383YE Winter Solstice winds of war - Revision history

Twiggy at 16:16, 22 March 2026

2026-03-22T16:16:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:16, 22 March 2026
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	The protectors of Hercynia employ magic of their own as well. As the vallorn spews forth its unnatural hordes, so that magic settles across Hercynia. It is as if the entire territory resists the incursion from its heart; magical fortresses twine and twist from the woodlands of the Glen of Shadows, from Old Ranging, and from Summersend as the Voice of the Quiet Forest continue to weave Spring magic in defence of the people of Hercynia. At the same time, a mighty castle of white stone and black ice rises in the foothills of Northpines, a [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|frozen citadel]] drawn from the demesne of [[Cathan Canae]] by the Eternal Family. With the forest and the mountain aiding the defenders, the vallornspawn are contained.		The protectors of Hercynia employ magic of their own as well. As the vallorn spews forth its unnatural hordes, so that magic settles across Hercynia. It is as if the entire territory resists the incursion from its heart; magical fortresses twine and twist from the woodlands of the Glen of Shadows, from Old Ranging, and from Summersend as the Voice of the Quiet Forest continue to weave Spring magic in defence of the people of Hercynia. At the same time, a mighty castle of white stone and black ice rises in the foothills of Northpines, a [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|frozen citadel]] drawn from the demesne of [[Cathan Canae]] by the Eternal Family. With the forest and the mountain aiding the defenders, the vallornspawn are contained.

	Magic alone will not win the day, however. That task falls to the hundred or so [[military unit\|independent captains]] who answer the call to action with their friends and allies. The majority of these are Navarr and [[Dawn\|Dawnish]], bolstered by significant numbers of Winterfolk, and every ~~imperial~~ nation is represented among the heroes that come to Hercynia. Some fight the vallorn and its spawn directly; others track down the hidden threat of the Heirs of Terunael and seek to stymie their treacherous plans. Each individual battle, each confrontation, serves to further undermine the plans of the Heirs and their allies. Even with advance warning, the unbound power of vallornspawn, and ettercap, and corrupt magic, the threat of assassins' knives, poisoned wells, and burning brands, and the sheer madness of the Heirs' cause might have been sufficient to overwhelm the defenders of Hercynia.		Magic alone will not win the day, however. That task falls to the hundred or so [[military unit\|independent captains]] who answer the call to action with their friends and allies. The majority of these are Navarr and [[Dawn\|Dawnish]], bolstered by significant numbers of Winterfolk, and every Imperial nation is represented among the heroes that come to Hercynia. Some fight the vallorn and its spawn directly; others track down the hidden threat of the Heirs of Terunael and seek to stymie their treacherous plans. Each individual battle, each confrontation, serves to further undermine the plans of the Heirs and their allies. Even with advance warning, the unbound power of vallornspawn, and ettercap, and corrupt magic, the threat of assassins' knives, poisoned wells, and burning brands, and the sheer madness of the Heirs' cause might have been sufficient to overwhelm the defenders of Hercynia.
	<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Roman Andrevich, Cabal of the Green Mother">The Mother has given us gifts, and now she calls our account due. A green tide shall wash over the Empire, and we are chosen to be its harbingers.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Roman Andrevich, Cabal of the Green Mother">The Mother has given us gifts, and now she calls our account due. A green tide shall wash over the Empire, and we are chosen to be its harbingers.</quote></div>
	As it is, the battle is very close. Despite best efforts, a tide of chitinous ettercaps is able to reach the storied steading of [[Hercynia#Treji\|Treji]], just in time for conjured vines to tear great holes in the defences. Lives are lost - but the defenders manage to stand against the howling horde of insect-horrors and turn them back before they can overwhelm the settlement. Without the magical defenders provided by forest and mountain, without the courage of the heroes and soldiers of the Empire, Treji would have fallen.		As it is, the battle is very close. Despite best efforts, a tide of chitinous ettercaps is able to reach the storied steading of [[Hercynia#Treji\|Treji]], just in time for conjured vines to tear great holes in the defences. Lives are lost - but the defenders manage to stand against the howling horde of insect-horrors and turn them back before they can overwhelm the settlement. Without the magical defenders provided by forest and mountain, without the courage of the heroes and soldiers of the Empire, Treji would have fallen.

Twiggy at 22:51, 12 March 2026

2026-03-12T22:51:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:51, 12 March 2026
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	Wherever the Druj are engaged, they are supported by cunning bands of herbalists and healers who bear the banners of the Red Lizard. Their [[Druj_champion#Tepel\|tepel]] apothecaries do not face the Empire directly, but it seems they are always there rousing injured orc soldiers and taking perverse enjoyment in tormenting any Imperial troops - especially [[Imperial Orcs]] - who fall into their clutches.		Wherever the Druj are engaged, they are supported by cunning bands of herbalists and healers who bear the banners of the Red Lizard. Their [[Druj_champion#Tepel\|tepel]] apothecaries do not face the Empire directly, but it seems they are always there rousing injured orc soldiers and taking perverse enjoyment in tormenting any Imperial troops - especially [[Imperial Orcs]] - who fall into their clutches.

	Finally, there comes report after report of roving warbands under coiling serpent banners fighting a [[Army orders#~~Guerilla~~\|~~guerilla~~ war]] in the foothills of Clypion. They are adept at hunting scouts and skirmishers alike, launching stinging raids against Imperial baggage trains and supply columns, then melting back into the wilderness whenever the Empire tries to respond. More than once they manage to lure soldiers from the Iron Helms and the Wolves of War into traps, pulling them out of position down towards the stinking mire of Proceris, then launching overwhelming counterattacks against the vulnerable Imperials.		Finally, there comes report after report of roving warbands under coiling serpent banners fighting a [[Army orders#Guerrilla\|guerrilla war]] in the foothills of Clypion. They are adept at hunting scouts and skirmishers alike, launching stinging raids against Imperial baggage trains and supply columns, then melting back into the wilderness whenever the Empire tries to respond. More than once they manage to lure soldiers from the Iron Helms and the Wolves of War into traps, pulling them out of position down towards the stinking mire of Proceris, then launching overwhelming counterattacks against the vulnerable Imperials.
	<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Lights in the Darkness</p>		<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Lights in the Darkness</p>
	Even with the trap sprung, the situation is dire. A hurried conclave of captains is called by the far sighted strategists of the Guard and the [[Day magic\|enlightened]] Towerjacks using information gathered by the Wolves and the Eagles. Two nights of tense discussion, and more heated arguments follow as they devise a new strategy. The blunt truth is that the Empire are outnumbered and it is clear to everyone that their enemy has spent months preparing the ground for this assault. The question is how to respond?		Even with the trap sprung, the situation is dire. A hurried conclave of captains is called by the far sighted strategists of the Guard and the [[Day magic\|enlightened]] Towerjacks using information gathered by the Wolves and the Eagles. Two nights of tense discussion, and more heated arguments follow as they devise a new strategy. The blunt truth is that the Empire are outnumbered and it is clear to everyone that their enemy has spent months preparing the ground for this assault. The question is how to respond?

