Into the valley - Revision history

Twiggy at 18:23, 18 February 2026

2026-02-18T18:23:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:23, 18 February 2026
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	The Great Forest Orcs blame the Dawnish for the return of the Druj, the subsequent collapse of their alliance with the other septs, and the deaths of thousands of their people. However, more than anything else the Great Forest Orcs wish to return to their traditional home beneath the Eaves of Peytaht. The Steel Causeway presents a glimmer of hope - that the Druj might again be driven from the Barrens. That the orcs will be able to return to their homes. When they first emerged from the woods they offered to help the Navarr fight in the Barrens; yet in the years since many of their number have explored the Empire among the stridings. They understand how large the Empire is and how varied its people are.		The Great Forest Orcs blame the Dawnish for the return of the Druj, the subsequent collapse of their alliance with the other septs, and the deaths of thousands of their people. However, more than anything else the Great Forest Orcs wish to return to their traditional home beneath the Eaves of Peytaht. The Steel Causeway presents a glimmer of hope - that the Druj might again be driven from the Barrens. That the orcs will be able to return to their homes. When they first emerged from the woods they offered to help the Navarr fight in the Barrens; yet in the years since many of their number have explored the Empire among the stridings. They understand how large the Empire is and how varied its people are.

	With that in mind, Chief ~~Valak~~ of the Great Forest Orcs and Galahad Weaver of the briars present a possible route to put the past behind them and focus on the future. If the Empire will escort three Great Forest Orc elders and Galahad to the shrine where the first alliance to drive the Druj from the Barrens was sworn, they will perform a ceremony of reconciliation. This is a traditional ceremony among the Great Forest Orcs in which people lay aside the desire for hate and vengeance in the name of the greater good. It involves each participant accepting the accusations of the other, acknowledging their wrongdoing, and pledging to create a better future. It was this particular ceremony that formed the first part of the original alliance. Conducting a new ceremony at the historic site would provide a basis to overcome the conflicts of the past.		With that in mind, Chief Vallack of the Great Forest Orcs and Galahad Weaver of the briars present a possible route to put the past behind them and focus on the future. If the Empire will escort three Great Forest Orc elders and Galahad to the shrine where the first alliance to drive the Druj from the Barrens was sworn, they will perform a ceremony of reconciliation. This is a traditional ceremony among the Great Forest Orcs in which people lay aside the desire for hate and vengeance in the name of the greater good. It involves each participant accepting the accusations of the other, acknowledging their wrongdoing, and pledging to create a better future. It was this particular ceremony that formed the first part of the original alliance. Conducting a new ceremony at the historic site would provide a basis to overcome the conflicts of the past.

	Performing the ceremony is apparently quite straightforward, but it will require representatives of each of the Dawnish armies who took part in the original invasion of the Barrens to be present and to wholeheartedly take part. Each participant must bring flowers - it is part of the ceremony for all aggrieved parties to decorate the area with flowers as a symbol of new beginnings. It will also need the shrine to be protected from the Druj while the ceremony takes place. If the ceremony is successful, then the Great Forest Orcs and their allies will not forget their anger for the Dawnish, but the wounds will begin the heal.		Performing the ceremony is apparently quite straightforward, but it will require representatives of each of the Dawnish armies who took part in the original invasion of the Barrens to be present and to wholeheartedly take part. Each participant must bring flowers - it is part of the ceremony for all aggrieved parties to decorate the area with flowers as a symbol of new beginnings. It will also need the shrine to be protected from the Druj while the ceremony takes place. If the ceremony is successful, then the Great Forest Orcs and their allies will not forget their anger for the Dawnish, but the wounds will begin the heal.

Twiggy at 18:37, 15 January 2026

2026-01-15T18:37:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:37, 15 January 2026
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	==From the Forest (Conjunction)==		==From the Forest (Conjunction)==
	* '''Druj ghulai have released a horror from the Spring ~~Realm~~ to attack Imperial forces'''		* '''Druj ghulai have released a horror from the Spring realm to attack Imperial forces'''
	* '''Countless Imperial lives will be lost before the creature can be stopped'''		* '''Countless Imperial lives will be lost before the creature can be stopped'''
	* '''It is the responsibility of the Knight Protector of Spring to ensure such threats are dealt with'''		* '''It is the responsibility of the Knight Protector of Spring to ensure such threats are dealt with'''

