Despise treachery - Revision history

Twiggy at 16:23, 16 March 2026

2026-03-16T16:23:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:23, 16 March 2026
Line 133:		Line 133:
	* '''Refusing the dying wishes of the Jotun jarl will clearly offend the other jarls'''		* '''Refusing the dying wishes of the Jotun jarl will clearly offend the other jarls'''
	* '''It is not clear who should make this decision'''		* '''It is not clear who should make this decision'''
	As if that wasn't bad enough, there is a second problem looming. After Mathilda Fisher fled Bregasland, the Empire [[A tale told\|invaded Tromsa]]. Chasing after the pretender, she was mortally wounded at the [[A_tale_told#Rikskog_and_the_Battle_of_Viheltavathorn\|Battle of Viheltavathorn]] but the Jotun spirited her away to the safehold of [[A_tale_told#Tromsdalen_and_the_Battle_of_Oksenesfestsal\|~~Oksenesfestal~~]], the home of Fisher's ally the Jarl of Tromsa before the Empire could capture her. With Mathilda Fisher too weak from her injuries to take the battlefield when the Empire threatened to take the keep, the jarl offered a battle of champions to save Mathilda from the dishonour of not taking the field. If the Empire could capture the Fisher Queen's banner on the battlefield, then Mathilda would acknowledge her defeat and surrender to Imperial forces. If the Empire failed then the jarls would not allow her to surrender and would "spirit her away to Fjorknae, far beyond the Empire's reach."		As if that wasn't bad enough, there is a second problem looming. After Mathilda Fisher fled Bregasland, the Empire [[A tale told\|invaded Tromsa]]. Chasing after the pretender, she was mortally wounded at the [[A_tale_told#Rikskog_and_the_Battle_of_Viheltavathorn\|Battle of Viheltavathorn]] but the Jotun spirited her away to the safehold of [[A_tale_told#Tromsdalen_and_the_Battle_of_Oksenesfestsal\|Oksenesfestsal]], the home of Fisher's ally the Jarl of Tromsa before the Empire could capture her. With Mathilda Fisher too weak from her injuries to take the battlefield when the Empire threatened to take the keep, the jarl offered a battle of champions to save Mathilda from the dishonour of not taking the field. If the Empire could capture the Fisher Queen's banner on the battlefield, then Mathilda would acknowledge her defeat and surrender to Imperial forces. If the Empire failed then the jarls would not allow her to surrender and would "spirit her away to Fjorknae, far beyond the Empire's reach."

	With the Empire victorious in the ensuing battle, the Jotun are true to their word. A day later, an entourage of Jotun warriors issues forth from ~~Oksenesfestal~~ bearing a flag of truce and a simple wooden litter, little more than a bier, on which they carry Mathilda Fisher towards the Imperial encampment. They pointedly march into the Wintermark camp, but rather than hand the Fisher Queen over, they insist that they will accompany her until she passes into the Abyss. It is clear that she is too weak to walk and it seems they are absolutely determined to convey her all the way to Anvil. They ask '''Iron Osric''' to provide them with an honour guard of [[Wintermark]] warriors to ensure that nothing untoward befalls the jarl. They know they are carrying her to her death, but they are determined to ensure that she does not suffer a dishonourable end on the road before she faces her enemies for the final time.		With the Empire victorious in the ensuing battle, the Jotun are true to their word. A day later, an entourage of Jotun warriors issues forth from Oksenesfestsal bearing a flag of truce and a simple wooden litter, little more than a bier, on which they carry Mathilda Fisher towards the Imperial encampment. They pointedly march into the Wintermark camp, but rather than hand the Fisher Queen over, they insist that they will accompany her until she passes into the Abyss. It is clear that she is too weak to walk and it seems they are absolutely determined to convey her all the way to Anvil. They ask '''Iron Osric''' to provide them with an honour guard of [[Wintermark]] warriors to ensure that nothing untoward befalls the jarl. They know they are carrying her to her death, but they are determined to ensure that she does not suffer a dishonourable end on the road before she faces her enemies for the final time.
	<div style="float: right; max-width:400px; margin-left:10px;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb">As easy to escape as a Landskeeper's Oath.</quote></div>		<div style="float: right; max-width:400px; margin-left:10px;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb">As easy to escape as a Landskeeper's Oath.</quote></div>
	Arrangements are quickly agreed to allow the Jotun honour guard to bear the captured traitor to Anvil with Wintermark warriors ensuring the party reaches the destination without incident. This proves remarkably difficult, not because of treachery, but the state of Mathilda Fisher's wounds. A Marcher bill has shattered five of her ribs and completely destroyed her right lung. She is far beyond the reach of any medicine or magic to save, but the Jotun have done everything that can be done to keep her alive. Even so, she can barely breathe, let alone stand and is constantly coughing up blood. Only the carefully ministered herbs of the accompanying Jotun physick are keeping her soul in her body. Without that she wouldn't survive an hour... there are more than a few occasions on the road where it seems even that will not be enough.		Arrangements are quickly agreed to allow the Jotun honour guard to bear the captured traitor to Anvil with Wintermark warriors ensuring the party reaches the destination without incident. This proves remarkably difficult, not because of treachery, but the state of Mathilda Fisher's wounds. A Marcher bill has shattered five of her ribs and completely destroyed her right lung. She is far beyond the reach of any medicine or magic to save, but the Jotun have done everything that can be done to keep her alive. Even so, she can barely breathe, let alone stand and is constantly coughing up blood. Only the carefully ministered herbs of the accompanying Jotun physick are keeping her soul in her body. Without that she wouldn't survive an hour... there are more than a few occasions on the road where it seems even that will not be enough.

