378YE Winter Solstice winds of war - Revision history

Twiggy at 14:10, 19 March 2026

2026-03-19T14:10:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:10, 19 March 2026
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	The merrow mage nodded, and went back to her sewing.		The merrow mage nodded, and went back to her sewing.

	"There is a pattern at work here, Magister Horace. You know it in your heart and still .. still you yearn to take the battle to the orcs who have defiled your homeland. But you do not, and you do not complain, and you stand watch as you are ordered to do. Yet remember that we also serve, who wait and prepare. The Grendel will come, in time. It is ... inevitable."		"There is a pattern at work here, Magister Horace. You know it in your heart and still ... still you yearn to take the battle to the orcs who have defiled your homeland. But you do not, and you do not complain, and you stand watch as you are ordered to do. Yet remember that we also serve, who wait and prepare. The Grendel will come, in time. It is ... inevitable."

	Magister Horace exchanged a gloomy look with his scribe and went back to staring out across the silent mountains.		Magister Horace exchanged a gloomy look with his scribe and went back to staring out across the silent mountains.

Twiggy at 14:09, 19 March 2026

2026-03-19T14:09:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:09, 19 March 2026
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	Sir Jory wiped the sweat from his eyes and glared at the middle-aged knight before him.		Sir Jory wiped the sweat from his eyes and glared at the middle-aged knight before him.

	"You can wipe that stupid grin off your face, Jessica, for a start. I am not in the mood to play 'good news and better news' with you today. it is too hot and my .. my leg hurts."		"You can wipe that stupid grin off your face, Jessica, for a start. I am not in the mood to play 'good news and better news' with you today. It is too hot and my ... my leg hurts."

	Sir Jory blushed in spite of himself. The orc's spear had not gone into his leg ... not precisely.		Sir Jory blushed in spite of himself. The orc's spear had not gone into his leg ... not precisely.

Twiggy at 18:15, 2 March 2026

2026-03-02T18:15:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:15, 2 March 2026
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	The hills and forests, under the cold stars of Autumn, have become a place of miracles. In the west, a [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|great citadel of glacier ice and dark basalt stone]] looms. Grim armoured giants man the walls, watching for the advance of the Thule with pitiless eyes. In the east, spiralling towers of gold and deep red wood greet the dawn, guarded by crimson-and-amber lion knights. They are the first miracle, and they are glorious and terrible as the morning and the night.		The hills and forests, under the cold stars of Autumn, have become a place of miracles. In the west, a [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|great citadel of glacier ice and dark basalt stone]] looms. Grim armoured giants man the walls, watching for the advance of the Thule with pitiless eyes. In the east, spiralling towers of gold and deep red wood greet the dawn, guarded by crimson-and-amber lion knights. They are the first miracle, and they are glorious and terrible as the morning and the night.

	The second miracle comes from the south, and marches alongside the Citadel Guard. A legion of pale soldiers in cerulean blue and silver adamant. The captains of the elfin host ride impossible beasts - great white steeds with ivory hooves and ocean-deep eyes, each with a single curling horn in the centre of their forehead. They are beautiful and without mercy, spearing orcs and tossing them aside like so much chaff. They march beneath the banner of the white unicorn; the legion of [[Jaheris]], come from the Summer ~~Realm~~ at the behest of the Imperial magicians to face the wroth of their master's lover amid the black hills of Karsk. They are cold as the moon, and full of vicious wit, but their wild ferocity is a wondrous mirror of the calm passion of the Urizen sentinels.		The second miracle comes from the south, and marches alongside the Citadel Guard. A legion of pale soldiers in cerulean blue and silver adamant. The captains of the elfin host ride impossible beasts - great white steeds with ivory hooves and ocean-deep eyes, each with a single curling horn in the centre of their forehead. They are beautiful and without mercy, spearing orcs and tossing them aside like so much chaff. They march beneath the banner of the white unicorn; the legion of [[Jaheris]], come from the Summer realm at the behest of the Imperial magicians to face the wroth of their master's lover amid the black hills of Karsk. They are cold as the moon, and full of vicious wit, but their wild ferocity is a wondrous mirror of the calm passion of the Urizen sentinels.

