Hard to find - Revision history

Twiggy at 01:04, 19 March 2026

2026-03-19T01:04:05Z

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	* '''Any Navarr can get a new personal resource in the Barrens for free this season'''		* '''Any Navarr can get a new personal resource in the Barrens for free this season'''
	* '''Navarr resources in the Barrens count as being in Therunin for voting in senatorial and similar elections'''		* '''Navarr resources in the Barrens count as being in Therunin for voting in senatorial and similar elections'''
	[[The_way_home#The_Last_Battle\|The Last Battle]] are a [[striding]] founded in the wake of the Navarr's commitment to taking the fight to the [[~~Vallorn~~]], who have come together in the belief that the final battle against the vallorn will happen in their lifetime if they make it happen. They are almost exclusively [[thorn\|thorns]], sworn warriors who are eager to engage the enemy and defeat them once and for all. However, [[A_thousand_years_of_longing\|to connect all the vallornhearts]] requires the Empire to fulfil its destiny and conquer the lands between. At a minimum, the Empire will realistically need to be in control of the [[Sarangrave]] before final decisions can be made on the approach to the heart that lies in [[Terunael_in_Axos#Venturing_into_Visokuma\|Visokuma]].		[[The_way_home#The_Last_Battle\|The Last Battle]] are a [[striding]] founded in the wake of the Navarr's commitment to taking the fight to the [[vallorn]], who have come together in the belief that the final battle against the vallorn will happen in their lifetime if they make it happen. They are almost exclusively [[thorn\|thorns]], sworn warriors who are eager to engage the enemy and defeat them once and for all. However, [[A_thousand_years_of_longing\|to connect all the vallornhearts]] requires the Empire to fulfil its destiny and conquer the lands between. At a minimum, the Empire will realistically need to be in control of the [[Sarangrave]] before final decisions can be made on the approach to the heart that lies in [[Terunael_in_Axos#Venturing_into_Visokuma\|Visokuma]].

	To that end, last Summer the striding proposed the building of a wayhouse on the border with a territory that contained a vallorn heart. The idea was to use the wayhouse as a base to conduct reconnaissance and patrols on the other side of the border. The wayhouse was [[Construct_Last_Battle_Wayhouse\|commissioned in the Bleaks]] in the Barrens, which borders both Sarangrave and [[Therunin]]. This masterful choice of location has allowed the Last Battle to quickly establish supply routes from the Bleaks into the [[Sarangrave#Turan_Flats\|Turan Flats]] and the [[Sarangrave#Nesustak_Forest\|Nesustak Forest]] in the [[Sarangrave]]... as well as [[Sarangrave#Nesustak_Forest\|Eastring]] in [[Therunin]].		To that end, last Summer the striding proposed the building of a wayhouse on the border with a territory that contained a vallorn heart. The idea was to use the wayhouse as a base to conduct reconnaissance and patrols on the other side of the border. The wayhouse was [[Construct_Last_Battle_Wayhouse\|commissioned in the Bleaks]] in the Barrens, which borders both Sarangrave and [[Therunin]]. This masterful choice of location has allowed the Last Battle to quickly establish supply routes from the Bleaks into the [[Sarangrave#Turan_Flats\|Turan Flats]] and the [[Sarangrave#Nesustak_Forest\|Nesustak Forest]] in the [[Sarangrave]]... as well as [[Sarangrave#Nesustak_Forest\|Eastring]] in [[Therunin]].

Twiggy at 18:17, 2 March 2026

2026-03-02T18:17:14Z

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	===An Outstretched Hand===		===An Outstretched Hand===
	<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=JaherisArt.jpg\|caption=The Unicorn Prince is a lord of the Summer ~~Realm~~ who clearly has his own interest in events in the Barrens.\|align=left\|width=300}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=JaherisArt.jpg\|caption=The Unicorn Prince is a lord of the Summer realm who clearly has his own interest in events in the Barrens.\|align=left\|width=300}}</div>
	* '''A herald of Jaheris has approached the knights who quested in the Untrod Groves'''		* '''A herald of Jaheris has approached the knights who quested in the Untrod Groves'''
	* '''They invite some of those who attempted the quest and the knight-protectors of Dawn to an audience at 16:00 on Saturday accessed via the Hall of Worlds'''		* '''They invite some of those who attempted the quest and the knight-protectors of Dawn to an audience at 16:00 on Saturday accessed via the Hall of Worlds'''

