382YE Winter Solstice winds of war - Revision history

Twiggy at 17:02, 7 April 2026

2026-04-07T17:02:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:02, 7 April 2026
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	There is some quick talk of turning back, but the captains will have none of it. They are here to do a job - and while the Feni might live in a magical place, they are still mortal people. The soldiers rally, regroup, and resume their march.		There is some quick talk of turning back, but the captains will have none of it. They are here to do a job - and while the Feni might live in a magical place, they are still mortal people. The soldiers rally, regroup, and resume their march.

	''Now'' there is sign of habitation. Eerie curling designs carved into the boles of massive trees. Unsettling arrangements of sticks, feathers, bones, and rope hang from their branches turning this way and that in the breeze. Circles of black stone and white granite dolmen in clearings, surrounding patches of ground covered with healthy [[bladeroot]] and [[True Vervain]] plants. And, increasingly, peculiar spindly effigies with bodies of tattered leather, cloth, and bracken and fleshless skeletal heads of large birds, bears, oxen, and even horses. These last - these unnatural scarecrows - are especially unsettling. Where they can. the soldiers pull them down and trample them underfoot.		''Now'' there is sign of habitation. Eerie curling designs carved into the boles of massive trees. Unsettling arrangements of sticks, feathers, bones, and rope hang from their branches turning this way and that in the breeze. Circles of black stone and white granite dolmen in clearings, surrounding patches of ground covered with healthy [[bladeroot]] and [[True Vervain\|true vervain]] plants. And, increasingly, peculiar spindly effigies with bodies of tattered leather, cloth, and bracken and fleshless skeletal heads of large birds, bears, oxen, and even horses. These last - these unnatural scarecrows - are especially unsettling. Where they can. the soldiers pull them down and trample them underfoot.

	Then the first Feni are encountered, moving quickly between the trees. They are stealthy ambushers blending into the undergrowth as they launch volleys of arrows and barbed javelins against the flanks of the Marcher army. Quick skirmishers emerge from hiding, striking quickly and then retreating back into the shadows beneath the trees, leaving an unlucky few down and bleeding.		Then the first Feni are encountered, moving quickly between the trees. They are stealthy ambushers blending into the undergrowth as they launch volleys of arrows and barbed javelins against the flanks of the Marcher army. Quick skirmishers emerge from hiding, striking quickly and then retreating back into the shadows beneath the trees, leaving an unlucky few down and bleeding.

Twiggy at 16:13, 22 March 2026

2026-03-22T16:13:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:13, 22 March 2026
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	The fighting begins on the quaysides, then spills into the narrow streets of the city proper. Unsurprisingly, the League excels here; bravos raised on hundreds of brawls in the alleys of [[Tassato]] and [[Sarvos]], on the walls of [[Holberg]], in the backstreets of [[Temeschwar]] use the terrain to their advantage, engaging in close-quarters fighting and daring smash-and-grab raids against the wealth of the Grendel. And everywhere through the fray there are the Urizen; wielding their strength with preternatural calm, striking with relentless surgical precision where they can best turn the tide of a fight then moving quickly to a new location. Sentinels and battle-mages bring succour to the injured, help to free warbands that have been pinned down, guide stragglers back to their allies, and direct the terrified slaves to the safety of the docks.		The fighting begins on the quaysides, then spills into the narrow streets of the city proper. Unsurprisingly, the League excels here; bravos raised on hundreds of brawls in the alleys of [[Tassato]] and [[Sarvos]], on the walls of [[Holberg]], in the backstreets of [[Temeschwar]] use the terrain to their advantage, engaging in close-quarters fighting and daring smash-and-grab raids against the wealth of the Grendel. And everywhere through the fray there are the Urizen; wielding their strength with preternatural calm, striking with relentless surgical precision where they can best turn the tide of a fight then moving quickly to a new location. Sentinels and battle-mages bring succour to the injured, help to free warbands that have been pinned down, guide stragglers back to their allies, and direct the terrified slaves to the safety of the docks.

	Dubhtraig is city of wealth and poverty, where hovels cluster against the walls of garishly decorated palaces. Vicious fighting spreads through the urban landscape as the nobles and the lower classes alike seek to defend what they have from the ~~imperial~~ assailants. Rich estate after rich estate falls to the Empire's soldiers; orc lords and ladies sent fleeing to the great walled palace of Salt Lord Suriad. A legion of disciplined purple-and-gold clad orc warriors defends the walls of the palace, holding it against all Imperial attackers. The walls seem impenetrable...		Dubhtraig is city of wealth and poverty, where hovels cluster against the walls of garishly decorated palaces. Vicious fighting spreads through the urban landscape as the nobles and the lower classes alike seek to defend what they have from the Imperial assailants. Rich estate after rich estate falls to the Empire's soldiers; orc lords and ladies sent fleeing to the great walled palace of Salt Lord Suriad. A legion of disciplined purple-and-gold clad orc warriors defends the walls of the palace, holding it against all Imperial attackers. The walls seem impenetrable...

	... and then the first of the [[Lions_of_Phoenix_Reach\|enchanted beasts conjured by the Highborn]] arrive. Three great burning bulls, a pair of massive rams, and a single behemoth bear roar across the docks one after another, unleashing their devastating power. The walls weather the first three strikes... then one of the towers begins to crumble... then as the final great burning oxen strikes the weirwood gates, with a terrible rumbling moan the gatehouse of Lady Suriad's sanctuary collapses allowing Imperial soldiers - led by a triumphantly bellowing vanguard of heavily-armoured Dawnish knights and Wintermark warriors - to pour through the breach into the heart of the Salt Lords court.		... and then the first of the [[Lions_of_Phoenix_Reach\|enchanted beasts conjured by the Highborn]] arrive. Three great burning bulls, a pair of massive rams, and a single behemoth bear roar across the docks one after another, unleashing their devastating power. The walls weather the first three strikes... then one of the towers begins to crumble... then as the final great burning oxen strikes the weirwood gates, with a terrible rumbling moan the gatehouse of Lady Suriad's sanctuary collapses allowing Imperial soldiers - led by a triumphantly bellowing vanguard of heavily-armoured Dawnish knights and Wintermark warriors - to pour through the breach into the heart of the Salt Lords court.