	The third miracle rises from the earth of Varushka itself. A legion of ghost-soldiers and skeletal-champions joins the shambling animate corpses of the Black Thorns. While the husks lead the way into battle, the vanguard of each attack, the ghost-soldiers and accursèd wights bring up the rear. Silent, limned with flickering green fire beneath the dark clouds, they appear without warning and depart the same way when the sun first touches the horizon ... and they seem to obey the orders of a Varushkan general - a massive, grim [[draughir]] man bound in chains. When they engage the Thule, they are bound up by a bank of living fog that blinds their foes but does not hinder them or their allies. They are led into battle by a flock of ghostly crows and ravens that seem to lead them unerringly to where their foes are weakest, and spread confusion in the enemy ranks. These cursed remnants inflict vicious slaughter on the Thule, alongside the wild folk of northern Karsk who seem almost feral next to the armoured schlacta of the Golden Axe.		The third miracle rises from the earth of Varushka itself. A legion of ghost-soldiers and skeletal-champions joins the shambling animate corpses of the Black Thorns. While the husks lead the way into battle, the vanguard of each attack, the ghost-soldiers and accursèd wights bring up the rear. Silent, limned with flickering green fire beneath the dark clouds, they appear without warning and depart the same way when the sun first touches the horizon ... and they seem to obey the orders of a Varushkan general - a massive, grim [[draughir]] man bound in chains. When they engage the Thule, they are bound up by a bank of living fog that blinds their foes but does not hinder them or their allies. They are led into battle by a flock of ghostly crows and ravens that seem to lead them unerringly to where their foes are weakest, and spread confusion in the enemy ranks. These cursed remnants inflict vicious slaughter on the Thule, alongside the wild folk of northern Karsk who seem almost feral next to the armoured schlacta of the Golden Axe.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

2026-01-15T12:31:45Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:31, 15 January 2026
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	The Empire pushes forward on the eastern front. After a year of preparation, the Empire sends [[#The garden of Highguard\|sends troops]] into [[Reikos]], and finally gets first hand experience of the devastation the [[Druj]] have wrought in their absence. [[Karsk]] is [[#Four miracles, four mysteries\|once again]] Imperial territory thanks in large part to a profusion of magical enchantments - but the [[Thule]] remain a force to be reckoned with. In [[Holberg]], the Empire [[#The fall of Holmauer\|launches a counterattack]] against the Druj, sweeping south and east from the gates of the city, driving the barbarians from the ruins of the lower city and laying siege to the crumbling [[fortification\|fortress]] of [[Holberg#Rebeshof\|Rebeshof]].		The Empire pushes forward on the eastern front. After a year of preparation, the Empire sends [[#The garden of Highguard\|sends troops]] into [[Reikos]], and finally gets first hand experience of the devastation the [[Druj]] have wrought in their absence. [[Karsk]] is [[#Four miracles, four mysteries\|once again]] Imperial territory thanks in large part to a profusion of magical enchantments - but the [[Thule]] remain a force to be reckoned with. In [[Holberg]], the Empire [[#The fall of Holmauer\|launches a counterattack]] against the Druj, sweeping south and east from the gates of the city, driving the barbarians from the ruins of the lower city and laying siege to the crumbling [[fortification\|fortress]] of [[Holberg#Rebeshof\|Rebeshof]].

	Things are a little more mixed on the western front. The orcs of the Lasambrian Hills mostly withdraw from [[Segura]] with only a few die-hard, stubborn raiders refusing to honour the agreement with the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]]; the [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] army of the [[Dawn military concerns #The Eastern Sky\|Eastern Sky]] make short work of these stragglers. In contrast, the campaign to keep the Thule from the [[Sermersuaq#Silver Peaks\|Silver Peaks]] remains at a near [[#The Weight of the Mountains\|deadlock]], with the barbarians making only small gains. The loss of life in [[Wintermark]] is ... tremendous.		Things are a little more mixed on the western front. The orcs of the Lasambrian Hills mostly withdraw from [[Segura]] with only a few die-hard, stubborn raiders refusing to honour the agreement with the [[Senate]]; the [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] army of the [[Dawn military concerns #The Eastern Sky\|Eastern Sky]] make short work of these stragglers. In contrast, the campaign to keep the Thule from the [[Sermersuaq#Silver Peaks\|Silver Peaks]] remains at a near [[#The Weight of the Mountains\|deadlock]], with the barbarians making only small gains. The loss of life in [[Wintermark]] is ... tremendous.

	On the whole, however, the Empire appears to be reclaiming territory from the barbarians. Perhaps the tide has turned at last?		On the whole, however, the Empire appears to be reclaiming territory from the barbarians. Perhaps the tide has turned at last?

Dre at 17:58, 29 December 2023

2023-12-29T17:58:52Z

Emmanovi: inclusive language

2023-05-26T22:41:34Z

inclusive language

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:41, 26 May 2023
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	The second miracle comes from the south, and marches alongside the Citadel Guard. A legion of pale soldiers in cerulean blue and silver adamant. The captains of the elfin host ride impossible beasts - great white steeds with ivory hooves and ocean-deep eyes, each with a single curling horn in the centre of their forehead. They are beautiful and without mercy, spearing orcs and tossing them aside like so much chaff. They march beneath the banner of the white unicorn; the legion of [[Jaheris]], come from the Summer Realm at the behest of the Imperial magicians to face the wroth of their master's lover amid the black hills of Karsk. They are cold as the moon, and full of vicious wit, but their wild ferocity is a wondrous mirror of the calm passion of the Urizen sentinels.		The second miracle comes from the south, and marches alongside the Citadel Guard. A legion of pale soldiers in cerulean blue and silver adamant. The captains of the elfin host ride impossible beasts - great white steeds with ivory hooves and ocean-deep eyes, each with a single curling horn in the centre of their forehead. They are beautiful and without mercy, spearing orcs and tossing them aside like so much chaff. They march beneath the banner of the white unicorn; the legion of [[Jaheris]], come from the Summer Realm at the behest of the Imperial magicians to face the wroth of their master's lover amid the black hills of Karsk. They are cold as the moon, and full of vicious wit, but their wild ferocity is a wondrous mirror of the calm passion of the Urizen sentinels.