Twiggy at 23:16, 1 August 2025

2025-08-01T23:16:00Z

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	It soon becomes clear that a powerful [[Spring magic\|Spring ritual]] is in place in the region. The ritual appears to be [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]], which is a defensive ritual that protects an area by causing thickets of thorns and briars to form in the area, creating impenetrable walls of living vegetation. The Wooden Fastness makes an area extremely difficult for enemies to traverse, which is exactly what is happening here, but it shouldn't be. The trees should part to allow the swift passage of 'allies'. For reasons that are unclear, the enchantment has gone awry when selecting who is friend and who is foe, but that ought to be impossible.		It soon becomes clear that a powerful [[Spring magic\|Spring ritual]] is in place in the region. The ritual appears to be [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]], which is a defensive ritual that protects an area by causing thickets of thorns and briars to form in the area, creating impenetrable walls of living vegetation. The Wooden Fastness makes an area extremely difficult for enemies to traverse, which is exactly what is happening here, but it shouldn't be. The trees should part to allow the swift passage of 'allies'. For reasons that are unclear, the enchantment has gone awry when selecting who is friend and who is foe, but that ought to be impossible.

	There is one way that could be happening... The ritual chooses who to aid and who to hinder ''based on who has the greater claim to the area''. The Untrod Groves are under Imperial control, so there ought to be no problem here. And yet... there clearly is. The only possible magical explanation would be that something, someone, has the [[~~Ritual_theory~~#The_Law_of_Dominion\|greater claim to these lands]]. That's definitely not true in a military sense - nobody is contesting control of this region with the Empire - but dominion is a complex [[hearth magic]] and it's not impossible that something here has an older, deeper claim to these lands than the Empire.		There is one way that could be happening... The ritual chooses who to aid and who to hinder ''based on who has the greater claim to the area''. The Untrod Groves are under Imperial control, so there ought to be no problem here. And yet... there clearly is. The only possible magical explanation would be that something, someone, has the [[Laws_of_magic#The_Law_of_Dominion\|greater claim to these lands]]. That's definitely not true in a military sense - nobody is contesting control of this region with the Empire - but dominion is a complex [[hearth magic]] and it's not impossible that something here has an older, deeper claim to these lands than the Empire.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Manticore.jpg\|align=right\|caption=A manticore cannot be Dawnish.\|width=300}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Manticore.jpg\|align=right\|caption=A manticore cannot be Dawnish.\|width=300}}

Hailmur: /* Across the Lines */

2025-05-01T22:50:04Z

Across the Lines

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:50, 1 May 2025
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	==Across the Lines==		==Across the Lines==
	* '''The Last Battle is a wayhouse built in the Bleaks to provide a reconnaissance base for the fight against the ~~Vallorn~~'''		* '''The Last Battle is a wayhouse built in the Bleaks to provide a reconnaissance base for the fight against the vallorn'''
	* '''The Keeper of the Last Battle will be appointed by ~~Navarri~~ generals this summit'''		* '''The Keeper of the Last Battle will be appointed by Navarr generals this summit'''
	* '''The Keeper will immediately face a dilemma regarding other occupants of the Bleaks'''		* '''The Keeper will immediately face a dilemma regarding other occupants of the Bleaks'''
	* '''The Turan Flats and the Nesustak Forest in the Sarangrave and Eastring in Therunin are now under threat'''		* '''The Turan Flats and the Nesustak Forest in the Sarangrave and Eastring in Therunin are now under threat'''

Vsabo at 18:13, 22 April 2025

2025-04-22T18:13:47Z

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	<ic>"What's your problem, friend?"		<ic>"What's your problem, friend?"

	Geralt pointedly stared at the orc in front of him, virtually goading him to go for the knife at his belt. It was a small scram, fine for cutting meat and preparing food, but a food knife ~~was~~ be no use at all when his opponent had two foot of heavy Dawnish steel hanging off his belt. If this orc made him draw that sword, the fight was only ending one way. The orc stared back with a look of pure hate in his eyes. Little fucker wasn't backing down though, no matter how outmatched he was.		Geralt pointedly stared at the orc in front of him, virtually goading him to go for the knife at his belt. It was a small scram, fine for cutting meat and preparing food, but a food knife would be no use at all when his opponent had two foot of heavy Dawnish steel hanging off his belt. If this orc made him draw that sword, the fight was only ending one way. The orc stared back with a look of pure hate in his eyes. Little fucker wasn't backing down though, no matter how outmatched he was.