Twiggy at 13:59, 7 March 2026

2026-03-07T13:59:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:59, 7 March 2026
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	Even before the attacks began in earnest, these allies of Yaw'nagrah, these self-proclaimed scions of ancient Terunael, brought the corrosive power of [[Spring magic]] to bear against the people of Hercynia. Shortly before the Autumn Equinox, the waters of Hercynia began to show signs that they had been infested with the [[interdiction\|illegal]] power of [[Rivers Run Red]], bringing the threat of infection and sickness to add to the dangers posed by the vallornspawn and ettercaps. The [[Navarr_magical_traditions#Vates\|vates]] of Navarr are quick to respond - the Voice of the Quiet Forest rally their allies and draw on the more positive aspects of the Spring realm to counter the curse of pestilence the Heirs have raised. Yet the attempted tainting of the waters is only the most obvious of the Heir's schemes. Rituals of [[Spring_magic#Venom\|sickness]], [[Spring_magic#Savagery\|savagery]], and [[Spring_magic#Ruin\|ruin]] are brought to bear across the territory, striking at the walls of steadings, infesting food supplies with flies and maggots, sowing chaos among the defenders of town and striding alike.		Even before the attacks began in earnest, these allies of Yaw'nagrah, these self-proclaimed scions of ancient Terunael, brought the corrosive power of [[Spring magic]] to bear against the people of Hercynia. Shortly before the Autumn Equinox, the waters of Hercynia began to show signs that they had been infested with the [[interdiction\|illegal]] power of [[Rivers Run Red]], bringing the threat of infection and sickness to add to the dangers posed by the vallornspawn and ettercaps. The [[Navarr_magical_traditions#Vates\|vates]] of Navarr are quick to respond - the Voice of the Quiet Forest rally their allies and draw on the more positive aspects of the Spring realm to counter the curse of pestilence the Heirs have raised. Yet the attempted tainting of the waters is only the most obvious of the Heir's schemes. Rituals of [[Spring_magic#Venom\|sickness]], [[Spring_magic#Savagery\|savagery]], and [[Spring_magic#Ruin\|ruin]] are brought to bear across the territory, striking at the walls of steadings, infesting food supplies with flies and maggots, sowing chaos among the defenders of town and striding alike.

	The protectors of Hercynia employ magic of their own as well. As the vallorn spews forth its unnatural hordes, so that magic settles across Hercynia. It is as if the entire territory resists the incursion from its heart; magical fortresses twine and twist from the woodlands of the Glen of Shadows, from Old Ranging, and from Summersend as the Voice of the Quiet Forest continue to weave Spring magic in defence of the people of Hercynia. At the same time, a mighty castle of white stone and black ice rises in the foothills of ~~North Pines~~, a [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|frozen citadel]] drawn from the demesne of [[Cathan Canae]] by the Eternal Family. With the forest and the mountain aiding the defenders, the vallornspawn are contained.		The protectors of Hercynia employ magic of their own as well. As the vallorn spews forth its unnatural hordes, so that magic settles across Hercynia. It is as if the entire territory resists the incursion from its heart; magical fortresses twine and twist from the woodlands of the Glen of Shadows, from Old Ranging, and from Summersend as the Voice of the Quiet Forest continue to weave Spring magic in defence of the people of Hercynia. At the same time, a mighty castle of white stone and black ice rises in the foothills of Northpines, a [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|frozen citadel]] drawn from the demesne of [[Cathan Canae]] by the Eternal Family. With the forest and the mountain aiding the defenders, the vallornspawn are contained.

	Magic alone will not win the day, however. That task falls to the hundred or so [[military unit\|independent captains]] who answer the call to action with their friends and allies. The majority of these are Navarr and [[Dawn\|Dawnish]], bolstered by significant numbers of Winterfolk, and every imperial nation is represented among the heroes that come to Hercynia. Some fight the vallorn and its spawn directly; others track down the hidden threat of the Heirs of Terunael and seek to stymie their treacherous plans. Each individual battle, each confrontation, serves to further undermine the plans of the Heirs and their allies. Even with advance warning, the unbound power of vallornspawn, and ettercap, and corrupt magic, the threat of assassins' knives, poisoned wells, and burning brands, and the sheer madness of the Heirs' cause might have been sufficient to overwhelm the defenders of Hercynia.		Magic alone will not win the day, however. That task falls to the hundred or so [[military unit\|independent captains]] who answer the call to action with their friends and allies. The majority of these are Navarr and [[Dawn\|Dawnish]], bolstered by significant numbers of Winterfolk, and every imperial nation is represented among the heroes that come to Hercynia. Some fight the vallorn and its spawn directly; others track down the hidden threat of the Heirs of Terunael and seek to stymie their treacherous plans. Each individual battle, each confrontation, serves to further undermine the plans of the Heirs and their allies. Even with advance warning, the unbound power of vallornspawn, and ettercap, and corrupt magic, the threat of assassins' knives, poisoned wells, and burning brands, and the sheer madness of the Heirs' cause might have been sufficient to overwhelm the defenders of Hercynia.

