383YE Spring Equinox winds of war - Revision history

Twiggy at 14:21, 19 March 2026

2026-03-19T14:21:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:21, 19 March 2026
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	Everyone who took part in the raid has received shares of the Imperial Guerdon, but no other rewards beyond the knowledge that they have struck a serious blow against the Grendel and freed thousands of slaves from bondage.		Everyone who took part in the raid has received shares of the Imperial Guerdon, but no other rewards beyond the knowledge that they have struck a serious blow against the Grendel and freed thousands of slaves from bondage.
	===Participation : Beoraidh===		===Participation : Beoraidh===
	Any human character whose military unit or fleet supported the raid is free to roleplay that they had a profound spiritual epiphany during the raid. In game terms, they were enveloped by a spontaneous aura that gave them a profound sense that they were doing something righteous, heroic, or courageous in fighting to free the slaves of the Broken Shore. While that aura lingers for a time, it will have faded completely by the beginning of the Spring Equinox event. You are free to define your experience up to a point - it should be in line with the kind of thing mentioned - a profound epiphany appropriate to your character that pushes you to take action during the raid on the port..		Any human character whose military unit or fleet supported the raid is free to roleplay that they had a profound spiritual epiphany during the raid. In game terms, they were enveloped by a spontaneous aura that gave them a profound sense that they were doing something righteous, heroic, or courageous in fighting to free the slaves of the Broken Shore. While that aura lingers for a time, it will have faded completely by the beginning of the Spring Equinox event. You are free to define your experience up to a point - it should be in line with the kind of thing mentioned - a profound epiphany appropriate to your character that pushes you to take action during the raid on the port.

	Imperial orc players will ''not'' have experienced this peculiar epiphany. Instead they are encouraged to create stories of hearing the voices of their ancestors during the raid urging them to fight to free the orc slaves. Any such orc may continue to hear such an ancestor clearly from that point on - representing a connection to one of those slave voices that are more often impossible to distinguish from the storm of angry slaves. Such an ancestor is unlikely to like humans very much, but that hatred is likely to be secondary to strongly encouraging their descendant to free orcs from slavery.		Imperial orc players will ''not'' have experienced this peculiar epiphany. Instead they are encouraged to create stories of hearing the voices of their ancestors during the raid urging them to fight to free the orc slaves. Any such orc may continue to hear such an ancestor clearly from that point on - representing a connection to one of those slave voices that are more often impossible to distinguish from the storm of angry slaves. Such an ancestor is unlikely to like humans very much, but that hatred is likely to be secondary to strongly encouraging their descendant to free orcs from slavery.

Twiggy at 15:21, 16 March 2026

2026-03-16T15:21:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:21, 16 March 2026
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	===Return to the Ford of Berusen===		===Return to the Ford of Berusen===
	Almost immediately the Empire faces resistance. To enter Stark from Sealtoq means capturing the thick corridor of land between the lakes, between ~~Atkonartoq~~ to the north and the Rikkivesi to the south. The Jotun are ready for the advance, a wall of steel across the land-bridge. They have barricades, rough palisades, fenced camps. Numbers are of little help to either side - unless one wishes to fight in the lakes the ability to strike against the foe is heavily restricted. This suits the Jotun - and many of the Winterfolk - just fine. They are able to look their enemy in the eye as they fight, hero to hero rather than army to army.		Almost immediately the Empire faces resistance. To enter Stark from Sealtoq means capturing the thick corridor of land between the lakes, between Atkonaroq to the north and the Rikkivesi to the south. The Jotun are ready for the advance, a wall of steel across the land-bridge. They have barricades, rough palisades, fenced camps. Numbers are of little help to either side - unless one wishes to fight in the lakes the ability to strike against the foe is heavily restricted. This suits the Jotun - and many of the Winterfolk - just fine. They are able to look their enemy in the eye as they fight, hero to hero rather than army to army.

	At first, it is a stalemate. Empire and orc seem equally matched against one another. Then, day-by-day, camp-by-camp the Jotun are forced to concede ground. Night-by-night however a truce holds. It feels a little more official than before - as ghodi and healers move across the battlefields and search the rushes of the lakes to find the wounded and the dying and bring them succour, bobbing lanterns marking an intricate dance over the thin spit of land.		At first, it is a stalemate. Empire and orc seem equally matched against one another. Then, day-by-day, camp-by-camp the Jotun are forced to concede ground. Night-by-night however a truce holds. It feels a little more official than before - as ghodi and healers move across the battlefields and search the rushes of the lakes to find the wounded and the dying and bring them succour, bobbing lanterns marking an intricate dance over the thin spit of land.
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	Vrael i Sol-Devorador i Erigo, General of the Red Wind Corsairs>Capitalising on the heroic actions of the citizens who fought to secure Atalaq we will push on in Sermersuaq while the Marchers and Navarr defend our own homeland. We should take what we have learned in our battles and be daring in our actions.</quote></div>		Vrael i Sol-Devorador i Erigo, General of the Red Wind Corsairs>Capitalising on the heroic actions of the citizens who fought to secure Atalaq we will push on in Sermersuaq while the Marchers and Navarr defend our own homeland. We should take what we have learned in our battles and be daring in our actions.</quote></div>

	===The Battle on the ~~Atkonartoq~~===		===The Battle on the Atkonaroq===
	Then, after a week of bitter nights cold enough to freeze the breath in your mouth everything changes.		Then, after a week of bitter nights cold enough to freeze the breath in your mouth everything changes.

