380YE Autumn Equinox winds of war - Revision history

Twiggy at 22:47, 12 March 2026

2026-03-12T22:47:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:47, 12 March 2026
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	Yet even they are not so terrible as the living. The Navarr who still breathe launch ruthless, terrifying attacks against the orcs. They fall upon the hated enemy with cruel, savage attacks that leave no room for mercy on either side. The bodies of the fallen orcs are despoiled, displayed as trophies to fill the faltering hearts of their foe with terror. Wherever they are victorious they make grisly scarecrows of the fallen orcs - providing a [[A_banner_of_Thorns#The_Dark_Beneath_the_Trees\|fearsome lesson]] to the Jotun as to what it ''really'' means to face the full fury of the Navarr, unleashed at last.		Yet even they are not so terrible as the living. The Navarr who still breathe launch ruthless, terrifying attacks against the orcs. They fall upon the hated enemy with cruel, savage attacks that leave no room for mercy on either side. The bodies of the fallen orcs are despoiled, displayed as trophies to fill the faltering hearts of their foe with terror. Wherever they are victorious they make grisly scarecrows of the fallen orcs - providing a [[A_banner_of_Thorns#The_Dark_Beneath_the_Trees\|fearsome lesson]] to the Jotun as to what it ''really'' means to face the full fury of the Navarr, unleashed at last.

	The anger of the Jotun falters. As it is, only token forces remain in Liathaven - scattered warbands hunting the remaining defenders through the trees. It becomes clear as the Black Thorns advance that these warbands are unprepared for the cunning of the Navarr. They present little challenge - their tactics are better suited to pitched battles than to the relentless, unending ~~guerilla~~ assault of seven thousand mobile Navarr and their unliving cohort. A weak-seeming band of stragglers turns on the warband that pursues them as the trees sprout archers like murderous fruit. A poorly defended steading proves too ripe a prize to resist ... only for the Jotun to discover the token garrison has faded away and now they are surrounded by an army of Navarr. A "routing" band of Navarr ambushers leads the unsuspecting Jotun into the [[Vallorn#Vallorn_Miasma\|vallorn miasma]] then fades into the shadows as the orcs fall to packs of shrieking [[vallornspawn husks\|husks]].		The anger of the Jotun falters. As it is, only token forces remain in Liathaven - scattered warbands hunting the remaining defenders through the trees. It becomes clear as the Black Thorns advance that these warbands are unprepared for the cunning of the Navarr. They present little challenge - their tactics are better suited to pitched battles than to the relentless, unending guerrilla assault of seven thousand mobile Navarr and their unliving cohort. A weak-seeming band of stragglers turns on the warband that pursues them as the trees sprout archers like murderous fruit. A poorly defended steading proves too ripe a prize to resist ... only for the Jotun to discover the token garrison has faded away and now they are surrounded by an army of Navarr. A "routing" band of Navarr ambushers leads the unsuspecting Jotun into the [[Vallorn#Vallorn_Miasma\|vallorn miasma]] then fades into the shadows as the orcs fall to packs of shrieking [[vallornspawn husks\|husks]].

	The darkness that the Jotun have always feared lurks beneath the trees has come alive, and their warbands are no match for it. Their warriors learn that when they fight these heirs of Terunael, they will not fall in heroic combat but will be slain unawares, butchered like sheep, oblivious to the danger until it is too late. They will not rest beneath burial mounds, but will hang rotting from the trees of the forest, torn apart and defiled utterly. Their certainty that their heroism will carry them across the howling abyss begins to falter. Anger at last begins to give way to fear.		The darkness that the Jotun have always feared lurks beneath the trees has come alive, and their warbands are no match for it. Their warriors learn that when they fight these heirs of Terunael, they will not fall in heroic combat but will be slain unawares, butchered like sheep, oblivious to the danger until it is too late. They will not rest beneath burial mounds, but will hang rotting from the trees of the forest, torn apart and defiled utterly. Their certainty that their heroism will carry them across the howling abyss begins to falter. Anger at last begins to give way to fear.
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	Not all the obstacles encountered in Tamarbode are so passive. The plants themselves seem to resent the presence of the Imperial forces, and conspire against them. In a few cases, some of the trees themselves appear possessed of a jealous sapience and the ability to move their branches at least - although there are no sightings of actual mobile trees such as those that besieged Holberg. Mostly it is just roots catching and twisting ankles, or branches tangling in cloaks and hair ... although that said there are a few cases where something that seemed at first to be great tree leans forward with a bestial roaring noise and attempts to crush a soldier or four in coiling meaty tendrils.		Not all the obstacles encountered in Tamarbode are so passive. The plants themselves seem to resent the presence of the Imperial forces, and conspire against them. In a few cases, some of the trees themselves appear possessed of a jealous sapience and the ability to move their branches at least - although there are no sightings of actual mobile trees such as those that besieged Holberg. Mostly it is just roots catching and twisting ankles, or branches tangling in cloaks and hair ... although that said there are a few cases where something that seemed at first to be great tree leans forward with a bestial roaring noise and attempts to crush a soldier or four in coiling meaty tendrils.