Twiggy at 22:11, 4 March 2026

2026-03-04T22:11:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:11, 4 March 2026
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	While there are a multitude of monstrous foes in Therunin, as in Hercynia the threat comes as much from treachery as from beasts and heralds of Yaw'nagrah. If not for the courage of the defenders, the Docks at Feverwater would have been crippled by a trio of abnormally large [[Legendary_beasts#Hydra\|hydra]] rising from the deep waters, drawn by the siren songs of the Heirs of Terunael. If not for the vigilance of the Highborn, a scheme to poison the orcs labouring to complete the Holt of the Oak might have been successful, leaving them defenceless against the swarm of spore-crazed dire beetles pouring out of Greenheart. Without the dogged determination of the Imperial Orcs patrolling near Peakedge Stead, a plan to tear open the gates with ritual magic might have come to fruition allowing a river of vallornspawn to flood past the defences and butcher the physicks and herbalists at work in the hospital there.		While there are a multitude of monstrous foes in Therunin, as in Hercynia the threat comes as much from treachery as from beasts and heralds of Yaw'nagrah. If not for the courage of the defenders, the Docks at Feverwater would have been crippled by a trio of abnormally large [[Legendary_beasts#Hydra\|hydra]] rising from the deep waters, drawn by the siren songs of the Heirs of Terunael. If not for the vigilance of the Highborn, a scheme to poison the orcs labouring to complete the Holt of the Oak might have been successful, leaving them defenceless against the swarm of spore-crazed dire beetles pouring out of Greenheart. Without the dogged determination of the Imperial Orcs patrolling near Peakedge Stead, a plan to tear open the gates with ritual magic might have come to fruition allowing a river of vallornspawn to flood past the defences and butcher the physicks and herbalists at work in the hospital there.
	<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Clevorn of Greenstride Steading, Heirs of Terunael">The Empire sees the mark of Spring within us as a taint, a mark that we are not to be trusted. They are afraid that we will learn the truth; that it is the Empire that is corrupt. It is old, and sick, and full of complexity and two-faced double-dealers. By embracing the green song of the vallorn, we will learn to stand free of that corruption and grow at last unfettered by the rule of cowards.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Clevorn of Greenstride Steading, Heirs of Terunael">The Empire sees the mark of Spring within us as a taint, a mark that we are not to be trusted. They are afraid that we will learn the truth; that it is the Empire that is corrupt. It is old, and sick, and full of complexity and two-faced double-dealers. By embracing the green song of the vallorn, we will learn to stand free of that corruption and grow at last unfettered by the rule of cowards.</quote></div>
	There are also significant battles in Therunin, make no mistake. Violence spreads across the entire territory. While the walls of Peakedge Stead are preserved, the vallornspawn still come to smash themselves against them. While the hydra are diverted from the Feverwater Docks, they are only the harbingers of a force of terrible beasts that emerge from the marshes of the Mallum and from the vallorn heart to attack steadings across East Ashes and ~~East Ring~~. The fiercest fighting takes place in the peaceful woodlands surrounding the Thimble - a major force of ettercaps and heralds led by not one but three immense, twisted marshwalkers attempt to destroy not only the settlement there but also the trees themselves. Indeed, it seems as if the entire force of Greenfountain Spire - the Urizen traitors - is focused around somehow undoing the weirwood forest there in an echo of the attack against the Heartwood of the Great Vale in Hercynia. They are turned back, but at great cost to the defenders.		There are also significant battles in Therunin, make no mistake. Violence spreads across the entire territory. While the walls of Peakedge Stead are preserved, the vallornspawn still come to smash themselves against them. While the hydra are diverted from the Feverwater Docks, they are only the harbingers of a force of terrible beasts that emerge from the marshes of the Mallum and from the vallorn heart to attack steadings across East Ashes and Eastring. The fiercest fighting takes place in the peaceful woodlands surrounding the Thimble - a major force of ettercaps and heralds led by not one but three immense, twisted marshwalkers attempt to destroy not only the settlement there but also the trees themselves. Indeed, it seems as if the entire force of Greenfountain Spire - the Urizen traitors - is focused around somehow undoing the weirwood forest there in an echo of the attack against the Heartwood of the Great Vale in Hercynia. They are turned back, but at great cost to the defenders.
	Not one steading or striding in Therunin is untouched by the treachery of the Heirs of Terunael, but as the Winter approaches it is clear that the defenders have been sufficient to prevent widespread loss of life. While the beasts of the vallorn, and the giant insects, and the marshwalkers are dangerous they are still beasts - and without the direction of the Heirs their attacks falter and their numbers dwindle. For all their malice, the numbers of Heirs and Urizen directing these forces are limited and each victory, each traitor brought to justice, reduces the ability of the enemy to weave their magic and direct their servants. The attacks lessen, but the worry remains. How many of the briars still living in Therunin can be trusted? How many are merely sleeping tools of the conspiracy arrayed against the Navarr?		Not one steading or striding in Therunin is untouched by the treachery of the Heirs of Terunael, but as the Winter approaches it is clear that the defenders have been sufficient to prevent widespread loss of life. While the beasts of the vallorn, and the giant insects, and the marshwalkers are dangerous they are still beasts - and without the direction of the Heirs their attacks falter and their numbers dwindle. For all their malice, the numbers of Heirs and Urizen directing these forces are limited and each victory, each traitor brought to justice, reduces the ability of the enemy to weave their magic and direct their servants. The attacks lessen, but the worry remains. How many of the briars still living in Therunin can be trusted? How many are merely sleeping tools of the conspiracy arrayed against the Navarr?

Twiggy at 16:59, 9 February 2026

2026-02-09T16:59:46Z

Twiggy at 02:03, 22 January 2026

2026-01-22T02:03:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:03, 22 January 2026
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	Oerwalt appears to be bounded by additional forested regions to the north, east, and south. It is possible that the scouts dispatched to perform long-distance reconnaissance may be able to provide more information about the neighbouring regions - assuming they are able to avoid the attentions of the Druj, the verminous wildlife, and the confusing shadows that pool beneath the ancient trees.		Oerwalt appears to be bounded by additional forested regions to the north, east, and south. It is possible that the scouts dispatched to perform long-distance reconnaissance may be able to provide more information about the neighbouring regions - assuming they are able to avoid the attentions of the Druj, the verminous wildlife, and the confusing shadows that pool beneath the ancient trees.

	Despite the presence of the Druj garrison, the armies have not suffered any significant casualties. While there are rumours of a new [[Army\|army]] being [[~~Imperial_army~~#Senate_Commissions\|mustered]] in the [[territory]], it has not been encountered at this time.		Despite the presence of the Druj garrison, the armies have not suffered any significant casualties. While there are rumours of a new [[Army\|army]] being [[Army#Senate_Commissions\|mustered]] in the [[territory]], it has not been encountered at this time.
	<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Homeward Bounders.png\|caption=The Strong Reeds have returned to Bregasland, but they are not the only Marchers bound for home.\|align=left\|width=600}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Homeward Bounders.png\|caption=The Strong Reeds have returned to Bregasland, but they are not the only Marchers bound for home.\|align=left\|width=600}}</div>
	{{Audio\|link=https://youtu.be/H-9ZBXBdM84}}		{{Audio\|link=https://youtu.be/H-9ZBXBdM84}}

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

2026-01-16T09:42:23Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:42, 16 January 2026
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	Oerwalt appears to be bounded by additional forested regions to the north, east, and south. It is possible that the scouts dispatched to perform long-distance reconnaissance may be able to provide more information about the neighbouring regions - assuming they are able to avoid the attentions of the Druj, the verminous wildlife, and the confusing shadows that pool beneath the ancient trees.		Oerwalt appears to be bounded by additional forested regions to the north, east, and south. It is possible that the scouts dispatched to perform long-distance reconnaissance may be able to provide more information about the neighbouring regions - assuming they are able to avoid the attentions of the Druj, the verminous wildlife, and the confusing shadows that pool beneath the ancient trees.

	Despite the presence of the Druj garrison, the armies have not suffered any significant casualties. While there are rumours of a new [[~~Imperial army~~\|army]] being [[Imperial_army#Senate_Commissions\|mustered]] in the [[territory]], it has not been encountered at this time.		Despite the presence of the Druj garrison, the armies have not suffered any significant casualties. While there are rumours of a new [[Army\|army]] being [[Imperial_army#Senate_Commissions\|mustered]] in the [[territory]], it has not been encountered at this time.
	<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Homeward Bounders.png\|caption=The Strong Reeds have returned to Bregasland, but they are not the only Marchers bound for home.\|align=left\|width=600}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Homeward Bounders.png\|caption=The Strong Reeds have returned to Bregasland, but they are not the only Marchers bound for home.\|align=left\|width=600}}</div>
	{{Audio\|link=https://youtu.be/H-9ZBXBdM84}}		{{Audio\|link=https://youtu.be/H-9ZBXBdM84}}

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

2026-01-15T16:04:06Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Conclave" to "[[Conclave"

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:04, 15 January 2026
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	There are few enough Imperial people still in Liathaven of course. Years of violence have seen to that. While the vallorn's hold over the territory has been [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#Blood_for_Poppies\|greatly reduced]], the woodlands are still dominated by the Jotun. There are [[Feni]] settlers in the northern forest, it is true, but the Empire has little contact with them and little reason to imagine that they are especially friendly to Imperial citizens. There is a [[spy network\|network of scouts]] in Liathaven of course, but they have not reported the specifics of the Heirs' operations here. Perhaps the Jotun have contained them. Perhaps not.		There are few enough Imperial people still in Liathaven of course. Years of violence have seen to that. While the vallorn's hold over the territory has been [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#Blood_for_Poppies\|greatly reduced]], the woodlands are still dominated by the Jotun. There are [[Feni]] settlers in the northern forest, it is true, but the Empire has little contact with them and little reason to imagine that they are especially friendly to Imperial citizens. There is a [[spy network\|network of scouts]] in Liathaven of course, but they have not reported the specifics of the Heirs' operations here. Perhaps the Jotun have contained them. Perhaps not.