Twiggy at 16:00, 16 March 2026

2026-03-16T16:00:50Z

Twiggy at 15:57, 16 March 2026

2026-03-16T15:57:53Z

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	There have been significant losses on both sides. The Empire has lost around a thousand soldiers - the exact numbers are still being calculated. Many of those lost warriors fell under Druj blades, but perhaps two hundred or more are simply unaccounted for. Sentries who disappeared in the night, scouts and bands of knights who simply never returned from the woods. It is impossible to know how many the Thule have lost - they are closed lipped on the matter - but rumours circulating among the Varushkans is that they brought thirty thousand orcs into Ossium out of Karsk and there are whispered reports that they have lost at least as many as the Empire.		There have been significant losses on both sides. The Empire has lost around a thousand soldiers - the exact numbers are still being calculated. Many of those lost warriors fell under Druj blades, but perhaps two hundred or more are simply unaccounted for. Sentries who disappeared in the night, scouts and bands of knights who simply never returned from the woods. It is impossible to know how many the Thule have lost - they are closed lipped on the matter - but rumours circulating among the Varushkans is that they brought thirty thousand orcs into Ossium out of Karsk and there are whispered reports that they have lost at least as many as the Empire.

	Some of those rumours come from human slaves; three weeks before the Solstice, a Thule warband marches south from Krevsaty and unceremoniously delivers nearly a hundred-and-fifty terrified humans into the hands of the surprised people of [[Karsk#Ivarsgard\|~~Iversgard~~]]. These, apparently, represent Imperials enslaved by the Druj over the last thirty years, forced to labour in the weirwood forest of Bonewood. The Thule offer no further explanation and return to their holdings in the north.		Some of those rumours come from human slaves; three weeks before the Solstice, a Thule warband marches south from Krevsaty and unceremoniously delivers nearly a hundred-and-fifty terrified humans into the hands of the surprised people of [[Karsk#Ivarsgard\|Ivarsgard]]. These, apparently, represent Imperials enslaved by the Druj over the last thirty years, forced to labour in the weirwood forest of Bonewood. The Thule offer no further explanation and return to their holdings in the north.

	As to the Druj ... it is hard to say for certain but it certainly appears that the former orc rulers of Ossium have been slaughtered. Their Tower of the Scorpion has been taken, and while an exact tally of their losses will probably never be made, there are ''thousands'' of orc corpses littering the western forests of Ossium.		As to the Druj ... it is hard to say for certain but it certainly appears that the former orc rulers of Ossium have been slaughtered. Their Tower of the Scorpion has been taken, and while an exact tally of their losses will probably never be made, there are ''thousands'' of orc corpses littering the western forests of Ossium.

Twiggy: /* The Rattle of the Bones */

2026-03-08T15:13:14Z

The Rattle of the Bones

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:13, 8 March 2026
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	==The Rattle of the Bones==		==The Rattle of the Bones==
	There are three armies in the Mournwold, marched up from Segura past Fort Braydon to deal with the Feni problem. While the Quiet Step and the Strong Reeds concern themselves with ushering the Feni of the Woods-that-Fell south and west, out of the Mourn into the shadowed forest of Liathaven, the Drakes have ~~and~~ altogether more difficult task ahead of them.		There are three armies in the Mournwold, marched up from Segura past Fort Braydon to deal with the Feni problem. While the Quiet Step and the Strong Reeds concern themselves with ushering the Feni of the Woods-that-Fell south and west, out of the Mourn into the shadowed forest of Liathaven, the Drakes have an altogether more difficult task ahead of them.

	The 'Step and the 'Reeds have an uneventful three months. Whatever fight the Feni exiles once had was consumed by the seemingly bottomless sinkhole that swallowed their homes. Under the watchful eyes of the two Imperial armies, they move quickly, with little fuss, down from the [[Mournwold#Chalkdowns\|Chalkdowns]] through [[Mournwold#Southmoor\|Southmoor]] and out of [[the Marches]] into the wilderness of [[Liathaven#Liaven's Glen\|Liaven's Glen]].		The 'Step and the 'Reeds have an uneventful three months. Whatever fight the Feni exiles once had was consumed by the seemingly bottomless sinkhole that swallowed their homes. Under the watchful eyes of the two Imperial armies, they move quickly, with little fuss, down from the [[Mournwold#Chalkdowns\|Chalkdowns]] through [[Mournwold#Southmoor\|Southmoor]] and out of [[the Marches]] into the wilderness of [[Liathaven#Liaven's Glen\|Liaven's Glen]].

Twiggy at 19:09, 25 February 2026

2026-02-25T19:09:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:09, 25 February 2026
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	While the majority of their forces are focused on claiming territory, the Corazón employ the same strategy they used in Kahraman; raiding extensively across the entire territory. They focus their attacks on rich farms and settlements - using their knowledge of the territory they once controlled to strike at the richest targets. While their fellows capture the [[Segura_spoils_of_war#Kabalai_Palace\|Kabalai Palace]] and the [[Segura_spoils_of_war#The_Garden_of_Sighs\|Garden of Sighs]], the Corazón assault the [[Segura_spoils_of_war#The_Golden_Terraces\|Golden Terraces]] in Anozeseri. The orange groves quickly fall to the fast-moving raiders but they do not remain there long. Once the leading edge of the orc advance washes over the orchards the Corazón head north to attack the [[Segura_spoils_of_war#The_Red_Fields\|Red Fields]] on the [[Segura#Iron_Plains\|Iron Plains]] and [[Segura_spoils_of_war#Sunsong_Ranch\|Sunsong Ranch]] in eastern [[Segura#Burnish\|Burnish]].		While the majority of their forces are focused on claiming territory, the Corazón employ the same strategy they used in Kahraman; raiding extensively across the entire territory. They focus their attacks on rich farms and settlements - using their knowledge of the territory they once controlled to strike at the richest targets. While their fellows capture the [[Segura_spoils_of_war#Kabalai_Palace\|Kabalai Palace]] and the [[Segura_spoils_of_war#The_Garden_of_Sighs\|Garden of Sighs]], the Corazón assault the [[Segura_spoils_of_war#The_Golden_Terraces\|Golden Terraces]] in Anozeseri. The orange groves quickly fall to the fast-moving raiders but they do not remain there long. Once the leading edge of the orc advance washes over the orchards the Corazón head north to attack the [[Segura_spoils_of_war#The_Red_Fields\|Red Fields]] on the [[Segura#Iron_Plains\|Iron Plains]] and [[Segura_spoils_of_war#Sunsong_Ranch\|Sunsong Ranch]] in eastern [[Segura#Burnish\|Burnish]].