	Then there are the new inhabitants of the region, which are encountered with increasing frequency as the Urizen get closer to the centre of the region. They appear to come in three basic shapes. Small, mostly cowardly creatures that flee before the Urizen advance. Human sized ~~guerillas~~ that strike from hiding and either seek to bear individual soldiers away or spray caustic or madness-inducing spores before retreating back into the undergrowth. Large, mammoth-sized horrors that provide a significant threat, usually accompanied by a score of the human- or child-sized entities.		Then there are the new inhabitants of the region, which are encountered with increasing frequency as the Urizen get closer to the centre of the region. They appear to come in three basic shapes. Small, mostly cowardly creatures that flee before the Urizen advance. Human sized guerrillas that strike from hiding and either seek to bear individual soldiers away or spray caustic or madness-inducing spores before retreating back into the undergrowth. Large, mammoth-sized horrors that provide a significant threat, usually accompanied by a score of the human- or child-sized entities.

	Behind it all, an awareness of some sentience that seems to be profoundly aware of the disposition of the Citadel Guard throughout Tamarbode, and that directs the relatively weak defenders to impede and harass them as they move forward towards the heart, toward the earthwork scholars call "The Sign of Tamar."		Behind it all, an awareness of some sentience that seems to be profoundly aware of the disposition of the Citadel Guard throughout Tamarbode, and that directs the relatively weak defenders to impede and harass them as they move forward towards the heart, toward the earthwork scholars call "The Sign of Tamar."
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	<div style="float:right;"><quote by="		<div style="float:right;"><quote by="
	Admiral Edgardo i Ruiloba i Guerra of The Freeborn Storm">The Grendel have run away for too long.<br/>Now is the time to bloody their nose! ... <br/>We missed them in Sarvos, now we will take no quarter!</quote></div>		Admiral Edgardo i Ruiloba i Guerra of The Freeborn Storm">The Grendel have run away for too long.<br/>Now is the time to bloody their nose! ... <br/>We missed them in Sarvos, now we will take no quarter!</quote></div>
	The Freeborn Storm sweeps east along the coast from Sarvos, through Necropolis, hunting Grendel. The warships of the Freeborn navy are supported and reinforced by over forty independent Imperial captains, their swift vessels more manoeuvrable than the larger ships they accompany. Over half of them hail from anchorages in the Brass Coast, but there are ships from Wintermark and the Marches, from Urizen and Varushka and ~~Naarr~~, and even a fleet whose captain calls distant Skarsind home.		The Freeborn Storm sweeps east along the coast from Sarvos, through Necropolis, hunting Grendel. The warships of the Freeborn navy are supported and reinforced by over forty independent Imperial captains, their swift vessels more manoeuvrable than the larger ships they accompany. Over half of them hail from anchorages in the Brass Coast, but there are ships from Wintermark and the Marches, from Urizen and Varushka and Navarr, and even a fleet whose captain calls distant Skarsind home.

	The thick, unnatural fog still clings to the waters of the Bay of Catazar, as it has done for the past year. Most of the ships' crews have become inured to its eerie effulgence, and as it clings close to the water rarely rising high enough to spill onto the deck of a warship, they give it little mind. Still, it plays odd tricks and occasionally interferes with communication between vessels in the fleet. Phantom lights, and even the occasional eerie ghostly ship are spotted when the sun goes down and the fog begins to glow faintly under the light of the moon. It does not help that Necropolis is subject to the eerie phenomena of the empty sky - that once the sun sets the stars which have so often proved the friend of the sailor cannot be seen. A few of the more superstitious consider it a bad omen. Still, the navy is never of out sight of the Highborn shore. The lighthouses that dot the coast provide welcome beacons on the darkest nights, helping the less manoeuvrable warships avoid dangerous rocks and reminding the crews that they are never far from home no matter how isolated the dark skies may make them feel.		The thick, unnatural fog still clings to the waters of the Bay of Catazar, as it has done for the past year. Most of the ships' crews have become inured to its eerie effulgence, and as it clings close to the water rarely rising high enough to spill onto the deck of a warship, they give it little mind. Still, it plays odd tricks and occasionally interferes with communication between vessels in the fleet. Phantom lights, and even the occasional eerie ghostly ship are spotted when the sun goes down and the fog begins to glow faintly under the light of the moon. It does not help that Necropolis is subject to the eerie phenomena of the empty sky - that once the sun sets the stars which have so often proved the friend of the sailor cannot be seen. A few of the more superstitious consider it a bad omen. Still, the navy is never of out sight of the Highborn shore. The lighthouses that dot the coast provide welcome beacons on the darkest nights, helping the less manoeuvrable warships avoid dangerous rocks and reminding the crews that they are never far from home no matter how isolated the dark skies may make them feel.