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

2026-01-15T12:43:42Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:43, 15 January 2026
Line 74:		Line 74:
	As winter settles in the realisation that they'll get nothing for the risks they took has left them angry, bitter, and resentful. The household are mostly staying to their lands, refusing to talk to outsiders or welcome visitors. They weren't that popular before the Jotun invaded and their expectation of a reward has done little to improve their standing. Some of their detractors - those who openly called them poachers to their faces - are suggesting the fact that the Empire hasn't rewarded them only proves their bad character. Did their efforts really amount to that much after all or were they were just in it for themselves? They are the butt of more than a few jokes with revellers in the backrooms of taverns - "What do you call a poacher who steals a Jotun chicken? A Greywater!".		As winter settles in the realisation that they'll get nothing for the risks they took has left them angry, bitter, and resentful. The household are mostly staying to their lands, refusing to talk to outsiders or welcome visitors. They weren't that popular before the Jotun invaded and their expectation of a reward has done little to improve their standing. Some of their detractors - those who openly called them poachers to their faces - are suggesting the fact that the Empire hasn't rewarded them only proves their bad character. Did their efforts really amount to that much after all or were they were just in it for themselves? They are the butt of more than a few jokes with revellers in the backrooms of taverns - "What do you call a poacher who steals a Jotun chicken? A Greywater!".

	The Greywaters make no bones of the fact that they risked everything to back the Empire and they've ended up worse off than those that stayed out of the fighting- though admittedly better off than the Doverbills, the Brawness, and the other households that threw in with the Fishers. The [[Bregasland#North Fens\|North Fens]], the region where the Greywaters live, has gained the ''embittered'' quality, reflecting the sense of betrayal that the Greywaters and their allies feel at the way the Empire has treated them. There will be no help from this quarter in the future, no matter what the threat, and any attempt by the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]] to rally Bregaslanders to support the Empire will founder in the face of the open resentment of House Greywater.		The Greywaters make no bones of the fact that they risked everything to back the Empire and they've ended up worse off than those that stayed out of the fighting- though admittedly better off than the Doverbills, the Brawness, and the other households that threw in with the Fishers. The [[Bregasland#North Fens\|North Fens]], the region where the Greywaters live, has gained the ''embittered'' quality, reflecting the sense of betrayal that the Greywaters and their allies feel at the way the Empire has treated them. There will be no help from this quarter in the future, no matter what the threat, and any attempt by the [[Synod]] to rally Bregaslanders to support the Empire will founder in the face of the open resentment of House Greywater.

	==Grudges==		==Grudges==

Twiggy at 14:47, 13 July 2025

2025-07-13T14:47:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:47, 13 July 2025
Line 2:		Line 2:
	<ic>"Perhaps if we tried a mixture of mazzarine and bladeroot to..."		<ic>"Perhaps if we tried a mixture of mazzarine and bladeroot to..."

	"No." The Jotun ~~physic~~ stared at Ricola, his face was inscrutable, but his tone brooked no arguments. "We have done that already. Everything that could be done... has been done."		"No." The Jotun physick stared at Ricola, his face was inscrutable, but his tone brooked no arguments. "We have done that already. Everything that could be done... has been done."

	The grimnir bit his lip and ran his hand through his long braid. The Jotun had allowed him to examine the prisoner's wounds but they had point blank refused to allow him to attempt any treatment. She might be an enemy of the Empire, but she was also a dying woman. Not being able to save her was driving him to distraction. Deep down he knew the Jotun were right, there was nothing that could be done. They'd already done everything that could be done, but still it was eating away at him. "Perhaps an infusion of marrowort to treat the pain and..."		The grimnir bit his lip and ran his hand through his long braid. The Jotun had allowed him to examine the prisoner's wounds but they had point blank refused to allow him to attempt any treatment. She might be an enemy of the Empire, but she was also a dying woman. Not being able to save her was driving him to distraction. Deep down he knew the Jotun were right, there was nothing that could be done. They'd already done everything that could be done, but still it was eating away at him. "Perhaps an infusion of marrowort to treat the pain and..."