	The third miracle rises from the earth of Varushka itself. A legion of ghost-soldiers and skeletal-champions joins the shambling animate corpses of the Black Thorns. While the husks lead the way into battle, the vanguard of each attack, the ghost-soldiers and accurséd wights bring up the rear. Silent, limned with flickering green fire beneath the dark clouds, they appear without warning and depart the same way when the sun first touches the horizon ... and they seem to obey the orders of a Varushkan general - a massive, grim [[draughir]] man bound in chains. When they engage the Thule, they are bound up by a bank of living fog that blinds their foes but does not hinder them or their allies. They are lead into battle by a flock of ghostly crows and ravens that seem to lead them unerringly to where their foes are weakest, and spread confusion in the enemy ranks. These cursed remnants inflict vicious slaughter on the Thule, alongside the wild ~~men and women~~ of northern Karsk who seem almost feral next to the armoured schlacta of the Golden Axe.		The third miracle rises from the earth of Varushka itself. A legion of ghost-soldiers and skeletal-champions joins the shambling animate corpses of the Black Thorns. While the husks lead the way into battle, the vanguard of each attack, the ghost-soldiers and accurséd wights bring up the rear. Silent, limned with flickering green fire beneath the dark clouds, they appear without warning and depart the same way when the sun first touches the horizon ... and they seem to obey the orders of a Varushkan general - a massive, grim [[draughir]] man bound in chains. When they engage the Thule, they are bound up by a bank of living fog that blinds their foes but does not hinder them or their allies. They are lead into battle by a flock of ghostly crows and ravens that seem to lead them unerringly to where their foes are weakest, and spread confusion in the enemy ranks. These cursed remnants inflict vicious slaughter on the Thule, alongside the wild folk of northern Karsk who seem almost feral next to the armoured schlacta of the Golden Axe.

	A fourth miracle; once again, the waters of Karsk sparkle with the irrepressible light of life and health. Any wound that is not fatal, heals in time. Each morning, the dew on the ground revitalises those who have survived the night. The [[Rivers of Life\|rivers of life]] run through the hills and forests of Karsk.		A fourth miracle; once again, the waters of Karsk sparkle with the irrepressible light of life and health. Any wound that is not fatal, heals in time. Each morning, the dew on the ground revitalises those who have survived the night. The [[Rivers of Life\|rivers of life]] run through the hills and forests of Karsk.

Vsabo: /* The fall of Holmauer */

2022-07-11T20:41:13Z

The fall of Holmauer

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:41, 11 July 2022
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	==The fall of Holmauer==		==The fall of Holmauer==
	With the arcane might of the Empire turned north against the Thule or south to support the drive into Reikos, the armies that march out of Holberg are forced rely on cold steel to push through their grim determination to drive the Druj from the Empire. There are no miracles here - bloody, accursèd Holberg is the prize, if the soldiers of the Empire can just find the strength of arms to overcome the bleak horror of the Druj.		With the arcane might of the Empire turned north against the Thule or south to support the drive into Reikos, the armies that march out of Holberg are forced to rely on cold steel to push through their grim determination to drive the Druj from the Empire. There are no miracles here - bloody, accursèd Holberg is the prize, if the soldiers of the Empire can just find the strength of arms to overcome the bleak horror of the Druj.

	After the disastrous Siege of Holberg, the Druj are in disarray. Their plans in tatters - the swift action of the heroes of Empire robbed them of their magical siege engine, and saw the army of the Stalking Cobra scattered to the five winds. Riding on the wave of that victory, over twenty-five thousand Marchers, Dawnish, Highborn, League soldiers and Imperial orcs issued from the great gates of Holberg. Those armies who had endured the great siege gained new support from fresh Marcher soldiers, dour-faced troops of the Strong Reeds force-marched up from distant Astolat. A great coterie of independent captains came to Holberg to fight. Drawn by the banner of the Wolves of War, these captains were bound by a common cause made all the stronger by the power of a grand Autumn working built on a framework of ilium and favours		After the disastrous Siege of Holberg, the Druj are in disarray. Their plans in tatters - the swift action of the heroes of Empire robbed them of their magical siege engine, and saw the army of the Stalking Cobra scattered to the five winds. Riding on the wave of that victory, over twenty-five thousand Marchers, Dawnish, Highborn, League soldiers and Imperial orcs issued from the great gates of Holberg. Those armies who had endured the great siege gained new support from fresh Marcher soldiers, dour-faced troops of the Strong Reeds force-marched up from distant Astolat. A great coterie of independent captains came to Holberg to fight. Drawn by the banner of the Wolves of War, these captains were bound by a common cause made all the stronger by the power of a grand Autumn working built on a framework of ilium and favours
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	Yet... it is early to begin celebrating. There are banners here that have not been seen in Holberg - of the snake and the scorpion and the crimson lizard. The Druj have brought their own reinforcements to match the Marchers. The war for Holberg is not over, yet.		Yet... it is early to begin celebrating. There are banners here that have not been seen in Holberg - of the snake and the scorpion and the crimson lizard. The Druj have brought their own reinforcements to match the Marchers. The war for Holberg is not over, yet.