	These raids bring them into direct conflict with the refugees from [[Zemress islander\|Zemress island]], who now occupy much of [[Segura#Yellow Chase\|Yellow Chase]] and the [[Segura#Sorbal Grasses\|~~Sorbal~~ Grasses]]. The exiles are taken as much by surprise as their neighbours; they have few defenders among their number and their farms suffer the same depredations as the rest of the Seguran Freeborn. Perhaps if the [[Construct_Iron_Qanat\|Iron Qanat]] had been constructed the story would have been different - but even had that project not be cursed with delays and misfortune it could not have been built in time to stem the orc invasion without [[Hammers_of_the_Brilliant_Shore\|potent magic]].		These raids bring them into direct conflict with the refugees from [[Zemress islander\|Zemress island]], who now occupy much of [[Segura#Yellow Chase\|Yellow Chase]] and the [[Segura#Sorbal Grasses\|Sobral Grasses]]. The exiles are taken as much by surprise as their neighbours; they have few defenders among their number and their farms suffer the same depredations as the rest of the Seguran Freeborn. Perhaps if the [[Construct_Iron_Qanat\|Iron Qanat]] had been constructed the story would have been different - but even had that project not be cursed with delays and misfortune it could not have been built in time to stem the orc invasion without [[Hammers_of_the_Brilliant_Shore\|potent magic]].

	As the Winter Solstice approaches, the western orcs are in complete control of Anduzjasse, and have made significant progress toward capturing Anozeseri. Yet... there is something different about this invasion of the Brass Coast. While it is not the bloody conquest that saw the Lasambrians take the entire territory in 363YE, it is also not the traditional Jotun invasion the Empire has seen most recently in Kahraman.		As the Winter Solstice approaches, the western orcs are in complete control of Anduzjasse, and have made significant progress toward capturing Anozeseri. Yet... there is something different about this invasion of the Brass Coast. While it is not the bloody conquest that saw the Lasambrians take the entire territory in 363YE, it is also not the traditional Jotun invasion the Empire has seen most recently in Kahraman.
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	The orcs who populate the villages here wear their Amber Scorpion marks with something approaching pride. They are quick to take up arms when they encounter Imperial troops, and quick to withdraw when it is clear they are outnumbered. Some surrender - and while a few settlements remain docile others simply bide their time until the armies of the Empire have pushed on and turn on any garrison left behind to secure their village. After the third time this happens, soldiers of the Golden Axe in particular begin to question the wisdom of accepting ''any'' surrender from the Druj. Safer to simply kill everyone, than to leave a treacherous enemy behind. Their fellows in the Golden Sun - who likewise are responsible for consolidating territorial gains made by the Imperial advance initially resist any such suggestions but as the campaign draws on such expedient atrocity perhaps becomes more appealing...		The orcs who populate the villages here wear their Amber Scorpion marks with something approaching pride. They are quick to take up arms when they encounter Imperial troops, and quick to withdraw when it is clear they are outnumbered. Some surrender - and while a few settlements remain docile others simply bide their time until the armies of the Empire have pushed on and turn on any garrison left behind to secure their village. After the third time this happens, soldiers of the Golden Axe in particular begin to question the wisdom of accepting ''any'' surrender from the Druj. Safer to simply kill everyone, than to leave a treacherous enemy behind. Their fellows in the Golden Sun - who likewise are responsible for consolidating territorial gains made by the Imperial advance initially resist any such suggestions but as the campaign draws on such expedient atrocity perhaps becomes more appealing...
	<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Garravaine De Rondell, General of the Gryphon's Pride">Soldiers of the Pride, this season sees us march with the hosts of the Summer realm and with the Thule, who have pledged to fight with us until the Druj are no more! They will take the Bonewood, so we will avoid this region. We attack the Fortress in Echo Fell as a priority and we will take or destroy it before taking the remaining regions. For Glory! For Dawn! For the Empire!</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Garravaine De Rondell, General of the Gryphon's Pride">Soldiers of the Pride, this season sees us march with the hosts of the Summer realm and with the Thule, who have pledged to fight with us until the Druj are no more! They will take the Bonewood, so we will avoid this region. We attack the Fortress in Echo Fell as a priority and we will take or destroy it before taking the remaining regions. For Glory! For Dawn! For the Empire!</quote></div>
	There is also surprising wealth amidst the trees of the Echofell. Every Druj settlement it seems tends to a stretch of woodlands rich in [[Materials#ambergelt\|ambergelt]] and [[materials#Beggar's Lye\|beggarwood]], with less common but equally rich ~~desposits~~ of [[materials#Dragonbone\|dragonbone]] encountered here or there. Almost every settlement maintains a fertile [[herb garden]], burgeoning with exotic plants of a mundane nature as well as magical [[herbs]] of almost every variety (only [[Cerulean Mazzarine]] seems in short supply, favouring as it does a warmer, drier environment in which to grow). While there is little in the way of mineral wealth, the orcs here are experts at working with wood, and rope, and leather, and bone.		There is also surprising wealth amidst the trees of the Echofell. Every Druj settlement it seems tends to a stretch of woodlands rich in [[Materials#ambergelt\|ambergelt]] and [[materials#Beggar's Lye\|beggarwood]], with less common but equally rich deposits of [[materials#Dragonbone\|dragonbone]] encountered here or there. Almost every settlement maintains a fertile [[herb garden]], burgeoning with exotic plants of a mundane nature as well as magical [[herbs]] of almost every variety (only [[Cerulean Mazzarine]] seems in short supply, favouring as it does a warmer, drier environment in which to grow). While there is little in the way of mineral wealth, the orcs here are experts at working with wood, and rope, and leather, and bone.