Twiggy at 09:06, 14 July 2025

2025-07-14T09:06:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:06, 14 July 2025
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	The Staff used to be kept in the shrine, but during the fall of Dourfell Keep it was wielded by one of the briar defenders. While scouting the area, the staff has been located in one of the glades in the woods - thrust into the ground no doubt by the wielder when they died. By all accounts there is some kind of powerful monster guarding it. The creature doesn't appear to be chained up in anyway, but it doesn't leave the glade. The Druj bring it fresh meat every day, so it appears that it is either a trained guardbeast, or else bound with magic to the glade in some way. It might be possible to defeat the monster, or possibly to distract it while the staff is recovered - assuming it can be moved. It seems strange that the Druj have not relocated or destroyed it themselves. But determining exactly why it is still there will have to wait until Imperial heroes can reach it.		The Staff used to be kept in the shrine, but during the fall of Dourfell Keep it was wielded by one of the briar defenders. While scouting the area, the staff has been located in one of the glades in the woods - thrust into the ground no doubt by the wielder when they died. By all accounts there is some kind of powerful monster guarding it. The creature doesn't appear to be chained up in anyway, but it doesn't leave the glade. The Druj bring it fresh meat every day, so it appears that it is either a trained guardbeast, or else bound with magic to the glade in some way. It might be possible to defeat the monster, or possibly to distract it while the staff is recovered - assuming it can be moved. It seems strange that the Druj have not relocated or destroyed it themselves. But determining exactly why it is still there will have to wait until Imperial heroes can reach it.

	If the Staff is returned to the briar friends of the Great Forest Orcs, then they will do more than let bygones be bygones; they will work with their allies to establish a permanent presence in the woods of Hope's Rest. They were able to avoid the Druj for more than five decades, and they do not doubt they will continue to be able to do so. Along with their Great Forest Orc allies, they will provide support to any Imperial armies in the Barrens. As a result, Hope's Rest will gain the [[Ossium#Under_threat\|allied insurgents]] quality - meaning that if Imperial forces attack it it will always be considered a beachhead ''while the region is under Druj control''. This is similar to the situation the Druj have created in Ossium - but it will benefit the Empire rather than presenting a risk to them.		If the Staff is returned to the briar friends of the Great Forest Orcs, then they will do more than let bygones be bygones; they will work with their allies to establish a permanent presence in the woods of Hope's Rest. They were able to avoid the Druj for more than five decades, and they do not doubt they will continue to be able to do so. Along with their Great Forest Orc allies, they will provide support to any Imperial armies in the Barrens. As a result, Hope's Rest will gain the [[Ossium#Under_threat\|allied insurgents]] quality - meaning that if Imperial forces attack it, it will always be considered a beachhead ''while the region is under Druj control''. This is similar to the situation the Druj have created in Ossium - but it will benefit the Empire rather than presenting a risk to them.

	The staff could be handed to Galahad directly, before Imperial heroes pass through the Sentinel Gate. If it is brought back to Anvil, then the civil service will be able to arrange to have it delivered to the Lower Tarn Valley - assuming it is handed over to the Herald of the Council before the end of the summit.		The staff could be handed to Galahad directly, before Imperial heroes pass through the Sentinel Gate. If it is brought back to Anvil, then the civil service will be able to arrange to have it delivered to the Lower Tarn Valley - assuming it is handed over to the Herald of the Council before the end of the summit.

Responsible1: /* Key Objective */

2023-07-25T18:47:44Z

Key Objective

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:47, 25 July 2023
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	There is a major conjunction in the Hope's Rest area, to the site that was once the home of the "freedom Briars" - the descendants of survivors from the ill-starred attempt to start a secessionist haven in the Barrens for those who embraced the malign spiritual force of anarchy. The centre of their community was [[The_Barrens#Hope.27s_Rest\|Dourfell Keep]] - a fortified haven in the hills of the southern Barrens. It was destroyed in 380YE during the [[Conflict_in_the_Barrens#The_Barrens_Falls\|fall of the Barrens]]. Whatever happened to it was quite catastrophic in nature - the keep was utterly destroyed along with the Druj who were attempting to storm it. All the defenders died - the only survivors were those who fled south with the Great Forest Orcs before the Druj attacked.		There is a major conjunction in the Hope's Rest area, to the site that was once the home of the "freedom Briars" - the descendants of survivors from the ill-starred attempt to start a secessionist haven in the Barrens for those who embraced the malign spiritual force of anarchy. The centre of their community was [[The_Barrens#Hope.27s_Rest\|Dourfell Keep]] - a fortified haven in the hills of the southern Barrens. It was destroyed in 380YE during the [[Conflict_in_the_Barrens#The_Barrens_Falls\|fall of the Barrens]]. Whatever happened to it was quite catastrophic in nature - the keep was utterly destroyed along with the Druj who were attempting to storm it. All the defenders died - the only survivors were those who fled south with the Great Forest Orcs before the Druj attacked.

