380YE Spring Equinox winds of war - Revision history

Twiggy at 22:50, 12 March 2026

2026-03-12T22:50:53Z

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	==Ruins of Grey Charge==		==Ruins of Grey Charge==
	Three armies march to [[Reikos]] via the mountains of [[Redoubt]]. The Granite Pillar, the Wolves of War, and the Quiet Step. Their journey through [[Urizen]] is not uneventful. The remnants of a [[Grendel]] ~~guerilla~~ force in the southern hills and mountains target Imperial forces, arranging ambushes and destroying bridges and roads in an effort to restrict travel through Redoubt. Yet their impact is blunted by a [[Rivers of Life\|potent spring enchantment]] laid over Redoubt, which heals all save the most lethal of injuries.		Three armies march to [[Reikos]] via the mountains of [[Redoubt]]. The Granite Pillar, the Wolves of War, and the Quiet Step. Their journey through [[Urizen]] is not uneventful. The remnants of a [[Grendel]] guerrilla force in the southern hills and mountains target Imperial forces, arranging ambushes and destroying bridges and roads in an effort to restrict travel through Redoubt. Yet their impact is blunted by a [[Rivers of Life\|potent spring enchantment]] laid over Redoubt, which heals all save the most lethal of injuries.

	On reaching the [[Highguard\|Highborn]] territory, the Empire's armies focus their attention on clearing out the barbarian [[orc\|orcs]] who still inhabit the westernmost regions. There is some resistance, but it is scattered and disorganised. Without the influence of the [[Druj\|Stone Toad]], the orc warriors seem incapable of proper coordination. Still, clearing them out is not a straightforward task - they have had plenty of time to prepare their defences.		On reaching the [[Highguard\|Highborn]] territory, the Empire's armies focus their attention on clearing out the barbarian [[orc\|orcs]] who still inhabit the westernmost regions. There is some resistance, but it is scattered and disorganised. Without the influence of the [[Druj\|Stone Toad]], the orc warriors seem incapable of proper coordination. Still, clearing them out is not a straightforward task - they have had plenty of time to prepare their defences.

Thespaceinvader: /* Salt and Glass */

2026-03-06T16:22:24Z

Salt and Glass

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:22, 6 March 2026
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	An anticipated wave of murder and destruction does not materialise. Indeed, those Grendel captains who come ashore seem almost cordial.		An anticipated wave of murder and destruction does not materialise. Indeed, those Grendel captains who come ashore seem almost cordial.

	Not so their savage troops, especially those fighting under the banner of the snarling dog. Having secured the city, they ruthlessly set about plundering the riches of Sarvos. The libraries of Diora University are not spared, nor are the treasures of the Capodomus cathedral, nor the businesses of the rebuilt Caricomare. Galleries are raided, museums looted, banks stripped of their valuables. Special care is taken to pillage the remains of the ~~Alvetti~~ estates, and the tomb of [[Empress Giselle]]. Observers (which includes a few magicians) are certain that the Grendel looters are under the effect of a potent spell, most likely a day magic enchantment, that allows them to effortlessly coordinate their merciless looting. No treasure, it seems, is safe from their avaricious gaze.		Not so their savage troops, especially those fighting under the banner of the snarling dog. Having secured the city, they ruthlessly set about plundering the riches of Sarvos. The libraries of Diora University are not spared, nor are the treasures of the Capodomus cathedral, nor the businesses of the rebuilt Caricomare. Galleries are raided, museums looted, banks stripped of their valuables. Special care is taken to pillage the remains of the Alivetti estates, and the tomb of [[Empress Giselle]]. Observers (which includes a few magicians) are certain that the Grendel looters are under the effect of a potent spell, most likely a day magic enchantment, that allows them to effortlessly coordinate their merciless looting. No treasure, it seems, is safe from their avaricious gaze.

	Only the embassies are left alone. The [[Iron Confederacy\|Suranni]] barricade their gates but the Grendel make no effort to breach them. The [[Asavean Archipelago\|Asaveans]] are much more sanguine. Their ambassador meets one of the Grendel captains in the formal gardens and makes it clear that any attack against the embassy will be considered an act of war. The ambassador and the orc discuss the matter politely over iced tea while outside the walls the orc warriors help themselves to the riches of the jewelled city.		Only the embassies are left alone. The [[Iron Confederacy\|Suranni]] barricade their gates but the Grendel make no effort to breach them. The [[Asavean Archipelago\|Asaveans]] are much more sanguine. Their ambassador meets one of the Grendel captains in the formal gardens and makes it clear that any attack against the embassy will be considered an act of war. The ambassador and the orc discuss the matter politely over iced tea while outside the walls the orc warriors help themselves to the riches of the jewelled city.