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	As the first probing strikes of the day begin, however, the Freeborn armies charge. Not toward the wall... but across the frozen surface of the lake. The Jotun are taken completely by surprise. Some ten thousand Freeborn, their numbers swollen by the Knights of Glory, flank the orc position to the north. There is chaos. The first to recover are the Green Shields - with a roar they join the Freeborn on the ice just as the orcs of the Howling Night emerge from their defences to meet the Freeborn charge. The ice is stained red with blood as the armies clash on the surface of the lake.		As the first probing strikes of the day begin, however, the Freeborn armies charge. Not toward the wall... but across the frozen surface of the lake. The Jotun are taken completely by surprise. Some ten thousand Freeborn, their numbers swollen by the Knights of Glory, flank the orc position to the north. There is chaos. The first to recover are the Green Shields - with a roar they join the Freeborn on the ice just as the orcs of the Howling Night emerge from their defences to meet the Freeborn charge. The ice is stained red with blood as the armies clash on the surface of the lake.

	Inspired, the rest of the Imperial force presses the orcs hard across the ford. It is impossible to say who first breaches the wall but within minutes that crack is torn open and the Empire's forces spill through onto the western banks of Berusen. The Jotun are forced to drop back, sounding the retreat as their wall falls. And as it falls, with a thunderous retort a great crack races across the frozen ~~Atkonartoq~~, straight through the middle of the battle raging on the ice.		Inspired, the rest of the Imperial force presses the orcs hard across the ford. It is impossible to say who first breaches the wall but within minutes that crack is torn open and the Empire's forces spill through onto the western banks of Berusen. The Jotun are forced to drop back, sounding the retreat as their wall falls. And as it falls, with a thunderous retort a great crack races across the frozen Atkonaroq, straight through the middle of the battle raging on the ice.

	It is but the first of many - the ice cracking and breaking and shearing into smaller and smaller chunks. Some make it back to the dubious safety of the shore - to the chaotic melee - while others continue to fight on the ice floes. The water is murderously cold - orc or human, few can survive its frigid embrace for long. Yet here, as before, the Empire is not without allies. From beneath the waters come the hylje, arrow-swift, catching as many of the fallen as they can and bringing them to shore, delivering them to the Bloodcloaks, before diving back into the waters to find more. If there is a sorrow, it is that they cannot tell the Imperial Orcs from the Jotun, and so rescue neither. Most of the casualties among the Summer Storm this season now lie at the bottom of the ~~Atkonartoq~~, side by side in the darkness with the warriors of the west.		It is but the first of many - the ice cracking and breaking and shearing into smaller and smaller chunks. Some make it back to the dubious safety of the shore - to the chaotic melee - while others continue to fight on the ice floes. The water is murderously cold - orc or human, few can survive its frigid embrace for long. Yet here, as before, the Empire is not without allies. From beneath the waters come the hylje, arrow-swift, catching as many of the fallen as they can and bringing them to shore, delivering them to the Bloodcloaks, before diving back into the waters to find more. If there is a sorrow, it is that they cannot tell the Imperial Orcs from the Jotun, and so rescue neither. Most of the casualties among the Summer Storm this season now lie at the bottom of the Atkonaroq, side by side in the darkness with the warriors of the west.

	<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Aracelis I Erigo, General of the Fire of the South>My Fires, this is my first order to you so hear me now. We will commence a Steady Conquest into Stark. Fight with honour, fight as the controlled Glass I know is in your spirit and we will win!</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Aracelis I Erigo, General of the Fire of the South>My Fires, this is my first order to you so hear me now. We will commence a Steady Conquest into Stark. Fight with honour, fight as the controlled Glass I know is in your spirit and we will win!</quote></div>

Twiggy at 16:20, 19 February 2026

2026-02-19T16:20:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:20, 19 February 2026
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	The orc and human forces clash in central Anozeseri. The wide open spaces play well to the strengths of the Quiet Step, and to a lesser degree the Corazón. The Strong Reeds and the Hierro form the solid core of the opposing forces, with the Escuta carefully probing the Imperial defences. With the support of the citizens of Segura, the Imperial forces establish a command post at Anozel from where their commanders direct the defence.		The orc and human forces clash in central Anozeseri. The wide open spaces play well to the strengths of the Quiet Step, and to a lesser degree the Corazón. The Strong Reeds and the Hierro form the solid core of the opposing forces, with the Escuta carefully probing the Imperial defences. With the support of the citizens of Segura, the Imperial forces establish a command post at Anozel from where their commanders direct the defence.