	===The Tower of the Scorpion===		===The Tower of the Scorpion===

Twiggy at 13:55, 4 February 2026

2026-02-04T13:55:18Z

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

2026-01-16T09:43:03Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial navy" to "[[navy"

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:43, 16 January 2026
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	Once the order is given, the difficulty of actually coordinating the attack begins to increase exponentially. For the most part the Imperial vessels travel together. Not every unit of soldiers is prepared for the reality of travelling across the turbulent sea of the Bay of Catazar; for every band of Freeborn [[corsair]] marines there are a dozen warriors who have never really set foot on the deck of a sailing ship before.		Once the order is given, the difficulty of actually coordinating the attack begins to increase exponentially. For the most part the Imperial vessels travel together. Not every unit of soldiers is prepared for the reality of travelling across the turbulent sea of the Bay of Catazar; for every band of Freeborn [[corsair]] marines there are a dozen warriors who have never really set foot on the deck of a sailing ship before.

	By their nature some ships are faster and more manoeuvrable than others; some pull ahead while others fall behind. This is not a disciplined [[~~Imperial~~ navy\|navy]], but an armada of hundreds of individual vessels. Communication is very difficult indeed, especially as the ships hail from ports across the southern coast of the Empire. Yet the captains are experienced enough to account for these obstacles; once night falls lanterns are used to send messages using the Urizen heliopticon cipher from ship to ship. Civil service observers - assigned to every Imperial vessel by the Senate several years ago - help immeasurably in this regard. For that matter, a navy could never hope to brave the waters at the heart of the Bay, out of sight of land; could not hope to cross the trackless watery wastes while maintaining any sense of cohesion. For the fleets of the Imperial captains, however, this is simply business as usual.		By their nature some ships are faster and more manoeuvrable than others; some pull ahead while others fall behind. This is not a disciplined [[navy\|navy]], but an armada of hundreds of individual vessels. Communication is very difficult indeed, especially as the ships hail from ports across the southern coast of the Empire. Yet the captains are experienced enough to account for these obstacles; once night falls lanterns are used to send messages using the Urizen heliopticon cipher from ship to ship. Civil service observers - assigned to every Imperial vessel by the Senate several years ago - help immeasurably in this regard. For that matter, a navy could never hope to brave the waters at the heart of the Bay, out of sight of land; could not hope to cross the trackless watery wastes while maintaining any sense of cohesion. For the fleets of the Imperial captains, however, this is simply business as usual.

	Now the ships are moving, the first engagements begin to take place. Individual orc pirates encounter Imperial fleets, invariably to the detriment of the Grendel. Those ships that are not destroyed or captured are forced to flee - but here the scattered nature of the Empire's strategy is in their favour. Grendel sailors are used to engaging Imperial fleets in the wide waters of the Bay - they have little reason to believe there is anything more going on than the usual dance of captain against captain. If some wonder at the strange flags, or the presence of marines aboard the vessels they see... well what will they report? That the Empire is taking steps to protect its ships?		Now the ships are moving, the first engagements begin to take place. Individual orc pirates encounter Imperial fleets, invariably to the detriment of the Grendel. Those ships that are not destroyed or captured are forced to flee - but here the scattered nature of the Empire's strategy is in their favour. Grendel sailors are used to engaging Imperial fleets in the wide waters of the Bay - they have little reason to believe there is anything more going on than the usual dance of captain against captain. If some wonder at the strange flags, or the presence of marines aboard the vessels they see... well what will they report? That the Empire is taking steps to protect its ships?

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial army" to "[[Army"

2026-01-16T09:42:12Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial army" to "[[Army"

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	To achieve the best outcome, the raid against Dubhtraig required an effective fleet strength of 20,000 supported by military units with an effective strength of 30,000. In the end the Empire brought to bear almost 37,000 force of fleets, and just shy of 40,000 force of military units. A list of the fleets and military units involved are in the table below (expand the table to see the details). Each fleet and military unit receives the normal production for a privateering or paid work action, plus an additional 132 rings representing booty, treasure, and art objects taken from the Grendel. In addition the [[Imperial Fleet Master]] receives 10 wains of weirwood, and 30 wains of mithril captured from the Isle of Balsagoth and the city of Dubhtraig.		To achieve the best outcome, the raid against Dubhtraig required an effective fleet strength of 20,000 supported by military units with an effective strength of 30,000. In the end the Empire brought to bear almost 37,000 force of fleets, and just shy of 40,000 force of military units. A list of the fleets and military units involved are in the table below (expand the table to see the details). Each fleet and military unit receives the normal production for a privateering or paid work action, plus an additional 132 rings representing booty, treasure, and art objects taken from the Grendel. In addition the [[Imperial Fleet Master]] receives 10 wains of weirwood, and 30 wains of mithril captured from the Isle of Balsagoth and the city of Dubhtraig.

	The city itself is badly damaged; the grand shipyard and the docks alike were on fire when the Imperial armada withdrew. Even if they have not both been destroyed they will require significant repair - which will likely require large amounts of weirwood - of which the Grendel are known to have a limited supply. The Grendel will not be able to [[commission]] another navy at Dubhtraig for at least a year. Furthermore, any plans the southern orcs may have had to raise a new [[~~Imperial army~~\|army]] will be delayed for at least a year as the other Salt Lords look first to the defence of their own strongholds.		The city itself is badly damaged; the grand shipyard and the docks alike were on fire when the Imperial armada withdrew. Even if they have not both been destroyed they will require significant repair - which will likely require large amounts of weirwood - of which the Grendel are known to have a limited supply. The Grendel will not be able to [[commission]] another navy at Dubhtraig for at least a year. Furthermore, any plans the southern orcs may have had to raise a new [[Army\|army]] will be delayed for at least a year as the other Salt Lords look first to the defence of their own strongholds.