Twiggy at 23:03, 10 February 2026

2026-02-10T23:03:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:03, 10 February 2026
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	[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:380YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]		[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:380YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]
	~~==Overview==~~

	<box>Ian Horne has recorded these winds of war as audio files, so you can listen to them. The playlist begins [https://soundcloud.com/winds-of-war-fortune/sets/winds-of-war-spring-380-ye here]</box>		<box>Ian Horne has recorded these winds of war as audio files, so you can listen to them. The playlist begins [https://soundcloud.com/winds-of-war-fortune/sets/winds-of-war-spring-380-ye here]</box>


	==Fire on the Mountains==		==Fire on the Mountains==

Matt: Text replacement - "Military Council" to "Military Council"

2026-01-16T09:33:35Z

Text replacement - "Military Council" to "Military Council"

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	Indeed, some of them do not die at all.		Indeed, some of them do not die at all.

	Stories from the battlefields and the field hospitals of Northern Spiral speak of pale figures who move among those whose injuries place them beyond help. Wrapped in black or white robes over blackened armour they speak in quiet tones to the dying. Sometimes they offer a swift and painless death. Sometimes, the fallen rise from their deathbeds and accompany the pale figures into the darkness, never to be seen again. The [[~~Military Council\|~~Military Council]] has given leave to the servants of ''the [[Kaela\|Dark-Between-The-Stars]]'' to walk their battlefields and choose among the fallen those who might find a place in their mistresses' Grim Legion. The healing Spring enchantment means there are not many for them to choose from ... but there are enough.		Stories from the battlefields and the field hospitals of Northern Spiral speak of pale figures who move among those whose injuries place them beyond help. Wrapped in black or white robes over blackened armour they speak in quiet tones to the dying. Sometimes they offer a swift and painless death. Sometimes, the fallen rise from their deathbeds and accompany the pale figures into the darkness, never to be seen again. The [[Military Council]] has given leave to the servants of ''the [[Kaela\|Dark-Between-The-Stars]]'' to walk their battlefields and choose among the fallen those who might find a place in their mistresses' Grim Legion. The healing Spring enchantment means there are not many for them to choose from ... but there are enough.

	Only among the Citadel Guard do these grim harbingers find no opportunity to claim the fallen for their cold-hearted queen. Where the Urizen sentinels march, the heralds turn to watch them, their faces bleak, empty, but above all patient.		Only among the Citadel Guard do these grim harbingers find no opportunity to claim the fallen for their cold-hearted queen. Where the Urizen sentinels march, the heralds turn to watch them, their faces bleak, empty, but above all patient.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

2026-01-15T12:25:39Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:25, 15 January 2026
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	Indeed, some of them do not die at all.		Indeed, some of them do not die at all.

	Stories from the battlefields and the field hospitals of Northern Spiral speak of pale figures who move among those whose injuries place them beyond help. Wrapped in black or white robes over blackened armour they speak in quiet tones to the dying. Sometimes they offer a swift and painless death. Sometimes, the fallen rise from their deathbeds and accompany the pale figures into the darkness, never to be seen again. The [[~~Imperial~~ Military Council\|Military Council]] has given leave to the servants of ''the [[Kaela\|Dark-Between-The-Stars]]'' to walk their battlefields and choose among the fallen those who might find a place in their mistresses' Grim Legion. The healing Spring enchantment means there are not many for them to choose from ... but there are enough.		Stories from the battlefields and the field hospitals of Northern Spiral speak of pale figures who move among those whose injuries place them beyond help. Wrapped in black or white robes over blackened armour they speak in quiet tones to the dying. Sometimes they offer a swift and painless death. Sometimes, the fallen rise from their deathbeds and accompany the pale figures into the darkness, never to be seen again. The [[Military Council\|Military Council]] has given leave to the servants of ''the [[Kaela\|Dark-Between-The-Stars]]'' to walk their battlefields and choose among the fallen those who might find a place in their mistresses' Grim Legion. The healing Spring enchantment means there are not many for them to choose from ... but there are enough.

	Only among the Citadel Guard do these grim harbingers find no opportunity to claim the fallen for their cold-hearted queen. Where the Urizen sentinels march, the heralds turn to watch them, their faces bleak, empty, but above all patient.		Only among the Citadel Guard do these grim harbingers find no opportunity to claim the fallen for their cold-hearted queen. Where the Urizen sentinels march, the heralds turn to watch them, their faces bleak, empty, but above all patient.