	The Druj are bitter, bitter foes. if they are hateful and cruel in victory, they are ten times that in defeat.		The Druj are bitter, bitter foes. If they are hateful and cruel in victory, they are ten times that in defeat.

	[[Category:Military Council]]		[[Category:Military Council]]
	[[Category:Recent History]]		[[Category:Recent History]]
	[[Category:378YE Winter]]		[[Category:378YE Winter]]

Vsabo: /* The garden of Highguard */

2022-07-11T20:40:12Z

The garden of Highguard

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:40, 11 July 2022
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	Until the Druj did the unthinkable and came south through the haunted Forest of Peytaht. Until they slaughtered the students at Exile, and brought their armies into the heart of the Empire and burnt the shady parks, and defiled the quiet shrines and made charnel pits of the houses of healing. Then, slowly and inexorably like a pestilence, like a black plague, they drove the Highborn from their garden and despite the best efforts of the Empire, claimed [[Reikos]] as wholly and completely their own.		Until the Druj did the unthinkable and came south through the haunted Forest of Peytaht. Until they slaughtered the students at Exile, and brought their armies into the heart of the Empire and burnt the shady parks, and defiled the quiet shrines and made charnel pits of the houses of healing. Then, slowly and inexorably like a pestilence, like a black plague, they drove the Highborn from their garden and despite the best efforts of the Empire, claimed [[Reikos]] as wholly and completely their own.

	That was a year ago, and now the Highborn are returning. The Granite Pillar and their Navarr allies of the Quiet ~~step~~ cross the Couros into Reikos, both armies guided and empowered with the sight beyond sight, the clarity of the strategist, the keen eyes of the Day that penetrate the plans of the enemy. They are, perhaps, a little unprepared for what they find.		That was a year ago, and now the Highborn are returning. The Granite Pillar and their Navarr allies of the Quiet Step cross the Couros into Reikos, both armies guided and empowered with the sight beyond sight, the clarity of the strategist, the keen eyes of the Day that penetrate the plans of the enemy. They are, perhaps, a little unprepared for what they find.

	Reikos has been devastated. The dead are innumerable, and those who have not been slain have been carried off to slavery and worse. A great citadel of broken stone and twisted metal stands now where the gardens of High Chalcis once stood - a terrible symbol of Druj dominion. Scouts report that from the walls flutter the tattered, soiled, defiled banners of all the chapters of Reikos with pride of place given to those of Cantiarch's Hold and the Suns of Couros. Above them all flutter the banners of a Druj clan - a white toad.		Reikos has been devastated. The dead are innumerable, and those who have not been slain have been carried off to slavery and worse. A great citadel of broken stone and twisted metal stands now where the gardens of High Chalcis once stood - a terrible symbol of Druj dominion. Scouts report that from the walls flutter the tattered, soiled, defiled banners of all the chapters of Reikos with pride of place given to those of Cantiarch's Hold and the Suns of Couros. Above them all flutter the banners of a Druj clan - a white toad.
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	And over everything ... everyone... hangs a [[Druj miasma\|miasma]]. It is almost tangible, it can almost be tasted in the air. The weight of it is like death, like the dread that comes in the night when you start awake from a forgotten nightmare and for a moment cannot remember quite where you are. It is in the air, in the water, in the soil. It claws at the hearts of the soldiers of Highguard and Navarr urging them to turn and flee.		And over everything ... everyone... hangs a [[Druj miasma\|miasma]]. It is almost tangible, it can almost be tasted in the air. The weight of it is like death, like the dread that comes in the night when you start awake from a forgotten nightmare and for a moment cannot remember quite where you are. It is in the air, in the water, in the soil. It claws at the hearts of the soldiers of Highguard and Navarr urging them to turn and flee.

	It is worse at night. The stars are wrong. They twist in the sky, unnaturally - there is a powerful ~~fell~~ magic at work, a shroud of shadows that during the day covers the sky in dark clouds and often as not plunges the territory into twilight long before the sun has touched the horizon.		It is worse at night. The stars are wrong. They twist in the sky, unnaturally - there is a powerful fel magic at work, a shroud of shadows that during the day covers the sky in dark clouds and often as not plunges the territory into twilight long before the sun has touched the horizon.

