Druj miasma - Revision history

Twiggy at 13:04, 3 March 2026

2026-03-03T13:04:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:04, 3 March 2026
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	The Druj miasma, or shroud of dread, was first encountered by Imperial troops crossing into [[Reikos]] during the Winter 378YE counter offensive against the [[orc\|orcs]], but has since been encountered throughout [[the Mallum]], and in the attempt to liberate [[Zenith]]. Described as an almost physical pall of dread and despair, it infested the air, the water, and the soil. It was described by those exposed to it in fanciful terms; “clawing at the spirit”, “slowly grinding away every positive emotion”, and “threatening to undermine every virtuous thought”.		The Druj miasma, or shroud of dread, was first encountered by Imperial troops crossing into [[Reikos]] during the Winter 378YE counter offensive against the [[orc\|orcs]], but has since been encountered throughout [[the Mallum]], and in the attempt to liberate [[Zenith]]. Described as an almost physical pall of dread and despair, it infested the air, the water, and the soil. It was described by those exposed to it in fanciful terms; “clawing at the spirit”, “slowly grinding away every positive emotion”, and “threatening to undermine every virtuous thought”.

	At night, the effects of the miasma intensified. It seemed to take advantage of the long hours of darkness to play upon the natural fears, doubts, and uncertainties that come naturally to mortal minds. Some exposed to the miasma describe hallucinations, especially of deceased loved ones. There is no suggestion, however, that this effect is actually producing images of the dead – several soldiers reported catching sight of loved ones they knew were alive and safe at home, but seemingly murdered and weeping. The shroud of dread significantly impacts Imperial efforts to liberate territories claimed by the [[Druj]], slowing the advance of armies, and making it harder for them to claim territory from the eastern orcs..		At night, the effects of the miasma intensified. It seemed to take advantage of the long hours of darkness to play upon the natural fears, doubts, and uncertainties that come naturally to mortal minds. Some exposed to the miasma describe hallucinations, especially of deceased loved ones. There is no suggestion, however, that this effect is actually producing images of the dead – several soldiers reported catching sight of loved ones they knew were alive and safe at home, but seemingly murdered and weeping. The shroud of dread significantly impacts Imperial efforts to liberate territories claimed by the [[Druj]], slowing the advance of armies, and making it harder for them to claim territory from the eastern orcs.
	==Study of the Miasma==		==Study of the Miasma==
	The Druj Miasma is not fully understood by Imperial scholars. It does not appear to have been created with conventional [[Rituals\|ritual magic]]. Rather, it bears more similarity to a massive [[Religious_skills#Consecration\|consecration]] associated with the [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Malign_Spiritual_Presences\|malign spiritual presence]] of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Fear\|fear or dread]]. Yet the existence of a magical method to deal with the [[Roleplaying_effects#Area_Effects_.28Auras.29\|aura]] (coupled with [[orc]] inability to use [[liao]] ceremonies) points to it being more than a purely spiritual effect.		The Druj Miasma is not fully understood by Imperial scholars. It does not appear to have been created with conventional [[Rituals\|ritual magic]]. Rather, it bears more similarity to a massive [[Religious_skills#Consecration\|consecration]] associated with the [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Malign_Spiritual_Presences\|malign spiritual presence]] of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Fear\|fear or dread]]. Yet the existence of a magical method to deal with the [[Roleplaying_effects#Area_Effects_.28Auras.29\|aura]] (coupled with [[orc]] inability to use [[liao]] ceremonies) points to it being more than a purely spiritual effect.
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	The primary effect of the miasma is that it [[Calls#WEAKNESS\|weakens]] anyone exposed to it who does not have the ability to [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects\|overcome]] it. The easiest method to overcome the miasma is to receive an [[anointing]], but particularly [[Heroic_skills#Hero\|heroic]] individuals, or those in possession of certain [[enchantment\|enchantments]] or [[magic items]] may also be able to counteract the effect. In particular, those of the [[changeling]] [[lineage]] are able to fight the effects of the miasma, but at the expense of becoming ''extremely'' angry - which can cause problems all its own.		The primary effect of the miasma is that it [[Calls#WEAKNESS\|weakens]] anyone exposed to it who does not have the ability to [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects\|overcome]] it. The easiest method to overcome the miasma is to receive an [[anointing]], but particularly [[Heroic_skills#Hero\|heroic]] individuals, or those in possession of certain [[enchantment\|enchantments]] or [[magic items]] may also be able to counteract the effect. In particular, those of the [[changeling]] [[lineage]] are able to fight the effects of the miasma, but at the expense of becoming ''extremely'' angry - which can cause problems all its own.