	Located somewhere in the expansive woodlands is a small shrine. It was built by the Dourfell Keep briars to commemorate the first meeting with the orcs who would later go on to rise up against the Druj. The Dourfell Keep briars were instrumental in uniting the defenders of the Barrens - the independent orcs who originally drove the Druj out of the Barrens for that brief period of time before the Empire and the Mallum orcs split the territory between them. Driven by their commitment to Freedom, they provided neutral ground for the rival septs to meet. That meeting ultimately lead to the alliance between the Great Forest and the ~~Rhavin~~ sept of orcs that broke Druj power in the Barrens.		Located somewhere in the expansive woodlands is a small shrine. It was built by the Dourfell Keep briars to commemorate the first meeting with the orcs who would later go on to rise up against the Druj. The Dourfell Keep briars were instrumental in uniting the defenders of the Barrens - the independent orcs who originally drove the Druj out of the Barrens for that brief period of time before the Empire and the Mallum orcs split the territory between them. Driven by their commitment to Freedom, they provided neutral ground for the rival septs to meet. That meeting ultimately lead to the alliance between the Great Forest and the Rahvin sept of orcs that broke Druj power in the Barrens.

	The Great Forest Orcs blame the Dawnish for the return of the Druj, the subsequent collapse of their alliance with the other septs, and the deaths of thousands of their people. However, more than anything else the Great Forest Orcs wish to return to their traditional home beneath the Eaves of Peytaht. The Steel Causeway presents a glimmer of hope - that the Druj might again be driven from the Barrens. That the orcs will be able to return to their homes. When they first emerged from the woods they offered to help the Navarr fight in the Barrens; yet in the years since many of their number have explored the Empire among the stridings. They understand how large the Empire is and how varied its people are.		The Great Forest Orcs blame the Dawnish for the return of the Druj, the subsequent collapse of their alliance with the other septs, and the deaths of thousands of their people. However, more than anything else the Great Forest Orcs wish to return to their traditional home beneath the Eaves of Peytaht. The Steel Causeway presents a glimmer of hope - that the Druj might again be driven from the Barrens. That the orcs will be able to return to their homes. When they first emerged from the woods they offered to help the Navarr fight in the Barrens; yet in the years since many of their number have explored the Empire among the stridings. They understand how large the Empire is and how varied its people are.

Rafferty: /* A Sudden Flood (Conjunction) */

2022-07-27T11:05:07Z

A Sudden Flood (Conjunction)

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:05, 27 July 2022
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	The magicians of [[Weirwater#Spiral_Castle\|Spiral Castle]] propose a plan to take advantage of the [[astronomancy\|astronomantic]] [[Every time it rains\|conjunction]] to do exactly that. They have created an [[arcane projection]] using Spring magic that they have dubbed ''"Dark Clouds Gather"''. This is a magnitude 24 Spring ritual which would call on the power of the conjunction to bring storms and floods, raising devastating typhoons, water spouts, and crushing waves from the Barren Sea and ravage not only the Fangs but also the fens of [[the Barrens#Saltmarsh\|Satlmarsh]]. The Druj rely on the eastern marshes to raise one of their magical fortifications - if the ritual is performed then most of the Saltmarsh will disappear beneath the hungry waves making it impossible to raise the [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]] there for some time.		The magicians of [[Weirwater#Spiral_Castle\|Spiral Castle]] propose a plan to take advantage of the [[astronomancy\|astronomantic]] [[Every time it rains\|conjunction]] to do exactly that. They have created an [[arcane projection]] using Spring magic that they have dubbed ''"Dark Clouds Gather"''. This is a magnitude 24 Spring ritual which would call on the power of the conjunction to bring storms and floods, raising devastating typhoons, water spouts, and crushing waves from the Barren Sea and ravage not only the Fangs but also the fens of [[the Barrens#Saltmarsh\|Satlmarsh]]. The Druj rely on the eastern marshes to raise one of their magical fortifications - if the ritual is performed then most of the Saltmarsh will disappear beneath the hungry waves making it impossible to raise the [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]] there for some time.