	The [[Wither the Seed\|withering curse]] of [[Winter magic]] still lies across Liathaven, that much is clear. If Yaw'Nagrah possesses the power to remove that curse, the [[eternal]] seems unwilling - or unable - to do so. Those few Navarr left in the territory have no doubt suffered at the claws of the vallornspawn and the heralds of Yaw'nagrah - as a territory outside the aegis of the [[~~Imperial~~ Conclave]] it is likely that the spawn of the Green Mother have had unfettered access to the forests here. What few reports have filtered out say that the damage to the remaining steadings here has been extensive, bordering on the catastrophic. While there is no danger of the vallorn itself spreading, there are reportedly dangerous pockets of vallorn-tainted creatures in all the remaining regions of the territory that will need to be dealt with in the event the Empire returns to liberate the beleaguered territory.		The [[Wither the Seed\|withering curse]] of [[Winter magic]] still lies across Liathaven, that much is clear. If Yaw'Nagrah possesses the power to remove that curse, the [[eternal]] seems unwilling - or unable - to do so. Those few Navarr left in the territory have no doubt suffered at the claws of the vallornspawn and the heralds of Yaw'nagrah - as a territory outside the aegis of the [[Conclave]] it is likely that the spawn of the Green Mother have had unfettered access to the forests here. What few reports have filtered out say that the damage to the remaining steadings here has been extensive, bordering on the catastrophic. While there is no danger of the vallorn itself spreading, there are reportedly dangerous pockets of vallorn-tainted creatures in all the remaining regions of the territory that will need to be dealt with in the event the Empire returns to liberate the beleaguered territory.

	They may also need to deal with the Heirs of Terunael. In the absence of concrete information it is dangerous to speculate, but it seems likely that whatever goals the treacherous briars were pursuing in Liathaven, they have likely achieved. It remains to be seen what that will mean for the south-western Empire.		They may also need to deal with the Heirs of Terunael. In the absence of concrete information it is dangerous to speculate, but it seems likely that whatever goals the treacherous briars were pursuing in Liathaven, they have likely achieved. It remains to be seen what that will mean for the south-western Empire.

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

2026-01-15T12:26:52Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:26, 15 January 2026
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	It should come as no surprise that there is a great deal of magic at work during the liberation of Zenith, and not all of it comes from Imperial magicians. The orcs of the Mallum have [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen\|quickened]] the sodden, ruined marshes of [[Zenith#Proceris\|Proceris]] and [[Forge_the_Wooden_Fastness\|roused]] the dark, twisted forests of [[Zenith#Lustri\|Lustri]] to protect the land they have stolen. Their wicked magicians have poured out their power across the whole of Zenith, infusing every drop of water with the [[Rivers of Life\|vital power of Spring]]. To some captains, this healing magic comes as a blessed relief, but it is [[curse\|tainted]] as all things the Druj do are tainted. While it saves the lives of countless Imperial soldiers, it saves just as many orcs.		It should come as no surprise that there is a great deal of magic at work during the liberation of Zenith, and not all of it comes from Imperial magicians. The orcs of the Mallum have [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen\|quickened]] the sodden, ruined marshes of [[Zenith#Proceris\|Proceris]] and [[Forge_the_Wooden_Fastness\|roused]] the dark, twisted forests of [[Zenith#Lustri\|Lustri]] to protect the land they have stolen. Their wicked magicians have poured out their power across the whole of Zenith, infusing every drop of water with the [[Rivers of Life\|vital power of Spring]]. To some captains, this healing magic comes as a blessed relief, but it is [[curse\|tainted]] as all things the Druj do are tainted. While it saves the lives of countless Imperial soldiers, it saves just as many orcs.
	<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">The Jaws of the Trap</p>		<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">The Jaws of the Trap</p>
	The [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] spends hundreds of Thrones each year scrying the enemies of the Empire, and of all of them the Druj are the hardest to pin down. Their motives are often obscured and their movements impossible to predict. They wrap stealth and deception around them like a cloak and their forces in Zenith are no different. There are [[Power,_corruption,_and_lies#A_Tally_of_Shrouds\|no stars]] in the night skies; a powerful shroud swallows all save the strongest divinations. Where magic fails, mortal eyes are barely better. Even the best scouts of Urizen and the League cannot say with any certainty exactly how many armies are present, let alone how many orcs.		The [[Senate]] spends hundreds of Thrones each year scrying the enemies of the Empire, and of all of them the Druj are the hardest to pin down. Their motives are often obscured and their movements impossible to predict. They wrap stealth and deception around them like a cloak and their forces in Zenith are no different. There are [[Power,_corruption,_and_lies#A_Tally_of_Shrouds\|no stars]] in the night skies; a powerful shroud swallows all save the strongest divinations. Where magic fails, mortal eyes are barely better. Even the best scouts of Urizen and the League cannot say with any certainty exactly how many armies are present, let alone how many orcs.

	Despite this lack of information, the Imperial armies make good progress. In the first week of the campaign they push forward into Clypion and while they encounter the enemy, the Druj are forced to fall back. The orcs appear to be unprepared for the Imperial attack. Taken by surprise, they seem confused and struggle to coordinate their defences. In spite of the omnipresent miasma, morale begins to rise. The area around the pass of the Three Watchers is quickly secured, and those with bitter scores to settle against the Mallum orcs seize every opportunity to engage their hated enemy. There are some heated arguments as certain captains argue for a more bold approach than that ordered by the Imperial [[general\|generals]]. The Druj appear to be on the back foot - perhaps it is time to throw caution to the wind, to seize the opportunity to make the orcs pay for what they have done in Urizen.		Despite this lack of information, the Imperial armies make good progress. In the first week of the campaign they push forward into Clypion and while they encounter the enemy, the Druj are forced to fall back. The orcs appear to be unprepared for the Imperial attack. Taken by surprise, they seem confused and struggle to coordinate their defences. In spite of the omnipresent miasma, morale begins to rise. The area around the pass of the Three Watchers is quickly secured, and those with bitter scores to settle against the Mallum orcs seize every opportunity to engage their hated enemy. There are some heated arguments as certain captains argue for a more bold approach than that ordered by the Imperial [[general\|generals]]. The Druj appear to be on the back foot - perhaps it is time to throw caution to the wind, to seize the opportunity to make the orcs pay for what they have done in Urizen.