	But the armies of the Empire do not surrender to fear. The 'Pillar and the 'Step advance into Riverwatch. Tabernacle is in ruins - the once proud chapter looks as if it has been torn apart, probably stone and wood for the citadel at High Chalcis. It is also a ghost town - no sign of any human. The caution of the Empire's heroes is well placed - the ruins have been laid with traps and cruel deadfalls, making them practically impassible for anything other than small groups of scouts such as the Navarr and the Highborn Unconquered.		But the armies of the Empire do not surrender to fear. The 'Pillar and the 'Step advance into Riverwatch. Tabernacle is in ruins - the once proud chapter looks as if it has been torn apart, probably stone and wood for the citadel at High Chalcis. It is also a ghost town - no sign of any human. The caution of the Empire's heroes is well placed - the ruins have been laid with traps and cruel deadfalls, making them practically impassible for anything other than small groups of scouts such as the Navarr and the Highborn Unconquered.

	The Druj are quick to respond ~~the~~ the intrusion as well - there are raiding forces several hundred warriors strong stalking the ruins of Reikos, slaughtering everyone they meet who puts up any resistance. They barely even bother to make an example of their prisoners. Once they realise there are Imperial troops in Reikos again, they begin to organise a strong defence - they make little effort to engage the armies directly, harrying, flanking, striking once and then falling back towards prepared defences. It is like fighting mist - a mist that cuts and burns.		The Druj are quick to respond to the intrusion as well - there are raiding forces several hundred warriors strong stalking the ruins of Reikos, slaughtering everyone they meet who puts up any resistance. They barely even bother to make an example of their prisoners. Once they realise there are Imperial troops in Reikos again, they begin to organise a strong defence - they make little effort to engage the armies directly, harrying, flanking, striking once and then falling back towards prepared defences. It is like fighting mist - a mist that cuts and burns.

	In the end, after several months, Imperial forces have barely made a foothold here - the gnawing unnatural dread makes it very difficult to hold ground - even the staunchest Highborn finds it hard to stand against the Druj for any length of time in the face of the miasma, the pounding drums, and the knowledge that their backs are to the Couros.		In the end, after several months, Imperial forces have barely made a foothold here - the gnawing unnatural dread makes it very difficult to hold ground - even the staunchest Highborn finds it hard to stand against the Druj for any length of time in the face of the miasma, the pounding drums, and the knowledge that their backs are to the Couros.

Vsabo: /* The Weight of the Mountains */

2022-07-11T20:39:13Z

The Weight of the Mountains

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:39, 11 July 2022
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	The number of Thule banners in Sermersuaq has all but doubled since the battle of the Stonefields. They hold the high passes and the low plains, and now their attention turns inexorably, once again, toward the Ice Caves and the great deposits of star metal concealed within. If they take the caves, they will control the entire Silver Peaks - the mines, the mana fields, and the passes through the mountains.		The number of Thule banners in Sermersuaq has all but doubled since the battle of the Stonefields. They hold the high passes and the low plains, and now their attention turns inexorably, once again, toward the Ice Caves and the great deposits of star metal concealed within. If they take the caves, they will control the entire Silver Peaks - the mines, the mana fields, and the passes through the mountains.

	They do not come alone, this barbarian ocean of Thule soldiers and warlocks and terrible furred beasts out of the far north. A cohort of Summer knights marches beside them. Their golden helms glinting in the cold Autumn sun; their crimson surcoats soak up the blood of their prey. They laugh as they fight, glorying in the exhilaration of battle in a way only a few mortals can truly match ... mortals like the Hounds of Glory and the Freeborn kohan. The warriors of Summer seem to take great pains to seek the Dawnish and the Freeborn out, preferring them over the orcs. The Thule, by contrast, are full of eagerness to face the Imperial orcs in battle once again. Both sides ~~care~~ bound up in a bloody contest to see who can seize the highest ground, who can drive their enemies off the treacherous paths or trap them in a jagged gorge.		They do not come alone, this barbarian ocean of Thule soldiers and warlocks and terrible furred beasts out of the far north. A cohort of Summer knights marches beside them. Their golden helms glinting in the cold Autumn sun; their crimson surcoats soak up the blood of their prey. They laugh as they fight, glorying in the exhilaration of battle in a way only a few mortals can truly match ... mortals like the Hounds of Glory and the Freeborn kohan. The warriors of Summer seem to take great pains to seek the Dawnish and the Freeborn out, preferring them over the orcs. The Thule, by contrast, are full of eagerness to face the Imperial orcs in battle once again. Both sides are bound up in a bloody contest to see who can seize the highest ground, who can drive their enemies off the treacherous paths or trap them in a jagged gorge.

	Battle rages throughout the foothills, across the Stonefields, and even in some parts of the high peaks on the edge of the treeline where the pines give way to eternal snow. Neither side is defending - the Thule seek to push down the slopes to take the Ice caves, the Empire strives to force them back up from the plains, back toward Otkodov.		Battle rages throughout the foothills, across the Stonefields, and even in some parts of the high peaks on the edge of the treeline where the pines give way to eternal snow. Neither side is defending - the Thule seek to push down the slopes to take the Ice caves, the Empire strives to force them back up from the plains, back toward Otkodov.