Twiggy: /* Ruins of Gray Charge */

2025-08-13T08:22:47Z

Ruins of Gray Charge

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:22, 13 August 2025
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	The Empire has captured the regions of Cinion and Ankra, and made some progress into Ossuary. The sea-storms will cease shortly before the Spring Equinox, but they will mean that any fleet based in Spiral will have suffered a small penalty to its production or fighting strength.		The Empire has captured the regions of Cinion and Ankra, and made some progress into Ossuary. The sea-storms will cease shortly before the Spring Equinox, but they will mean that any fleet based in Spiral will have suffered a small penalty to its production or fighting strength.

	==Ruins of ~~Gray~~ Charge==		==Ruins of Grey Charge==
	Three armies march to [[Reikos]] via the mountains of [[Redoubt]]. The Granite Pillar, the Wolves of War, and the Quiet Step. Their journey through [[Urizen]] is not uneventful. The remnants of a [[Grendel]] guerilla force in the southern hills and mountains target Imperial forces, arranging ambushes and destroying bridges and roads in an effort to restrict travel through Redoubt. Yet their impact is blunted by a [[Rivers of Life\|potent spring enchantment]] laid over Redoubt, which heals all save the most lethal of injuries.		Three armies march to [[Reikos]] via the mountains of [[Redoubt]]. The Granite Pillar, the Wolves of War, and the Quiet Step. Their journey through [[Urizen]] is not uneventful. The remnants of a [[Grendel]] guerilla force in the southern hills and mountains target Imperial forces, arranging ambushes and destroying bridges and roads in an effort to restrict travel through Redoubt. Yet their impact is blunted by a [[Rivers of Life\|potent spring enchantment]] laid over Redoubt, which heals all save the most lethal of injuries.

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	As in Spiral, there are supernatural agents in Reikos. Wherever the Imperial armies fight they are accompanied by quiet, dour-faced agents of the [[Kaela\|Queen of Silence]]. They lurk patiently around the outskirts of the battles, watching. Now and again there are reports of them approaching a fallen orc and speaking in quiet tones with them. The fallen orcs disappear shortly thereafter, taken by the emissaries of the winter realm for their own purposes.		As in Spiral, there are supernatural agents in Reikos. Wherever the Imperial armies fight they are accompanied by quiet, dour-faced agents of the [[Kaela\|Queen of Silence]]. They lurk patiently around the outskirts of the battles, watching. Now and again there are reports of them approaching a fallen orc and speaking in quiet tones with them. The fallen orcs disappear shortly thereafter, taken by the emissaries of the winter realm for their own purposes.

	Over the course of the campaign, the Imperial forces clear most of the orcs from [[Reikos#~~Gray~~ Charge\|~~Gray~~ Charge]], and make significant headway in [[Reikos#Tamarbode\|Tamarbode]] ... but they do not complete the liberation of Reikos. Parts of Tamarbode, especially the mysterious [[Reikos#The_Sign_of_Tamar\|Sign of Tamar]], are still in barbarian hands. It will take at least another season to completely remove the lingering barbarian presence.		Over the course of the campaign, the Imperial forces clear most of the orcs from [[Reikos#Grey Charge\|Grey Charge]], and make significant headway in [[Reikos#Tamarbode\|Tamarbode]] ... but they do not complete the liberation of Reikos. Parts of Tamarbode, especially the mysterious [[Reikos#The_Sign_of_Tamar\|Sign of Tamar]], are still in barbarian hands. It will take at least another season to completely remove the lingering barbarian presence.

	Partly the slow progress is a result of the ever-present [[Druj miasma\|aura of fear]] the Druj have left behind them. Partly it is a result of the more cautious tactics employed by the League and Highborn armies - had they followed the Navarr lead there is no doubt that the last of the orcs would have been driven out of Reikos.		Partly the slow progress is a result of the ever-present [[Druj miasma\|aura of fear]] the Druj have left behind them. Partly it is a result of the more cautious tactics employed by the League and Highborn armies - had they followed the Navarr lead there is no doubt that the last of the orcs would have been driven out of Reikos.

	===Game Information===		===Game Information===
	Imperial forces have conquered ~~Gray~~ Charge and made some progress in taking Tamarbode. All three armies have suffered some casualties for passing through Redoubt, although they are reduced due to the presence of the Rivers of Life [[enchantment]] on Redoubt.		Imperial forces have conquered Grey Charge and made some progress in taking Tamarbode. All three armies have suffered some casualties for passing through Redoubt, although they are reduced due to the presence of the Rivers of Life [[enchantment]] on Redoubt.