	At last the orc broke the silence and his gaze. "No problem... ''my lord''." He dropped his head as he said it, but he spoke the last part like his mouth was full of badger's piss.		At last the orc broke the silence and his gaze. "No problem... ''my lord''." He dropped his head as he said it, but he spoke the last part like his mouth was full of badger's piss.

Hailmur at 13:28, 20 April 2025

2025-04-20T13:28:43Z

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	''It's a good job for you I left my bow in my tent'', Geralt thought as he watched the orc storm off.		''It's a good job for you I left my bow in my tent'', Geralt thought as he watched the orc storm off.
	</ic>		</ic>
			{{PDFLink\|align=right\|link=File:Hard to find.pdf\|caption=Click for pdf version}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	While all eyes are on the [[Start a war\|conflict in the north of the Barrens]], there is a glorious expedition planned in the south of the territory, a quest deep into the heart of the [[The Barrens#Untrod Groves\|Untrod Groves]]. There are rumours of a strange creature dwelling here, a terrible beast that is linked the legendary Earl of the Groves. A band of daring knights is preparing to venture deep into the Groves unaware that disaster is waiting for them.		While all eyes are on the [[Start a war\|conflict in the north of the Barrens]], there is a glorious expedition planned in the south of the territory, a quest deep into the heart of the [[The Barrens#Untrod Groves\|Untrod Groves]]. There are rumours of a strange creature dwelling here, a terrible beast that is linked the legendary Earl of the Groves. A band of daring knights is preparing to venture deep into the Groves unaware that disaster is waiting for them.

Dre at 10:11, 20 April 2025

2025-04-20T10:11:10Z

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	...and thus far giving them absolutely nothing that they wanted has worked pretty much perfectly. The Karass are used to the uncompromising rule of the [[Druj]] who brook no insubordination and they have responded positively to a similar approach by the Empire. They've been obsequious in their negotiations with the Dawnish, almost as if they were trying to mimic the yeofolk. They've gone to some lengths to ingratiate themselves with their new overlords, with offers of help and support. They've corresponded with the [[Imperial Consul]] providing valuable intelligence on the other factions in the Barrens. They give all the impression of being the only loyal faction in the Barrens bar the Dawnish themselves. In fact, you could argue they've caused ''less'' trouble than the Dawnish houses have.		...and thus far giving them absolutely nothing that they wanted has worked pretty much perfectly. The Karass are used to the uncompromising rule of the [[Druj]] who brook no insubordination and they have responded positively to a similar approach by the Empire. They've been obsequious in their negotiations with the Dawnish, almost as if they were trying to mimic the yeofolk. They've gone to some lengths to ingratiate themselves with their new overlords, with offers of help and support. They've corresponded with the [[Imperial Consul]] providing valuable intelligence on the other factions in the Barrens. They give all the impression of being the only loyal faction in the Barrens bar the Dawnish themselves. In fact, you could argue they've caused ''less'' trouble than the Dawnish houses have.

	At least that was true until the Last Battle was built. The construction of the wayhouse has not directly led to any confrontation with them ''yet'', but it is impossible for the Karass to conceal how unhappy they are. Those who speak to them say they are clearly ''seething'' about having to share this forgotten corner of the sprawling Barrens with the Navarr. Nothing has been directly said, they appear to be quite intimidated by the Imperial presence, which is perhaps not entirely surprising given the punishment meted out to [[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind\|the Black Wind]], but the look on their faces says everything. Navarr passing through Karass lands to reach the ~~Wayhouse~~, claim they get a friendlier reception from the [[Jotun]]. It is painfully clear that the Karass want every single living being present at the ~~Wayhouse~~ to drop dead and the ground to open up and swallow them and their building - they're just too terrified of the Empire to do anything about it... yet.		At least that was true until the Last Battle was built. The construction of the wayhouse has not directly led to any confrontation with them ''yet'', but it is impossible for the Karass to conceal how unhappy they are. Those who speak to them say they are clearly ''seething'' about having to share this forgotten corner of the sprawling Barrens with the Navarr. Nothing has been directly said, they appear to be quite intimidated by the Imperial presence, which is perhaps not entirely surprising given the punishment meted out to [[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind\|the Black Wind]], but the look on their faces says everything. Navarr passing through Karass lands to reach the wayhouse, claim they get a friendlier reception from the [[Jotun]]. It is painfully clear that the Karass want every single living being present at the wayhouse to drop dead and the ground to open up and swallow them and their building - they're just too terrified of the Empire to do anything about it... yet.