Twiggy at 14:38, 20 October 2025

2025-10-20T14:38:21Z

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	Firstly, when the Red Wind Corsairs intercepted a caravan heading south from the Caida toward Anduz they discovered that some of the covered wagons contained what seemed to be early Imperial weapons and armour alongside less recognisable artefacts of barbarian orc manufacture. Orcs captured alongside the artefacts and [[Army_qualities#Daring\|held for ransom]] would say little about what was taking place at the site but did confirm the presence in the Caida of powerful orc shaman named Junda the Grim. Junda is a favoured lieutenant of Lefsnir Red-armed, General of the Escuta (the army who were once the Deep Bloods before their embrace of the Lasambrian cause). Junda is said to have a profound awareness of the ancestors of the "fourth tribe" - the tribe that once lived alongside the Hierro, Corazon, and Naguerro in Segura and Feroz if the Lasambrian orcs are to be believed.		Firstly, when the Red Wind Corsairs intercepted a caravan heading south from the Caida toward Anduz they discovered that some of the covered wagons contained what seemed to be early Imperial weapons and armour alongside less recognisable artefacts of barbarian orc manufacture. Orcs captured alongside the artefacts and [[Army_qualities#Daring\|held for ransom]] would say little about what was taking place at the site but did confirm the presence in the Caida of powerful orc shaman named Junda the Grim. Junda is a favoured lieutenant of Lefsnir Red-armed, General of the Escuta (the army who were once the Deep Bloods before their embrace of the Lasambrian cause). Junda is said to have a profound awareness of the ancestors of the "fourth tribe" - the tribe that once lived alongside the Hierro, Corazon, and Naguerro in Segura and Feroz if the Lasambrian orcs are to be believed.
	<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Lleu Tarw, General of the Black Thorns">The Valiant Pegasus and our National Captains defend our homes whilst we march west from Feroz and begin a steady conquest with the Winter Sun and ~~Redwind~~ Corsairs to drive the Lasambrian Jotun scum back into Reinos. We march through winter, make them pay winter's price. Drive them to the Abyss.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Lleu Tarw, General of the Black Thorns">The Valiant Pegasus and our National Captains defend our homes whilst we march west from Feroz and begin a steady conquest with the Winter Sun and Red Wind Corsairs to drive the Lasambrian Jotun scum back into Reinos. We march through winter, make them pay winter's price. Drive them to the Abyss.</quote></div>
	The Lasambrian Orcs are diverting resources to support this dig, resources that they sorely need for the defence of Anduz against the inevitable Imperial push. Whatever is happening there is important to them. Indeed, the civil service have reported that a [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions\|major conjunction]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] has been identified that seems to lead to the northern part of the Caida, not far from the excavation. Yet nobody can seem to find out ''why'' they are risking so much to support what looks on the surface to be little more than grave robbing. Or perhaps not ''quite'' nobody; according to the prognosticators they have received a letter from a Freeborn hermit by the name of Assio i Tambur i Gerra - a former custodian of [[Ghita's Veils]] - who claims to have further information about just why the Escuta and the Corazón are so interested in the Caida - information they intend to provide to the [[Imperial Necromancer]] and to nobody else.		The Lasambrian Orcs are diverting resources to support this dig, resources that they sorely need for the defence of Anduz against the inevitable Imperial push. Whatever is happening there is important to them. Indeed, the civil service have reported that a [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions\|major conjunction]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] has been identified that seems to lead to the northern part of the Caida, not far from the excavation. Yet nobody can seem to find out ''why'' they are risking so much to support what looks on the surface to be little more than grave robbing. Or perhaps not ''quite'' nobody; according to the prognosticators they have received a letter from a Freeborn hermit by the name of Assio i Tambur i Gerra - a former custodian of [[Ghita's Veils]] - who claims to have further information about just why the Escuta and the Corazón are so interested in the Caida - information they intend to provide to the [[Imperial Necromancer]] and to nobody else.

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	While the Empire is reclaiming land claimed by the Jotun in the west, it is ceding land to the Grendel in the east. With the ink on the [[Ratify_treaty_with_the_Grendel_Autumn_383YE\|Grendel peace treaty]] barely dry, the Iron Gulls move forcefully into Afarjasse and Morajasse, claiming both regions for their own. The Grendel also take custody of the newly completed [[fortification]] of [[Feroz#Mora.27s_Rock\|Moras Rock]], with the captain of the garrison surrendering the castle to the smirking general of the Iron Gulls before retreating with all her soldiers across the northern borders into Madruga. The Grendel seem to take special pleasure in setting up residence in the [[Feroz#The_Spice_Gardens_of_Feroz\|Spice Gardens]] of Afarjasse, and stories are already circulating that the new Grendel governor - the grizzled old veteran ''Lord Rahab'' - takes pains to ensure every meal he eats is supplemented by spices from the famous Freeborn gardens. Needless to say, those spices are gathered now by slaves - orc slaves brought across from the Broken Shore for the moment but it seems unlikely that state of affairs will continue.		While the Empire is reclaiming land claimed by the Jotun in the west, it is ceding land to the Grendel in the east. With the ink on the [[Ratify_treaty_with_the_Grendel_Autumn_383YE\|Grendel peace treaty]] barely dry, the Iron Gulls move forcefully into Afarjasse and Morajasse, claiming both regions for their own. The Grendel also take custody of the newly completed [[fortification]] of [[Feroz#Mora.27s_Rock\|Moras Rock]], with the captain of the garrison surrendering the castle to the smirking general of the Iron Gulls before retreating with all her soldiers across the northern borders into Madruga. The Grendel seem to take special pleasure in setting up residence in the [[Feroz#The_Spice_Gardens_of_Feroz\|Spice Gardens]] of Afarjasse, and stories are already circulating that the new Grendel governor - the grizzled old veteran ''Lord Rahab'' - takes pains to ensure every meal he eats is supplemented by spices from the famous Freeborn gardens. Needless to say, those spices are gathered now by slaves - orc slaves brought across from the Broken Shore for the moment but it seems unlikely that state of affairs will continue.

	As the Winter Solstice approaches, the Salt Lords formally announce that Lord Rahab has been appointed to oversee the entire territory. Following quickly on the heels of that announcement come reassurances from the new governor that, as stipulated in the peace treaty, those Imperial citizens currently in Afarjasse and Morajasse have until the start of the Summer Solstice to relocate. After that time, any who remain will be subject to the rule of the orcs of Attar and further evacuation will not be permitted. In keeping with the agreement they have made with the [[Imperial Fleet Master]], the orc armies make no effort to prevent Imperial citizens from leaving the newly conquered lands. This same largesse does not extend to Freeborn citizens in [[Feroz#Oranseri\|Oranseri]], [[Feroz#~~Fortargenta~~\|~~Fortargenta~~]] or the [[Feroz#Cazar Straits\|Cazar Straits]]; they remain slaves of the Grendel conquerors to all intents and purposes. Vigilant orc sentinels patrol the borders between the conquered regions and the newly ceded territory with harsh penalties applied to any who attempt to flee north or west.		As the Winter Solstice approaches, the Salt Lords formally announce that Lord Rahab has been appointed to oversee the entire territory. Following quickly on the heels of that announcement come reassurances from the new governor that, as stipulated in the peace treaty, those Imperial citizens currently in Afarjasse and Morajasse have until the start of the Summer Solstice to relocate. After that time, any who remain will be subject to the rule of the orcs of Attar and further evacuation will not be permitted. In keeping with the agreement they have made with the [[Imperial Fleet Master]], the orc armies make no effort to prevent Imperial citizens from leaving the newly conquered lands. This same largesse does not extend to Freeborn citizens in [[Feroz#Oranseri\|Oranseri]], [[Feroz#Fontargenta\|Fontargenta]] or the [[Feroz#Cazar Straits\|Cazar Straits]]; they remain slaves of the Grendel conquerors to all intents and purposes. Vigilant orc sentinels patrol the borders between the conquered regions and the newly ceded territory with harsh penalties applied to any who attempt to flee north or west.