	From talking to some former slaves of the Druj [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#The_Hare\|liberated by Imperial heroes]] in the Summer of 383YE, Dawnish witches have located a strong Spring [[regio]] near the Fangs. It is guarded by the Druj, but their numbers are stretched and a determined group could drive them off for long enough to perform a ritual (or maybe two). Spiral Castle have asked the [[Archmage of Spring]] to try to gather a team of sufficient enchanters and war witches to perform the ritual and enough glorious knights to get them to the ritual site and keep them safe while the magic is cast. Of course the Archmage might try and attempt a second ritual - or even decide that a different ritual might be a better goal. Spiral Castle are content to leave such decision to the Archmage, confident that they will know best how to take advantage of the opportunity offered by access to the Spring regio.		From talking to some former slaves of the Druj [[383YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#The_Hare\|liberated by Imperial heroes]] in the Summer of 383YE, Dawnish witches have located a strong Spring [[regio]] near the Fangs called the ''Saltmaw''. It is guarded by the Druj, but their numbers are stretched and a determined group could drive them off for long enough to perform a ritual (or maybe two). Spiral Castle have asked the [[Archmage of Spring]] to try to gather a team of sufficient enchanters and war witches to perform the ritual and enough glorious knights to get them to the ritual site and keep them safe while the magic is cast. Of course the Archmage might try and attempt a second ritual - or even decide that a different ritual might be a better goal. Spiral Castle are content to leave such decision to the Archmage, confident that they will know best how to take advantage of the opportunity offered by access to the Spring regio.

	'''Success and failure:''' If the regio is used to perform the arcane projection, the coast will be pounded by the angry sea making it impossible to gain any mithril from the Fangs for at least two seasons - and possibly longer depending on whether the Druj are prepared to divert resources to deal with the damage caused to bridges, settlements, and roads by the magical storms. It will inflict even more damage on Saltmarsh. The region would lose the "marsh" quality and instead gain the "coastal" quality - as great stretches of the fens disappear underwater. This will prevent the Druj from using ritual magic to raise a magical fortification there for the next year before enough of the flood waters finally drain back into the Barren sea. If the arcane projection is not used, it will become useless: it draws its power the current astronomantic conjunction.		'''Success and failure:''' If the regio is used to perform the arcane projection, the coast will be pounded by the angry sea making it impossible to gain any mithril from the Fangs for at least two seasons - and possibly longer depending on whether the Druj are prepared to divert resources to deal with the damage caused to bridges, settlements, and roads by the magical storms. It will inflict even more damage on Saltmarsh. The region would lose the "marsh" quality and instead gain the "coastal" quality - as great stretches of the fens disappear underwater. This will prevent the Druj from using ritual magic to raise a magical fortification there for the next year before enough of the flood waters finally drain back into the Barren sea. If the arcane projection is not used, it will become useless: it draws its power the current astronomantic conjunction.

Novemberalice at 09:40, 26 July 2022

2022-07-26T09:40:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:40, 26 July 2022
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	[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:384YE Summer]] [[Category:Military Council]]		[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:384YE Summer]] [[Category:Military Council]]
	<div style="float:left; width: 600; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Dawn War-Witch.jpg\|caption=It's been a long time, but the armies of Dawn have returned to the Barrens.\|align=right\|width=600}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 600; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Dawn War-Witch.jpg\|caption=It's been a long time, but the armies of Dawn have returned to the Barrens.\|align=right\|width=600}}</div>
			{{Audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B8ubb82LtU}}
	==Three Long Years==		==Three Long Years==
	<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Garravaine De Rondell, General of the Gryphon's Pride">Soldiers of the Pride! We return to the Barrens once more. Let us carve our way south through the Druj to give us the opportunity to support anywhere on the front we are needed. We assault Carmine Fields and seek to push through and rendezvous with Imperial Forces in Hope's Rest. Should we encounter less resistance than expected, then we assault Bitter Strand.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Garravaine De Rondell, General of the Gryphon's Pride">Soldiers of the Pride! We return to the Barrens once more. Let us carve our way south through the Druj to give us the opportunity to support anywhere on the front we are needed. We assault Carmine Fields and seek to push through and rendezvous with Imperial Forces in Hope's Rest. Should we encounter less resistance than expected, then we assault Bitter Strand.</quote></div>