	Alongside the dour [[Bregasland\|Bregas]] of the Strong Reeds are several thousand enchanted soldiers summoned from the Fields of Glory with potent [[Summer magic]]. Rather than the glorious knights commonly seen accompanying other armies, these warriors of the Summer ~~Realm~~ take the form of broad-shouldered soldiers with the aspects of various doughty animals - bears, boars, and badgers. They are gruff conversationalists, with none of the airs and graces usually associated with the servants of [[Eleonaris]], but they possess superhuman strength and scatter their orc opponents left and right with blows from their mighty hammers and great swords.		Alongside the dour [[Bregasland\|Bregas]] of the Strong Reeds are several thousand enchanted soldiers summoned from the Fields of Glory with potent [[Summer magic]]. Rather than the glorious knights commonly seen accompanying other armies, these warriors of the Summer realm take the form of broad-shouldered soldiers with the aspects of various doughty animals - bears, boars, and badgers. They are gruff conversationalists, with none of the airs and graces usually associated with the servants of [[Eleonaris]], but they possess superhuman strength and scatter their orc opponents left and right with blows from their mighty hammers and great swords.

	Wherever the Corazón or the Hierro attempt to march, the Quiet Step are there to slow their advance, harrying their forces from the flanks and moving out of reach before the orcs can effectively counterattack. [[Enchantment\|Enchanted]] with potent [[Day magic]], the Navarr army has a supernatural ability to predict the movement of the Lasambrian Jotun and position themselves to most effectively frustrate their attempted conquest. When they attempt to establish camps, or occupy a village, the Strong Reeds and their magical allies march out to meet them, as often as not forcing the orcs to retreat or risk being caught between a Marcher anvil and a Navarr hammer.		Wherever the Corazón or the Hierro attempt to march, the Quiet Step are there to slow their advance, harrying their forces from the flanks and moving out of reach before the orcs can effectively counterattack. [[Enchantment\|Enchanted]] with potent [[Day magic]], the Navarr army has a supernatural ability to predict the movement of the Lasambrian Jotun and position themselves to most effectively frustrate their attempted conquest. When they attempt to establish camps, or occupy a village, the Strong Reeds and their magical allies march out to meet them, as often as not forcing the orcs to retreat or risk being caught between a Marcher anvil and a Navarr hammer.
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	<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Osric, General of the Green Shield>Atalaq is ours again. We have saved the storm and endured and that makes us mighty. Now we go forward together, to victory! For the Empire, for Wintermark, for the Green Shield army! And remember to fight with the honour you so deserve. </quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Osric, General of the Green Shield>Atalaq is ours again. We have saved the storm and endured and that makes us mighty. Now we go forward together, to victory! For the Empire, for Wintermark, for the Green Shield army! And remember to fight with the honour you so deserve. </quote></div>

	For all their tinge of sadness, they fight fiercely against the Jotun. Their spirits rise when they spot counterparts among the western orcs. It seems that at least one of the Jotun armies fights alongside a contingent of knights from the Summer ~~Realm~~ - hulking orc-like figures crowned with sweeping antlers. The Summer knights relish fighting against their peers, merry laughter ringing out above the sounds of battle as they seek each other out in the fray.		For all their tinge of sadness, they fight fiercely against the Jotun. Their spirits rise when they spot counterparts among the western orcs. It seems that at least one of the Jotun armies fights alongside a contingent of knights from the Summer realm - hulking orc-like figures crowned with sweeping antlers. The Summer knights relish fighting against their peers, merry laughter ringing out above the sounds of battle as they seek each other out in the fray.

	Battle is delayed for several weeks after the Winter Solstice. Following the defeat of the queen and her champions during the Solstice, the armies camped around the Suaq city of Atalaq withdraw in an orderly fashion north and west. The last to leave is the queen herself, marching at the head of the Lion of the North. She pauses for a long moment to stare down at the armies of the Empire, preparing to claim the Suaq town. For a moment it seems she might raise her banner in a salute... but she does not, just turns and marches west at the head of her host.		Battle is delayed for several weeks after the Winter Solstice. Following the defeat of the queen and her champions during the Solstice, the armies camped around the Suaq city of Atalaq withdraw in an orderly fashion north and west. The last to leave is the queen herself, marching at the head of the Lion of the North. She pauses for a long moment to stare down at the armies of the Empire, preparing to claim the Suaq town. For a moment it seems she might raise her banner in a salute... but she does not, just turns and marches west at the head of her host.
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	<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Aracelis I Erigo, General of the Fire of the South>My Fires, this is my first order to you so hear me now. We will commence a Steady Conquest into Stark. Fight with honour, fight as the controlled Glass I know is in your spirit and we will win!</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Aracelis I Erigo, General of the Fire of the South>My Fires, this is my first order to you so hear me now. We will commence a Steady Conquest into Stark. Fight with honour, fight as the controlled Glass I know is in your spirit and we will win!</quote></div>