	Rahab offers unexpected assurances however; any Freeborn who are prepared to bow their heads to their new orc masters need not fear chains or whips. Those who accept their new status will be free to continue much as they have before - albeit with certain restrictions on their ability to move between Feroz and the rest of the Empire. Those who resist, or offer succour to rebels or insurrectionists, will be harshly punished however. For each Grendel so much as injured by a former Imperial, a dozen Freeborn will be selected at random and shipped back to Attar to live out their lives in the salt mines of [[Bay_of_Catazar#Tathar\|Tathar]] and [[Bay_of_Catazar#Ayereed\|Ayereed]]. There are already rumours of Grendel offering significant rewards to any Freeborn prepared to inform on any of their countryfolk who are planning to flee, or to act against their Grendel overlords.		Rahab offers unexpected assurances however; any Freeborn who are prepared to bow their heads to their new orc masters need not fear chains or whips. Those who accept their new status will be free to continue much as they have before - albeit with certain restrictions on their ability to move between Feroz and the rest of the Empire. Those who resist, or offer succour to rebels or insurrectionists, will be harshly punished however. For each Grendel so much as injured by a former Imperial, a dozen Freeborn will be selected at random and shipped back to Attar to live out their lives in the salt mines of [[Bay_of_Catazar#Tathar\|Tathar]] and [[Bay_of_Catazar#Ayereed\|Ayereed]]. There are already rumours of Grendel offering significant rewards to any Freeborn prepared to inform on any of their countryfolk who are planning to flee, or to act against their Grendel overlords.
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	===Game Information : Segura and Feroz===		===Game Information : Segura and Feroz===
	The Lasambrian Jotun have been driven out of ~~Anozserai~~, and the Empire is around halfway towards driving them out of Segura entirely. The civil service confirms the presence of a major conjunction in Segura during the Winter Solstice that will allow the heroes of the Empire to reach the Caida and the Lasambrian Jotun dig-site there.		The Lasambrian Jotun have been driven out of Anozeseri, and the Empire is around halfway towards driving them out of Segura entirely. The civil service confirms the presence of a major conjunction in Segura during the Winter Solstice that will allow the heroes of the Empire to reach the Caida and the Lasambrian Jotun dig-site there.

	The entire territory of Feroz is now in the hands of the Grendel. However, given Lord Rahab's interpretation of the peace treaty, the [[Resource#Conquered_Territories\|conquered territory penalty]] will not be applied until the start of the Summer Solstice. For the moment, it is still possible for Freeborn citizens to go about their business in these two regions with minimal interference from the occupation forces. This largess does not extend to the rest of the territory, needless to say, only to the two regions ceded by the peace treaty.		The entire territory of Feroz is now in the hands of the Grendel. However, given Lord Rahab's interpretation of the peace treaty, the [[Resource#Conquered_Territories\|conquered territory penalty]] will not be applied until the start of the Summer Solstice. For the moment, it is still possible for Freeborn citizens to go about their business in these two regions with minimal interference from the occupation forces. This largess does not extend to the rest of the territory, needless to say, only to the two regions ceded by the peace treaty.

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	Even before the attacks began in earnest, these allies of Yaw'nagrah, these self-proclaimed scions of ancient Terunael, brought the corrosive power of [[Spring magic]] to bear against the people of Hercynia. Shortly before the Autumn Equinox, the waters of Hercynia began to show signs that they had been infested with the [[interdiction\|illegal]] power of [[Rivers Run Red]], bringing the threat of infection and sickness to add to the dangers posed by the vallornspawn and ettercaps. The [[Navarr_magical_traditions#Vates\|vates]] of Navarr are quick to respond - the Voice of the Quiet Forest rally their allies and draw on the more positive aspects of the Spring realm to counter the curse of pestilence the Heirs have raised. Yet the attempted tainting of the waters is only the most obvious of the Heir's schemes. Rituals of [[Spring_magic#Venom\|sickness]], [[Spring_magic#Savagery\|savagery]], and [[Spring_magic#Ruin\|ruin]] are brought to bear across the territory, striking at the walls of steadings, infesting food supplies with flies and maggots, sowing chaos among the defenders of town and striding alike.		Even before the attacks began in earnest, these allies of Yaw'nagrah, these self-proclaimed scions of ancient Terunael, brought the corrosive power of [[Spring magic]] to bear against the people of Hercynia. Shortly before the Autumn Equinox, the waters of Hercynia began to show signs that they had been infested with the [[interdiction\|illegal]] power of [[Rivers Run Red]], bringing the threat of infection and sickness to add to the dangers posed by the vallornspawn and ettercaps. The [[Navarr_magical_traditions#Vates\|vates]] of Navarr are quick to respond - the Voice of the Quiet Forest rally their allies and draw on the more positive aspects of the Spring realm to counter the curse of pestilence the Heirs have raised. Yet the attempted tainting of the waters is only the most obvious of the Heir's schemes. Rituals of [[Spring_magic#Venom\|sickness]], [[Spring_magic#Savagery\|savagery]], and [[Spring_magic#Ruin\|ruin]] are brought to bear across the territory, striking at the walls of steadings, infesting food supplies with flies and maggots, sowing chaos among the defenders of town and striding alike.

	The protectors of Hercynia employ magic of their own as well. As the vallorn spews forth its unnatural hordes, so that magic settles across Hercynia. It is as if the entire territory resists the incursion from its heart; magical fortresses twine and twist from the woodlands of the Glen of Shadows, from Old Ranging, and from Summersend as the Voice of the Quiet Forest continue to weave Spring magic in defence of the people of Hercynia. At the same time, a mighty castle of white stone and black ice rises in the foothills of ~~North Pines~~, a [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|frozen citadel]] drawn from the demesne of [[Cathan Canae]] by the Eternal Family. With the forest and the mountain aiding the defenders, the vallornspawn are contained.		The protectors of Hercynia employ magic of their own as well. As the vallorn spews forth its unnatural hordes, so that magic settles across Hercynia. It is as if the entire territory resists the incursion from its heart; magical fortresses twine and twist from the woodlands of the Glen of Shadows, from Old Ranging, and from Summersend as the Voice of the Quiet Forest continue to weave Spring magic in defence of the people of Hercynia. At the same time, a mighty castle of white stone and black ice rises in the foothills of Northpines, a [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|frozen citadel]] drawn from the demesne of [[Cathan Canae]] by the Eternal Family. With the forest and the mountain aiding the defenders, the vallornspawn are contained.