	{{Archive:Dubhtraig Raid Roll of Honour}}		{{Archive:Dubhtraig Raid Roll of Honour}}

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

2026-01-16T09:33:27Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:33, 16 January 2026
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	That said, the Golden Axe are not without their own magical allies. They arrive three days after the Autumn Equinox - Summer soldiers in heavy armour attired as ''schlacta'' with great axes. Rather than being dour, they are ebullient and effusive in character, establishing a quick camaraderie with their new Varushkan allies. They bring with them barrels of mead brewed in the Summer realm which they share freely, and a mouthful of this fine liquor helps to steady the nerves of those most afflicted with the miasma. Alongside them travel several warbands of slight humanoids with the heads of eagles. They carry bows, and wear light leather armour and hooded jerkins. Their manner is much quieter - messengers and scouts from the armies of the Lady of the Fields of Red and Gold. Their keen sight and stout hearts complement the cynicism and woodcraft of many in the Golden Axe.		That said, the Golden Axe are not without their own magical allies. They arrive three days after the Autumn Equinox - Summer soldiers in heavy armour attired as ''schlacta'' with great axes. Rather than being dour, they are ebullient and effusive in character, establishing a quick camaraderie with their new Varushkan allies. They bring with them barrels of mead brewed in the Summer realm which they share freely, and a mouthful of this fine liquor helps to steady the nerves of those most afflicted with the miasma. Alongside them travel several warbands of slight humanoids with the heads of eagles. They carry bows, and wear light leather armour and hooded jerkins. Their manner is much quieter - messengers and scouts from the armies of the Lady of the Fields of Red and Gold. Their keen sight and stout hearts complement the cynicism and woodcraft of many in the Golden Axe.

	Shortly after the Autumn Equinox, a [[Call Winged Messenger\|magical messenger]] from the north confirms that the [[Thule]] - allied now with the [[~~Military Council\|~~Military Council]] - are ready to move. The orders are given, the banners raised, the horns blown. In some ways, the northern orcs are likely to face more significant obstacles than the Imperials - the Dawnish and Varushkan armies established a foothold in Ossium before the Autumn Equinox that allows them to more readily supply their troops.		Shortly after the Autumn Equinox, a [[Call Winged Messenger\|magical messenger]] from the north confirms that the [[Thule]] - allied now with the [[Military Council]] - are ready to move. The orders are given, the banners raised, the horns blown. In some ways, the northern orcs are likely to face more significant obstacles than the Imperials - the Dawnish and Varushkan armies established a foothold in Ossium before the Autumn Equinox that allows them to more readily supply their troops.

	They are not the only force entering Ossium from the west - the three families of Moresvah have secured the aid of a dozen bands of wagon raiders to bring valuable mining supplies to Lormaa, hungry to begin extracting precious ores from the [[Chilled_to_the_bone#The_Crawling_Depths\|mithril mine]] beneath the town. With the enthusiastic aid of the [[Chilled_to_the_bone#The_Ketsov\|Ketsov]] humans, the Varushkan representatives bargain with the former Druj mine-slaves, eager to secure a workforce used to labouring in poor conditions in return for Imperial coinage.		They are not the only force entering Ossium from the west - the three families of Moresvah have secured the aid of a dozen bands of wagon raiders to bring valuable mining supplies to Lormaa, hungry to begin extracting precious ores from the [[Chilled_to_the_bone#The_Crawling_Depths\|mithril mine]] beneath the town. With the enthusiastic aid of the [[Chilled_to_the_bone#The_Ketsov\|Ketsov]] humans, the Varushkan representatives bargain with the former Druj mine-slaves, eager to secure a workforce used to labouring in poor conditions in return for Imperial coinage.

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	While the Jotun have been sending out warbands to raid northern Kallavesa and western Skarsind, the armies themselves have been consolidating their hold over the land they have conquered. Fortified camps have been raised along the southern and eastern borders; many located around beacon towers built long ago by the people of Wintermark. The alarm is raised almost immediately.		While the Jotun have been sending out warbands to raid northern Kallavesa and western Skarsind, the armies themselves have been consolidating their hold over the land they have conquered. Fortified camps have been raised along the southern and eastern borders; many located around beacon towers built long ago by the people of Wintermark. The alarm is raised almost immediately.

	Four Imperial armies are matched by four Jotun armies waiting in Sealtoq. Yrsa ~~Jansdottir~~, the Queen of Kalsea, has established a makeshift court in Atalaq, the spiritual heart of the Suaq people. The banners of the Lion of the North, the Howling Night, and the Skjalderborn flutter over the walls - broken during the [[382YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#A_Light_in_the_Darkness_.28Sermersuaq.29\|fall of Atalaq]] but quickly rebuilt by thralls under the command of the occupation force. Somewhat farther north, in [[Sermersuaq#East Floes\|East Floes]], the heavily armoured warriors of the Shield of the Mountain have positioned themselves along the eastern borders, near Wreck on the [[Sermersuaq#East_Floes\|East Floes]], perhaps eager to engage the Imperial Orcs. As soon as word reaches their commander, they begin to march south to engage the Imperial armies.		Four Imperial armies are matched by four Jotun armies waiting in Sealtoq. Yrsa Jansdóttir, the Queen of Kalsea, has established a makeshift court in Atalaq, the spiritual heart of the Suaq people. The banners of the Lion of the North, the Howling Night, and the Skjalderborn flutter over the walls - broken during the [[382YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#A_Light_in_the_Darkness_.28Sermersuaq.29\|fall of Atalaq]] but quickly rebuilt by thralls under the command of the occupation force. Somewhat farther north, in [[Sermersuaq#East Floes\|East Floes]], the heavily armoured warriors of the Shield of the Mountain have positioned themselves along the eastern borders, near Wreck on the [[Sermersuaq#East_Floes\|East Floes]], perhaps eager to engage the Imperial Orcs. As soon as word reaches their commander, they begin to march south to engage the Imperial armies.
	<div style="float:right; width: 450px;"><quote by="Lofyn Blood-cloak, General of the Bloodcloaks">Children of the Mark, Warriors, Heroes, the hour of grief, the hour of patience is over. Now comes the hour of The Sword and Axe. We march for The North. The Bloodcloak is no meek army, no gentle hand. We will not go softly into the North, We seek nothing less than an overwhelming assault. Take back the homeland of our people in heroic conquest. Fight as the heroes I know you to be. For Blood! For Virtue! For the Mark!</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 450px;"><quote by="Lofyn Blood-cloak, General of the Bloodcloaks">Children of the Mark, Warriors, Heroes, the hour of grief, the hour of patience is over. Now comes the hour of The Sword and Axe. We march for The North. The Bloodcloak is no meek army, no gentle hand. We will not go softly into the North, We seek nothing less than an overwhelming assault. Take back the homeland of our people in heroic conquest. Fight as the heroes I know you to be. For Blood! For Virtue! For the Mark!</quote></div>
	It takes only a short time for the Jotun queen to bring her forces into position, and as the orcs take up defensive formations across Sealtoq the beacons are lit, spreading news of the Imperial invasion across the territory. The Lion of the North is adept at working alongside other orc forces, and it seems that this season they have taken special care to keep a watch over the borders of Sermersuaq - perhaps anticipating the Imperial strategy. Or perhaps Yrsa ~~Jansdottir~~ had her jarls searching for something else across the cold plains.		It takes only a short time for the Jotun queen to bring her forces into position, and as the orcs take up defensive formations across Sealtoq the beacons are lit, spreading news of the Imperial invasion across the territory. The Lion of the North is adept at working alongside other orc forces, and it seems that this season they have taken special care to keep a watch over the borders of Sermersuaq - perhaps anticipating the Imperial strategy. Or perhaps Yrsa Jansdóttir had her jarls searching for something else across the cold plains.