	In addition to the rituals mentioned already, ~~its~~ also possible to unmake a miasma pillar with a powerful consecration: a [[Consecration#Removal\|ceremony strength]] of 15 is commonly needed, requiring the cooperation of several characters and large amounts of [[liao]].		In addition to the rituals mentioned already, it's also possible to unmake a miasma pillar with a powerful consecration: a [[Consecration#Removal\|ceremony strength]] of 15 is commonly needed, requiring the cooperation of several characters and large amounts of [[liao]].

	Even when the miasma is removed from a territory. it may still be encountered during quests, skirmishes, or player events taking place in the former Druj dominion.		Even when the miasma is removed from a territory, it may still be encountered during quests, skirmishes, or player events taking place in the former Druj dominion.

	<box>'''The poisonous quality<br>		<box>'''The poisonous quality<br>

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

2026-01-15T16:02:42Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:02, 15 January 2026
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	==Destroying Pillars==		==Destroying Pillars==
	Initially, the only way to destroy a miasma pillar was to use the [[consecration]] ceremony, and a significant amount of [[liao]] (and priests capable of wielding it). In Summer 379YE, the [[Chimes of Annulment]] ritual was developed and codified at the [[Morrow#The_Halls_of_Knowledge_.28ruined.29\|Halls of Knowledge]] in [[Zenith]], specifically to aid in destroying Miasma Pillars. Some have speculated that the Druj invasion of the territory, and their subsequent foray into [[Morrow]] that saw the Halls destroyed, were a reaction to the creation of the ritual. This seems unlikely - the Druj are petty but to launch an entire military campaign to "punish" the Urizen for creating a single ritual seems to be an extreme response even for them. There is also the question of how they would even know it existed. Either way, the ritual was added to the body of Imperial lore by [[declaration#Declaration of Imperial Lore\|declaration]] of the [[~~Imperial~~ Conclave]] in 379YE.		Initially, the only way to destroy a miasma pillar was to use the [[consecration]] ceremony, and a significant amount of [[liao]] (and priests capable of wielding it). In Summer 379YE, the [[Chimes of Annulment]] ritual was developed and codified at the [[Morrow#The_Halls_of_Knowledge_.28ruined.29\|Halls of Knowledge]] in [[Zenith]], specifically to aid in destroying Miasma Pillars. Some have speculated that the Druj invasion of the territory, and their subsequent foray into [[Morrow]] that saw the Halls destroyed, were a reaction to the creation of the ritual. This seems unlikely - the Druj are petty but to launch an entire military campaign to "punish" the Urizen for creating a single ritual seems to be an extreme response even for them. There is also the question of how they would even know it existed. Either way, the ritual was added to the body of Imperial lore by [[declaration#Declaration of Imperial Lore\|declaration]] of the [[Conclave]] in 379YE.

	A second ritual, [[Dreadful Ending]], was added to [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List\|Imperial lore]] in Spring 385YE. This [[Winter magic\|Winter]] ritual is much less subtle than Chimes of Annulment, using "brute force" to shatter and tear at whatever force it is that empowers the pillars. It is harder to use, but particularly effective at dealing with situations where there are multiple pillars in close proximity.		A second ritual, [[Dreadful Ending]], was added to [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List\|Imperial lore]] in Spring 385YE. This [[Winter magic\|Winter]] ritual is much less subtle than Chimes of Annulment, using "brute force" to shatter and tear at whatever force it is that empowers the pillars. It is harder to use, but particularly effective at dealing with situations where there are multiple pillars in close proximity.