Vsabo: /* Overview */

2022-07-11T20:38:26Z

Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:38, 11 July 2022
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	==Overview==		==Overview==
	The Empire pushes forward on the eastern front. After a year of preparation, the Empire sends [[#The garden of Highguard\|sends troops]] into [[Reikos]], and finally gets first hand experience of the devastation the [[Druj]] have wrought in their absence. [[Karsk]] is [[#Four miracles, four mysteries\|once again]] Imperial territory thanks in large part to a profusion of magical enchantments - but the [[Thule]] remain a force to be reckoned with, In [[Holberg]], the Empire [[#The fall of Holmauer\|launches a counterattack]] against the Druj, sweeping south and east from the gates of the city, driving the barbarians from the ruins of the lower city and laying siege to the crumbling [[fortification\|fortress]] of [[Holberg#Rebeshof\|Rebeshof]].		The Empire pushes forward on the eastern front. After a year of preparation, the Empire sends [[#The garden of Highguard\|sends troops]] into [[Reikos]], and finally gets first hand experience of the devastation the [[Druj]] have wrought in their absence. [[Karsk]] is [[#Four miracles, four mysteries\|once again]] Imperial territory thanks in large part to a profusion of magical enchantments - but the [[Thule]] remain a force to be reckoned with. In [[Holberg]], the Empire [[#The fall of Holmauer\|launches a counterattack]] against the Druj, sweeping south and east from the gates of the city, driving the barbarians from the ruins of the lower city and laying siege to the crumbling [[fortification\|fortress]] of [[Holberg#Rebeshof\|Rebeshof]].

	Things are a little more mixed on the western front. The orcs of the Lasambrian Hills mostly withdraw from [[Segura]] with only a few die-hard, stubborn raiders refusing to honour the agreement with the [[Imperial Senate]]; the [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] army of the [[Dawn military concerns #The Eastern Sky\|Eastern Sky]] make short work of these stragglers. In contrast, the campaign to keep the Thule from the [[Sermersuaq#Silver Peaks\|Silver Peaks]] remains at a near [[#The Weight of the Mountains\|deadlock]], with the barbarians making only small gains. The loss of life in [[Wintermark]] is ... tremendous.		Things are a little more mixed on the western front. The orcs of the Lasambrian Hills mostly withdraw from [[Segura]] with only a few die-hard, stubborn raiders refusing to honour the agreement with the [[Imperial Senate]]; the [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] army of the [[Dawn military concerns #The Eastern Sky\|Eastern Sky]] make short work of these stragglers. In contrast, the campaign to keep the Thule from the [[Sermersuaq#Silver Peaks\|Silver Peaks]] remains at a near [[#The Weight of the Mountains\|deadlock]], with the barbarians making only small gains. The loss of life in [[Wintermark]] is ... tremendous.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:58, 29 December 2023
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	The second miracle comes from the south, and marches alongside the Citadel Guard. A legion of pale soldiers in cerulean blue and silver adamant. The captains of the elfin host ride impossible beasts - great white steeds with ivory hooves and ocean-deep eyes, each with a single curling horn in the centre of their forehead. They are beautiful and without mercy, spearing orcs and tossing them aside like so much chaff. They march beneath the banner of the white unicorn; the legion of [[Jaheris]], come from the Summer Realm at the behest of the Imperial magicians to face the wroth of their master's lover amid the black hills of Karsk. They are cold as the moon, and full of vicious wit, but their wild ferocity is a wondrous mirror of the calm passion of the Urizen sentinels.		The second miracle comes from the south, and marches alongside the Citadel Guard. A legion of pale soldiers in cerulean blue and silver adamant. The captains of the elfin host ride impossible beasts - great white steeds with ivory hooves and ocean-deep eyes, each with a single curling horn in the centre of their forehead. They are beautiful and without mercy, spearing orcs and tossing them aside like so much chaff. They march beneath the banner of the white unicorn; the legion of [[Jaheris]], come from the Summer Realm at the behest of the Imperial magicians to face the wroth of their master's lover amid the black hills of Karsk. They are cold as the moon, and full of vicious wit, but their wild ferocity is a wondrous mirror of the calm passion of the Urizen sentinels.