	"No!" The ~~physic~~ turned to face Ricola, and locking eyes with him, he placed a firm hand on the young man's shoulder. "This is not what we wanted. This is not what you want. This is not what she wanted. But a falling star will not carry you over the Abyss. Everything that could be done, has been done. She has accepted her fate. You and I must honour our ancestors by accepting ours. If you open up this wound to try to treat it, you will ''only'' make it worse. You will not save her, you will murder her. She will die and your honour will die with her."		"No!" The physick turned to face Ricola, and locking eyes with him, he placed a firm hand on the young man's shoulder. "This is not what we wanted. This is not what you want. This is not what she wanted. But a falling star will not carry you over the Abyss. Everything that could be done, has been done. She has accepted her fate. You and I must honour our ancestors by accepting ours. If you open up this wound to try to treat it, you will ''only'' make it worse. You will not save her, you will murder her. She will die and your honour will die with her."

	The Jotun fell silent, but he didn't break eye contact or release his grip. Finally Ricola could bear the orc's gaze no longer and his head slumped until his chin hit his chest. His reluctant acceptance seemed to move the older orc and he adopted a kinder tone as he spoke again.		The Jotun fell silent, but he didn't break eye contact or release his grip. Finally Ricola could bear the orc's gaze no longer and his head slumped until his chin hit his chest. His reluctant acceptance seemed to move the older orc and he adopted a kinder tone as he spoke again.
Line 137:		Line 137:
	With the Empire victorious in the ensuing battle, the Jotun are true to their word. A day later, an entourage of Jotun warriors issues forth from Oksenesfestal bearing a flag of truce and a simple wooden litter, little more than a bier, on which they carry Mathilda Fisher towards the Imperial encampment. They pointedly march into the Wintermark camp, but rather than hand the Fisher Queen over, they insist that they will accompany her until she passes into the Abyss. It is clear that she is too weak to walk and it seems they are absolutely determined to convey her all the way to Anvil. They ask '''Iron Osric''' to provide them with an honour guard of [[Wintermark]] warriors to ensure that nothing untoward befalls the jarl. They know they are carrying her to her death, but they are determined to ensure that she does not suffer a dishonourable end on the road before she faces her enemies for the final time.		With the Empire victorious in the ensuing battle, the Jotun are true to their word. A day later, an entourage of Jotun warriors issues forth from Oksenesfestal bearing a flag of truce and a simple wooden litter, little more than a bier, on which they carry Mathilda Fisher towards the Imperial encampment. They pointedly march into the Wintermark camp, but rather than hand the Fisher Queen over, they insist that they will accompany her until she passes into the Abyss. It is clear that she is too weak to walk and it seems they are absolutely determined to convey her all the way to Anvil. They ask '''Iron Osric''' to provide them with an honour guard of [[Wintermark]] warriors to ensure that nothing untoward befalls the jarl. They know they are carrying her to her death, but they are determined to ensure that she does not suffer a dishonourable end on the road before she faces her enemies for the final time.
	<div style="float: right; max-width:400px; margin-left:10px;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb">As easy to escape as a Landskeeper's Oath.</quote></div>		<div style="float: right; max-width:400px; margin-left:10px;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb">As easy to escape as a Landskeeper's Oath.</quote></div>
	Arrangements are quickly agreed to allow the Jotun honour guard to bear the captured traitor to Anvil with Wintermark warriors ensuring the party reaches the destination without incident. This proves remarkably difficult, not because of treachery, but the state of Mathilda Fisher's wounds. A Marcher bill has shattered five of her ribs and completely destroyed her right lung. She is far beyond the reach of any medicine or magic to save, but the Jotun have done everything that can be done to keep her alive. Even so, she can barely breathe, let alone stand and is constantly coughing up blood. Only the carefully ministered herbs of the accompanying Jotun ~~physic~~ are keeping her soul in her body. Without that she wouldn't survive an hour... there are more than a few occasions on the road where it seems even that will not be enough.		Arrangements are quickly agreed to allow the Jotun honour guard to bear the captured traitor to Anvil with Wintermark warriors ensuring the party reaches the destination without incident. This proves remarkably difficult, not because of treachery, but the state of Mathilda Fisher's wounds. A Marcher bill has shattered five of her ribs and completely destroyed her right lung. She is far beyond the reach of any medicine or magic to save, but the Jotun have done everything that can be done to keep her alive. Even so, she can barely breathe, let alone stand and is constantly coughing up blood. Only the carefully ministered herbs of the accompanying Jotun physick are keeping her soul in her body. Without that she wouldn't survive an hour... there are more than a few occasions on the road where it seems even that will not be enough.