Dre at 11:21, 16 June 2023

2023-06-16T11:21:29Z

Rafferty: /* Destroying Pillars */

2023-06-16T11:00:44Z

Destroying Pillars

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:00, 16 June 2023
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	A second ritual, [[Dreadful Ending]], was added to [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List\|Imperial lore]] in Spring 385YE. This [[Winter magic\|Winter]] ritual is much less subtle than Chimes of Annulment, using "brute force" to shatter and tear at whatever force it is that empowers the pillars. It is harder to use, but particularly effective at dealing with situations where there are multiple pillars in close proximity.		A second ritual, [[Dreadful Ending]], was added to [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List\|Imperial lore]] in Spring 385YE. This [[Winter magic\|Winter]] ritual is much less subtle than Chimes of Annulment, using "brute force" to shatter and tear at whatever force it is that empowers the pillars. It is harder to use, but particularly effective at dealing with situations where there are multiple pillars in close proximity.

	The [[eternal\|eternals]] [[Zakalwe]] and [[Janon]] are known to despise the miasma, and the pillars that anchor it. Zakalwe ~~has~~ offered assistance ~~with~~ major ~~conjunctions~~ of the Sentinel Gate in the ~~past~~, ~~and~~ Janon is known to have created some boons specifically empower rituals intended to destroy the pillars even though they are not part of the lore of [[Night magic]].		The [[eternal\|eternals]] [[Zakalwe]] and [[Janon]] are known to despise the miasma, and the pillars that anchor it. Zakalwe [[Carnival_of_rust#Late_Goodbye_.28Battle_Opportunity.29\|offered assistance]] during a [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions\|major conjunction]] of the [[Sentinel Gate]] during the liberation of Zenith, for example. Janon is known to have created some boons specifically to empower rituals intended to destroy the pillars even though they are not part of the lore of [[Night magic]].

	==The Miasma in Play==		==The Miasma in Play==

Rafferty at 10:59, 16 June 2023

2023-06-16T10:59:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:59, 16 June 2023
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	<div style="float:left; width: ~~400px~~; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Miasma.png\|align=left\|caption=Omnipresent, usually unseen, the miasma is sometimes visible as a heavy, cloying fog that brings with it near overwhelming feelings of dread and despair.\|width=~~400~~}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Miasma.png\|align=left\|caption=Omnipresent, usually unseen, the miasma is sometimes visible as a heavy, cloying fog that brings with it near overwhelming feelings of dread and despair.\|width=500}}</div>
	===Overview===		===Overview===
	The Druj miasma, or shroud of dread, was first encountered by Imperial troops crossing into [[Reikos]] during the Winter 378YE counter offensive against the [[orc\|orcs]], but has since been encountered throughout [[the Mallum]], and in the attempt to liberate [[Zenith]]. Described as an almost physical pall of dread and despair, it infested the air, the water, and the soil. It was described by those exposed to it in fanciful terms; “clawing at the spirit”, “slowly grinding away every positive emotion”, and “threatening to undermine every virtuous thought”.		The Druj miasma, or shroud of dread, was first encountered by Imperial troops crossing into [[Reikos]] during the Winter 378YE counter offensive against the [[orc\|orcs]], but has since been encountered throughout [[the Mallum]], and in the attempt to liberate [[Zenith]]. Described as an almost physical pall of dread and despair, it infested the air, the water, and the soil. It was described by those exposed to it in fanciful terms; “clawing at the spirit”, “slowly grinding away every positive emotion”, and “threatening to undermine every virtuous thought”.