	The third miracle rises from the earth of Varushka itself. A legion of ghost-soldiers and skeletal-champions joins the shambling animate corpses of the Black Thorns. While the husks lead the way into battle, the vanguard of each attack, the ghost-soldiers and ~~accurséd~~ wights bring up the rear. Silent, limned with flickering green fire beneath the dark clouds, they appear without warning and depart the same way when the sun first touches the horizon ... and they seem to obey the orders of a Varushkan general - a massive, grim [[draughir]] man bound in chains. When they engage the Thule, they are bound up by a bank of living fog that blinds their foes but does not hinder them or their allies. They are ~~lead~~ into battle by a flock of ghostly crows and ravens that seem to lead them unerringly to where their foes are weakest, and spread confusion in the enemy ranks. These cursed remnants inflict vicious slaughter on the Thule, alongside the wild folk of northern Karsk who seem almost feral next to the armoured schlacta of the Golden Axe.		The third miracle rises from the earth of Varushka itself. A legion of ghost-soldiers and skeletal-champions joins the shambling animate corpses of the Black Thorns. While the husks lead the way into battle, the vanguard of each attack, the ghost-soldiers and accursèd wights bring up the rear. Silent, limned with flickering green fire beneath the dark clouds, they appear without warning and depart the same way when the sun first touches the horizon ... and they seem to obey the orders of a Varushkan general - a massive, grim [[draughir]] man bound in chains. When they engage the Thule, they are bound up by a bank of living fog that blinds their foes but does not hinder them or their allies. They are led into battle by a flock of ghostly crows and ravens that seem to lead them unerringly to where their foes are weakest, and spread confusion in the enemy ranks. These cursed remnants inflict vicious slaughter on the Thule, alongside the wild folk of northern Karsk who seem almost feral next to the armoured schlacta of the Golden Axe.

	A fourth miracle; once again, the waters of Karsk sparkle with the irrepressible light of life and health. Any wound that is not fatal, heals in time. Each morning, the dew on the ground revitalises those who have survived the night. The [[Rivers of Life\|rivers of life]] run through the hills and forests of Karsk.		A fourth miracle; once again, the waters of Karsk sparkle with the irrepressible light of life and health. Any wound that is not fatal, heals in time. Each morning, the dew on the ground revitalises those who have survived the night. The [[Rivers of Life\|rivers of life]] run through the hills and forests of Karsk.
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	The Empire is outnumbered - but not by much. They fight from a frigid citadel of translucent ice that forms itself directly in the path of the Thule advance. A ragged cheer goes up from the Imperial soldiers, but the Thule barely break their advance - they seem to have been expecting the citadel, almost. They have makeshift siege engines, and several dozen massive shaggy ogres bred no doubt as living battering rams in the pits of Otkodov.		The Empire is outnumbered - but not by much. They fight from a frigid citadel of translucent ice that forms itself directly in the path of the Thule advance. A ragged cheer goes up from the Imperial soldiers, but the Thule barely break their advance - they seem to have been expecting the citadel, almost. They have makeshift siege engines, and several dozen massive shaggy ogres bred no doubt as living battering rams in the pits of Otkodov.

	Blood stains the early snow - so much blood! But the snow itself glitters with a hidden power, as do the streams and cool mountain springs. The waters of Sermersuaq run with life - and not just the Silverpeaks. From Lansipari to East Floes to northern Sarda, the lakes and rivers teem with life - few ~~suaq~~ have seen so many fish. The beasts glow with health and fertility under the magic of Spring, from the rabbits of the southern plains to the mammoth of the northern tundras. So much life.		Blood stains the early snow - so much blood! But the snow itself glitters with a hidden power, as do the streams and cool mountain springs. The waters of Sermersuaq run with life - and not just the Silverpeaks. From Lansipari to East Floes to northern Sarda, the lakes and rivers teem with life - few Suaq have seen so many fish. The beasts glow with health and fertility under the magic of Spring, from the rabbits of the southern plains to the mammoth of the northern tundras. So much life.

	So much death. The magic means that any blow that is not fatal will heal overnight, but once this is apparent it simply fuels the savagery of the Thule and their faerie allies - and many Imperial troops are quick to match it. A thousand humans and orcs die in the three months between the heart of Autumn and the heart of Winter. At least as many Thule, also - the magic is indiscriminate - yet for each one who falls and does not rise there is one who might have never risen who stands, and fights.		So much death. The magic means that any blow that is not fatal will heal overnight, but once this is apparent it simply fuels the savagery of the Thule and their faerie allies - and many Imperial troops are quick to match it. A thousand humans and orcs die in the three months between the heart of Autumn and the heart of Winter. At least as many Thule, also - the magic is indiscriminate - yet for each one who falls and does not rise there is one who might have never risen who stands, and fights.