	After an excruciating journey in every sense of the word, the party finally reach the outskirts of Anvil. By this time the Winter Solstice is imminent and it makes sense to wait a few more days so that Mathilda Fisher can face all her accusers when they gather for the forthcoming summit. The Jotun agree to bear Mathilda Fisher to the Wintermark camp at 10pm on the Friday night; from there the Empire may dispense whatever justice they have decided upon. The Jotun expect the Marchers to come to the Wintermark camp to claim Mathilda Fisher, but they have no power here now to determine what happens.		After an excruciating journey in every sense of the word, the party finally reach the outskirts of Anvil. By this time the Winter Solstice is imminent and it makes sense to wait a few more days so that Mathilda Fisher can face all her accusers when they gather for the forthcoming summit. The Jotun agree to bear Mathilda Fisher to the Wintermark camp at 10pm on the Friday night; from there the Empire may dispense whatever justice they have decided upon. The Jotun expect the Marchers to come to the Wintermark camp to claim Mathilda Fisher, but they have no power here now to determine what happens.

Novemberalice at 09:20, 6 June 2024

2024-06-06T09:20:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:20, 6 June 2024
Line 15:		Line 15:

	Ricola stared at the old orc, but he could find no words to deny their wisdom.</ic>		Ricola stared at the old orc, but he could find no words to deny their wisdom.</ic>
	<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Bushel Sykes.jpg\|width=300\|caption=The poacher Bushel Sykes; to some an arsehole poacher, to others a symbol of unrest and Imperial oppression.\|align=left}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Bushel Sykes.jpg\|width=300\|caption=The poacher Bushel Sykes; to some an arsehole poacher, to others a symbol of unrest and Imperial oppression.\|align=left}}</div> {{audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63zoFIxN168}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Bregasland is still recovering from the [[False_kings#Fisher's_Voice\|reign of Mathilda Fisher]] as Steward of the Bregas. There is bad blood between those who supported her and those who denied her Stewardship. There is no chance of getting past the bad blood unless it is dealt with, and no obvious way of doing so that wouldn't ''"store up trouble for years to come"''. [[When_Spring_comes#Draw_A_Line\|Drawing a line]] and allowing the suspected collaborators to continue without investigation would have made those who risked everything to support the Empire furious. [[When_Spring_comes#Let_It_Run_Its_Course\|Allowing the fenlanders to resolve it themselves]] would have seen the marsh waters stained with blood.		Bregasland is still recovering from the [[False_kings#Fisher's_Voice\|reign of Mathilda Fisher]] as Steward of the Bregas. There is bad blood between those who supported her and those who denied her Stewardship. There is no chance of getting past the bad blood unless it is dealt with, and no obvious way of doing so that wouldn't ''"store up trouble for years to come"''. [[When_Spring_comes#Draw_A_Line\|Drawing a line]] and allowing the suspected collaborators to continue without investigation would have made those who risked everything to support the Empire furious. [[When_Spring_comes#Let_It_Run_Its_Course\|Allowing the fenlanders to resolve it themselves]] would have seen the marsh waters stained with blood.

Matt: /* Grudges */

2024-05-18T09:00:56Z

Grudges

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:00, 18 May 2024
Line 91:		Line 91:
	At present there is nothing the Empire can do to heal these wounds. There is no [[statement of principle\|statement]] that the Marcher Synod can pass that will help. An [[appraisal]] would produce some ideas but it will not provide any way to remove these qualities. Time won't heal these scars either, but within a generation an opportunity will come along that offers a chance to address one or more of these grievances.		At present there is nothing the Empire can do to heal these wounds. There is no [[statement of principle\|statement]] that the Marcher Synod can pass that will help. An [[appraisal]] would produce some ideas but it will not provide any way to remove these qualities. Time won't heal these scars either, but within a generation an opportunity will come along that offers a chance to address one or more of these grievances.