	==Under a Crimson Sky==		==Under a Crimson Sky==
	[[Crusade]]! Say the word softly, and see the banners raised in the Dawnish mind's eye. With the Hounds of Glory and the Eastern Sky fighting in distant Urizen, and the Gryphon's Pride not yet ready to march, it falls to the Golden Sun to raise those banners over [[The Barrens#Dawnguard\|Dawnguard]]. Into [[the Barrens]] they march, the first Dawnish army in the Barrens in generations.		[[Crusade]]! Say the word softly, and see the banners raised in the Dawnish mind's eye. With the Hounds of Glory and the Eastern Sky fighting in distant Urizen, and the Gryphon's Pride not yet ready to march, it falls to the Golden Sun to raise those banners over [[The Barrens#Dawnguard\|Dawnguard]]. Into [[the Barrens]] they march, the first Dawnish army in the Barrens in generations.

Twiggy at 01:29, 7 August 2025

2025-08-07T01:29:24Z

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	A [[Rivers Run Red\|malign miasma]] falls over the Barrens. It comes without warning; one morning the twilight before sunrise is tinged with a deep, malevolent crimson. The rain that falls is oily, heavy, thick with the implication of sickness and dread. Corruption creeps into the water. A thin film of foulness covers everything from breakfast wine to garden ponds to fountains to the bee-painted waterskins of the Varushkans. The rivers run with death, and uncleanliness. Blood flows sluggishly; injuries do not heal. No wound is suffered save that it festers, turns black. The soldiers of Holberg mutter with grim certainty. They have had a great deal of experience with these conditions, having fought for decades under the periodic taint of this particular curse.		A [[Rivers Run Red\|malign miasma]] falls over the Barrens. It comes without warning; one morning the twilight before sunrise is tinged with a deep, malevolent crimson. The rain that falls is oily, heavy, thick with the implication of sickness and dread. Corruption creeps into the water. A thin film of foulness covers everything from breakfast wine to garden ponds to fountains to the bee-painted waterskins of the Varushkans. The rivers run with death, and uncleanliness. Blood flows sluggishly; injuries do not heal. No wound is suffered save that it festers, turns black. The soldiers of Holberg mutter with grim certainty. They have had a great deal of experience with these conditions, having fought for decades under the periodic taint of this particular curse.

	It strikes both sides; the knights of Dawn and the barbaric orcs feel its sting in equal measure. Yet it is the barbarians who suffer the lion's share of casualties. The Imperial tactic of withdrawing back to the defences in the face of orc aggression ~~minimizes~~ losses, at the same time as the twisted enchantment causes the deaths of so many who might otherwise have survived.		It strikes both sides; the knights of Dawn and the barbaric orcs feel its sting in equal measure. Yet it is the barbarians who suffer the lion's share of casualties. The Imperial tactic of withdrawing back to the defences in the face of orc aggression minimises losses, at the same time as the twisted enchantment causes the deaths of so many who might otherwise have survived.

	The orcs fight on as best they can, but they make little progress against the Imperial defenders. As the year draws to a close, the noble estates of Dawnguard are littered with the corpses of dead orcs.		The orcs fight on as best they can, but they make little progress against the Imperial defenders. As the year draws to a close, the noble estates of Dawnguard are littered with the corpses of dead orcs.

Dre at 18:02, 29 December 2023

2023-12-29T18:02:39Z

Emmanovi: /* Fire on the Mountains */ "men and women" > "horns

2023-12-12T10:31:59Z

Fire on the Mountains: "men and women" > "horns

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:31, 12 December 2023
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	The Northern Eagle, and the Green Shield can barely keep up with the other three. The Grendel have taken up defensive positions throughout the territory, readying themselves for the hammer blow of Imperial forces, but again and again they are driven back. The Empire does not have everything its own way; the Grendel forces expertly coordinate their defences with supernatural clarity. While their forces are spread out and outnumbered, the orc troops possess an almost instinctive intuition for what their fellows are doing, and their armies move with cool precision to slow the Imperial advance.		The Northern Eagle, and the Green Shield can barely keep up with the other three. The Grendel have taken up defensive positions throughout the territory, readying themselves for the hammer blow of Imperial forces, but again and again they are driven back. The Empire does not have everything its own way; the Grendel forces expertly coordinate their defences with supernatural clarity. While their forces are spread out and outnumbered, the orc troops possess an almost instinctive intuition for what their fellows are doing, and their armies move with cool precision to slow the Imperial advance.