GuiltyConscience: /* Game Information : Liathaven */

2026-01-24T23:10:29Z

Game Information : Liathaven

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:10, 24 January 2026
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	The Navarr have liberated one region of Liathaven (Beacon Point) and made significant gains in a second (Western Scout). If the situation does not change the Navarr will have liberated the whole of southern Liathaven by the Winter Solstice, breaking the Jotun control of the territory and making it once again a contested territory. Furthermore, thanks to their liberation and control of [[A_banner_of_Thorns#The_Paths_of_Lan_Th.C3.BAven\|the paths of Lan Thúven]], they will be in a position to strike into West Ranging to permanently sever the Jotun supply lines into the [[Mournwold]].		The Navarr have liberated one region of Liathaven (Beacon Point) and made significant gains in a second (Western Scout). If the situation does not change the Navarr will have liberated the whole of southern Liathaven by the Winter Solstice, breaking the Jotun control of the territory and making it once again a contested territory. Furthermore, thanks to their liberation and control of [[A_banner_of_Thorns#The_Paths_of_Lan_Th.C3.BAven\|the paths of Lan Thúven]], they will be in a position to strike into West Ranging to permanently sever the Jotun supply lines into the [[Mournwold]].

	In the face of the Navarr's terror-tactics, a significant number of orcs are quitting Liathaven without fighting, reinforcing Jotun armies elsewhere. It remains to be seen how significant this reinforcement might seem. This special order was the result of an [[opportunity]] for the Navarr to employ vicious tactics against their enemies to increase their ability to drive the Jotun out of Liathaven - it may or may not remain available to them if they choose to strike into northern ~~liathaven~~ and complete the liberation of the territory.		In the face of the Navarr's terror-tactics, a significant number of orcs are quitting Liathaven without fighting, reinforcing Jotun armies elsewhere. It remains to be seen how significant this reinforcement might seem. This special order was the result of an [[opportunity]] for the Navarr to employ vicious tactics against their enemies to increase their ability to drive the Jotun out of Liathaven - it may or may not remain available to them if they choose to strike into northern Liathaven and complete the liberation of the territory.

	==Our Neighbour's Field==		==Our Neighbour's Field==

Twiggy at 01:54, 22 January 2026

2026-01-22T01:54:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:54, 22 January 2026
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	==Retribution==		==Retribution==
	As Summer pales into Autumn, the Navarr raise [[A_banner_of_Thorns#The_Banner_of_Thorns\|the banner of Thorns]]. The warriors of Navarr flock to fight with them, both those from the other forests and the survivors of the Jotun's rage. The [[Senate]] has [[Enlargement_of_The_Black_Thorns\|ensured]] that there are plenty of weapons and armour to equip them. Their numbers [[~~Imperial_army~~#Enlargement\|swollen]] by new recruits, they are further bolstered by the forces of thirty Navarr captains, and half a dozen Imperial heroes of other nations, who bring with them an additional two and a half thousand troops.		As Summer pales into Autumn, the Navarr raise [[A_banner_of_Thorns#The_Banner_of_Thorns\|the banner of Thorns]]. The warriors of Navarr flock to fight with them, both those from the other forests and the survivors of the Jotun's rage. The [[Senate]] has [[Enlargement_of_The_Black_Thorns\|ensured]] that there are plenty of weapons and armour to equip them. Their numbers [[Army#Enlargement\|swollen]] by new recruits, they are further bolstered by the forces of thirty Navarr captains, and half a dozen Imperial heroes of other nations, who bring with them an additional two and a half thousand troops.

	Even the dead rise to fight the enemies of the Navarr. The Jotun raise burial mounds over those they honour, but they have left the bodies of the dead Navarr where they fell - a fatal mistake. On the last night of the Summer Solstice, a thousand murdered Navarr rise to heed the echoing [[Quickening Cold Meat\|call of Winter magic]]. Shambling; abominable; hungry for orc flesh; thirsty for orc blood; they howl for vengeance against those who slaughtered them, slew their families, burnt their steadings, scattered their stridings. They are terrible.		Even the dead rise to fight the enemies of the Navarr. The Jotun raise burial mounds over those they honour, but they have left the bodies of the dead Navarr where they fell - a fatal mistake. On the last night of the Summer Solstice, a thousand murdered Navarr rise to heed the echoing [[Quickening Cold Meat\|call of Winter magic]]. Shambling; abominable; hungry for orc flesh; thirsty for orc blood; they howl for vengeance against those who slaughtered them, slew their families, burnt their steadings, scattered their stridings. They are terrible.