	The Ford of Berusen falls to the Empire, and it is several days before the Jotun are able to regroup and reset their defence. The Empire conquers the entire land-bridge, securing it with armed camps of their own. As the Spring Equinox approaches, the momentum of their advance falters slightly. The Ford is taken, but the Jotun have not been broken. If anything, their defences are even more secure here in western Stark. Indeed, scouts report that while the Jotun have held the Empire at the ford, the bulk of the Tower of the North have been finishing the construction of a fortification along the southern shores of Lake Lansipari. While half their number, and the knights of the Summer ~~Realm~~ who accompanied them, fought alongside their peers at the ford, the rest were putting the finishing touches to a castle that will make it even harder for the Empire to continue their conquest of the region.		The Ford of Berusen falls to the Empire, and it is several days before the Jotun are able to regroup and reset their defence. The Empire conquers the entire land-bridge, securing it with armed camps of their own. As the Spring Equinox approaches, the momentum of their advance falters slightly. The Ford is taken, but the Jotun have not been broken. If anything, their defences are even more secure here in western Stark. Indeed, scouts report that while the Jotun have held the Empire at the ford, the bulk of the Tower of the North have been finishing the construction of a fortification along the southern shores of Lake Lansipari. While half their number, and the knights of the Summer realm who accompanied them, fought alongside their peers at the ford, the rest were putting the finishing touches to a castle that will make it even harder for the Empire to continue their conquest of the region.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Are You Under The Illusion.jpg\|caption=Seems like a lifetime ago you could look with pride on your world of dreams\|align=right\|width=500}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Are You Under The Illusion.jpg\|caption=Seems like a lifetime ago you could look with pride on your world of dreams\|align=right\|width=500}}

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

2026-01-16T09:44:46Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:44, 16 January 2026
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	Beoraidh is more a ruin than a town. Many of the older buildings are sunk into the waters of the Bay, some drowned so deep that no part of them pokes above the surface even at low tide. Others are only partially submerged, their roofs and upper windows connected with makeshift bridges of driftwood and rope. Despite its ramshackle appearance, the port swarms with life - thousands of orcs clearly make this drowning city their home. Above the city, on its landward side, the skeleton of a stone fortification rises, pale stone gleaming against the backdrop of dark eastern mountains. This is the nearly completed fortification that will defend the town and serve as a base of operations for protecting the entire territory, and the first target of the raid.		Beoraidh is more a ruin than a town. Many of the older buildings are sunk into the waters of the Bay, some drowned so deep that no part of them pokes above the surface even at low tide. Others are only partially submerged, their roofs and upper windows connected with makeshift bridges of driftwood and rope. Despite its ramshackle appearance, the port swarms with life - thousands of orcs clearly make this drowning city their home. Above the city, on its landward side, the skeleton of a stone fortification rises, pale stone gleaming against the backdrop of dark eastern mountains. This is the nearly completed fortification that will defend the town and serve as a base of operations for protecting the entire territory, and the first target of the raid.

	There are few actual sea defences to slow the ships in the bay - beyond the danger presented by submerged buildings of course. It might prove difficult for a [[~~Imperial~~ navy\|naval force]] to approach the port, but the smaller vessels that make up the armada are much more comfortable navigating independently, and in tight quarters. The Freeborn ships take the lead - the corsairs who crew them particularly adept at navigating treacherous coastal waters. They are the first to gain the docks, and in a trice warriors of the Brass Coast and Imperial Orc reavers pour forth to secure a beachhead.		There are few actual sea defences to slow the ships in the bay - beyond the danger presented by submerged buildings of course. It might prove difficult for a [[navy\|naval force]] to approach the port, but the smaller vessels that make up the armada are much more comfortable navigating independently, and in tight quarters. The Freeborn ships take the lead - the corsairs who crew them particularly adept at navigating treacherous coastal waters. They are the first to gain the docks, and in a trice warriors of the Brass Coast and Imperial Orc reavers pour forth to secure a beachhead.