	Some of the most brutal fighting of the campaign takes place in the valleys below Ossen's Spire in Ankra. At the gateway to Damakan's Forge the Grendel have prepared makeshift defences and meet the Imperial forces in a pitched battle. At the height of the fighting, with the Citadel Guard in the vanguard, something unexpected happens. Whether some long-forgotten magic is disturbed, or whether it is some trick prepared by the Grendel is unclear, but a great wildfire sweeps across the battlefield consuming orc and human and elfin knight with equal hunger. Thanks to the healing magic in the waters the casualties are somewhat reduced, but nearly a thousand ~~men, women,~~ and orcs are slain or permanently maimed in the eldritch flames. The flames burn for a day and a night, and nothing dampens them. Only when they have run out of fuel do they flicker and die. The next day, the wind is full of choking ash and burnt cinders.		Some of the most brutal fighting of the campaign takes place in the valleys below Ossen's Spire in Ankra. At the gateway to Damakan's Forge the Grendel have prepared makeshift defences and meet the Imperial forces in a pitched battle. At the height of the fighting, with the Citadel Guard in the vanguard, something unexpected happens. Whether some long-forgotten magic is disturbed, or whether it is some trick prepared by the Grendel is unclear, but a great wildfire sweeps across the battlefield consuming orc and human and elfin knight with equal hunger. Thanks to the healing magic in the waters the casualties are somewhat reduced, but nearly a thousand humans and orcs are slain or permanently maimed in the eldritch flames. The flames burn for a day and a night, and nothing dampens them. Only when they have run out of fuel do they flicker and die. The next day, the wind is full of choking ash and burnt cinders.

	The fire was hot enough to melt stone and even metal, powerful enough to buckle and warp even mithril armour and weapons. Ossen's Spire is consumed by the flames, and there is significant damage to Damakan's Forge as well. The slopes of Cinion are swept clean of trees and even the dark purple heather is reduced to blackened ruin. Paragons preserve those who were caught in the woodlands when the river of flame poured down the mountainside.		The fire was hot enough to melt stone and even metal, powerful enough to buckle and warp even mithril armour and weapons. Ossen's Spire is consumed by the flames, and there is significant damage to Damakan's Forge as well. The slopes of Cinion are swept clean of trees and even the dark purple heather is reduced to blackened ruin. Paragons preserve those who were caught in the woodlands when the river of flame poured down the mountainside.
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	Only the Citadel Guard are untouched by the fire. It marks the end of the battle for Cinion - the Grendel forces flee east toward Ankra, and after a short respite the Imperials follow.		Only the Citadel Guard are untouched by the fire. It marks the end of the battle for Cinion - the Grendel forces flee east toward Ankra, and after a short respite the Imperials follow.

	First Cinion falls to the Empire, then Ankra, and the Empire makes significant headway towards recapturing the mithril mines at Ossuary. There are casualties, of course, despite the power of the healing waters. Perhaps two-and-a-half thousand ~~men and women~~ and orcs fall, all told. While their wounds too severe even for the potent healing magic to save them, not all those who fall die immediately.		First Cinion falls to the Empire, then Ankra, and the Empire makes significant headway towards recapturing the mithril mines at Ossuary. There are casualties, of course, despite the power of the healing waters. Perhaps two-and-a-half thousand humans and orcs fall, all told. While their wounds too severe even for the potent healing magic to save them, not all those who fall die immediately.

	Indeed, some of them do not die at all.		Indeed, some of them do not die at all.

Noserenda: /* This Far, No Further */

2020-08-13T13:38:08Z

This Far, No Further

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:38, 13 August 2020
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	Unfortunately, the Imperial strategy does not count on the rage of the Jotun.		Unfortunately, the Imperial strategy does not count on the rage of the Jotun.

	Orc ~~reinfocements~~ have marched uncontested through the forests of Liathaven to join the Jotun armies falling back before the Imperial advance. After their stinging defeat in Ore Hills, the barbarians rally under a banner surmounted by the ~~masive~~ skull of an elder mandowla.		Orc reinforcements have marched uncontested through the forests of Liathaven to join the Jotun armies falling back before the Imperial advance. After their stinging defeat in Ore Hills, the barbarians rally under a banner surmounted by the massive skull of an elder mandowla.

	These new forces do not fall back. On the contrary, they draw a line, and then they hold it.		These new forces do not fall back. On the contrary, they draw a line, and then they hold it.