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

2026-01-15T22:24:50Z

Text replacement - "Senate" to "Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:24, 15 January 2026
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	==Retribution==		==Retribution==
	As Summer pales into Autumn, the Navarr raise [[A_banner_of_Thorns#The_Banner_of_Thorns\|the banner of Thorns]]. The warriors of Navarr flock to fight with them, both those from the other forests and the survivors of the Jotun's rage. The [[~~Senate\|~~Senate]] has [[Enlargement_of_The_Black_Thorns\|ensured]] that there are plenty of weapons and armour to equip them. Their numbers [[Imperial_army#Enlargement\|swollen]] by new recruits, they are further bolstered by the forces of thirty Navarr captains, and half a dozen Imperial heroes of other nations, who bring with them an additional two and a half thousand troops.		As Summer pales into Autumn, the Navarr raise [[A_banner_of_Thorns#The_Banner_of_Thorns\|the banner of Thorns]]. The warriors of Navarr flock to fight with them, both those from the other forests and the survivors of the Jotun's rage. The [[Senate]] has [[Enlargement_of_The_Black_Thorns\|ensured]] that there are plenty of weapons and armour to equip them. Their numbers [[Imperial_army#Enlargement\|swollen]] by new recruits, they are further bolstered by the forces of thirty Navarr captains, and half a dozen Imperial heroes of other nations, who bring with them an additional two and a half thousand troops.

	Even the dead rise to fight the enemies of the Navarr. The Jotun raise burial mounds over those they honour, but they have left the bodies of the dead Navarr where they fell - a fatal mistake. On the last night of the Summer Solstice, a thousand murdered Navarr rise to heed the echoing [[Quickening Cold Meat\|call of Winter magic]]. Shambling; abominable; hungry for orc flesh; thirsty for orc blood; they howl for vengeance against those who slaughtered them, slew their families, burnt their steadings, scattered their stridings. They are terrible.		Even the dead rise to fight the enemies of the Navarr. The Jotun raise burial mounds over those they honour, but they have left the bodies of the dead Navarr where they fell - a fatal mistake. On the last night of the Summer Solstice, a thousand murdered Navarr rise to heed the echoing [[Quickening Cold Meat\|call of Winter magic]]. Shambling; abominable; hungry for orc flesh; thirsty for orc blood; they howl for vengeance against those who slaughtered them, slew their families, burnt their steadings, scattered their stridings. They are terrible.

Twiggy at 18:50, 15 January 2026

2026-01-15T18:50:01Z

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	The extent of the cost in orc and human lives for this wild, bloody campaign is hard to conceive. The Jotun bury the Imperials alongside their own dead, when they are given the chance. Some soldiers are simply maimed, or lose their will to fight, rather than being counted among the fallen. At the end of the season, though, it is estimated that between the Jotun and the Imperials there are ''ten thousand warriors'' - the equivalent of two entire armies - who will never fight again.		The extent of the cost in orc and human lives for this wild, bloody campaign is hard to conceive. The Jotun bury the Imperials alongside their own dead, when they are given the chance. Some soldiers are simply maimed, or lose their will to fight, rather than being counted among the fallen. At the end of the season, though, it is estimated that between the Jotun and the Imperials there are ''ten thousand warriors'' - the equivalent of two entire armies - who will never fight again.

	The Empire has won, for sure, but the cost has been great. As the Autumn Equinox dawns, there is an opportunity to catch a few quiet moments to reflect. There is every indication that they continue to enjoy the support of Cathan Canae, as her tower of ice and iron shows no sign of melting or returning to the Summer ~~Realm~~. There is no sign that the Jotun are planning to give up the Damatian Cliffs any easier than they ceded control of Briante and the Great Mine, and every sign that their numbers are being reinforced by warbands fleeing Liathaven, and by the strange orcs of the high peaks.		The Empire has won, for sure, but the cost has been great. As the Autumn Equinox dawns, there is an opportunity to catch a few quiet moments to reflect. There is every indication that they continue to enjoy the support of Cathan Canae, as her tower of ice and iron shows no sign of melting or returning to the Summer realm. There is no sign that the Jotun are planning to give up the Damatian Cliffs any easier than they ceded control of Briante and the Great Mine, and every sign that their numbers are being reinforced by warbands fleeing Liathaven, and by the strange orcs of the high peaks.