	Provided they stay terrified it shouldn't be a problem. But there are a ''lot'' of Karass - enough of them to [[Ripples_and_shadows#Saltmarsh\|wipe out the Vendarri]]. If they had the nerve to attack the Empire, they could destroy the Last Battle in the blink of an eye. There's no evidence that that is going to happen, they appear genuinely scared of the Empire, but it is causing problems. Even just simple things like the fact that nobody is buying any food from the Karass to stock the wayhouse. The Karass might be terrified of the Empire, but the Navarr are nobody's fool.		Provided they stay terrified it shouldn't be a problem. But there are a ''lot'' of Karass - enough of them to [[Ripples_and_shadows#Saltmarsh\|wipe out the Vendarri]]. If they had the nerve to attack the Empire, they could destroy the Last Battle in the blink of an eye. There's no evidence that that is going to happen, they appear genuinely scared of the Empire, but it is causing problems. Even just simple things like the fact that nobody is buying any food from the Karass to stock the wayhouse. The Karass might be terrified of the Empire, but the Navarr are nobody's fool.

Noserenda at 00:58, 20 April 2025

2025-04-20T00:58:18Z

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	</table>		</table>
	</div>		</div>
	After the Autumn Equinox, a band of Dawnish [[questing knight\|questing knights]] journeyed into the [[The_Barrens#The_Untrod_Groves\|Untrod Groves]] within the Barrens. The Groves are the furthest extent of the [[The_Barrens#Eaves_of_Peytaht\|Great Forest of Peytaht]]. They are badly understood and barely mapped, as the name suggests. The knights were aided by the [[Not_to_conquer#Karass\|Karass]], who had agreed to assist after negotiations with the Barrens [[senator]] '''Aramis du Froste'''. There was some suggestion that there might have been a dangerous presence in the woods, linked to the legendary ''Earl of the Groves'', who is said to claim their ~~demense~~ deep within the trackless forest here. There were even rumours that this "Earl" was some kind of terrible beast - perhaps even the [[Legendary_beasts#Sphinxes_and_Manticores\|manticore]] of legend - although they are traditionally native to dry, arid regions quite unlike the Barrens, so that seemed fanciful. A host of questing knights assemble on the border of the Groves as the autumn turns to winter. They are more than three thousand strong: surely enough to overcome any threat? The Karass at their side as guides, they set off into the forest, searching for wealth, [[glory]], and adventure.		After the Autumn Equinox, a band of Dawnish [[questing knight\|questing knights]] journeyed into the [[The_Barrens#The_Untrod_Groves\|Untrod Groves]] within the Barrens. The Groves are the furthest extent of the [[The_Barrens#Eaves_of_Peytaht\|Great Forest of Peytaht]]. They are badly understood and barely mapped, as the name suggests. The knights were aided by the [[Not_to_conquer#Karass\|Karass]], who had agreed to assist after negotiations with the Barrens [[senator]] '''Aramis du Froste'''. There was some suggestion that there might have been a dangerous presence in the woods, linked to the legendary ''Earl of the Groves'', who is said to claim their demesne deep within the trackless forest here. There were even rumours that this "Earl" was some kind of terrible beast - perhaps even the [[Legendary_beasts#Sphinxes_and_Manticores\|manticore]] of legend - although they are traditionally native to dry, arid regions quite unlike the Barrens, so that seemed fanciful. A host of questing knights assemble on the border of the Groves as the autumn turns to winter. They are more than three thousand strong: surely enough to overcome any threat? The Karass at their side as guides, they set off into the forest, searching for wealth, [[glory]], and adventure.
	<div style="float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 500px; width: 40%;">		<div style="float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 10px; max-width: 500px; width: 40%;">
	<box>		<box>

Noserenda: /* Who Would Dare To Go */

2025-04-20T00:56:29Z

Who Would Dare To Go

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:56, 20 April 2025
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	The first problem the Last Battle face is from the neighbours of the wayhouse. The Bleaks was an excellent location from a strategic point of view, but it is not unoccupied. The sept of the Karass currently dwell here, making camp amongst the branches of the ancient trees. The Karass are deeply protective of their home and they are ''not'' pleased by this new arrival.		The first problem the Last Battle face is from the neighbours of the wayhouse. The Bleaks was an excellent location from a strategic point of view, but it is not unoccupied. The sept of the Karass currently dwell here, making camp amongst the branches of the ancient trees. The Karass are deeply protective of their home and they are ''not'' pleased by this new arrival.