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:02, 29 December 2023
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	The waters of Spiral are further [[Rivers of Life\|infused with life-giving essence]]. The hail, the sleet, the rain, the salt-water and the fresh; Spring healing magic flows through them all. It ripples across the icy walls of the [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|frozen citadel]] raised in the hills of Ateri, where a garrison of one-eyed giants watches both east and west for Grendel aggression. Only the most calamitous of wounds are fatal; rarely do any of the soldiers fighting over this mountainous land die save through malice. Both human and orc benefit from the benediction of the life-giving waters.		The waters of Spiral are further [[Rivers of Life\|infused with life-giving essence]]. The hail, the sleet, the rain, the salt-water and the fresh; Spring healing magic flows through them all. It ripples across the icy walls of the [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|frozen citadel]] raised in the hills of Ateri, where a garrison of one-eyed giants watches both east and west for Grendel aggression. Only the most calamitous of wounds are fatal; rarely do any of the soldiers fighting over this mountainous land die save through malice. Both human and orc benefit from the benediction of the life-giving waters.

	Fighting past the adventurous Grendel forces in Redoubt, Dawnish forces come to join the campaign in Spiral. The Hounds of Glory charge north and east through [[Spiral#Cinion\|Cinion]] and [[Spiral#Ankra\|Ankra]] (avoiding [[Spiral#Screed\|Screed]], and the [[Spiral#The_Black_Plateau\|black behemoth]] that lurks at its heart). Alongside the Dawnish march a [[Knights of Glory\|host of eternal soldiers]] in crimson-and-gold livery. Sharp ears, spreading antlers, flowing manes, mithril-and-gold chain, and deadly spears. The cyclopean warriors defending the icy citadel curl their lips as the elfin host passes. The knights of [[Eleonaris]] glare back at the warriors of [[Cathan Canae]], not bothering to conceal their anger. Imperial soldiers who fight alongside them can attest to their rage. The Imperial Conclave has declared their Queen to be an enemy of the Empire, after all. Bound by ancient oaths, they must fight when they are called forth. But they do not have to be happy about it. More than one of their human "comrades" is concerned about the legality of what they are doing; the knights of glory are inseparable from their mistress and the power of the ritual that calls them [[Amity and enmity#Enmity\|proscribed by law]]. It is likely the magistrates will investigate the situation that has ~~lead~~ to three thousand of Eleonaris' troops marching alongside those of Dawn.		Fighting past the adventurous Grendel forces in Redoubt, Dawnish forces come to join the campaign in Spiral. The Hounds of Glory charge north and east through [[Spiral#Cinion\|Cinion]] and [[Spiral#Ankra\|Ankra]] (avoiding [[Spiral#Screed\|Screed]], and the [[Spiral#The_Black_Plateau\|black behemoth]] that lurks at its heart). Alongside the Dawnish march a [[Knights of Glory\|host of eternal soldiers]] in crimson-and-gold livery. Sharp ears, spreading antlers, flowing manes, mithril-and-gold chain, and deadly spears. The cyclopean warriors defending the icy citadel curl their lips as the elfin host passes. The knights of [[Eleonaris]] glare back at the warriors of [[Cathan Canae]], not bothering to conceal their anger. Imperial soldiers who fight alongside them can attest to their rage. The Imperial Conclave has declared their Queen to be an enemy of the Empire, after all. Bound by ancient oaths, they must fight when they are called forth. But they do not have to be happy about it. More than one of their human "comrades" is concerned about the legality of what they are doing; the knights of glory are inseparable from their mistress and the power of the ritual that calls them [[Amity and enmity#Enmity\|proscribed by law]]. It is likely the magistrates will investigate the situation that has led to three thousand of Eleonaris' troops marching alongside those of Dawn.