	===Game Information : Kahraman===		===Game Information : Kahraman===

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

2026-01-15T12:27:52Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:27, 15 January 2026
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	==Retribution==		==Retribution==
	As Summer pales into Autumn, the Navarr raise [[A_banner_of_Thorns#The_Banner_of_Thorns\|the banner of Thorns]]. The warriors of Navarr flock to fight with them, both those from the other forests and the survivors of the Jotun's rage. The [[~~Imperial~~ Senate\|Senate]] has [[Enlargement_of_The_Black_Thorns\|ensured]] that there are plenty of weapons and armour to equip them. Their numbers [[Imperial_army#Enlargement\|swollen]] by new recruits, they are further bolstered by the forces of thirty Navarr captains, and half a dozen Imperial heroes of other nations, who bring with them an additional two and a half thousand troops.		As Summer pales into Autumn, the Navarr raise [[A_banner_of_Thorns#The_Banner_of_Thorns\|the banner of Thorns]]. The warriors of Navarr flock to fight with them, both those from the other forests and the survivors of the Jotun's rage. The [[Senate\|Senate]] has [[Enlargement_of_The_Black_Thorns\|ensured]] that there are plenty of weapons and armour to equip them. Their numbers [[Imperial_army#Enlargement\|swollen]] by new recruits, they are further bolstered by the forces of thirty Navarr captains, and half a dozen Imperial heroes of other nations, who bring with them an additional two and a half thousand troops.

	Even the dead rise to fight the enemies of the Navarr. The Jotun raise burial mounds over those they honour, but they have left the bodies of the dead Navarr where they fell - a fatal mistake. On the last night of the Summer Solstice, a thousand murdered Navarr rise to heed the echoing [[Quickening Cold Meat\|call of Winter magic]]. Shambling; abominable; hungry for orc flesh; thirsty for orc blood; they howl for vengeance against those who slaughtered them, slew their families, burnt their steadings, scattered their stridings. They are terrible.		Even the dead rise to fight the enemies of the Navarr. The Jotun raise burial mounds over those they honour, but they have left the bodies of the dead Navarr where they fell - a fatal mistake. On the last night of the Summer Solstice, a thousand murdered Navarr rise to heed the echoing [[Quickening Cold Meat\|call of Winter magic]]. Shambling; abominable; hungry for orc flesh; thirsty for orc blood; they howl for vengeance against those who slaughtered them, slew their families, burnt their steadings, scattered their stridings. They are terrible.
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	In the end, the Empire liberates Serra Briante and dominates over half of the Damatian hills.		In the end, the Empire liberates Serra Briante and dominates over half of the Damatian hills.

	The Great Mine of Briante is now back in Imperial hands. The [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] may choose to [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Allocation\|allocate]] the mine as either an Imperial resource, or a Brass Coast national seat (chosen by vote of the Freeborn fleet owners). Because the Bourse seat has changed hands it is possible to change how it is appointed, and there are already rumblings of interest in parts of the Brass Coast in seeing this resource in Freeborn territory be controlled by the Freeborn. The Jotun have already claimed the mithril bounty from the mine for this season, however, which means that regardless of the Senate decision, it will not be actually ''appointed'' until Winter at the earliest ... assuming the Empire still controls it.		The Great Mine of Briante is now back in Imperial hands. The [[Senate]] may choose to [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Allocation\|allocate]] the mine as either an Imperial resource, or a Brass Coast national seat (chosen by vote of the Freeborn fleet owners). Because the Bourse seat has changed hands it is possible to change how it is appointed, and there are already rumblings of interest in parts of the Brass Coast in seeing this resource in Freeborn territory be controlled by the Freeborn. The Jotun have already claimed the mithril bounty from the mine for this season, however, which means that regardless of the Senate decision, it will not be actually ''appointed'' until Winter at the earliest ... assuming the Empire still controls it.

	==The Greatest Weapon (Interlude)==		==The Greatest Weapon (Interlude)==

Twiggy at 19:07, 13 August 2025

2025-08-13T19:07:13Z

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	===Silence in the Marshes===		===Silence in the Marshes===
	Again this season, powerful magical citadels rise in Kallavesa and Bregasland. Mists and briars, trees and marsh beasts alike work to protect the marshes of Wintermark and Bregasland. Their protection proves unnecessary. No orc forces enter Bregasland, and the Jotun forces pushing into Kallavesa first pause in their advance, and then they march back across the border to the west. Not all the Jotun leave - they still have the beginnings of a ~~beachead~~ in West March that will need to be rooted out. But there is no further immediate threat to the sacred lakes of the Winterfolk.		Again this season, powerful magical citadels rise in Kallavesa and Bregasland. Mists and briars, trees and marsh beasts alike work to protect the marshes of Wintermark and Bregasland. Their protection proves unnecessary. No orc forces enter Bregasland, and the Jotun forces pushing into Kallavesa first pause in their advance, and then they march back across the border to the west. Not all the Jotun leave - they still have the beginnings of a beachhead in West March that will need to be rooted out. But there is no further immediate threat to the sacred lakes of the Winterfolk.