Dre at 17:18, 25 July 2022

2022-07-25T17:18:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:18, 25 July 2022
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	It would be a different matter if the Empire was fighting in the woods or the marshes... but the Carmine Fields are fertile grasslands, and while there are plenty of wooded copses in Hope's Rest, a little caution ensures that they are unable to claim Imperial lives. The frustration of the Druj becomes almost palpable as the Summer Solstice nears; there are some deaths, but casualties can be counted on the fingers rather than tallied in the kind of grim butcher's bill that is so often the price of war against the Mallum.		It would be a different matter if the Empire was fighting in the woods or the marshes... but the Carmine Fields are fertile grasslands, and while there are plenty of wooded copses in Hope's Rest, a little caution ensures that they are unable to claim Imperial lives. The frustration of the Druj becomes almost palpable as the Summer Solstice nears; there are some deaths, but casualties can be counted on the fingers rather than tallied in the kind of grim butcher's bill that is so often the price of war against the Mallum.

	Despite their growing anger, though, the Mallum forces are still able to make the Empire fight for every foot of land. The rough terrain in the south slows the advance and while the strategies employed there are effective, they are not focused on claiming territory. While the Wolves of War plunder the Druj garrisons and strike against the scattered orc settlements in Hope's Rest and the nearby forests, the Iron Helms methodically make examples of every Druj warrior that falls into their hands. They are merciless, seeking every opportunity to trap and dispatch the orc warriors, and the Druj know it. By contrast the Northern Eagle take a more cautious approach, eschewing risky tactics and ensuring that they carefully conserve their strength. The individual armies are tactically effective, but their splintered focus means that it slowly becomes clear this strategy will not be enough to capture the region;.by themselves, the three armies would have failed to claim Hope's Rest.		Despite their growing anger, though, the Mallum forces are still able to make the Empire fight for every foot of land. The rough terrain in the south slows the advance and while the strategies employed there are effective, they are not focused on claiming territory. While the Wolves of War plunder the Druj garrisons and strike against the scattered orc settlements in Hope's Rest and the nearby forests, the Iron Helms methodically make examples of every Druj warrior that falls into their hands. They are merciless, seeking every opportunity to trap and dispatch the orc warriors, and the Druj know it. By contrast the Northern Eagle take a more cautious approach, eschewing risky tactics and ensuring that they carefully conserve their strength. The individual armies are tactically effective, but their splintered focus means that it slowly becomes clear this strategy will not be enough to capture the region; by themselves, the three armies would have failed to claim Hope's Rest.

	Fortunately, they are not by themselves. The northern faction of the Empire's forces fight in open ground - the kind of fighting the Druj loathe - and the Dawnish armies remember this territory well. With the Gryphon's Pride and the Golden Axe in the vanguard, and with the Hounds of Glory and the Golden Sun grinding steadily forward, the Empire's advance proves irresistible. Defended camps are established across the region and then the armies continue to push. The Druj defenders are caught between an anvil to the south and a steel hammer from the north and left with the choice of being crushed, or retreating.		Fortunately, they are not by themselves. The northern faction of the Empire's forces fight in open ground - the kind of fighting the Druj loathe - and the Dawnish armies remember this territory well. With the Gryphon's Pride and the Golden Axe in the vanguard, and with the Hounds of Glory and the Golden Sun grinding steadily forward, the Empire's advance proves irresistible. Defended camps are established across the region and then the armies continue to push. The Druj defenders are caught between an anvil to the south and a steel hammer from the north and left with the choice of being crushed, or retreating.
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	On the plains near the edge of the forest, there is a powerful Night regio, which the Druj have been making use of. Any regio on a battlefield in an enemy controlled territory represents a potential opportunity - since it gives the Empire a chance to cast rituals in that territory that would not otherwise be possible. Unfortunately Night magic is dissonant with many of the themes of war, like destruction or strength, making it very difficult to use a night regio to aid the Imperial war effort.		On the plains near the edge of the forest, there is a powerful Night regio, which the Druj have been making use of. Any regio on a battlefield in an enemy controlled territory represents a potential opportunity - since it gives the Empire a chance to cast rituals in that territory that would not otherwise be possible. Unfortunately Night magic is dissonant with many of the themes of war, like destruction or strength, making it very difficult to use a night regio to aid the Imperial war effort.