Rafferty at 10:57, 16 June 2023

2023-06-16T10:57:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:57, 16 June 2023
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			<div style="float:left; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Miasma.png\|align=left\|caption=Omnipresent, usually unseen, the miasma is sometimes visible as a heavy, cloying fog that brings with it near overwhelming feelings of dread and despair.\|width=400}}</div>
	===Overview===		===Overview===
	The Druj miasma, or shroud of dread, was first encountered by Imperial troops crossing into [[Reikos]] during the Winter 378YE counter offensive against the [[orc\|orcs]], but has since been encountered throughout [[the Mallum]], and in the attempt to liberate [[Zenith]]. Described as an almost physical pall of dread and despair, it infested the air, the water, and the soil. It was described by those exposed to it in fanciful terms; “clawing at the spirit”, “slowly grinding away every positive emotion”, and “threatening to undermine every virtuous thought”.		The Druj miasma, or shroud of dread, was first encountered by Imperial troops crossing into [[Reikos]] during the Winter 378YE counter offensive against the [[orc\|orcs]], but has since been encountered throughout [[the Mallum]], and in the attempt to liberate [[Zenith]]. Described as an almost physical pall of dread and despair, it infested the air, the water, and the soil. It was described by those exposed to it in fanciful terms; “clawing at the spirit”, “slowly grinding away every positive emotion”, and “threatening to undermine every virtuous thought”.

Rafferty: /* The Miasma in Play */

2023-06-16T10:52:34Z

The Miasma in Play

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:52, 16 June 2023
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	The primary effect of the miasma is that it [[Calls#WEAKNESS\|weakens]] anyone exposed to it who does not have the ability to [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects\|overcome]] it. The easiest method to overcome the miasma is to receive an [[anointing]], but particularly [[Heroic_skills#Hero\|heroic]] individuals, or those in possession of certain [[enchantment\|enchantments]] or [[magic items]] may also be able to counteract the effect. In particular, those of the [[changeling]] [[lineage]] are able to fight the effects of the miasma, but at the expense of becoming ''extremely'' angry - which can cause problems all its own.		The primary effect of the miasma is that it [[Calls#WEAKNESS\|weakens]] anyone exposed to it who does not have the ability to [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects\|overcome]] it. The easiest method to overcome the miasma is to receive an [[anointing]], but particularly [[Heroic_skills#Hero\|heroic]] individuals, or those in possession of certain [[enchantment\|enchantments]] or [[magic items]] may also be able to counteract the effect. In particular, those of the [[changeling]] [[lineage]] are able to fight the effects of the miasma, but at the expense of becoming ''extremely'' angry - which can cause problems all its own.

	In addition to the rituals mentioned already, its also possible to unmake a misama pillar with a powerful consecration: a [[Consecration#Removal\|ceremony strength]] of ~~at least~~ 15 is commonly needed, requiring the cooperation of several characters and large amounts of [[liao]].		In addition to the rituals mentioned already, its also possible to unmake a misama pillar with a powerful consecration: a [[Consecration#Removal\|ceremony strength]] of 15 is commonly needed, requiring the cooperation of several characters and large amounts of [[liao]].

	Even when the miasma is removed from a territory. it may still be encountered during quests, skirmishes, or player events taking place in the former Druj dominion.		Even when the miasma is removed from a territory. it may still be encountered during quests, skirmishes, or player events taking place in the former Druj dominion.