	===Slaughter in Astolat===		===Slaughter in Astolat===

Twiggy at 18:50, 8 August 2025

2025-08-08T18:50:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:50, 8 August 2025
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	After the solstice, a significant portion of the Imperial forces that had been defending [[Kahraman]] withdraw - some to the [[Mournwold]], some to other parts of the Empire. Only the Fist of the Mountains and the Red Wind Corsairs stay to defend the remainder of the Freeborn hills from the Jotun - but they are replaced by armies drawn from across the Empire. The Fire of the South fresh from furlough in [[Weirwater]]; the Hounds of Glory and the Wolves of War from the debacle at [[Sarvos]]; and several armies previously engaged with the Jotun in Mournwold (the Bounders, the Quiet Step, and the orcs of the Summer Storm) converge on Kahraman. Over thirty-five thousand Imperial troops, supported by a little over three thousand additional troops led by independent captains, face a roughly equivalent force of barbarian orcs.		After the solstice, a significant portion of the Imperial forces that had been defending [[Kahraman]] withdraw - some to the [[Mournwold]], some to other parts of the Empire. Only the Fist of the Mountains and the Red Wind Corsairs stay to defend the remainder of the Freeborn hills from the Jotun - but they are replaced by armies drawn from across the Empire. The Fire of the South fresh from furlough in [[Weirwater]]; the Hounds of Glory and the Wolves of War from the debacle at [[Sarvos]]; and several armies previously engaged with the Jotun in Mournwold (the Bounders, the Quiet Step, and the orcs of the Summer Storm) converge on Kahraman. Over thirty-five thousand Imperial troops, supported by a little over three thousand additional troops led by independent captains, face a roughly equivalent force of barbarian orcs.
	<div style="float:left;"><quote by="General Gabriel Barossa of the Wolves of War">There is a time for cunning tricks of war, and a time to raise<br/>our courage to the heights demanded by necessity. We face<br/>savage brutes so we meet their savagery with Virtue. We charge<br/>to the hills of Serra Briante and throw back the Jotun<br/>like a cheap Mestran wine.</quote></div>		<div style="float:left;"><quote by="General Gabriel Barossa of the Wolves of War">There is a time for cunning tricks of war, and a time to raise<br/>our courage to the heights demanded by necessity. We face<br/>savage brutes so we meet their savagery with Virtue. We charge<br/>to the hills of Serra Briante and throw back the Jotun<br/>like a cheap Mestran wine.</quote></div>
	This season however, the garrison at Fort Braydon is cut off from the main force of troops due to enemy action during the Solstice. The Jotun armies make no effort to invade Braydon's Jasse, instead throwing their strength towards the conquest of [[Kahraman#Gambit\|Gambit]] and [[Kahraman#Jade Range\|Jade Range]], seeking to ~~outmaneuver~~ the Empire and bring the territory under their control as quickly as possible. By contrast, the Imperial forces drive forward into Serra Briante and [[Kahraman#Serra Damata\|Serra Damata]], totally committed to crushing the Jotun forces and driving them out of [[the Brass Coast]]. The orcs are overjoyed, meeting the Imperial charge with a charge of their own. The first clash of forces, in the dry plains below Serra Briante sees two great waves of soldiers crashing together into a great sea of slaughter, heroism, glory, and savagery.		This season however, the garrison at Fort Braydon is cut off from the main force of troops due to enemy action during the Solstice. The Jotun armies make no effort to invade Braydon's Jasse, instead throwing their strength towards the conquest of [[Kahraman#Gambit\|Gambit]] and [[Kahraman#Jade Range\|Jade Range]], seeking to outmanoeuvre the Empire and bring the territory under their control as quickly as possible. By contrast, the Imperial forces drive forward into Serra Briante and [[Kahraman#Serra Damata\|Serra Damata]], totally committed to crushing the Jotun forces and driving them out of [[the Brass Coast]]. The orcs are overjoyed, meeting the Imperial charge with a charge of their own. The first clash of forces, in the dry plains below Serra Briante sees two great waves of soldiers crashing together into a great sea of slaughter, heroism, glory, and savagery.