	However, one of the Navarr prognosticators, [[Whither_the_seed#Princes\|Drustan Brocs Guard]], an experienced and well-travelled vate and a practitioner of [[Night magic]], points out that it could be ''made'' useful through use of [[Align the Celestial Net]]. A single casting of the ritual could easily align the net to either Spring or Summer - and in theory multiple castings could align it to allow several rituals of both realms to be cast. Hope's Rest is an ideal location to raise a [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] if the regio were aligned to Summer; alternatively the regio could be used to unleash any number of [[Spring magic]] [[curse\|curses]] into the Barrens if the Empire plans to withdraw. Or both! Drustan knows that the ritual has been used by heroes passing through the Sentinel Gate before - and that there are a ''lot'' of practitioners of Night magic in the Empire who might be able to [[Downtime#Retraining\|study the ritual]] ahead of the Summer Solstice.		However, one of the Navarr prognosticators, [[Whither_the_seed#Princes\|Drustan Brocs Guard]], an experienced and well-travelled vate and a practitioner of [[Night magic]], points out that it could be ''made'' useful through use of [[Align the Celestial Net]]. A single casting of the ritual could easily align the net to either Spring or Summer - and in theory multiple castings could align it to allow several rituals of both realms to be cast. Hope's Rest is an ideal location to raise a [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] if the regio were aligned to Summer; alternatively the regio could be used to unleash any number of [[Spring magic]] [[curse\|curses]] into the Barrens if the Empire plans to withdraw. Or both! Drustan knows that the ritual has been used by heroes passing through the Sentinel Gate before - and that there are a ''lot'' of practitioners of Night magic in the Empire who might be able to [[Downtime#Retraining\|study the ritual]] ahead of the Summer Solstice.

	===Battlefield Situation===		===Battlefield Situation===

Rafferty at 12:04, 25 July 2022

2022-07-25T12:04:38Z

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	It would be a different matter if the Empire was fighting in the woods or the marshes... but the Carmine Fields are fertile grasslands, and while there are plenty of wooded copses in Hope's Rest, a little caution ensures that they are unable to claim Imperial lives. The frustration of the Druj becomes almost palpable as the Summer Solstice nears; there are some deaths, but casualties can be counted on the fingers rather than tallied in the kind of grim butcher's bill that is so often the price of war against the Mallum.		It would be a different matter if the Empire was fighting in the woods or the marshes... but the Carmine Fields are fertile grasslands, and while there are plenty of wooded copses in Hope's Rest, a little caution ensures that they are unable to claim Imperial lives. The frustration of the Druj becomes almost palpable as the Summer Solstice nears; there are some deaths, but casualties can be counted on the fingers rather than tallied in the kind of grim butcher's bill that is so often the price of war against the Mallum.

	Despite their growing anger, though, the Mallum forces are still able to make the Empire fight for every foot of land. The rough terrain in the south slows the advance and while the strategies employed there are effective, they are not ~~ideal for~~ claiming territory. While the Wolves of War plunder the Druj garrisons and strike against the scattered orc settlements in Hope's Rest and the nearby forests, the Iron Helms methodically make examples of every Druj warrior that falls into their hands. They are merciless, seeking every opportunity to trap and dispatch the orc warriors, and the Druj know it. ~~The steady progress made by~~ the Northern Eagle ~~partially makes up for this~~ splintered focus~~, but by itself~~ it slowly becomes clear it will not be enough. By themselves, the three armies would have failed to claim Hope's Rest.		Despite their growing anger, though, the Mallum forces are still able to make the Empire fight for every foot of land. The rough terrain in the south slows the advance and while the strategies employed there are effective, they are not focused on claiming territory. While the Wolves of War plunder the Druj garrisons and strike against the scattered orc settlements in Hope's Rest and the nearby forests, the Iron Helms methodically make examples of every Druj warrior that falls into their hands. They are merciless, seeking every opportunity to trap and dispatch the orc warriors, and the Druj know it. By contrast the Northern Eagle take a more cautious approach, eschewing risky tactics and ensuring that they carefully conserve their strength. The individual armies are tactically effective, but their splintered focus means that it slowly becomes clear this strategy will not be enough to capture the region;.by themselves, the three armies would have failed to claim Hope's Rest.