	It hardly matters. Nearly thirty-five thousand Imperial soldiers and their allies clash with a significantly smaller Jotun force along the outskirts of Sealtoq. The Wintermark strategy is as direct as it is offensive; engage the orcs directly and drive them out of Sealtoq. The orcs for their part fight cautiously, defensively but their hastily constructed fortifications are quickly overrun by the fury of the Wintermark advance. Blood is spilled on the tundra... but significantly less blood than might have been expected.		It hardly matters. Nearly thirty-five thousand Imperial soldiers and their allies clash with a significantly smaller Jotun force along the outskirts of Sealtoq. The Wintermark strategy is as direct as it is offensive; engage the orcs directly and drive them out of Sealtoq. The orcs for their part fight cautiously, defensively but their hastily constructed fortifications are quickly overrun by the fury of the Wintermark advance. Blood is spilled on the tundra... but significantly less blood than might have been expected.
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	But the use of dark and indiscriminate magic - something the Jotun have perhaps come to expect from the Empire - is as nothing next to the fury the Queen of Kalsea and her Jarls feel about an unforgivable crime that has been committed by Imperial agents. To the west of Sermersuaq, outside the borders of the territories, there once stood a low stone worn by the elements. It stood by itself in a wooded glade, weather-beaten and relatively unremarkable. It represented a place of truce where the northern Jotun and the Winterfolk could meet without fear of violence - neutral ground, claimed by neither human nor orc as part of their nation.		But the use of dark and indiscriminate magic - something the Jotun have perhaps come to expect from the Empire - is as nothing next to the fury the Queen of Kalsea and her Jarls feel about an unforgivable crime that has been committed by Imperial agents. To the west of Sermersuaq, outside the borders of the territories, there once stood a low stone worn by the elements. It stood by itself in a wooded glade, weather-beaten and relatively unremarkable. It represented a place of truce where the northern Jotun and the Winterfolk could meet without fear of violence - neutral ground, claimed by neither human nor orc as part of their nation.

	During the Autumn Equinox, cowardly assassins struck at the stone, destroying it and slaughtered the orcs camped nearby. This, more than any disrespect shown to the heroic dead, has left Yrsa ~~Jansdottir~~ in the grip of cold fury. Now, when King of Narkyst speaks to her of the treacherous spirit of Imperial humans, she does not contradict him. The greatest symbol of the possibility of understanding between Jotun and Wintermark is no more, and there is no doubt in the mind of any of the western orcs who is to blame.		During the Autumn Equinox, cowardly assassins struck at the stone, destroying it and slaughtered the orcs camped nearby. This, more than any disrespect shown to the heroic dead, has left Yrsa Jansdóttir in the grip of cold fury. Now, when King of Narkyst speaks to her of the treacherous spirit of Imperial humans, she does not contradict him. The greatest symbol of the possibility of understanding between Jotun and Wintermark is no more, and there is no doubt in the mind of any of the western orcs who is to blame.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Rage.jpg \|caption=The joy of triumph, and the pain of loss, are felt more keenly by those with Summer blood.\|width=500\|align=right}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Rage.jpg \|caption=The joy of triumph, and the pain of loss, are felt more keenly by those with Summer blood.\|width=500\|align=right}}

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	The third conjunction enables passage to the '''Sobral Stand''' forest that lies on the [[Segura#Sobral Grasses\|Sobral Grasses]], [[Segura]]. These remote woodland have recently been occupied by a force of [[Jotun\|Lasmbrian Jotun]] warriors and raiders. It will be possible to travel via this conjunction on the Saturday or Sunday of the solstice.		The third conjunction enables passage to the '''Sobral Stand''' forest that lies on the [[Segura#Sobral Grasses\|Sobral Grasses]], [[Segura]]. These remote woodland have recently been occupied by a force of [[Jotun\|Lasmbrian Jotun]] warriors and raiders. It will be possible to travel via this conjunction on the Saturday or Sunday of the solstice.

	The fourth conjunction opens to '''Atalaq Tasanko''' in [[Sermersuaq#Saltoq\|Sealtoq]], [[Sermersuaq]]. This open expanse of hardy grasses lies before the great gates of the Suaq's capital, currently held by the Jotun Queen of the North, Yrsa ~~Jansdottir~~. This conjunction will ''only'' allow travel on the Sunday of the solstice.		The fourth conjunction opens to '''Atalaq Tasanko''' in [[Sermersuaq#Saltoq\|Sealtoq]], [[Sermersuaq]]. This open expanse of hardy grasses lies before the great gates of the Suaq's capital, currently held by the Jotun Queen of the North, Yrsa Jansdóttir. This conjunction will ''only'' allow travel on the Sunday of the solstice.
	<div style="float:right; width: 450px;"><table>		<div style="float:right; width: 450px;"><table>
	<tr><th colspan="4" style="text-align:center">Conjunctions</th></tr>		<tr><th colspan="4" style="text-align:center">Conjunctions</th></tr>

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:55, 4 February 2026
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	Then, with the shadows deepening among the trunks of the ancient trees, everything changes. Between one breath and the next, it becomes light. The trees are still ancient oaks, but they are massive - reaching up to scrape the suddenly overcast, pale sky. There is no sign of the sun through the slate-grey clouds. The leading soldiers falter, come to a stop, mouths gaping. Looking back, their comrades are barely visible through a thick fog that coils unpleasantly between the trees - but the farther ranks march on seemingly unaware of the mist.		Then, with the shadows deepening among the trunks of the ancient trees, everything changes. Between one breath and the next, it becomes light. The trees are still ancient oaks, but they are massive - reaching up to scrape the suddenly overcast, pale sky. There is no sign of the sun through the slate-grey clouds. The leading soldiers falter, come to a stop, mouths gaping. Looking back, their comrades are barely visible through a thick fog that coils unpleasantly between the trees - but the farther ranks march on seemingly unaware of the mist.

