Islands in the dream - Revision history

Matt: /* Who Are You? */

2026-09-09T01:56:00Z

Who Are You?

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:56, 9 September 2026
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	A lot can change in three years, especially in a place like Ossium. When the Unshackled and their human advisors arrive, they find the Dreamers of the Dark Forest quite different to how they were in 385YE. Almost as soon as they venture into territory claimed by the Dreamers, the Imperial group is intercepted by a patrol of a dozen serious orcs. Their weapons and armaments - bows, swords, and shields bearing the sigil of the black tree and six multicoloured stars - are practically antiques but there are also relatively new Varushkan axes and segmented armour on display. They are cautious but by no means unwelcoming, carefully questioning their visitors and providing them with a small honour guard to the large village of ''Dimmorden''.		A lot can change in three years, especially in a place like Ossium. When the Unshackled and their human advisors arrive, they find the Dreamers of the Dark Forest quite different to how they were in 385YE. Almost as soon as they venture into territory claimed by the Dreamers, the Imperial group is intercepted by a patrol of a dozen serious orcs. Their weapons and armaments - bows, swords, and shields bearing the sigil of the black tree and six multicoloured stars - are practically antiques but there are also relatively new Varushkan axes and segmented armour on display. They are cautious but by no means unwelcoming, carefully questioning their visitors and providing them with a small honour guard to the large village of ''Dimmorden''.
			{{WingedMessenger\|address=Caston, Dimwalker of the Dark Dreamers, Dayfall, Echofell, Ossium}}
	Gone are the ramshackle huts that were all the Druj allowed them. In their place stand proud new structures of hardwood and stone surrounded by the kind of defensive wall familiar to any Varushkan, needful to keep the predators of the dark woods at bay. The settlement is also easily twice as large as it was when the Empire was last here in any official capacity. The warriors escorting the Unshackled explain that a few years ago several hundred of their kin captured by the ''Iceblood'' - a disparaging term for the [[Thule]] - joined them from [[Ossium#Webwood\|Webwood]]. Apparently the orc rulers of northern Ossium had tried to persuade them to stay, but when they refused had begrudgingly allowed them to leave - although it has done nothing to endear the folk of Otkodov to the Dreamers.		Gone are the ramshackle huts that were all the Druj allowed them. In their place stand proud new structures of hardwood and stone surrounded by the kind of defensive wall familiar to any Varushkan, needful to keep the predators of the dark woods at bay. The settlement is also easily twice as large as it was when the Empire was last here in any official capacity. The warriors escorting the Unshackled explain that a few years ago several hundred of their kin captured by the ''Iceblood'' - a disparaging term for the [[Thule]] - joined them from [[Ossium#Webwood\|Webwood]]. Apparently the orc rulers of northern Ossium had tried to persuade them to stay, but when they refused had begrudgingly allowed them to leave - although it has done nothing to endear the folk of Otkodov to the Dreamers.