	The barbarians have supernatural aid to match that of the Empire. The Red Wind Corsairs fight with preternatural clarity, anticipating Thule tactics and meeting them with clever stratagems of their own ... but the generals of the Thule are nearly as adept at unravelling the cunning plans of the Empire in their turn. The shambling host of the Holberg dead - animate husks with hungry Winter spirits bound inside - fight implacably, rising again and again despite the best efforts of the savage orc hunters ... but their sluggishness and slow advance is more than countered by the swift-moving Thule whose uncanny ability to navigate the foothills allows them to ~~outmaneuver~~ the grasping unliving brutes. As Winter comes closer, the walking dead are slower and slower to rise, and some fail to return entirely. Eventually, the rotten dead lie in droves wherever the Imperial orcs have fought. The Winter spirits escape the cold flesh and the forces of corruption and decay begin to catch up with them.		The barbarians have supernatural aid to match that of the Empire. The Red Wind Corsairs fight with preternatural clarity, anticipating Thule tactics and meeting them with clever stratagems of their own ... but the generals of the Thule are nearly as adept at unravelling the cunning plans of the Empire in their turn. The shambling host of the Holberg dead - animate husks with hungry Winter spirits bound inside - fight implacably, rising again and again despite the best efforts of the savage orc hunters... but their sluggishness and slow advance is more than countered by the swift-moving Thule whose uncanny ability to navigate the foothills allows them to outmanoeuvre the grasping unliving brutes. As Winter comes closer, the walking dead are slower and slower to rise, and some fail to return entirely. Eventually, the rotten dead lie in droves wherever the Imperial orcs have fought. The Winter spirits escape the cold flesh and the forces of corruption and decay begin to catch up with them.

	It is an even match, even so - but then, slowly, inexorably, the Thule begin to turn the tide. They push slowly forward, claiming the upper foothills ... and there they stop. Whatever else it has achieved, this bloody work, it has kept the northern orcs from claiming the ice caves. Yet they now control a little over half of the Silver Peaks ... and already their scavengers are stripping the mountains of every resource they can lay their hands on.		It is an even match, even so - but then, slowly, inexorably, the Thule begin to turn the tide. They push slowly forward, claiming the upper foothills... and there they stop. Whatever else it has achieved, this bloody work, it has kept the northern orcs from claiming the ice caves. Yet they now control a little over half of the Silver Peaks... and already their scavengers are stripping the mountains of every resource they can lay their hands on.

	For now; the Thule show no sign that they intend to retreat. Indeed, they seem more committed to claiming the mountains of Sermersuaq than ever.		For now; the Thule show no sign that they intend to retreat. Indeed, they seem more committed to claiming the mountains of Sermersuaq than ever.
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	And over everything ... everyone... hangs a [[Druj miasma\|miasma]]. It is almost tangible, it can almost be tasted in the air. The weight of it is like death, like the dread that comes in the night when you start awake from a forgotten nightmare and for a moment cannot remember quite where you are. It is in the air, in the water, in the soil. It claws at the hearts of the soldiers of Highguard and Navarr urging them to turn and flee.		And over everything ... everyone... hangs a [[Druj miasma\|miasma]]. It is almost tangible, it can almost be tasted in the air. The weight of it is like death, like the dread that comes in the night when you start awake from a forgotten nightmare and for a moment cannot remember quite where you are. It is in the air, in the water, in the soil. It claws at the hearts of the soldiers of Highguard and Navarr urging them to turn and flee.

	It is worse at night. The stars are wrong. They twist in the sky, unnaturally - there is a powerful ~~fel~~ magic at work, a shroud of shadows that during the day covers the sky in dark clouds and often as not plunges the territory into twilight long before the sun has touched the horizon.		It is worse at night. The stars are wrong. They twist in the sky, unnaturally - there is a powerful fell magic at work, a shroud of shadows that during the day covers the sky in dark clouds and often as not plunges the territory into twilight long before the sun has touched the horizon.

	But the armies of the Empire do not surrender to fear. The 'Pillar and the 'Step advance into Riverwatch. Tabernacle is in ruins - the once proud chapter looks as if it has been torn apart, probably stone and wood for the citadel at High Chalcis. It is also a ghost town - no sign of any human. The caution of the Empire's heroes is well placed - the ruins have been laid with traps and cruel deadfalls, making them practically ~~impassible~~ for anything other than small groups of scouts such as the Navarr and the Highborn Unconquered.		But the armies of the Empire do not surrender to fear. The 'Pillar and the 'Step advance into Riverwatch. Tabernacle is in ruins - the once proud chapter looks as if it has been torn apart, probably stone and wood for the citadel at High Chalcis. It is also a ghost town - no sign of any human. The caution of the Empire's heroes is well placed - the ruins have been laid with traps and cruel deadfalls, making them practically impassable for anything other than small groups of scouts such as the Navarr and the Highborn Unconquered.

	The Druj are quick to respond to the intrusion as well - there are raiding forces several hundred warriors strong stalking the ruins of Reikos, slaughtering everyone they meet who puts up any resistance. They barely even bother to make an example of their prisoners. Once they realise there are Imperial troops in Reikos again, they begin to organise a strong defence - they make little effort to engage the armies directly, harrying, flanking, striking once and then falling back towards prepared defences. It is like fighting mist - a mist that cuts and burns.		The Druj are quick to respond to the intrusion as well - there are raiding forces several hundred warriors strong stalking the ruins of Reikos, slaughtering everyone they meet who puts up any resistance. They barely even bother to make an example of their prisoners. Once they realise there are Imperial troops in Reikos again, they begin to organise a strong defence - they make little effort to engage the armies directly, harrying, flanking, striking once and then falling back towards prepared defences. It is like fighting mist - a mist that cuts and burns.