Rafferty: /* The Miasma in Play */

2023-06-16T10:52:16Z

The Miasma in Play

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:52, 16 June 2023
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	* '''The miasma [[Calls#WEAKNESS\|weakens]] anyone exposed to it who does not have the ability to [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects\|overcome]] it'''		* '''The miasma [[Calls#WEAKNESS\|weakens]] anyone exposed to it who does not have the ability to [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects\|overcome]] it'''
	The primary effect of the miasma is that it [[Calls#WEAKNESS\|weakens]] anyone exposed to it who does not have the ability to [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects\|overcome]] it. The easiest method to overcome the miasma is to receive an [[anointing]], but particularly [[Heroic_skills#Hero\|heroic]] individuals, or those in possession of certain [[enchantment\|enchantments]] or [[magic items]] may also be able to counteract the effect. In particular, those of the [[changeling]] [[lineage]] are able to fight the effects of the miasma, but at the expense of becoming ''extremely'' angry - which can cause problems all its own.		The primary effect of the miasma is that it [[Calls#WEAKNESS\|weakens]] anyone exposed to it who does not have the ability to [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects\|overcome]] it. The easiest method to overcome the miasma is to receive an [[anointing]], but particularly [[Heroic_skills#Hero\|heroic]] individuals, or those in possession of certain [[enchantment\|enchantments]] or [[magic items]] may also be able to counteract the effect. In particular, those of the [[changeling]] [[lineage]] are able to fight the effects of the miasma, but at the expense of becoming ''extremely'' angry - which can cause problems all its own.

			In addition to the rituals mentioned already, its also possible to unmake a misama pillar with a powerful consecration: a [[Consecration#Removal\|ceremony strength]] of at least 15 is commonly needed, requiring the cooperation of several characters and large amounts of [[liao]].

	Even when the miasma is removed from a territory. it may still be encountered during quests, skirmishes, or player events taking place in the former Druj dominion.		Even when the miasma is removed from a territory. it may still be encountered during quests, skirmishes, or player events taking place in the former Druj dominion.

Rafferty: /* Destroying Pillars */

2023-06-16T10:46:19Z

Destroying Pillars

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:46, 16 June 2023
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	A second ritual, [[Dreadful Ending]], was added to [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List\|Imperial lore]] in Spring 385YE. This [[Winter magic\|Winter]] ritual is much less subtle than Chimes of Annulment, using "brute force" to shatter and tear at whatever force it is that empowers the pillars. It is harder to use, but particularly effective at dealing with situations where there are multiple pillars in close proximity.		A second ritual, [[Dreadful Ending]], was added to [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List\|Imperial lore]] in Spring 385YE. This [[Winter magic\|Winter]] ritual is much less subtle than Chimes of Annulment, using "brute force" to shatter and tear at whatever force it is that empowers the pillars. It is harder to use, but particularly effective at dealing with situations where there are multiple pillars in close proximity.

			The [[eternal\|eternals]] [[Zakalwe]] and [[Janon]] are known to despise the miasma, and the pillars that anchor it. Zakalwe has offered assistance with major conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate in the past, and Janon is known to have created some boons specifically empower rituals intended to destroy the pillars even though they are not part of the lore of [[Night magic]].

	==The Miasma in Play==		==The Miasma in Play==
	* '''The miasma [[Calls#WEAKNESS\|weakens]] anyone exposed to it who does not have the ability to [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects\|overcome]] it'''		* '''The miasma [[Calls#WEAKNESS\|weakens]] anyone exposed to it who does not have the ability to [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects\|overcome]] it'''

Rafferty: /* Miasma Pillars */

2023-06-16T10:44:35Z

Miasma Pillars

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:44, 16 June 2023
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	In early 380YE, a combination of captains fighting to protect the legacy of Highguard, survivors motivated by the power of [[Courage]], and the [[a season of mushrooms\|rampant power]] of the eternal [[Llofir]], most of the Druj miasma pillars in [[Reikos]] were located and destroyed. After the conquest of [[Ossium]], the miasma pillars were quickly identified and destroyed by Imperial Scouts and agents of the [[Vigilance]] assembly. They proved more durable in [[Zenith]], where they were commonly protected by tormented souls - former Imperial champions twisted to the service of the Druj by foul magic - eventually requiring the intervention of both the Imperial Senate, the [[Granite Pillar]], and the Highborn Assembly before the last one could be removed and the territory freed.		In early 380YE, a combination of captains fighting to protect the legacy of Highguard, survivors motivated by the power of [[Courage]], and the [[a season of mushrooms\|rampant power]] of the eternal [[Llofir]], most of the Druj miasma pillars in [[Reikos]] were located and destroyed. After the conquest of [[Ossium]], the miasma pillars were quickly identified and destroyed by Imperial Scouts and agents of the [[Vigilance]] assembly. They proved more durable in [[Zenith]], where they were commonly protected by tormented souls - former Imperial champions twisted to the service of the Druj by foul magic - eventually requiring the intervention of both the Imperial Senate, the [[Granite Pillar]], and the Highborn Assembly before the last one could be removed and the territory freed.