	The [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] forces of the Hounds of Glory take the vanguard, and if their unexpected presence on the battlefield gives the Jotun pause they do not show it. The dry fields gulp down the blood of humans and orcs alike, and as the sun sets the Jotun cede the field, falling back to their camps around the mine itself. It is a small victory ... but a victory nonetheless.		The [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] forces of the Hounds of Glory take the vanguard, and if their unexpected presence on the battlefield gives the Jotun pause they do not show it. The dry fields gulp down the blood of humans and orcs alike, and as the sun sets the Jotun cede the field, falling back to their camps around the mine itself. It is a small victory ... but a victory nonetheless.
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	From the start, it is clear that the Empire is outmatched. They are badly outnumbered, and the Grendel crews are simply more experienced at engaging in ship-to-ship combat on such a scale. The Imperial fleets are more manoeuvrable but no match for a Grendel naval vessel; the Empire's warships are powerful, but they are also ungainly and slower to react to the ebb and flow of the sea battle than their orc opposite numbers. It is almost certainly a blessing that the Grendel navy appears to consist ''solely'' of warships - if the Grendel had brought a contingent of their own independent captains with them then the Empire would be in even more serious trouble.		From the start, it is clear that the Empire is outmatched. They are badly outnumbered, and the Grendel crews are simply more experienced at engaging in ship-to-ship combat on such a scale. The Imperial fleets are more manoeuvrable but no match for a Grendel naval vessel; the Empire's warships are powerful, but they are also ungainly and slower to react to the ebb and flow of the sea battle than their orc opposite numbers. It is almost certainly a blessing that the Grendel navy appears to consist ''solely'' of warships - if the Grendel had brought a contingent of their own independent captains with them then the Empire would be in even more serious trouble.

	There is also magic at play. The difficulty of coordinating Imperial vessels does not appear to be one experienced by the Grendel. Many of their warships seem to possess preternatural ability to spot and exploit weaknesses or circumstances. They are difficult to ~~outmaneuver~~, almost impossible to take unawares. The magicians aboard the Imperial ships are left in little doubt that they are observing powerful enchantments of the realm of Day or perhaps Autumn, the make the Grendel armada even more deadly.		There is also magic at play. The difficulty of coordinating Imperial vessels does not appear to be one experienced by the Grendel. Many of their warships seem to possess preternatural ability to spot and exploit weaknesses or circumstances. They are difficult to outmanoeuvre, almost impossible to take unawares. The magicians aboard the Imperial ships are left in little doubt that they are observing powerful enchantments of the realm of Day or perhaps Autumn, the make the Grendel armada even more deadly.

	The Empire is outclassed, but it is not incapable. Many Grendel ships are sent to the bottom, or set aflame, or have their rigging and sails crippled. At one point a band of Winterfolk board one of the three-masted orc warships with greataxes and manage to chop two of the masts down before they are forced back to their own ships, leaving the vessel easy prey.		The Empire is outclassed, but it is not incapable. Many Grendel ships are sent to the bottom, or set aflame, or have their rigging and sails crippled. At one point a band of Winterfolk board one of the three-masted orc warships with greataxes and manage to chop two of the masts down before they are forced back to their own ships, leaving the vessel easy prey.
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	The attack comes an hour after dawn. The entire Jotun force in the Mournwold launches an overwhelming assault against Orchard's Watch, with the triumphant charge of the Mandowla's Roar - perhaps fifteen thousand orcs and Summer spirits strong - leading the way.		The attack comes an hour after dawn. The entire Jotun force in the Mournwold launches an overwhelming assault against Orchard's Watch, with the triumphant charge of the Mandowla's Roar - perhaps fifteen thousand orcs and Summer spirits strong - leading the way.

	The Singing Caves fall first, within the first three hours of the fighting. The Corazón and the Tower of the North armies are then freed to sweep round the northern flanks of the castle - where they find the Granite Pillar and the Tusks, anticipating their ~~maneuver~~, have prepared defensive trenches and a stake line that breaks their charge and bogs them down and leaves them easy prey for a flanking attack.		The Singing Caves fall first, within the first three hours of the fighting. The Corazón and the Tower of the North armies are then freed to sweep round the northern flanks of the castle - where they find the Granite Pillar and the Tusks, anticipating their manoeuvre, have prepared defensive trenches and a stake line that breaks their charge and bogs them down and leaves them easy prey for a flanking attack.
	<div style="float:right;"><quote by="General Jack Flint of the Strong Reeds">It is time to make our stand and say no farther.<br/>Not one more foot of Mourn soil will be given up.<br/>We will hold and hold so when the full armies of<br/>the Empire come we can push them.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right;"><quote by="General Jack Flint of the Strong Reeds">It is time to make our stand and say no farther.<br/>Not one more foot of Mourn soil will be given up.<br/>We will hold and hold so when the full armies of<br/>the Empire come we can push them.</quote></div>

Twiggy at 01:23, 7 August 2025

2025-08-07T01:23:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:23, 7 August 2025
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	The forests and the marshes live, sick with Spring magic and with Night magic. Malevolent, hateful, hungry for blood. Potent foci of defensive enchantment that offer protection to the orc defenders.		The forests and the marshes live, sick with Spring magic and with Night magic. Malevolent, hateful, hungry for blood. Potent foci of defensive enchantment that offer protection to the orc defenders.