	The knights of glory have ample opportunity to express their anger; the Hounds of Glory charge triumphantly down on the Grendel whenever the opportunity presents itself. The army unleashes its collective wrath against the orcs, seeking victory whatever the cost. The Eastern Sky strives to match their glorious example, engaging in their own overwhelming assault against the defences of Spiral's occupation force.		The knights of glory have ample opportunity to express their anger; the Hounds of Glory charge triumphantly down on the Grendel whenever the opportunity presents itself. The army unleashes its collective wrath against the orcs, seeking victory whatever the cost. The Eastern Sky strives to match their glorious example, engaging in their own overwhelming assault against the defences of Spiral's occupation force.
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	[[Crusade]]! Say the word softly, and see the banners raised in the Dawnish mind's eye. With the Hounds of Glory and the Eastern Sky fighting in distant Urizen, and the Gryphon's Pride not yet ready to march, it falls to the Golden Sun to raise those banners over [[The Barrens#Dawnguard\|Dawnguard]]. Into [[the Barrens]] they march, the first Dawnish army in the Barrens in generations.		[[Crusade]]! Say the word softly, and see the banners raised in the Dawnish mind's eye. With the Hounds of Glory and the Eastern Sky fighting in distant Urizen, and the Gryphon's Pride not yet ready to march, it falls to the Golden Sun to raise those banners over [[The Barrens#Dawnguard\|Dawnguard]]. Into [[the Barrens]] they march, the first Dawnish army in the Barrens in generations.

	Alongside them come the Towerjacks of [[Holberg]], and the [[Varushka\|Varushkan]] Golden Axe. They strike their camp in the shadow of the [[The_Barrens#Towers_of_the_Dawn\|Towers of the Dawn]] and prepare to defend the Dawnish [[territory]]. The crusade has had the desired effect, it seems. The armies are joined by some six thousand Dawnish troops ~~lead~~ by independent captains, and one band of [[Imperial Orcs]]. The [[military unit\|auxiliary forces]] are split roughly half-and-half between directly supporting the Golden Sun and garrisoning the Towers of the Dawn.		Alongside them come the Towerjacks of [[Holberg]], and the [[Varushka\|Varushkan]] Golden Axe. They strike their camp in the shadow of the [[The_Barrens#Towers_of_the_Dawn\|Towers of the Dawn]] and prepare to defend the Dawnish [[territory]]. The crusade has had the desired effect, it seems. The armies are joined by some six thousand Dawnish troops led by independent captains, and one band of [[Imperial Orcs]]. The [[military unit\|auxiliary forces]] are split roughly half-and-half between directly supporting the Golden Sun and garrisoning the Towers of the Dawn.

	The armies are ordered to avoid engagements with the barbarian orcs as much as possible, merely attempting to slow their advance. There is some dissent from the Dawnish captains outraged by the inglorious defensive strategy, but the orders are clear. Give ground, do not engage except where necessary, let the enemy come to us.		The armies are ordered to avoid engagements with the barbarian orcs as much as possible, merely attempting to slow their advance. There is some dissent from the Dawnish captains outraged by the inglorious defensive strategy, but the orders are clear. Give ground, do not engage except where necessary, let the enemy come to us.
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	This winter in the Marches is harsh. In the wake of the disastrous harvest, spare food is in short supply. Belts are tightened. Compromises made.		This winter in the Marches is harsh. In the wake of the disastrous harvest, spare food is in short supply. Belts are tightened. Compromises made.

	Nearly forty-thousand Imperial soldiers fight in the Mournwold, supported by perhaps another five thousand troops ~~lead~~ by independent captains. They outnumber their barbaric opponents nearly two-to-one. The Jotun have a fortification at Southmoor - but the Marchers control a fortification of their own on the Greensward, and work has already begun on a second castle in Ore Hills.		Nearly forty-thousand Imperial soldiers fight in the Mournwold, supported by perhaps another five thousand troops led by independent captains. They outnumber their barbaric opponents nearly two-to-one. The Jotun have a fortification at Southmoor - but the Marchers control a fortification of their own on the Greensward, and work has already begun on a second castle in Ore Hills.

	The Valiant Pegasus prepare to unleash hell against the Jotun fortification in the ruins of old Sarcombe, in Southmoor. They bring up catapults, siege towers, and ladders. The Seventh Wave is ready to support them, the Tusks and the Strong Reeds ready to exploit any weakness the engines reveal.		The Valiant Pegasus prepare to unleash hell against the Jotun fortification in the ruins of old Sarcombe, in Southmoor. They bring up catapults, siege towers, and ladders. The Seventh Wave is ready to support them, the Tusks and the Strong Reeds ready to exploit any weakness the engines reveal.
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	For three months, the Empire throws everything it has in the Mourn at the Jotun armies. For three months, they take everything the Imperials have to offer, and hand it back to them.		For three months, the Empire throws everything it has in the Mourn at the Jotun armies. For three months, they take everything the Imperials have to offer, and hand it back to them.