	'''Sullen''' - the Droverbills and their kin ~~are sullen and angry with the way they have been treated~~. They could remain that way indefinitely and it won't be a problem, but if that anger spreads across Bregasland it will be a serious problem. When Imperial armies march through an Imperial territory, they are usually welcomed by cheering supporters. The citizens of the Empire take [[Pride]] in the [[Courage]] and [[Loyalty]] of those who pledge their lives to keep them safe. That warm welcome brings benefits which are all the more noticeable by their absence in Bregasland. A sullen population are less willing to sell their food to the Empire; if they do, they want a premium for it. It costs a lot to feed an army - on campaign in enemy lands you can reduce those costs a little by plundering what supplies you can from the enemy, but you can't do that at home. If the sullen mood of the Droverbills spreads then all Imperial armies spending the season in Bregasland will require 50% more upkeep from the [[Imperial treasury]].		'''Sullen''' - folks are sullen that the Droverbills and their kin got off so lightly. They could remain that way indefinitely and it won't be a problem, but if that anger spreads across Bregasland it will be a serious problem. When Imperial armies march through an Imperial territory, they are usually welcomed by cheering supporters. The citizens of the Empire take [[Pride]] in the [[Courage]] and [[Loyalty]] of those who pledge their lives to keep them safe. That warm welcome brings benefits which are all the more noticeable by their absence in Bregasland. A sullen population are less willing to sell their food to the Empire; if they do, they want a premium for it. It costs a lot to feed an army - on campaign in enemy lands you can reduce those costs a little by plundering what supplies you can from the enemy, but you can't do that at home. If the sullen mood of the Droverbills spreads then all Imperial armies spending the season in Bregasland will require 50% more upkeep from the [[Imperial treasury]].

	'''Resentful''' - the Clakes and their associates are resentful of the Empire and would seize any opportunity to strike back. There aren't enough of them to pose a risk at at the moment, but it would be a problem if that resentment spreads to the rest of the territory. Fighting in any territory where the population is resentful is always more difficult. There is the ever present risk that they will inform on your movements to the enemy. Scouts are delayed or betrayed, vital supplies go missing, everything is more dangerous when any civilian could be spying for the enemy. If the resentful mood of the Clakes spreads across the territory then all Imperial armies campaigning in the territory against a human or [[orc]] enemy will suffer a 30% penalty to fighting strength for the purpose of calculating victory.		'''Resentful''' - the Clakes and their associates are resentful of the Empire and would seize any opportunity to strike back. There aren't enough of them to pose a risk at at the moment, but it would be a problem if that resentment spreads to the rest of the territory. Fighting in any territory where the population is resentful is always more difficult. There is the ever present risk that they will inform on your movements to the enemy. Scouts are delayed or betrayed, vital supplies go missing, everything is more dangerous when any civilian could be spying for the enemy. If the resentful mood of the Clakes spreads across the territory then all Imperial armies campaigning in the territory against a human or [[orc]] enemy will suffer a 30% penalty to fighting strength for the purpose of calculating victory.
Line 101:		Line 101:
	Is there anything that could make the situation deteriorate? Two things spring to mind...		Is there anything that could make the situation deteriorate? Two things spring to mind...
	{{SOP\|statement=Bushel Sykes betrayed his oath as an Imperial citizen, and yet his soul bore a spontaneous true aura of Loyalty. He knew what commanded his heart's devotion above all else, and he willingly paid the price for that. We recognise Bushel Sykes' Loyalty and his Virtue.\|by=Father Edmund, Marches National Assembly\|vote=Greater Majority 282-26\|when=Autumn Equinox 385YE}}		{{SOP\|statement=Bushel Sykes betrayed his oath as an Imperial citizen, and yet his soul bore a spontaneous true aura of Loyalty. He knew what commanded his heart's devotion above all else, and he willingly paid the price for that. We recognise Bushel Sykes' Loyalty and his Virtue.\|by=Father Edmund, Marches National Assembly\|vote=Greater Majority 282-26\|when=Autumn Equinox 385YE}}

	==Not By Words Or Deeds Alone==		==Not By Words Or Deeds Alone==
	* '''Bushel Sykes was a notorious poacher and curmudgeon who was instrumental in persuading Mathilda Fisher to form the Council of Bregas'''		* '''Bushel Sykes was a notorious poacher and curmudgeon who was instrumental in persuading Mathilda Fisher to form the Council of Bregas'''

Hailmur at 16:24, 19 April 2024

2024-04-19T16:24:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:24, 19 April 2024
Line 70:		Line 70:
	* '''House Greywater remain in the North Fens'''		* '''House Greywater remain in the North Fens'''
	* '''They are bitter about the lack of recompense for their efforts to defeat Matilda Fisher'''		* '''They are bitter about the lack of recompense for their efforts to defeat Matilda Fisher'''
	[[The_Marches_groups#House_Greywater\|House Greywater]] took inordinate risks to support '''Amberlain P. Black''' and the [[Strong Reeds]] against the Fishers and the Jotun. They did so because of an ancient grudge between their family and the Fishers rather than any great love for the Empire, but even so, it was clear they expected to be rewarded for their efforts. After Matilda was forced to flee, they asked the Senate to concede the Bregasland granaries of the Marcher Breadbasket to them in recognition of their services. The Marcher Synod attempted to see them recompensed with land in return for their service, just as those who serve two years in the army get, but ~~with no legal backup~~ the ~~offer amounted to little more than words and was anyway badly received~~. ~~The Greywaters don't~~ have much land, they ~~are better known for poaching than farming~~, ~~but they have enough for their needs~~. If they'd have settled for land they'd have asked for it - what they asked for, the Breadbasket, was something that would have made them ''rich''.		[[The_Marches_groups#House_Greywater\|House Greywater]] took inordinate risks to support '''Amberlain P. Black''' and the [[Strong Reeds]] against the Fishers and the Jotun. They did so because of an ancient grudge between their family and the Fishers rather than any great love for the Empire, but even so, it was clear they expected to be rewarded for their efforts. After Matilda was forced to flee, they asked the Senate to concede the Bregasland granaries of the Marcher Breadbasket to them in recognition of their services. The Marcher Synod attempted to see them recompensed with land in return for their service, just as those who serve two years in the army get, but the household already has farmland - much of it secured by service in the Marcher armies. They have as much land as they can farm already, more won't help them one iota. If they'd have settled for more land they'd have asked for it - what they asked for, the Breadbasket, was something that would have made them ''rich''.