	The town is not entirely unprotected however. Seven squat towers are scattered along the waterfront, garrisoned by warriors and topped by heavy ballista. As the alarm is raised - great iron bells tolling desperately - the ballistae are brought into play sending bolt after bolt against the attackers on the docks. Between the towers are two raised platforms of heavy stone - both partially sunk in the waters of the Bay - on which stand two great catapults facing out to sea. These present a much more significant danger to the armada. The orcs clamour to load them not only with stones, but with chainshot to shred sails and burning oil to set wooden hulls afire. They fire indiscriminately - barely concerned about hitting Grendel ships or half-sunken buildings - and score several crushing hits against Imperial ships before a combined force of League and Wintermark soldiers are able to reach them and smash them.		The town is not entirely unprotected however. Seven squat towers are scattered along the waterfront, garrisoned by warriors and topped by heavy ballista. As the alarm is raised - great iron bells tolling desperately - the ballistae are brought into play sending bolt after bolt against the attackers on the docks. Between the towers are two raised platforms of heavy stone - both partially sunk in the waters of the Bay - on which stand two great catapults facing out to sea. These present a much more significant danger to the armada. The orcs clamour to load them not only with stones, but with chainshot to shred sails and burning oil to set wooden hulls afire. They fire indiscriminately - barely concerned about hitting Grendel ships or half-sunken buildings - and score several crushing hits against Imperial ships before a combined force of League and Wintermark soldiers are able to reach them and smash them.

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

2026-01-15T12:30:04Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:30, 15 January 2026
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	==Carve Away the Stone==		==Carve Away the Stone==
	===Into Darkness===		===Into Darkness===
	It has been six months since that bright Summer morning when the four armies of Dawn [[382YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#In_The_End_.28The_Mallum.29\|marched across the Golden Causeway]] and joined with the Golden Axe to conquer [[Ossium]]. Now the [[territory]] no longer belong to the Druj; following the [[382YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_war#Stirring_Dull_Roots_With_Spring_Rain\|fall of the Tower of the Scorpion]], the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] has [[Assignment_of_Ossium\|declared]] it to be part of [[Varushka]]. Settlers and wagon raiders make the perilous journey east from [[Karsk]] looking to found their fortunes in the new land. The Tower of the Scorpion now holds a garrison of ''schlacta''; the civil service has set up offices in Lomaa. Slowly but surely, civilisation is coming to the newly conquered territory.		It has been six months since that bright Summer morning when the four armies of Dawn [[382YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#In_The_End_.28The_Mallum.29\|marched across the Golden Causeway]] and joined with the Golden Axe to conquer [[Ossium]]. Now the [[territory]] no longer belong to the Druj; following the [[382YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_war#Stirring_Dull_Roots_With_Spring_Rain\|fall of the Tower of the Scorpion]], the [[Senate]] has [[Assignment_of_Ossium\|declared]] it to be part of [[Varushka]]. Settlers and wagon raiders make the perilous journey east from [[Karsk]] looking to found their fortunes in the new land. The Tower of the Scorpion now holds a garrison of ''schlacta''; the civil service has set up offices in Lomaa. Slowly but surely, civilisation is coming to the newly conquered territory.

	But the Druj are not quite defeated. Parts of the territory remain in their hands as 383YE dawns. The armies of the Mallum have been hard pressed, pushed south into Nearweald and the marshy depths of the Drownbark Forest where scouts report they are preparing to make a stand against the Empire. Along the borders, the armies of Dawn and Varushka prepare for what many hope will be the final push that will surely see the entirety of Ossium in Imperial hands.		But the Druj are not quite defeated. Parts of the territory remain in their hands as 383YE dawns. The armies of the Mallum have been hard pressed, pushed south into Nearweald and the marshy depths of the Drownbark Forest where scouts report they are preparing to make a stand against the Empire. Along the borders, the armies of Dawn and Varushka prepare for what many hope will be the final push that will surely see the entirety of Ossium in Imperial hands.

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

2026-01-15T12:22:30Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:22, 15 January 2026
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	The fourth conjunction can be used to reach the '''Twilight Way''', Ossuary, Spiral. Stretching across the {{Black Plateau}} oppressed tracts of Ossuary, this road travels high into the mountains, through the Twilight Gate, then down into Proceris, Zenith, along the route taken by the recent Druj invasion. This location can be reached on either the Saturday or the Sunday of the equinox. This location is under the oppressive effects of the [[Spiral#The_Black_Plateau\|{{Black Plateau}}]]. If this opportunity were chosen, those travelling would be subject to the powerful magics present in Spiral that amplify negative and aggressive emotions. These effects are explained in more detail [[Point_of_the_spear#Spiral\|here]].		The fourth conjunction can be used to reach the '''Twilight Way''', Ossuary, Spiral. Stretching across the {{Black Plateau}} oppressed tracts of Ossuary, this road travels high into the mountains, through the Twilight Gate, then down into Proceris, Zenith, along the route taken by the recent Druj invasion. This location can be reached on either the Saturday or the Sunday of the equinox. This location is under the oppressive effects of the [[Spiral#The_Black_Plateau\|{{Black Plateau}}]]. If this opportunity were chosen, those travelling would be subject to the powerful magics present in Spiral that amplify negative and aggressive emotions. These effects are explained in more detail [[Point_of_the_spear#Spiral\|here]].