	There is evidence that both [[Sarangrave]] and [The_Mallum#The_Forest_of_Ulnak\|Forest of Ulnak]] have miasma pillars, and it is assumed they are also present in the [[The_Mallum#The_Salt_Flats_of_Sanath\|Salt Flats of Sanath]]. It seems to take a little time for the Druj to spread their miasma over a territory - and there are no signs of them starting to do so before conquering the entire area. The one place they have controlled for extended periods of time without any sign of miasma is [[the Barrens]], but it's not clear why. Some scholars theorise that the territory is too large, but that is purely speculation. As with so much else about them miasma, and the Druj themselves, it remains a mystery.		There is evidence that both [[Sarangrave]] and [[The_Mallum#The_Forest_of_Ulnak\|Forest of Ulnak]] have miasma pillars, and it is assumed they are also present in the [[The_Mallum#The_Salt_Flats_of_Sanath\|Salt Flats of Sanath]]. It seems to take a little time for the Druj to spread their miasma over a territory - and there are no signs of them starting to do so before conquering the entire area. The one place they have controlled for extended periods of time without any sign of miasma is [[the Barrens]], but it's not clear why. Some scholars theorise that the territory is too large, but that is purely speculation. As with so much else about them miasma, and the Druj themselves, it remains a mystery.

	In each of the territories where the miasma has been cleared, a handful of lesser pillars still exist. Their influence is extremely limited - no more than a mile at most around an active pillar.		In each of the territories where the miasma has been cleared, a handful of lesser pillars still exist. Their influence is extremely limited - no more than a mile at most around an active pillar.

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:21, 16 June 2023
Line 3:		Line 3:
	The Druj miasma, or shroud of dread, was first encountered by Imperial troops crossing into [[Reikos]] during the Winter 378YE counter offensive against the [[orc\|orcs]], but has since been encountered throughout [[the Mallum]], and in the attempt to liberate [[Zenith]]. Described as an almost physical pall of dread and despair, it infested the air, the water, and the soil. It was described by those exposed to it in fanciful terms; “clawing at the spirit”, “slowly grinding away every positive emotion”, and “threatening to undermine every virtuous thought”.		The Druj miasma, or shroud of dread, was first encountered by Imperial troops crossing into [[Reikos]] during the Winter 378YE counter offensive against the [[orc\|orcs]], but has since been encountered throughout [[the Mallum]], and in the attempt to liberate [[Zenith]]. Described as an almost physical pall of dread and despair, it infested the air, the water, and the soil. It was described by those exposed to it in fanciful terms; “clawing at the spirit”, “slowly grinding away every positive emotion”, and “threatening to undermine every virtuous thought”.