	Magic alone will not win the day, however. That task falls to the hundred or so [[military unit\|independent captains]] who answer the call to action with their friends and allies. The majority of these are Navarr and [[Dawn\|Dawnish]], bolstered by significant numbers of Winterfolk, and every imperial nation is represented among the heroes that come to Hercynia. Some fight the vallorn and its spawn directly; others track down the hidden threat of the Heirs of Terunael and seek to stymie their treacherous plans. Each individual battle, each confrontation, serves to further undermine the plans of the Heirs and their allies. Even with advance warning, the unbound power of vallornspawn, and ettercap, and corrupt magic, the threat of assassins' knives, poisoned wells, and burning brands, and the sheer madness of the Heirs' cause might have been sufficient to overwhelm the defenders of Hercynia.		Magic alone will not win the day, however. That task falls to the hundred or so [[military unit\|independent captains]] who answer the call to action with their friends and allies. The majority of these are Navarr and [[Dawn\|Dawnish]], bolstered by significant numbers of Winterfolk, and every imperial nation is represented among the heroes that come to Hercynia. Some fight the vallorn and its spawn directly; others track down the hidden threat of the Heirs of Terunael and seek to stymie their treacherous plans. Each individual battle, each confrontation, serves to further undermine the plans of the Heirs and their allies. Even with advance warning, the unbound power of vallornspawn, and ettercap, and corrupt magic, the threat of assassins' knives, poisoned wells, and burning brands, and the sheer madness of the Heirs' cause might have been sufficient to overwhelm the defenders of Hercynia.

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	Here, the three orc armies rally their forces, and face the Imperial advance. Operating from a fortified camp in the ruins of Old Anduz in the south-east, they harry the Imperials as best they can, their anger and frustration at their inability to maintain their grip on their ancestral lands, much less to reclaim Segura from the human "invaders", increasingly apparent in their desperate tactics. With the Winter Solstice on the horizon, the Empire is well on the way to driving the Lasambrian Jotun out of Segura.		Here, the three orc armies rally their forces, and face the Imperial advance. Operating from a fortified camp in the ruins of Old Anduz in the south-east, they harry the Imperials as best they can, their anger and frustration at their inability to maintain their grip on their ancestral lands, much less to reclaim Segura from the human "invaders", increasingly apparent in their desperate tactics. With the Winter Solstice on the horizon, the Empire is well on the way to driving the Lasambrian Jotun out of Segura.
	<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Morgor, General of the Winter Sun">Soldiers of the Winter Sun, we have spent a season chasing ghosts but now we charge to the defence of the Brass Coast. Sweep into Segura in a steady conquest and crush whatever stands against us. Our sisters and brothers of the coast have paid a heavy price so let us stand with them and respect their sacrifice.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Morgor, General of the Winter Sun">Soldiers of the Winter Sun, we have spent a season chasing ghosts but now we charge to the defence of the Brass Coast. Sweep into Segura in a steady conquest and crush whatever stands against us. Our sisters and brothers of the coast have paid a heavy price so let us stand with them and respect their sacrifice.</quote></div>
	Yet while the barbarian invaders seem prepared to make their stand at Anduz, not every force of Lasambrian Jotun soldiers has come to the defence of the town. As the Winter Solstice draws near, Navarr scouts report a sizeable force of orcs in the hills south of [[Segura#Yellow_Chase\|Yellow Chase]] not far from the border with Reinos. Numbers are inconclusive - the scouts were spotted by orc sentries and barely half their number made it back to Imperial lines to deliver their report. It seems that an armed camp made up primarily of Escuta and Corazón, have taken up defensive positions near the ~~Caída~~ - an old battleground that dates back to the formation of the Empire and lies in a depression amid the Western hills. The scouts were unable to get close, but reported that the orcs were excavating the dry soil there and seemed very keen to prevent Imperial eyes seeing what they were doing. Indeed, they have reportedly raised a makeshift stockade around their dig-site.		Yet while the barbarian invaders seem prepared to make their stand at Anduz, not every force of Lasambrian Jotun soldiers has come to the defence of the town. As the Winter Solstice draws near, Navarr scouts report a sizeable force of orcs in the hills south of [[Segura#Yellow_Chase\|Yellow Chase]] not far from the border with Reinos. Numbers are inconclusive - the scouts were spotted by orc sentries and barely half their number made it back to Imperial lines to deliver their report. It seems that an armed camp made up primarily of Escuta and Corazón, have taken up defensive positions near the Caida - an old battleground that dates back to the formation of the Empire and lies in a depression amid the Western hills. The scouts were unable to get close, but reported that the orcs were excavating the dry soil there and seemed very keen to prevent Imperial eyes seeing what they were doing. Indeed, they have reportedly raised a makeshift stockade around their dig-site.