	By the time the summit begins, the Civil Service will have completed reports for each of these conjunctions, which will be presented to the generals during the [[muster]]. The final decision about which major conjunctions to exploit, and who will take part in the battles, is the heavy responsibility of the [[~~Imperial~~ Military Council]] alone.		By the time the summit begins, the Civil Service will have completed reports for each of these conjunctions, which will be presented to the generals during the [[muster]]. The final decision about which major conjunctions to exploit, and who will take part in the battles, is the heavy responsibility of the [[Military Council]] alone.

	===Force Weightings===		===Force Weightings===

Twiggy at 01:47, 18 July 2025

2025-07-18T01:47:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:47, 18 July 2025
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	The Towerjacks coordinate the campaign, using runners and scattered heliopticon towers to send messages swiftly to the other armies. Their forces too are enchanted - with [[Clarity of the Master Strategist\|supernatural insight]] that puts them in the ideal position to guide the Imperial strategy. They also hang back because they are protecting the workers responsible for erecting new heliopticon towers, including a replacement for the central tower that once stood in Caeli.		The Towerjacks coordinate the campaign, using runners and scattered heliopticon towers to send messages swiftly to the other armies. Their forces too are enchanted - with [[Clarity of the Master Strategist\|supernatural insight]] that puts them in the ideal position to guide the Imperial strategy. They also hang back because they are protecting the workers responsible for erecting new heliopticon towers, including a replacement for the central tower that once stood in Caeli.

	Further magic rests over Morrow; every drop of water is [[Rivers of Life\|rich with healing power]]. No injury save the most grievous proves fatal. Anything short of execution heals quickly, leaving no scars. While the crystalline fortress that had encased Canterspire has faded away, many of the heralds of Phaleron have remained behind, doing their best to offer ~~succor~~ and support to the people of Urizen. At the same time, the [[The_mystic,_the_willful#Winter_Hounds\|eerie giant hounds]] summoned into the hills of [[Morrow#Altis\|Altis]] range forth across the whole territory. Sometimes they fight alongside the Imperial armies, sometimes they busy themselves in lone hunts against the Druj.		Further magic rests over Morrow; every drop of water is [[Rivers of Life\|rich with healing power]]. No injury save the most grievous proves fatal. Anything short of execution heals quickly, leaving no scars. While the crystalline fortress that had encased Canterspire has faded away, many of the heralds of Phaleron have remained behind, doing their best to offer succour and support to the people of Urizen. At the same time, the [[The_mystic,_the_willful#Winter_Hounds\|eerie giant hounds]] summoned into the hills of [[Morrow#Altis\|Altis]] range forth across the whole territory. Sometimes they fight alongside the Imperial armies, sometimes they busy themselves in lone hunts against the Druj.

	<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Magnus Anatolyvich Prochnost, General of the Iron Helms>We know the Danger that flows in Winter. Varushkans know sacrifice, and we will pay the price. The Iron Helms make a Steady Advance in Morrow</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="Magnus Anatolyvich Prochnost, General of the Iron Helms>We know the Danger that flows in Winter. Varushkans know sacrifice, and we will pay the price. The Iron Helms make a Steady Advance in Morrow</quote></div>

Twiggy at 13:17, 16 July 2025

2025-07-16T13:17:28Z

Twiggy at 18:06, 14 July 2025

2025-07-14T18:06:46Z

Show changes

Twiggy at 10:18, 11 July 2025

2025-07-11T10:18:46Z

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	<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="		<div style="float:right; width: 450px; clear: right;"><quote by="
	William Talbot, General of the Drakes>Now then my merry marchers, from the cursed woods of Alderley we march north to the tundra of ~~Semmersuaq~~. Through Sealtoq and into Stark, against the massed Jotun horde. Take a steady advance against the foe, this fight is about the land of our allies, not the blood of our foes. We Marchers do not hold to the lofty ways of the Mark, but we shall show our defeated foe honest Marcher succour. There shall be no throat cutting of the injured and their dead shall be returned in cloths of Mitwold linen. Show them how we Marchers respect an honest foe, and let us send the Jarl of Kierheim our regards!</quote></div>		William Talbot, General of the Drakes>Now then my merry marchers, from the cursed woods of Alderley we march north to the tundra of Sermersuaq. Through Sealtoq and into Stark, against the massed Jotun horde. Take a steady advance against the foe, this fight is about the land of our allies, not the blood of our foes. We Marchers do not hold to the lofty ways of the Mark, but we shall show our defeated foe honest Marcher succour. There shall be no throat cutting of the injured and their dead shall be returned in cloths of Mitwold linen. Show them how we Marchers respect an honest foe, and let us send the Jarl of Kierheim our regards!</quote></div>

	For the better part of a month, the Empire and the orcs are stalemated. The Jotun cannot push the Empire back, but neither can the Empire drive the orcs from their positions. As the days stretch on, frustration grows. It seems as if the Empire has made as much progress as it is going to; there is talk of drawing back and pushing instead into Tanikipari.		For the better part of a month, the Empire and the orcs are stalemated. The Jotun cannot push the Empire back, but neither can the Empire drive the orcs from their positions. As the days stretch on, frustration grows. It seems as if the Empire has made as much progress as it is going to; there is talk of drawing back and pushing instead into Tanikipari.