	~~Lead~~ by a mountainous orc wielding a two-handed warhammer the Empire batters itself against the Jotun defences and makes absolutely no headway. The barbarians fight without quarter. This is unsurprising, perhaps, given that the Winter Sun in particular take special pleasure in murdering any Jotun that fall in their hands, and the Summer Storm slaughter any enemy - orc or human - who gets in their way. And there is more than enough blood spilled for even the thirstiest Imperial Orc.		Led by a mountainous orc wielding a two-handed warhammer the Empire batters itself against the Jotun defences and makes absolutely no headway. The barbarians fight without quarter. This is unsurprising, perhaps, given that the Winter Sun in particular take special pleasure in murdering any Jotun that fall in their hands, and the Summer Storm slaughter any enemy - orc or human - who gets in their way. And there is more than enough blood spilled for even the thirstiest Imperial Orc.

	The Jotun seem to burn with an absolute confidence that they cannot be defeated. Oh, their warriors fall in battle but those who do not fall soon return to the fray. As near as the scouts of the Seventh Wave can tell, the new Jotun forces include many thralls - human and orc alike - trained in the medicinal arts, and even some magician-healers. They do everything they can to help the Jotun hold against the Imperial advance.		The Jotun seem to burn with an absolute confidence that they cannot be defeated. Oh, their warriors fall in battle but those who do not fall soon return to the fray. As near as the scouts of the Seventh Wave can tell, the new Jotun forces include many thralls - human and orc alike - trained in the medicinal arts, and even some magician-healers. They do everything they can to help the Jotun hold against the Imperial advance.
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	The fields are scattered with the dead and the dying, and between them pick the chosen of the Black Dog. They are untouched by the warriors of either side, walking with the protection of the military council when they are among the Imperials, and under some protection of their own when they walk among the Jotun. Now and again they stop, and speak to one of the fallen. Sometimes, they raise up one of the dying and escort them from the battlefield. Only if someone tries to impede them in their strange duty do they fight, revealing a ruthless, supernatural skill. The Jotun make no attempt to bar their way, and after the first Imperial Orc tries to stand between one and the Jotun she has chosen, no Imperial gets in their way, either. Those who leave a battlefield with the black-clad, pale-skinned emissaries of the Queen of Silence are not seen again.		The fields are scattered with the dead and the dying, and between them pick the chosen of the Black Dog. They are untouched by the warriors of either side, walking with the protection of the military council when they are among the Imperials, and under some protection of their own when they walk among the Jotun. Now and again they stop, and speak to one of the fallen. Sometimes, they raise up one of the dying and escort them from the battlefield. Only if someone tries to impede them in their strange duty do they fight, revealing a ruthless, supernatural skill. The Jotun make no attempt to bar their way, and after the first Imperial Orc tries to stand between one and the Jotun she has chosen, no Imperial gets in their way, either. Those who leave a battlefield with the black-clad, pale-skinned emissaries of the Queen of Silence are not seen again.

	As the Spring Equinox draws closer, the leaders of the Imperial forces must face the cold fact that they have achieved nothing in this cold, bitter winter ... nothing save a slaughter on an almost unprecedented scale.		As the Spring Equinox draws closer, the leaders of the Imperial forces must face the cold fact that they have achieved nothing in this cold, bitter winter... nothing save a slaughter on an almost unprecedented scale.

	Nearly three thousand Imperial troops will never fight again. Yet the Jotun defence has cost them at least twice that many of their own forces.		Nearly three thousand Imperial troops will never fight again. Yet the Jotun defence has cost them at least twice that many of their own forces.
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	A little over six weeks ago, the first ships arrived on the shores of Sarvos bearing orcs.		A little over six weeks ago, the first ships arrived on the shores of Sarvos bearing orcs.

	Unfortunately, they were not the orcs everyone was expecting ...		Unfortunately, they were not the orcs everyone was expecting...

	Out of the blue, the Grendel launch a naval invasion of the island of Cigno. Their ships disgorge thousands of orc troops into the streets of the city. There is almost no warning - the ships are cloaked by the sinister fog that has covered the bay of Catazar for the last six months, and they seem to have little difficulty avoiding - or sinking - any Imperial ships between them and their destination. They strike with absolute confidence, and it is clear that they seem to ''know'' that there are no significant forces in a position to prevent their conquest of the islands.		Out of the blue, the Grendel launch a naval invasion of the island of Cigno. Their ships disgorge thousands of orc troops into the streets of the city. There is almost no warning - the ships are cloaked by the sinister fog that has covered the bay of Catazar for the last six months, and they seem to have little difficulty avoiding - or sinking - any Imperial ships between them and their destination. They strike with absolute confidence, and it is clear that they seem to ''know'' that there are no significant forces in a position to prevent their conquest of the islands.