	Some of the landskeepers are able to provide an explanation after a few moments. The Drakes are, unbelievably, no longer in the Empire. No longer in the mortal realm, in fact. They have passed across the boundary of a powerful [[regio]] - or rather they have passed ''through'' the boundary of a regio, into the chamber that lies beyond. They are now somewhere part-way between the world of mortals and one of the eternal ~~Realms~~. The Winter realm, if the signs are being read correctly.		Some of the landskeepers are able to provide an explanation after a few moments. The Drakes are, unbelievably, no longer in the Empire. No longer in the mortal realm, in fact. They have passed across the boundary of a powerful [[regio]] - or rather they have passed ''through'' the boundary of a regio, into the chamber that lies beyond. They are now somewhere part-way between the world of mortals and one of the eternal realms. The Winter realm, if the signs are being read correctly.

	More and more soldiers press through, slowing to a halt and looking around in confusion. This is unexpected. The assumption seems to have been that the Feni were simply good at camouflaging their camp in the heart of Alderly - or at the absolute outside were using Night magic to confuse the approach. It is quickly becoming clear that this is not the case - that the Feni stronghold must actually be built here, in the environs of a supernatural place outside the normal world. The directions captured by the Marcher heroes are clearly a secret way of travelling through the woods that allow a group of mundane folk to attune themselves to the boundaries without needing to rely on [[operate portal\|magical means]] to enter - and hopefully leave - the regio.		More and more soldiers press through, slowing to a halt and looking around in confusion. This is unexpected. The assumption seems to have been that the Feni were simply good at camouflaging their camp in the heart of Alderly - or at the absolute outside were using Night magic to confuse the approach. It is quickly becoming clear that this is not the case - that the Feni stronghold must actually be built here, in the environs of a supernatural place outside the normal world. The directions captured by the Marcher heroes are clearly a secret way of travelling through the woods that allow a group of mundane folk to attune themselves to the boundaries without needing to rely on [[operate portal\|magical means]] to enter - and hopefully leave - the regio.
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	Yet the Three Peoples are in little mood to wait. As soon as confirmation that their allies are on the way reach them, the Green Shields start to break camp swiftly followed by the Blood Cloaks and the Fist of the Mountain, and their allies from the Summer realm. They begin the march north through [[Kallavesa#Skymark\|Skymark]], and along the eastern shores of the Rikkivesi, through [[Hahnmark#Bruckland\|Bruckland]] and ultimately into Sermersuaq.		Yet the Three Peoples are in little mood to wait. As soon as confirmation that their allies are on the way reach them, the Green Shields start to break camp swiftly followed by the Blood Cloaks and the Fist of the Mountain, and their allies from the Summer realm. They begin the march north through [[Kallavesa#Skymark\|Skymark]], and along the eastern shores of the Rikkivesi, through [[Hahnmark#Bruckland\|Bruckland]] and ultimately into Sermersuaq.
	<div style="float:right; width: 450px;"><quote by="Aedric Dunning, General of the Fist of the Mountains">Soldiers of the Fist of the Mountain, it is time to strike back at the Jotun. March for Sermersuaq and strike at our foe. Go in fast, go in strong, and overwhelm their forces. You will be supported by the heralds of the ~~summer~~ realm. Fight hard and fight with honour, remember you are of the mark and we are heroes and this is our land.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 450px;"><quote by="Aedric Dunning, General of the Fist of the Mountains">Soldiers of the Fist of the Mountain, it is time to strike back at the Jotun. March for Sermersuaq and strike at our foe. Go in fast, go in strong, and overwhelm their forces. You will be supported by the heralds of the Summer realm. Fight hard and fight with honour, remember you are of the mark and we are heroes and this is our land.</quote></div>
	Ahead of them range heroic captains and scouts; almost immediately they encounter Jotun warbands probing the defences of the Kallavesa marshes. There are bloody clashes, but as soon as it becomes clear that the Winterfolk champions are the front-runners of an immense force the orc champions fall back across the border into Sermersuaq.		Ahead of them range heroic captains and scouts; almost immediately they encounter Jotun warbands probing the defences of the Kallavesa marshes. There are bloody clashes, but as soon as it becomes clear that the Winterfolk champions are the front-runners of an immense force the orc champions fall back across the border into Sermersuaq.

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	Not so the Tusks. The [[Army qualities#Discipline\|disciplined]] soldiers of the fourth Marcher army join with their northern neighbours in seeking out every opportunity to overwhelm the Jotun. With them fight fifteen hundred hulking ogre-like beasts in lions-head tabards bearing great iron-shod hammers, each one more than a match for any two orc warriors. For all their size and rough features they are no wild beasts - rather they are courageous warriors led by a gigantic knight commander nearly three times the height of the stoutest soldier among the Tusks. On the long trek from Astolat they have learned a number of marching songs, and join their booming voices to those of their smaller allies as the battle rages.		Not so the Tusks. The [[Army qualities#Discipline\|disciplined]] soldiers of the fourth Marcher army join with their northern neighbours in seeking out every opportunity to overwhelm the Jotun. With them fight fifteen hundred hulking ogre-like beasts in lions-head tabards bearing great iron-shod hammers, each one more than a match for any two orc warriors. For all their size and rough features they are no wild beasts - rather they are courageous warriors led by a gigantic knight commander nearly three times the height of the stoutest soldier among the Tusks. On the long trek from Astolat they have learned a number of marching songs, and join their booming voices to those of their smaller allies as the battle rages.
	<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Ciaphas Dekar, General of the Bounders">Marcher folk, the time has come to give the Jotun a taste of Marcher Steel once more. We advance with our kith and kin in the Tusks. While they are infused with Summer magic, we shall maintain our composure. We will secure the flanks of both the Black Thorns and Tusks as we push our foe ever back. Bounders WE GO TO WAR!</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Ciaphas Dekar, General of the Bounders">Marcher folk, the time has come to give the Jotun a taste of Marcher Steel once more. We advance with our kith and kin in the Tusks. While they are infused with Summer magic, we shall maintain our composure. We will secure the flanks of both the Black Thorns and Tusks as we push our foe ever back. Bounders WE GO TO WAR!</quote></div>
	<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Marius Woodville-Talbot, General of the Tusks">Now is our time Tusks. We march to the cold north again to finally reap the harvest sewn in blood two seasons ago. We march with succour and support from the Summer ~~Realm~~. We will overwhelming assault the Jotun Invader and scour them from our land. Havoc! Havoc! Smytefast and give good knocks!!</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Marius Woodville-Talbot, General of the Tusks">Now is our time Tusks. We march to the cold north again to finally reap the harvest sewn in blood two seasons ago. We march with succour and support from the Summer realm. We will overwhelming assault the Jotun Invader and scour them from our land. Havoc! Havoc! Smytefast and give good knocks!!</quote></div>
	Yet for each Imperial army that fights in Sermersuaq, it seems the Jotun have an army of their own - perhaps more. Back and forth the battle-lines, ebbing and flowing like waves beating against the shore. At one point it seems the Jotun will manage to hold the Imperial advance, but over the course of three days of almost continuous fighting, the orcs are forced to withdraw. Step by agonising step they are forced to retreat north and west, toward Atalaq.		Yet for each Imperial army that fights in Sermersuaq, it seems the Jotun have an army of their own - perhaps more. Back and forth the battle-lines, ebbing and flowing like waves beating against the shore. At one point it seems the Jotun will manage to hold the Imperial advance, but over the course of three days of almost continuous fighting, the orcs are forced to withdraw. Step by agonising step they are forced to retreat north and west, toward Atalaq.