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	===The Aftermath===		===The Aftermath===
	The Imperial armada makes [[Redoubt]] without encountering any further Grendel. Indeed, they enjoy excellent sailing winds - the best possible weather in fact - for their swift retreat back to Imperial waters. Even the malign presence of the Black Plateau is not sufficient to dampen the high spirits of the victorious humans and orcs.		The Imperial armada makes [[Redoubt]] without encountering any further Grendel. Indeed, they enjoy excellent sailing winds - the best possible weather in fact - for their swift retreat back to Imperial waters. Even the malign presence of the {{Black Plateau}} is not sufficient to dampen the high spirits of the victorious humans and orcs.

	A small handful of ships, their crews, and their cargoes are unaccounted for - the heralds of Rhianos aboard several ships are a little cagey and will only say that adventures can sometimes take an unexpected turn. They quickly change the subject, preferring to dwell on the great adventure they and their Imperial friends have just enjoyed, eager to gather stories of risk and reward from as many of the ships as they can.		A small handful of ships, their crews, and their cargoes are unaccounted for - the heralds of Rhianos aboard several ships are a little cagey and will only say that adventures can sometimes take an unexpected turn. They quickly change the subject, preferring to dwell on the great adventure they and their Imperial friends have just enjoyed, eager to gather stories of risk and reward from as many of the ships as they can.
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	Their first target is the [[Legacy]]. There is little warning of their presence, but the order to evacuate is quickly given. Some attempt is made to save the mithril but the conditions in Spiral make it difficult to move the precious ore quickly. The defenders do their best but they cannot hope to stand against such a force of orcs. The mine is quickly overrun, the bounty of mithril claimed by the orcs before it can be transported more than a handful of miles south.		Their first target is the [[Legacy]]. There is little warning of their presence, but the order to evacuate is quickly given. Some attempt is made to save the mithril but the conditions in Spiral make it difficult to move the precious ore quickly. The defenders do their best but they cannot hope to stand against such a force of orcs. The mine is quickly overrun, the bounty of mithril claimed by the orcs before it can be transported more than a handful of miles south.

	The orcs do not break their advance. They break into two forces - the smaller force quickly brings the whole of Ossuary under their nominal control. The larger force presses south ... into [[Spiral#Screed\|Screed]]. They are even more cautious here, but again they are unopposed. They quickly claim the entire region, including the ~~<span style="color:#2F4F4F; background:#D3D3D3 ">~~Black Plateau~~</span>~~ itself.		The orcs do not break their advance. They break into two forces - the smaller force quickly brings the whole of Ossuary under their nominal control. The larger force presses south ... into [[Spiral#Screed\|Screed]]. They are even more cautious here, but again they are unopposed. They quickly claim the entire region, including the {{Black Plateau}} itself.

	Still they are not done. While the main part of their force consolidates their gains, perhaps ten thousand orcs continue south into [[Spiral#Apulus\|Apulus]]. Here their advance begins to slow somewhat - but not before they have managed to claim almost all the land the Empire had liberated from the Grendel. The town of [[Spiral#Apulian\|Apulian]] remains in Imperial hands but only just - the Druj are camped no more than a handful of miles from their walls. The Imperial defenders, those spires working to restore the town to some semblance of normality, are trapped between the unknown and the known, between the devil and the deep blue sea. Their heliopticon tower is still intact, but they know they have no chance to hold out against the orcs should they continue their attack.		Still they are not done. While the main part of their force consolidates their gains, perhaps ten thousand orcs continue south into [[Spiral#Apulus\|Apulus]]. Here their advance begins to slow somewhat - but not before they have managed to claim almost all the land the Empire had liberated from the Grendel. The town of [[Spiral#Apulian\|Apulian]] remains in Imperial hands but only just - the Druj are camped no more than a handful of miles from their walls. The Imperial defenders, those spires working to restore the town to some semblance of normality, are trapped between the unknown and the known, between the devil and the deep blue sea. Their heliopticon tower is still intact, but they know they have no chance to hold out against the orcs should they continue their attack.

	The Druj are mortal, however, and as such they are prey to the terrible emanation of the ~~<span style="color:#2F4F4F; background:#D3D3D3 ">~~Black Plateau~~</span>~~. There are numerous reports of madness and violence in their ranks - of soldiers impaled on spikes for insubordination, of bands of scouts turning on each other, of warbands breaking for no reason and fleeing screaming in the darkness. There is little doubt that the Druj are unprepared for the madness that flows outward from Screed, which makes their presence so much harder to explain.		The Druj are mortal, however, and as such they are prey to the terrible emanation of the {{Black Plateau}}. There are numerous reports of madness and violence in their ranks - of soldiers impaled on spikes for insubordination, of bands of scouts turning on each other, of warbands breaking for no reason and fleeing screaming in the darkness. There is little doubt that the Druj are unprepared for the madness that flows outward from Screed, which makes their presence so much harder to explain.