	This might have been dismissed as merely another example of the Lasambrian orcs inexplicable fascination with digging things out of the ground in Segura if not for two further discoveries.		This might have been dismissed as merely another example of the Lasambrian orcs inexplicable fascination with digging things out of the ground in Segura if not for two further discoveries.
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	During the Autumn Equinox, Imperial forces used a [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions\|conjunction]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] to reach the vicinity of Bill Sabbey, a [[monastery]] right in the path of the orc assault. Unfortunately, while they were able to counter some of the Jotun forces arrayed against them, the expeditionary force was unable to turn the orcs aside. The abbot and many of his monks fell to the Jotun, and Bill Sabbey itself followed swiftly after. Despite the outcome, the Jotun forces at Bill Sabbey held their ground and did not try to push forward into [[Bregasland#Ottermire\|Ottermire]] and [[Bregasland#The Rushes\|The Rushes]]. Rather, they set about raising a burial mound over the ruins of the dilapidated fort where the abbot and the Imperial heroes made their stand - interring all the fallen Imperials and Jotun alongside the body of the defeated Ice giant of [[Cathan Canae]]. The work took the better part of a week - the fort represented the only solid ground in the vicinity - and part of the monastery was dismantled to provide stone for the crypt. Scouts from [[Bregasland#Ottery\|Ottery]] say that the mound is now crowned by a single standing stone - a peculiarly Marcher touch to a Jotun monument.		During the Autumn Equinox, Imperial forces used a [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions\|conjunction]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] to reach the vicinity of Bill Sabbey, a [[monastery]] right in the path of the orc assault. Unfortunately, while they were able to counter some of the Jotun forces arrayed against them, the expeditionary force was unable to turn the orcs aside. The abbot and many of his monks fell to the Jotun, and Bill Sabbey itself followed swiftly after. Despite the outcome, the Jotun forces at Bill Sabbey held their ground and did not try to push forward into [[Bregasland#Ottermire\|Ottermire]] and [[Bregasland#The Rushes\|The Rushes]]. Rather, they set about raising a burial mound over the ruins of the dilapidated fort where the abbot and the Imperial heroes made their stand - interring all the fallen Imperials and Jotun alongside the body of the defeated Ice giant of [[Cathan Canae]]. The work took the better part of a week - the fort represented the only solid ground in the vicinity - and part of the monastery was dismantled to provide stone for the crypt. Scouts from [[Bregasland#Ottery\|Ottery]] say that the mound is now crowned by a single standing stone - a peculiarly Marcher touch to a Jotun monument.
	<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Hal Talbot, General of the Drakes">Drakes, break camp and move with all haste to Bregasland. The Jotun have invaded, leave the baggage, we must move quickly. This will not be a defeat of the mourn a generation ago. We will be the first to battle we must enact a solid defence and buy time for the other armies. Through blood and ~~mach~~ to the green field beyond.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Hal Talbot, General of the Drakes">Drakes, break camp and move with all haste to Bregasland. The Jotun have invaded, leave the baggage, we must move quickly. This will not be a defeat of the mourn a generation ago. We will be the first to battle we must enact a solid defence and buy time for the other armies. Through blood and march to the green field beyond.</quote></div>
	The delay near Bill Sabbey does not stop the rest of the barbarians however. Nearly forty thousand Jotun consolidate their hold over the western fenland and push east, seeking to claim as much of the Bregasland marsh as they can before the Empire can respond. At first it looks as if they might continue to be unopposed - while conjured fortresses may slow the orc conquest there is no way that magic alone can prevent the orc assault.		The delay near Bill Sabbey does not stop the rest of the barbarians however. Nearly forty thousand Jotun consolidate their hold over the western fenland and push east, seeking to claim as much of the Bregasland marsh as they can before the Empire can respond. At first it looks as if they might continue to be unopposed - while conjured fortresses may slow the orc conquest there is no way that magic alone can prevent the orc assault.
	<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Kindra Edasdottir, General of the Fist of the Mountains"> We fight in Bregasland. We fight the Jotun. We fight with Honour. We are bound by common cause. We are going to hit them so hard their ancestors feel it. Three people, one nation. Ten Nations, one Empire.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Kindra Edasdottir, General of the Fist of the Mountains"> We fight in Bregasland. We fight the Jotun. We fight with Honour. We are bound by common cause. We are going to hit them so hard their ancestors feel it. Three people, one nation. Ten Nations, one Empire.</quote></div>
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	The claims are initially scoffed at, but if it is a lie then it is clearly a cleverly constructed one. The Fishers were once a powerful household who opposed Marcher involvement in the Empire, and fought against the pro-Imperial houses during the brief civil war that tore apart the Marches at the dawn of the Empire. They were defeated, but never surrendered; some stories among the Bregas claim that they fled westward with their soldiers rather than submit to the Empire or "went north" - whatever that means. Now, after four centuries of living in the marshes of [[Hordalant]], it seems they may have returned to lay claim to their ancestral holdings - apparently with the full support of the Jotun orcs as well as large numbers of human Jotun - of Yegarra. While some claim that this is a trick, even the most suspicious Bregas is forced to admit that the Jotun are not particularly given to this kind of deception or dishonesty. At the very least It seems likely that the Jotun at least believe that this Mathilda Fisher is who she claims to be.		The claims are initially scoffed at, but if it is a lie then it is clearly a cleverly constructed one. The Fishers were once a powerful household who opposed Marcher involvement in the Empire, and fought against the pro-Imperial houses during the brief civil war that tore apart the Marches at the dawn of the Empire. They were defeated, but never surrendered; some stories among the Bregas claim that they fled westward with their soldiers rather than submit to the Empire or "went north" - whatever that means. Now, after four centuries of living in the marshes of [[Hordalant]], it seems they may have returned to lay claim to their ancestral holdings - apparently with the full support of the Jotun orcs as well as large numbers of human Jotun - of Yegarra. While some claim that this is a trick, even the most suspicious Bregas is forced to admit that the Jotun are not particularly given to this kind of deception or dishonesty. At the very least It seems likely that the Jotun at least believe that this Mathilda Fisher is who she claims to be.
	<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Mathilda Fisher">...A dike's only as good as the water it keeps out. The Empire has ruled the Marches for nearly 400 years, but having a beard doesn't make you wise. Time has come for Marchers to pick their own rulers again...</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Mathilda Fisher">...A dike's only as good as the water it keeps out. The Empire has ruled the Marches for nearly 400 years, but having a beard doesn't make you wise. Time has come for Marchers to pick their own rulers again...</quote></div>
	Despite the best efforts to prevent it, word spreads that Mathilda is calling for all Marcher folk who have had enough of the Empire's lies to join her and her Jotun allies. She offers guarantees that they will keep their land if they are prepared to fight for it. She is supported by one of the leaders of the former Mournwold Yegarra, Steven of Sarcombe. This deadly master of the ~~partizan~~ and the pike has thrown in his lot with Mathilda. His supporters recount vivid stories of the evil curses inflicted on the Mourn by the Empire, describing the misery and death inflicted on all sides. The Jotun, they say, do not curse their own people. Far from it - protecting those who work the land is the highest calling for the western orcs. An invitation is extended to those open to hearing what Mathilda Fisher and Steven Sarcombe have got to say. Come to Fisher's Rock in the North Fens to find out more. Those who do so will be rewarded and given what they need to rise up and overthrow the Empire.		Despite the best efforts to prevent it, word spreads that Mathilda is calling for all Marcher folk who have had enough of the Empire's lies to join her and her Jotun allies. She offers guarantees that they will keep their land if they are prepared to fight for it. She is supported by one of the leaders of the former Mournwold Yegarra, Steven of Sarcombe. This deadly master of the partisan and the pike has thrown in his lot with Mathilda. His supporters recount vivid stories of the evil curses inflicted on the Mourn by the Empire, describing the misery and death inflicted on all sides. The Jotun, they say, do not curse their own people. Far from it - protecting those who work the land is the highest calling for the western orcs. An invitation is extended to those open to hearing what Mathilda Fisher and Steven Sarcombe have got to say. Come to Fisher's Rock in the North Fens to find out more. Those who do so will be rewarded and given what they need to rise up and overthrow the Empire.
	<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Steven of Sarcombe">...Sure we're fighting with the Jotun. Just like you're fighting for the Empire. Difference is, you're fighting for the murderers who cursed the Mourn just so they could pile up the bodies quicker and get it over with. So don't piss on my back and tell me it's raining. At least my allies have got enough honour not to poison children in their cots...</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Steven of Sarcombe">...Sure we're fighting with the Jotun. Just like you're fighting for the Empire. Difference is, you're fighting for the murderers who cursed the Mourn just so they could pile up the bodies quicker and get it over with. So don't piss on my back and tell me it's raining. At least my allies have got enough honour not to poison children in their cots...</quote></div>
	After much frantic work, civil service prognosticators have identified a major conjunction of the Sentinel Gate that gives an opportunity for Imperial heroes to reach Miresend in the North Fens, a stone's throw from Fisher's Rock. Having investigated the area, Imperial scouts have reported the presence of a significant force of human Yegarra - a mix of hard-bitten Hordalanters fishermen and more youthful Mournwold miners and farmers - assembled there. If the Empire can engage them, and disrupt their position, it could forestall a possible encounter between them and any locals foolish or curious enough to consider going to the meeting. A successful assault will significantly damage the credibility of these Yegarra and while neither Steven or Mathilda are believed to be present, an Imperial victory will prove a major setback to their plans.		After much frantic work, civil service prognosticators have identified a major conjunction of the Sentinel Gate that gives an opportunity for Imperial heroes to reach Miresend in the North Fens, a stone's throw from Fisher's Rock. Having investigated the area, Imperial scouts have reported the presence of a significant force of human Yegarra - a mix of hard-bitten Hordalanters fishermen and more youthful Mournwold miners and farmers - assembled there. If the Empire can engage them, and disrupt their position, it could forestall a possible encounter between them and any locals foolish or curious enough to consider going to the meeting. A successful assault will significantly damage the credibility of these Yegarra and while neither Steven or Mathilda are believed to be present, an Imperial victory will prove a major setback to their plans.