	After the Dawnish were granted the Barrens, the Karass made [[Not_to_conquer#Karass\|diplomatic overtures]] to them to request that the regions of the Bleaks, the [[The ~~Barren~~#The Plains of Teeth\|Plains of Teeth]], and the [[The Barrens#Houndsgate\|Towers of Dusk]] were all ceded to them. It was pretty clear that this was just an opening negotiating position and what they really wanted was the Bleaks, but their requests were summarily denied. To hear them tell it the response was effectively ''"You'll get nothing... and like it"''		After the Dawnish were granted the Barrens, the Karass made [[Not_to_conquer#Karass\|diplomatic overtures]] to them to request that the regions of the Bleaks, the [[The Barrens#The Plains of Teeth\|Plains of Teeth]], and the [[The Barrens#Houndsgate\|Towers of Dusk]] were all ceded to them. It was pretty clear that this was just an opening negotiating position and what they really wanted was the Bleaks, but their requests were summarily denied. To hear them tell it the response was effectively ''"You'll get nothing... and like it"''

	...and thus far giving them absolutely nothing that they wanted has worked pretty much perfectly. The Karass are used to the uncompromising rule of the [[Druj]] who brook no insubordination and they have responded positively to a similar approach by the Empire. They've been obsequious in their negotiations with the Dawnish, almost as if they were trying to mimic the yeofolk. They've gone to some lengths to ingratiate themselves with their new overlords, with offers of help and support. They've corresponded with the [[Imperial Consul]] providing valuable intelligence on the other factions in the Barrens. They give all the impression of being the only loyal faction in the Barrens bar the Dawnish themselves. In fact, you could argue they've caused ''less'' trouble than the Dawnish houses have.		...and thus far giving them absolutely nothing that they wanted has worked pretty much perfectly. The Karass are used to the uncompromising rule of the [[Druj]] who brook no insubordination and they have responded positively to a similar approach by the Empire. They've been obsequious in their negotiations with the Dawnish, almost as if they were trying to mimic the yeofolk. They've gone to some lengths to ingratiate themselves with their new overlords, with offers of help and support. They've corresponded with the [[Imperial Consul]] providing valuable intelligence on the other factions in the Barrens. They give all the impression of being the only loyal faction in the Barrens bar the Dawnish themselves. In fact, you could argue they've caused ''less'' trouble than the Dawnish houses have.

Wrenna at 00:55, 20 April 2025

2025-04-20T00:55:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:55, 20 April 2025
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	There is one way that could be happening... The ritual chooses who to aid and who to hinder ''based on who has the greater claim to the area''. The Untrod Groves are under Imperial control, so there ought to be no problem here. And yet... there clearly is. The only possible magical explanation would be that something, someone, has the [[Ritual_theory#The_Law_of_Dominion\|greater claim to these lands]]. That's definitely not true in a military sense - nobody is contesting control of this region with the Empire - but dominion is a complex [[hearth magic]] and it's not impossible that something here has an older, deeper claim to these lands than the Empire.		There is one way that could be happening... The ritual chooses who to aid and who to hinder ''based on who has the greater claim to the area''. The Untrod Groves are under Imperial control, so there ought to be no problem here. And yet... there clearly is. The only possible magical explanation would be that something, someone, has the [[Ritual_theory#The_Law_of_Dominion\|greater claim to these lands]]. That's definitely not true in a military sense - nobody is contesting control of this region with the Empire - but dominion is a complex [[hearth magic]] and it's not impossible that something here has an older, deeper claim to these lands than the Empire.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Manticore.jpg\|align=right\|caption=A manticore cannot be Dawnish.\|width=300}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Manticore.jpg\|align=right\|caption=A manticore cannot be Dawnish.\|width=300}}

	~~===Participation : The Untrod Groves===~~
	Any character whose military unit was assigned to support the expedition to ''Explore the Untrod Groves'' is welcome to have been injured during the adventure, although by now your wounds will have treated and healed. If you want your character to have been affected by the manticore's sting and subsequently exorcised of this mysterious malady, you will have felt the following roleplaying effect while under it: ''You feel uneasy and disconnected from your body. It feels natural to indulge your basest and most wicked instincts.'' Once exorcised, the sting-wound will have healed, and the effects will have almost completely faded, but you may still experience some lingering influence from the venom during the summit.