	At night, the effects of the miasma intensified. It seemed to take advantage of the long hours of darkness to play upon the natural fears, doubts, and uncertainties that come naturally to mortal minds. Some exposed to the miasma describe hallucinations, especially of deceased loved ones. There is no suggestion, however, that this effect is actually producing images of the dead – several soldiers reported catching sight of loved ones they knew were alive and safe at home, but seemingly murdered and weeping. The shroud of dread significantly impacts Imperial efforts to liberate territories claimed by the [[Druj]], ~~lowing~~ the advance of armies, and making it harder for them to claim territory from the eastern orcs..		At night, the effects of the miasma intensified. It seemed to take advantage of the long hours of darkness to play upon the natural fears, doubts, and uncertainties that come naturally to mortal minds. Some exposed to the miasma describe hallucinations, especially of deceased loved ones. There is no suggestion, however, that this effect is actually producing images of the dead – several soldiers reported catching sight of loved ones they knew were alive and safe at home, but seemingly murdered and weeping. The shroud of dread significantly impacts Imperial efforts to liberate territories claimed by the [[Druj]], slowing the advance of armies, and making it harder for them to claim territory from the eastern orcs..
	==Study of the Miasma==		==Study of the Miasma==
	The Druj Miasma is not fully understood by Imperial scholars. It does not appear to have been created with conventional [[Rituals\|ritual magic]]. Rather, it bears more similarity to a massive [[Religious_skills#Consecration\|consecration]] associated with the [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Malign_Spiritual_Presences\|malign spiritual presence]] of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Fear\|fear or dread]]. Yet the existence of a magical method to deal with the [[Roleplaying_effects#Area_Effects_.28Auras.29\|aura]] (coupled with [[orc]] inability to use [[liao]] ceremonies) points to it being more than a purely spiritual effect.		The Druj Miasma is not fully understood by Imperial scholars. It does not appear to have been created with conventional [[Rituals\|ritual magic]]. Rather, it bears more similarity to a massive [[Religious_skills#Consecration\|consecration]] associated with the [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Malign_Spiritual_Presences\|malign spiritual presence]] of [[Malign_spiritual_presences#Fear\|fear or dread]]. Yet the existence of a magical method to deal with the [[Roleplaying_effects#Area_Effects_.28Auras.29\|aura]] (coupled with [[orc]] inability to use [[liao]] ceremonies) points to it being more than a purely spiritual effect.

	Of particular interest is the fact that the miasma appears to have little or no effect of the Druj orcs themselves. Whether this is due to some property of the miasma, or because the Druj are "desensitized" to the fearsome effects of the shroud of dread, is not clear. It is notable that the Druj's subject ''septs'' are not inured to its influence - even those who have lived their entire lives under its effects still feel the clawing dread.		Of particular interest is the fact that the miasma appears to have little or no effect on the Druj orcs themselves. Whether this is due to some property of the miasma, or because the Druj are "desensitized" to the fearsome effects of the shroud of dread, is not clear. It is notable that the Druj's subject ''septs'' are not inured to its influence - even those who have lived their entire lives under its effects still feel the clawing dread.

	There is significant speculation that the aura is useful to the Druj for more than simply slowing the advance of the Imperial forces. It also contributes to the atmosphere of terror and despair the orcs create among both their human prisoners and conquered septs - making it harder for their slaves to rebel against their authority.		There is significant speculation that the aura is useful to the Druj for more than simply slowing the advance of the Imperial forces. It also contributes to the atmosphere of terror and despair the orcs create among both their human prisoners and conquered septs - making it harder for their slaves to rebel against their authority.
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	In early 380YE, a combination of captains fighting to protect the legacy of Highguard, survivors motivated by the power of [[Courage]], and the [[a season of mushrooms\|rampant power]] of the eternal [[Llofir]], most of the Druj miasma pillars in [[Reikos]] were located and destroyed. After the conquest of [[Ossium]], the miasma pillars were quickly identified and destroyed by Imperial Scouts and agents of the [[Vigilance]] assembly. They proved more durable in [[Zenith]], where they were commonly protected by tormented souls - former Imperial champions twisted to the service of the Druj by foul magic - eventually requiring the intervention of both the Imperial Senate, the [[Granite Pillar]], and the Highborn Assembly before the last one could be removed and the territory freed.		In early 380YE, a combination of captains fighting to protect the legacy of Highguard, survivors motivated by the power of [[Courage]], and the [[a season of mushrooms\|rampant power]] of the eternal [[Llofir]], most of the Druj miasma pillars in [[Reikos]] were located and destroyed. After the conquest of [[Ossium]], the miasma pillars were quickly identified and destroyed by Imperial Scouts and agents of the [[Vigilance]] assembly. They proved more durable in [[Zenith]], where they were commonly protected by tormented souls - former Imperial champions twisted to the service of the Druj by foul magic - eventually requiring the intervention of both the Imperial Senate, the [[Granite Pillar]], and the Highborn Assembly before the last one could be removed and the territory freed.