	As winter settles in the realisation that they'll get nothing for the risks they took has left them angry, bitter, and resentful. The household are mostly staying to their lands, refusing to talk to outsiders or welcome visitors. They weren't that popular before the Jotun invaded and their expectation of a reward has done little to improve their standing. Some of their detractors - those who openly called them poachers to their faces - are suggesting the fact that the Empire hasn't rewarded them only proves their bad character. Did their efforts really amount to that much after all or were they were just in it for themselves? They are the butt of more than a few jokes with revellers in the backrooms of taverns - "What do you call a poacher who steals a Jotun chicken? A Greywater!".		As winter settles in the realisation that they'll get nothing for the risks they took has left them angry, bitter, and resentful. The household are mostly staying to their lands, refusing to talk to outsiders or welcome visitors. They weren't that popular before the Jotun invaded and their expectation of a reward has done little to improve their standing. Some of their detractors - those who openly called them poachers to their faces - are suggesting the fact that the Empire hasn't rewarded them only proves their bad character. Did their efforts really amount to that much after all or were they were just in it for themselves? They are the butt of more than a few jokes with revellers in the backrooms of taverns - "What do you call a poacher who steals a Jotun chicken? A Greywater!".

Hailmur at 16:20, 19 April 2024

2024-04-19T16:20:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:20, 19 April 2024
Line 74:		Line 74:
	As winter settles in the realisation that they'll get nothing for the risks they took has left them angry, bitter, and resentful. The household are mostly staying to their lands, refusing to talk to outsiders or welcome visitors. They weren't that popular before the Jotun invaded and their expectation of a reward has done little to improve their standing. Some of their detractors - those who openly called them poachers to their faces - are suggesting the fact that the Empire hasn't rewarded them only proves their bad character. Did their efforts really amount to that much after all or were they were just in it for themselves? They are the butt of more than a few jokes with revellers in the backrooms of taverns - "What do you call a poacher who steals a Jotun chicken? A Greywater!".		As winter settles in the realisation that they'll get nothing for the risks they took has left them angry, bitter, and resentful. The household are mostly staying to their lands, refusing to talk to outsiders or welcome visitors. They weren't that popular before the Jotun invaded and their expectation of a reward has done little to improve their standing. Some of their detractors - those who openly called them poachers to their faces - are suggesting the fact that the Empire hasn't rewarded them only proves their bad character. Did their efforts really amount to that much after all or were they were just in it for themselves? They are the butt of more than a few jokes with revellers in the backrooms of taverns - "What do you call a poacher who steals a Jotun chicken? A Greywater!".

	The Greywaters make no bones of the fact that they risked everything to back the Empire and they've ended up worse off than the Doverbills, the Brawness, and the other households that threw in with the Fishers. The [[Bregasland#North Fens\|North Fens]], the region where the Greywaters live, has gained the ''embittered'' quality, reflecting the sense of betrayal that the Greywaters and their allies feel at the way the Empire has treated them. There will be no help from this quarter in the future, no matter what the threat, and any attempt by the [[Imperial Synod]] to rally Bregaslanders to support the Empire will founder in the face of the open resentment of House Greywater.		The Greywaters make no bones of the fact that they risked everything to back the Empire and they've ended up worse off than those that stayed out of the fighting- though admittedly better off than the Doverbills, the Brawness, and the other households that threw in with the Fishers. The [[Bregasland#North Fens\|North Fens]], the region where the Greywaters live, has gained the ''embittered'' quality, reflecting the sense of betrayal that the Greywaters and their allies feel at the way the Empire has treated them. There will be no help from this quarter in the future, no matter what the threat, and any attempt by the [[Imperial Synod]] to rally Bregaslanders to support the Empire will founder in the face of the open resentment of House Greywater.