	Fortunately, they are not by themselves. The northern faction of the Empire's forces fight in open ground - the kind of fighting the Druj loathe - and the Dawnish armies remember this territory well. With the Gryphon's Pride and the Golden Axe in the vanguard, and with the Hounds of Glory and the Golden Sun grinding steadily forward, the Empire's advance proves irresistible. Defended camps are established across the region and then the armies continue to push. The Druj defenders are caught between an anvil to the south and a steel hammer from the north and left with the choice of being crushed, or retreating.		Fortunately, they are not by themselves. The northern faction of the Empire's forces fight in open ground - the kind of fighting the Druj loathe - and the Dawnish armies remember this territory well. With the Gryphon's Pride and the Golden Axe in the vanguard, and with the Hounds of Glory and the Golden Sun grinding steadily forward, the Empire's advance proves irresistible. Defended camps are established across the region and then the armies continue to push. The Druj defenders are caught between an anvil to the south and a steel hammer from the north and left with the choice of being crushed, or retreating.

Responsible1: /* Troubled Waters (Conjunction) */

2022-07-22T22:05:48Z

Troubled Waters (Conjunction)

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:05, 22 July 2022
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	The [[Golden Axe]] have embraced the legacy of the [[People_of_the_North#The_Nature_of_the_Vard\|Vard]] and look to conquer what land they can in the Barrens. [[Army_qualities#Driven\|Driven]] as they are, they have been able to seize the advantage from the Druj by pushing far ahead of their supply lines to maximise the territorial gains of the Empire. Now though, the Druj have found a way to make them pay for the risks they have been taking.		The [[Golden Axe]] have embraced the legacy of the [[People_of_the_North#The_Nature_of_the_Vard\|Vard]] and look to conquer what land they can in the Barrens. [[Army_qualities#Driven\|Driven]] as they are, they have been able to seize the advantage from the Druj by pushing far ahead of their supply lines to maximise the territorial gains of the Empire. Now though, the Druj have found a way to make them pay for the risks they have been taking.

	The Druj defenders have fallen back across the Singing River, a fast flowing torrent that flows out of [[The Barrens#Hope's Rest\|Hope's ~~rest~~]] down to the Barren Sea. The vanguard of the Golden Axe have pursued them but have run into surprisingly stiff resistance on the other side of the river. Now the Druj are looking to spring their trap by destroying the only bridge that crosses the Singing River for miles in either direction. With the bridge gone, the vanguard will be trapped on the other side of the river. Out of position, they will be easy pickings for the Druj and face certain death.		The Druj defenders have fallen back across the Singing River, a fast flowing torrent that flows out of [[The Barrens#Hope's Rest\|Hope's Rest]] down to the Barren Sea. The vanguard of the Golden Axe have pursued them but have run into surprisingly stiff resistance on the other side of the river. Now the Druj are looking to spring their trap by destroying the only bridge that crosses the Singing River for miles in either direction. With the bridge gone, the vanguard will be trapped on the other side of the river. Out of position, they will be easy pickings for the Druj and face certain death.

	There is a powerful Spring [[regio]] in the area, called the Circle of Falling Trees. The Druj are bringing a dozen ritualists into position to perform the magic needed to destroy the bridge. They plan to make use of the [[astronomancy\|astronomantic]] [[Every time it rains\|conjunction]] to bring the river into flood so swiftly that the bridge is swept away. They will have guards with them of course, but there is a conjunction to the area, which means the Empire has a chance to stop them. If they can kill enough of the enemy ritualists, then they won't be able to perform the ritual and the soldiers will be able to fall back in good order.		There is a powerful Spring [[regio]] in the area, called the Circle of Falling Trees. The Druj are bringing a dozen ritualists into position to perform the magic needed to destroy the bridge. They plan to make use of the [[astronomancy\|astronomantic]] [[Every time it rains\|conjunction]] to bring the river into flood so swiftly that the bridge is swept away. They will have guards with them of course, but there is a conjunction to the area, which means the Empire has a chance to stop them. If they can kill enough of the enemy ritualists, then they won't be able to perform the ritual and the soldiers will be able to fall back in good order.