	This is what the armies of the Empire must contend with as they march to conquer the Carmine Fields. The Gryphon's Pride and the Golden Sun, cautiously expanding the Imperial control of the western Barrens. Pains are taken to ~~minimize~~ the threat of the Spring magic taint - field hospitals support physicians and witches alike who focus their energies on reducing Dawnish casualties. Such care comes at a cost however, and the Dawnish forces advance only slowly.		This is what the armies of the Empire must contend with as they march to conquer the Carmine Fields. The Gryphon's Pride and the Golden Sun, cautiously expanding the Imperial control of the western Barrens. Pains are taken to minimise the threat of the Spring magic taint - field hospitals support physicians and witches alike who focus their energies on reducing Dawnish casualties. Such care comes at a cost however, and the Dawnish forces advance only slowly.

	They are resisted by the armies of the Barrens orcs, but it is clear from the outset that something has changed. There is no sign of the banners of the Black Wind or the Great Forest, only the white bird banner of the Rahvin. They try to stand against the Dawnish, to defend the scattered orc farms and settlements of the Carmine Fields, but time and again they are forced to retreat. With the malignant Spring curse, it is clear that their forces are being decimated whenever they try to engage with the better armed, better armoured, better trained Dawnish forces. Time and again, they fall back. They make what use they can of the magical defences in Farweald and the Untrod Groves but it is just not enough. As the season wears on there are less and less engagements between Dawn and the orcs until abruptly they stop altogether.		They are resisted by the armies of the Barrens orcs, but it is clear from the outset that something has changed. There is no sign of the banners of the Black Wind or the Great Forest, only the white bird banner of the Rahvin. They try to stand against the Dawnish, to defend the scattered orc farms and settlements of the Carmine Fields, but time and again they are forced to retreat. With the malignant Spring curse, it is clear that their forces are being decimated whenever they try to engage with the better armed, better armoured, better trained Dawnish forces. Time and again, they fall back. They make what use they can of the magical defences in Farweald and the Untrod Groves but it is just not enough. As the season wears on there are less and less engagements between Dawn and the orcs until abruptly they stop altogether.

Twiggy at 13:23, 16 July 2025

2025-07-16T13:23:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:23, 16 July 2025
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	During the Summer Solstice, the Empire struck against the Grendel defending Ossuary and gave them a thorough thrashing. Forced to retreat in disarray, the orcs leave an opening for the Imperial forces to swoop in and claim not only the mithril mine but the entire region - and with it the territory of Spiral. With intelligence gained through heroic action, the generals discovered that the Grendel armies were being ordered to defend rather than launch an offensive over the coming season and made their plans accordingly.		During the Summer Solstice, the Empire struck against the Grendel defending Ossuary and gave them a thorough thrashing. Forced to retreat in disarray, the orcs leave an opening for the Imperial forces to swoop in and claim not only the mithril mine but the entire region - and with it the territory of Spiral. With intelligence gained through heroic action, the generals discovered that the Grendel armies were being ordered to defend rather than launch an offensive over the coming season and made their plans accordingly.
	<div style="float:right;"><quote by="General Lady Clarice Novarion of the Eastern Sky">... We have bought this ground with blood,<br/>and with blood we will hold it! Stand fast, stand firm!</quote></div>		<div style="float:right;"><quote by="General Lady Clarice Novarion of the Eastern Sky">... We have bought this ground with blood,<br/>and with blood we will hold it! Stand fast, stand firm!</quote></div>
	Spiral is an Imperial territory. The Eastern Sky, Green Shield, and Northern Eagle defend the four northern and western regions, while the still very significant Grendel presence occupies the south and the east. They defend Apstrus, Apulus, and Screed (where stands the sinister Black Plateau) with at least the same fervour that the Empire defends Ateri, Cinion, Ankra, and Ossuary.		Spiral is an Imperial territory. The Eastern Sky, Green Shield, and Northern Eagle defend the four northern and western regions, while the still very significant Grendel presence occupies the south and the east. They defend Apstrus, Apulus, and Screed (where stands the sinister {{Black Plateau}}) with at least the same fervour that the Empire defends Ateri, Cinion, Ankra, and Ossuary.

	In the absence of further conflict, reports of eerie dreams among the sensitive decline rapidly. Urizen illuminates report that the Black Plateau appears to be settling down again. The rumbles of thunder and hate that have been observed in recent seasons quieten down... but do not fall entirely silent.		In the absence of further conflict, reports of eerie dreams among the sensitive decline rapidly. Urizen illuminates report that the {{Black Plateau}} appears to be settling down again. The rumbles of thunder and hate that have been observed in recent seasons quieten down... but do not fall entirely silent.

	===Spies in Sarvos===		===Spies in Sarvos===