not stopped, they will arrive at the mithril mine a few days after the Spring Equinox, and then return to Tromsa hailed as heroes. Such a daring raid will see Freydis exalted, more Jotun will flock to their banner and they will be emboldened to launch further raids which could eventually see them rise to the same ranks as Yanya Uranduin or Eisa Winterborn. Given that the Jotun threaten the Pride of Ikka's Tears it is the responsibility of the incumbent, Tuija Dunning, to defeat Freydis and the rest of the Jotun.