	==Grudges==		==Grudges==

Hailmur: /* Homecoming Queen */

2024-04-19T14:31:36Z

Homecoming Queen

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:31, 19 April 2024
Line 134:		Line 134:
	As if that wasn't bad enough, there is a second problem looming. After Mathilda Fisher fled Bregasland, the Empire [[A tale told\|invaded Tromsa]]. Chasing after the pretender, she was mortally wounded at the [[A_tale_told#Rikskog_and_the_Battle_of_Viheltavathorn\|Battle of Viheltavathorn]] but the Jotun spirited her away to the safehold of [[A_tale_told#Tromsdalen_and_the_Battle_of_Oksenesfestsal\|Oksenesfestal]], the home of Fisher's ally the Jarl of Tromsa before the Empire could capture her. With Mathilda Fisher too weak from her injuries to take the battlefield when the Empire threatened to take the keep, the jarl offered a battle of champions to save Mathilda from the dishonour of not taking the field. If the Empire could capture the Fisher Queen's banner on the battlefield, then Mathilda would acknowledge her defeat and surrender to Imperial forces. If the Empire failed then the jarls would not allow her to surrender and would "spirit her away to Fjorknae, far beyond the Empire's reach."		As if that wasn't bad enough, there is a second problem looming. After Mathilda Fisher fled Bregasland, the Empire [[A tale told\|invaded Tromsa]]. Chasing after the pretender, she was mortally wounded at the [[A_tale_told#Rikskog_and_the_Battle_of_Viheltavathorn\|Battle of Viheltavathorn]] but the Jotun spirited her away to the safehold of [[A_tale_told#Tromsdalen_and_the_Battle_of_Oksenesfestsal\|Oksenesfestal]], the home of Fisher's ally the Jarl of Tromsa before the Empire could capture her. With Mathilda Fisher too weak from her injuries to take the battlefield when the Empire threatened to take the keep, the jarl offered a battle of champions to save Mathilda from the dishonour of not taking the field. If the Empire could capture the Fisher Queen's banner on the battlefield, then Mathilda would acknowledge her defeat and surrender to Imperial forces. If the Empire failed then the jarls would not allow her to surrender and would "spirit her away to Fjorknae, far beyond the Empire's reach."

	With the Empire victorious in the ensuing battle, the Jotun are true to their word. A day later, an entourage of Jotun warriors issues forth from Oksenesfestal bearing a flag of truce and a simple wooden litter, little more than a bier, on which they carry Mathilda Fisher towards the Imperial encampment. They pointedly march into the Wintermark camp, but rather than hand the Fisher Queen over, they insist that they will accompany her until she passes into the Abyss. It is clear that she is too weak to walk and it seems they are absolutely determined to convey her all the way to Anvil. They ask '''~~General~~ Osric''' to provide them with an honour guard of [[Wintermark]] warriors to ensure that nothing untoward befalls the jarl. They know they are carrying her to her death, but they are determined to ensure that she does not suffer a dishonourable end on the road before she faces her enemies for the final time.		With the Empire victorious in the ensuing battle, the Jotun are true to their word. A day later, an entourage of Jotun warriors issues forth from Oksenesfestal bearing a flag of truce and a simple wooden litter, little more than a bier, on which they carry Mathilda Fisher towards the Imperial encampment. They pointedly march into the Wintermark camp, but rather than hand the Fisher Queen over, they insist that they will accompany her until she passes into the Abyss. It is clear that she is too weak to walk and it seems they are absolutely determined to convey her all the way to Anvil. They ask '''Iron Osric''' to provide them with an honour guard of [[Wintermark]] warriors to ensure that nothing untoward befalls the jarl. They know they are carrying her to her death, but they are determined to ensure that she does not suffer a dishonourable end on the road before she faces her enemies for the final time.
	<div style="float: right; max-width:400px; margin-left:10px;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb">As easy to escape as a Landskeeper's Oath.</quote></div>		<div style="float: right; max-width:400px; margin-left:10px;"><quote by="Marcher Proverb">As easy to escape as a Landskeeper's Oath.</quote></div>
	Arrangements are quickly agreed to allow the Jotun honour guard to bear the captured traitor to Anvil with Wintermark warriors ensuring the party reaches the destination without incident. This proves remarkably difficult, not because of treachery, but the state of Mathilda Fisher's wounds. A Marcher bill has shattered five of her ribs and completely destroyed her right lung. She is far beyond the reach of any medicine or magic to save, but the Jotun have done everything that can be done to keep her alive. Even so, she can barely breathe, let alone stand and is constantly coughing up blood. Only the carefully ministered herbs of the accompanying Jotun physic are keeping her soul in her body. Without that she wouldn't survive an hour... there are more than a few occasions on the road where it seems even that will not be enough.		Arrangements are quickly agreed to allow the Jotun honour guard to bear the captured traitor to Anvil with Wintermark warriors ensuring the party reaches the destination without incident. This proves remarkably difficult, not because of treachery, but the state of Mathilda Fisher's wounds. A Marcher bill has shattered five of her ribs and completely destroyed her right lung. She is far beyond the reach of any medicine or magic to save, but the Jotun have done everything that can be done to keep her alive. Even so, she can barely breathe, let alone stand and is constantly coughing up blood. Only the carefully ministered herbs of the accompanying Jotun physic are keeping her soul in her body. Without that she wouldn't survive an hour... there are more than a few occasions on the road where it seems even that will not be enough.