Rafferty: /* Battlefield Situation */

2022-07-22T21:19:13Z

Battlefield Situation

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:19, 22 July 2022
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	However, one of the Navarr prognosticators, [[Whither_the_seed#Princes\|Drustan Brocs Guard]], an experienced and well-travelled vate and a practitioner of [[Night magic]], points out that it could be ''made'' useful through use of [[Align the Celestial Net]]. A single casting of the ritual could easily align the net to either Spring or Summer - and in theory multiple castings could align it to allow several rituals of both realms to be cast. Hope's Rest is an ideal location to raise a [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] if the regio were aligned to Summer; alternatively the regio could be used to unleash any number of [[Spring magic]] [[curse\|curses]] into the Barrens if the Empire plans to withdraw. Or both! Drustan knows that the ritual has been used by heroes passing through the Sentinel Gate before - and that there are a ''lot'' of practitioners of Night magic in the Empire who might be able to [[Downtime#Retraining\|study the ritual]] ahead of the Summer Solstice.		However, one of the Navarr prognosticators, [[Whither_the_seed#Princes\|Drustan Brocs Guard]], an experienced and well-travelled vate and a practitioner of [[Night magic]], points out that it could be ''made'' useful through use of [[Align the Celestial Net]]. A single casting of the ritual could easily align the net to either Spring or Summer - and in theory multiple castings could align it to allow several rituals of both realms to be cast. Hope's Rest is an ideal location to raise a [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] if the regio were aligned to Summer; alternatively the regio could be used to unleash any number of [[Spring magic]] [[curse\|curses]] into the Barrens if the Empire plans to withdraw. Or both! Drustan knows that the ritual has been used by heroes passing through the Sentinel Gate before - and that there are a ''lot'' of practitioners of Night magic in the Empire who might be able to [[Downtime#Retraining\|study the ritual]] ahead of the Summer Solstice.

	==Battlefield Situation==		===Battlefield Situation===
	* '''The forest is under the effect of a powerful aura'''		* '''The forest is under the effect of a powerful aura'''
	<div style="float: right; width: 50%; max-width: 500px; margin-left: 10px;"><box>		<div style="float: right; width: 50%; max-width: 500px; margin-left: 10px;"><box>

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:05, 22 July 2022
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	The [[Golden Axe]] have embraced the legacy of the [[People_of_the_North#The_Nature_of_the_Vard\|Vard]] and look to conquer what land they can in the Barrens. [[Army_qualities#Driven\|Driven]] as they are, they have been able to seize the advantage from the Druj by pushing far ahead of their supply lines to maximise the territorial gains of the Empire. Now though, the Druj have found a way to make them pay for the risks they have been taking.		The [[Golden Axe]] have embraced the legacy of the [[People_of_the_North#The_Nature_of_the_Vard\|Vard]] and look to conquer what land they can in the Barrens. [[Army_qualities#Driven\|Driven]] as they are, they have been able to seize the advantage from the Druj by pushing far ahead of their supply lines to maximise the territorial gains of the Empire. Now though, the Druj have found a way to make them pay for the risks they have been taking.

	The Druj defenders have fallen back across the Singing River, a fast flowing torrent that flows out of [[The Barrens#Hope's Rest\|Hope's ~~rest~~]] down to the Barren Sea. The vanguard of the Golden Axe have pursued them but have run into surprisingly stiff resistance on the other side of the river. Now the Druj are looking to spring their trap by destroying the only bridge that crosses the Singing River for miles in either direction. With the bridge gone, the vanguard will be trapped on the other side of the river. Out of position, they will be easy pickings for the Druj and face certain death.		The Druj defenders have fallen back across the Singing River, a fast flowing torrent that flows out of [[The Barrens#Hope's Rest\|Hope's Rest]] down to the Barren Sea. The vanguard of the Golden Axe have pursued them but have run into surprisingly stiff resistance on the other side of the river. Now the Druj are looking to spring their trap by destroying the only bridge that crosses the Singing River for miles in either direction. With the bridge gone, the vanguard will be trapped on the other side of the river. Out of position, they will be easy pickings for the Druj and face certain death.

	There is a powerful Spring [[regio]] in the area, called the Circle of Falling Trees. The Druj are bringing a dozen ritualists into position to perform the magic needed to destroy the bridge. They plan to make use of the [[astronomancy\|astronomantic]] [[Every time it rains\|conjunction]] to bring the river into flood so swiftly that the bridge is swept away. They will have guards with them of course, but there is a conjunction to the area, which means the Empire has a chance to stop them. If they can kill enough of the enemy ritualists, then they won't be able to perform the ritual and the soldiers will be able to fall back in good order.		There is a powerful Spring [[regio]] in the area, called the Circle of Falling Trees. The Druj are bringing a dozen ritualists into position to perform the magic needed to destroy the bridge. They plan to make use of the [[astronomancy\|astronomantic]] [[Every time it rains\|conjunction]] to bring the river into flood so swiftly that the bridge is swept away. They will have guards with them of course, but there is a conjunction to the area, which means the Empire has a chance to stop them. If they can kill enough of the enemy ritualists, then they won't be able to perform the ritual and the soldiers will be able to fall back in good order.