	There is evidence that both [[Sarangrave]] and [[The_Mallum#The_Forest_of_Ulnak\|Forest of Ulnak]] have miasma pillars, and it is assumed they are also present in the [[The_Mallum#The_Salt_Flats_of_Sanath\|Salt Flats of Sanath]]. It seems to take a little time for the Druj to spread their miasma over a territory - and there are no signs of them starting to do so before conquering the entire area. The one place they have controlled for extended periods of time without any sign of miasma is [[the Barrens]], but it's not clear why. Some scholars theorise that the territory is too large, but that is purely speculation. As with so much else about ~~them~~ miasma, and the Druj themselves, it remains a mystery.		There is evidence that both [[Sarangrave]] and [[The_Mallum#The_Forest_of_Ulnak\|Forest of Ulnak]] have miasma pillars, and it is assumed they are also present in the [[The_Mallum#The_Salt_Flats_of_Sanath\|Salt Flats of Sanath]]. It seems to take a little time for the Druj to spread their miasma over a territory - and there are no signs of them starting to do so before conquering the entire area. The one place they have controlled for extended periods of time without any sign of miasma is [[the Barrens]], but it's not clear why. Some scholars theorise that the territory is too large, but that is purely speculation. As with so much else about the miasma, and the Druj themselves, it remains a mystery.

	In each of the territories where the miasma has been cleared, a handful of lesser pillars still exist. Their influence is extremely limited - no more than a mile at most around an active pillar.		In each of the territories where the miasma has been cleared, a handful of lesser pillars still exist. Their influence is extremely limited - no more than a mile at most around an active pillar.
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	The primary effect of the miasma is that it [[Calls#WEAKNESS\|weakens]] anyone exposed to it who does not have the ability to [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects\|overcome]] it. The easiest method to overcome the miasma is to receive an [[anointing]], but particularly [[Heroic_skills#Hero\|heroic]] individuals, or those in possession of certain [[enchantment\|enchantments]] or [[magic items]] may also be able to counteract the effect. In particular, those of the [[changeling]] [[lineage]] are able to fight the effects of the miasma, but at the expense of becoming ''extremely'' angry - which can cause problems all its own.		The primary effect of the miasma is that it [[Calls#WEAKNESS\|weakens]] anyone exposed to it who does not have the ability to [[Roleplaying_effects#Overcoming_Roleplaying_Effects\|overcome]] it. The easiest method to overcome the miasma is to receive an [[anointing]], but particularly [[Heroic_skills#Hero\|heroic]] individuals, or those in possession of certain [[enchantment\|enchantments]] or [[magic items]] may also be able to counteract the effect. In particular, those of the [[changeling]] [[lineage]] are able to fight the effects of the miasma, but at the expense of becoming ''extremely'' angry - which can cause problems all its own.

	In addition to the rituals mentioned already, its also possible to unmake a ~~misama~~ pillar with a powerful consecration: a [[Consecration#Removal\|ceremony strength]] of 15 is commonly needed, requiring the cooperation of several characters and large amounts of [[liao]].		In addition to the rituals mentioned already, its also possible to unmake a miasma pillar with a powerful consecration: a [[Consecration#Removal\|ceremony strength]] of 15 is commonly needed, requiring the cooperation of several characters and large amounts of [[liao]].

	Even when the miasma is removed from a territory. it may still be encountered during quests, skirmishes, or player events taking place in the former Druj dominion.		Even when the miasma is removed from a territory. it may still be encountered during quests, skirmishes, or player events taking place in the former Druj dominion.