	Reports also come in of Druj scouts all over the territory - watching, evaluating, considering. They do not get too close to the construction effort in Cinion, but they cannot have failed to mark the construction of [[Construct_Mithril_Block\|the Block]] nor the work that has gone into restoring the [[Construct_repairs_to_Heliopticon\|Heliopticon]]. For now though, they seem to have little interest in disrupting either project - again an attitude that seems very much at odds with their usual rapacious hunger for destruction and despair.		Reports also come in of Druj scouts all over the territory - watching, evaluating, considering. They do not get too close to the construction effort in Cinion, but they cannot have failed to mark the construction of [[Construct_Mithril_Block\|the Block]] nor the work that has gone into restoring the [[Construct_repairs_to_Heliopticon\|Heliopticon]]. For now though, they seem to have little interest in disrupting either project - again an attitude that seems very much at odds with their usual rapacious hunger for destruction and despair.

	Finally, as the Spring Equinox approaches, reports come from Spiral that the Druj are performing rituals at the site of the ~~<span style="color:#2F4F4F; background:#D3D3D3 ">~~Black Plateau~~</span>~~. At first there is a very real fear that the orc magicians are using some dark sorcery to make the situation in Spiral even worse - and in a way they are but not in the way many fear. By report of the magicians of Urizen, it seems the Druj are working [[Spring magic]], bringing to bear [[curse\|curses]] on the [[territory]]. So far they have lain a [[Rivers Run Red\|festering blight]] in the waters, and summoned [[Thunderous_Deluge\|catastrophic weather]]. It remains to be seen if they have more in mind.		Finally, as the Spring Equinox approaches, reports come from Spiral that the Druj are performing rituals at the site of the {{Black Plateau}}. At first there is a very real fear that the orc magicians are using some dark sorcery to make the situation in Spiral even worse - and in a way they are but not in the way many fear. By report of the magicians of Urizen, it seems the Druj are working [[Spring magic]], bringing to bear [[curse\|curses]] on the [[territory]]. So far they have lain a [[Rivers Run Red\|festering blight]] in the waters, and summoned [[Thunderous_Deluge\|catastrophic weather]]. It remains to be seen if they have more in mind.

	Whatever has caused this change of tactics by the Druj remains shrouded in mystery. Whatever their goal here if the defeat in Morrow signals the end of the Druj's attempt to invade Urizen - then clearly they have not got the message yet...		Whatever has caused this change of tactics by the Druj remains shrouded in mystery. Whatever their goal here if the defeat in Morrow signals the end of the Druj's attempt to invade Urizen - then clearly they have not got the message yet...
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	\| Wintermark \|\| 41		\| Wintermark \|\| 41
	\|}		\|}
	The fourth conjunction can be used to reach the '''Twilight Way''', Ossuary, Spiral. Stretching across the Black Plateau oppressed tracts of Ossuary, this road travels high into the mountains, through the Twilight Gate, then down into Proceris, Zenith, along the route taken by the recent Druj invasion. This location can be reached on either the Saturday or the Sunday of the equinox. This location is under the oppressive effects of the [[Spiral#The_Black_Plateau\|Black Plateau]]. If this opportunity were chosen, those travelling would be subject to the powerful magics present in Spiral that amplify negative and aggressive emotions. These effects are explained in more detail [[Point_of_the_spear#Spiral\|here]].		The fourth conjunction can be used to reach the '''Twilight Way''', Ossuary, Spiral. Stretching across the {{Black Plateau}} oppressed tracts of Ossuary, this road travels high into the mountains, through the Twilight Gate, then down into Proceris, Zenith, along the route taken by the recent Druj invasion. This location can be reached on either the Saturday or the Sunday of the equinox. This location is under the oppressive effects of the [[Spiral#The_Black_Plateau\|{{Black Plateau}}]]. If this opportunity were chosen, those travelling would be subject to the powerful magics present in Spiral that amplify negative and aggressive emotions. These effects are explained in more detail [[Point_of_the_spear#Spiral\|here]].

	By the time the summit begins, the Civil Service will have completed reports for each of these conjunctions, which will be presented to the generals during the [[muster]]. The final decision about which major conjunctions to exploit, and who will take part in the battles, is the heavy responsibility of the [[Imperial Military Council]] alone.		By the time the summit begins, the Civil Service will have completed reports for each of these conjunctions, which will be presented to the generals during the [[muster]]. The final decision about which major conjunctions to exploit, and who will take part in the battles, is the heavy responsibility of the [[Imperial Military Council]] alone.