	We also cheerfully encourage characters who assigned their military unit to the expedition to also roleplay that they were personally acquainted with one or two of the yeofolk who were separated from the baggage-trains and succumbed to the manticore's venom.

	==The Earl of the Groves==		==The Earl of the Groves==
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	In addition, the invitation is ''also'' extended to the other three [[Knight-protector\|Knight-Protectors]], who may travel under their own banners. They may not bring accompaniment, but, explains the Witch, their presence is no less vital to what she has to discuss. She will relay the will of the ''Lord of Despite'', and offers alliance against the Earl if the Knight-Protectors wish it.		In addition, the invitation is ''also'' extended to the other three [[Knight-protector\|Knight-Protectors]], who may travel under their own banners. They may not bring accompaniment, but, explains the Witch, their presence is no less vital to what she has to discuss. She will relay the will of the ''Lord of Despite'', and offers alliance against the Earl if the Knight-Protectors wish it.

			===Participation : The Untrod Groves===
			Any character whose military unit was assigned to support the expedition to ''Explore the Untrod Groves'' is welcome to have been injured during the adventure, although by now your wounds will have treated and healed. If you want your character to have been affected by the manticore's sting and subsequently exorcised of this mysterious malady, you will have felt the following roleplaying effect while under it: ''You feel uneasy and disconnected from your body. It feels natural to indulge your basest and most wicked instincts.'' Once exorcised, the sting-wound will have healed, and the effects will have almost completely faded, but you may still experience some lingering influence from the venom during the summit.

			We also cheerfully encourage characters who assigned their military unit to the expedition to also roleplay that they were personally acquainted with one or two of the yeofolk who were separated from the baggage-trains and succumbed to the manticore's venom.

	==Across the Lines==		==Across the Lines==

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:16, 1 August 2025
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	It soon becomes clear that a powerful [[Spring magic\|Spring ritual]] is in place in the region. The ritual appears to be [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]], which is a defensive ritual that protects an area by causing thickets of thorns and briars to form in the area, creating impenetrable walls of living vegetation. The Wooden Fastness makes an area extremely difficult for enemies to traverse, which is exactly what is happening here, but it shouldn't be. The trees should part to allow the swift passage of 'allies'. For reasons that are unclear, the enchantment has gone awry when selecting who is friend and who is foe, but that ought to be impossible.		It soon becomes clear that a powerful [[Spring magic\|Spring ritual]] is in place in the region. The ritual appears to be [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]], which is a defensive ritual that protects an area by causing thickets of thorns and briars to form in the area, creating impenetrable walls of living vegetation. The Wooden Fastness makes an area extremely difficult for enemies to traverse, which is exactly what is happening here, but it shouldn't be. The trees should part to allow the swift passage of 'allies'. For reasons that are unclear, the enchantment has gone awry when selecting who is friend and who is foe, but that ought to be impossible.

	There is one way that could be happening... The ritual chooses who to aid and who to hinder ''based on who has the greater claim to the area''. The Untrod Groves are under Imperial control, so there ought to be no problem here. And yet... there clearly is. The only possible magical explanation would be that something, someone, has the [[~~Ritual_theory~~#The_Law_of_Dominion\|greater claim to these lands]]. That's definitely not true in a military sense - nobody is contesting control of this region with the Empire - but dominion is a complex [[hearth magic]] and it's not impossible that something here has an older, deeper claim to these lands than the Empire.		There is one way that could be happening... The ritual chooses who to aid and who to hinder ''based on who has the greater claim to the area''. The Untrod Groves are under Imperial control, so there ought to be no problem here. And yet... there clearly is. The only possible magical explanation would be that something, someone, has the [[Laws_of_magic#The_Law_of_Dominion\|greater claim to these lands]]. That's definitely not true in a military sense - nobody is contesting control of this region with the Empire - but dominion is a complex [[hearth magic]] and it's not impossible that something here has an older, deeper claim to these lands than the Empire.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Manticore.jpg\|align=right\|caption=A manticore cannot be Dawnish.\|width=300}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Manticore.jpg\|align=right\|caption=A manticore cannot be Dawnish.\|width=300}}