Dre at 20:37, 18 April 2024

2024-04-18T20:37:20Z

Show changes

Matt: /* Homecoming Queen */

2024-04-18T07:51:38Z

Homecoming Queen

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:51, 18 April 2024
Line 138:		Line 138:
	Arrangements are quickly agreed to allow the Jotun honour guard to bear the captured traitor to Anvil with Wintermark warriors ensuring the party reaches the destination without incident. This provdes remarkably difficult, not because of treachery, but the state of Mathilda Fisher's wounds. A Marcher bill has shattered five of her ribs and completely destroyed her right lung. She is far beyond the reach of any medicine or magic to save, but the Jotun have done everything that can be done to keep her alive. Even so, she can barely breathe, let alone stand and is constantly coughing up blood. Only the carefully ministered herbs of the accompanying Jotun physic are keeping her soul in her body. Without that she wouldn't survive an hour... there are more than a few occasions on the road where it seems even that will not be enough.		Arrangements are quickly agreed to allow the Jotun honour guard to bear the captured traitor to Anvil with Wintermark warriors ensuring the party reaches the destination without incident. This provdes remarkably difficult, not because of treachery, but the state of Mathilda Fisher's wounds. A Marcher bill has shattered five of her ribs and completely destroyed her right lung. She is far beyond the reach of any medicine or magic to save, but the Jotun have done everything that can be done to keep her alive. Even so, she can barely breathe, let alone stand and is constantly coughing up blood. Only the carefully ministered herbs of the accompanying Jotun physic are keeping her soul in her body. Without that she wouldn't survive an hour... there are more than a few occasions on the road where it seems even that will not be enough.

	After an excruciating journey in every sense of the word, the party finally reach the outskirts of Anvil. By this time the Winter Solstice is imminent and it makes sense to wait a few more days so that Mathilda Fisher can face all her accusers when they gather for the forthcoming summit. The Jotun agree to bear Mathilda Fisher to the Wintermark camp at 10pm on the Friday night, from there the Empire may dispense whatever justice they have decided upon. Nobody is under any illusion that Mathilda will be executed, though quite how that will happen remains unclear. Jarl Igya made a request of General Osric, to allow her father's ally to die with honour, but it is unclear if that request will be granted. What is clear is that the Jotun have not come all this way just to honour the Jarl's final moments. They are here to witness the manner of her death and to carry word of how the Empire treats their defeated enemies back to her fellow Jotun Jarls.		After an excruciating journey in every sense of the word, the party finally reach the outskirts of Anvil. By this time the Winter Solstice is imminent and it makes sense to wait a few more days so that Mathilda Fisher can face all her accusers when they gather for the forthcoming summit. The Jotun agree to bear Mathilda Fisher to the Wintermark camp at 10pm on the Friday night, from there the Empire may dispense whatever justice they have decided upon. The Jotun expect the Marchers to come to the Wintermark camp to claim Mathilda Fisher, but they have no power here now to determine what happens.

			Nobody is under any illusion that Mathilda will be executed, though quite how that will happen remains unclear. Jarl Igya made a request of General Osric, to allow her father's ally to die with honour, but it is unclear if that request will be granted. What is clear is that the Jotun have not come all this way just to honour the Jarl's final moments. They are here to witness the manner of her death and to carry word of how the Empire treats their defeated enemies back to her fellow Jotun Jarls.

	The Empire must now decide how she will meet her fate. Any idea of her fighting to the death is quickly dismissed as completely impossible - her wounds are beyond the help of any Imperial magic to allow that. Perhaps more important than how she meets her end is what will happen to her body afterwards. She has made it clear that she hopes that her body will be conveyed to Bregasland and buried on her lands with seeds in the grave as is traditional.		The Empire must now decide how she will meet her fate. Any idea of her fighting to the death is quickly dismissed as completely impossible - her wounds are beyond the help of any Imperial magic to allow that. Perhaps more important than how she meets her end is what will happen to her body afterwards. She has made it clear that she hopes that her body will be conveyed to Bregasland and buried on her lands with seeds in the grave as is traditional.