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	Into this sea of darkness and dread march the armies of Dawn. Between them, the Eastern Sky, Golden Sun, Gryphon's Pride, and Hounds of Glory number some eighteen thousand Dawnish nobles and yeofolk. For all the mud, for all the omnipresent threat of ambush, sickness, and death, their banners remain bright - gold and azure, crimson and emerald, sable and argent. Their armour may have a few more dents, but it still shines under the mud. Their horns still greet the dawn and the dusk, heralding the new day and offering comfort as the night creeps in.		Into this sea of darkness and dread march the armies of Dawn. Between them, the Eastern Sky, Golden Sun, Gryphon's Pride, and Hounds of Glory number some eighteen thousand Dawnish nobles and yeofolk. For all the mud, for all the omnipresent threat of ambush, sickness, and death, their banners remain bright - gold and azure, crimson and emerald, sable and argent. Their armour may have a few more dents, but it still shines under the mud. Their horns still greet the dawn and the dusk, heralding the new day and offering comfort as the night creeps in.

	At their side, twelve thousand knights from the tourney fields of [[Eleonaris]]. Ossium, the mud, the Druj, the darkness, the threat - all of these seem irrelevant to the heralds of the Summer realm. Their spirits seem unquenchable - infectiously so. They seem almost unaware of the constant thrumming undercurrents of fear, seem deaf to the brittle voices that whisper "you cannot succeed; you are weak; you are worthless". Crimson and gold, the bottom hems of their surcotes may be just as mud-spattered as those of their mortal allies but their thirst for victory remains undiminished. In a way, their presence helps those who might otherwise succumb to the horrors of Ossium - their rock hard certainty that they cannot help but accrue glory simply by taking the fight to the Druj. At night, their encampments are well-lit and welcoming, and it seems the knights of the Summer ~~Realm~~ are never short of good cheer and echoing laughter.		At their side, twelve thousand knights from the tourney fields of [[Eleonaris]]. Ossium, the mud, the Druj, the darkness, the threat - all of these seem irrelevant to the heralds of the Summer realm. Their spirits seem unquenchable - infectiously so. They seem almost unaware of the constant thrumming undercurrents of fear, seem deaf to the brittle voices that whisper "you cannot succeed; you are weak; you are worthless". Crimson and gold, the bottom hems of their surcotes may be just as mud-spattered as those of their mortal allies but their thirst for victory remains undiminished. In a way, their presence helps those who might otherwise succumb to the horrors of Ossium - their rock hard certainty that they cannot help but accrue glory simply by taking the fight to the Druj. At night, their encampments are well-lit and welcoming, and it seems the knights of the Summer realm are never short of good cheer and echoing laughter.
	<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Tancred, General of the Hounds of Glory"> Last Season was very much a good start. Now we march in greater number, heralds of Summer and allies from the North now come. We aim first for the Echo Fell to bring down the symbol of Druj oppression then drive before us any armies the Druj try to push back to save their treacherous skins. Death to the Druj!</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Tancred, General of the Hounds of Glory"> Last Season was very much a good start. Now we march in greater number, heralds of Summer and allies from the North now come. We aim first for the Echo Fell to bring down the symbol of Druj oppression then drive before us any armies the Druj try to push back to save their treacherous skins. Death to the Druj!</quote></div>
	Perhaps more than anyone else in the northern Empire, the five thousand [[Varushka\|Varushkan]] soldiers with the Golden Axe are familiar with fear. Some joke that Ossium is a home-away-from home; the Druj ambushers no different to the threat of being eaten by a Wolf, or a seemingly innocuous mora robed in another's skin. Some of them eye the eastern forests with a glint in their eye - ancient hardwoods that seem never to have known thee bite of an axe are a treasure all-too-easily overlooked by their allies, focused as they are on conquest and glory. Where the Dawnish and their supernatural friends face the miasma with stout hearts and shows of bravado, the Golden Axe turns to strong drink, black humour, and stories about how much worse Varushka is than Ossium.		Perhaps more than anyone else in the northern Empire, the five thousand [[Varushka\|Varushkan]] soldiers with the Golden Axe are familiar with fear. Some joke that Ossium is a home-away-from home; the Druj ambushers no different to the threat of being eaten by a Wolf, or a seemingly innocuous mora robed in another's skin. Some of them eye the eastern forests with a glint in their eye - ancient hardwoods that seem never to have known thee bite of an axe are a treasure all-too-easily overlooked by their allies, focused as they are on conquest and glory. Where the Dawnish and their supernatural friends face the miasma with stout hearts and shows of bravado, the Golden Axe turns to strong drink, black humour, and stories about how much worse Varushka is than Ossium.