Rafferty at 17:13, 8 September 2026

2026-09-08T17:13:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:13, 8 September 2026
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	* '''The Dreamers of the Dark Forest are inspired by the magical dreams swirling around Ossium this season'''		* '''The Dreamers of the Dark Forest are inspired by the magical dreams swirling around Ossium this season'''
	* '''The Unshackled are able to meet the three ''dimwalkers'' who lead the sept'''		* '''The Unshackled are able to meet the three ''dimwalkers'' who lead the sept'''
	The trip to speak with the Dreamers almost founders before it can begin. Ossium has been [[enchantment\|enchanted]] with a unique magic that [[occludes passage through woodlands]] ~~{{TBC}}~~. Even familiar woods can turn treacherous and confusing, and the Echofall is by no means a tame forest. Less than six hours after entering the woods, the Unshackled party is hopelessly lost. [[Gralka's Gift to the Lost Seeker]] is able to pinpoint the location of the travellers, but it turns out to be no help in finding anywhere else. It would be easy to panic but level heads keep everyone calm. After a fretful night lost in the woods, however, an orc-like figure appears dressed in bright coloured clothes in the Varushkan style with a cloak of rainbow feathers and a lantern that turns out to be a glass jar full of moths. This [[inhabitants of the realms#heralds\|herald]] of the ''[[Sung\|Night Singer]]'' has been dispatched by her mistress to make sure that the winding paths do not delay the Unshackled in their endeavour. The ''Rainbow Serpent'', it seems, approves of the Imperial Orcs' highest calling and the same magic that confounds their journey makes it easy for her to send her herald to aid them.		The trip to speak with the Dreamers almost founders before it can begin. Ossium has been [[enchantment\|enchanted]] with a unique magic that [[Shadowed_boughs_of_twilight#Twisted_Paths\|occludes passage through woodlands]]. Even familiar woods can turn treacherous and confusing, and the Echofall is by no means a tame forest. Less than six hours after entering the woods, the Unshackled party is hopelessly lost. [[Gralka's Gift to the Lost Seeker]] is able to pinpoint the location of the travellers, but it turns out to be no help in finding anywhere else. It would be easy to panic but level heads keep everyone calm. After a fretful night lost in the woods, however, an orc-like figure appears dressed in bright coloured clothes in the Varushkan style with a cloak of rainbow feathers and a lantern that turns out to be a glass jar full of moths. This [[inhabitants of the realms#heralds\|herald]] of the ''[[Sung\|Night Singer]]'' has been dispatched by her mistress to make sure that the winding paths do not delay the Unshackled in their endeavour. The ''Rainbow Serpent'', it seems, approves of the Imperial Orcs' highest calling and the same magic that confounds their journey makes it easy for her to send her herald to aid them.

	A lot can change in three years, especially in a place like Ossium. When the Unshackled and their human advisors arrive, they find the Dreamers of the Dark Forest quite different to how they were in 385YE. Almost as soon as they venture into territory claimed by the Dreamers, the Imperial group is intercepted by a patrol of a dozen serious orcs. Their weapons and armaments - bows, swords, and shields bearing the sigil of the black tree and six multicoloured stars - are practically antiques but there are also relatively new Varushkan axes and segmented armour on display. They are cautious but by no means unwelcoming, carefully questioning their visitors and providing them with a small honour guard to the large village of ''Dimmorden''.		A lot can change in three years, especially in a place like Ossium. When the Unshackled and their human advisors arrive, they find the Dreamers of the Dark Forest quite different to how they were in 385YE. Almost as soon as they venture into territory claimed by the Dreamers, the Imperial group is intercepted by a patrol of a dozen serious orcs. Their weapons and armaments - bows, swords, and shields bearing the sigil of the black tree and six multicoloured stars - are practically antiques but there are also relatively new Varushkan axes and segmented armour on display. They are cautious but by no means unwelcoming, carefully questioning their visitors and providing them with a small honour guard to the large village of ''Dimmorden''.

GuiltyConscience: /* A Dream of Unity */

2026-09-08T16:09:30Z

A Dream of Unity

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:09, 8 September 2026
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	As such, the Dreamers beg the Highborn, Varushkan, and Imperial Orcs to rescue their septmates from the Ghul'Thak Forest before it is too late. And before the Thule - who the Dreamers consider to be barely better than the Druj - get there. The immediate problem is that unlike the Great Forest Orcs, the Dreamers are not all conveniently collected in one place. They are spread out across Ghul'Thak, and the Dreamers will not countenance leaving any of their folk behind. It will need the Empire to actually conquer Ghul'Thak if they want the sept in Ossium to be completed. They wouldn't need long - with the help of the Unshackled the Dreamers will get their people moving as soon as the entire region is no longer in the hands of the Druj.		As such, the Dreamers beg the Highborn, Varushkan, and Imperial Orcs to rescue their septmates from the Ghul'Thak Forest before it is too late. And before the Thule - who the Dreamers consider to be barely better than the Druj - get there. The immediate problem is that unlike the Great Forest Orcs, the Dreamers are not all conveniently collected in one place. They are spread out across Ghul'Thak, and the Dreamers will not countenance leaving any of their folk behind. It will need the Empire to actually conquer Ghul'Thak if they want the sept in Ossium to be completed. They wouldn't need long - with the help of the Unshackled the Dreamers will get their people moving as soon as the entire region is no longer in the hands of the Druj.

	To achieve this, the Empire would need to send armies into the region to seize the Gul'Thak forest which will be hard because they will need a bridgehead unless they can get the agreement of the Thule to use [[Forest of Ulnak#Oerwealt\|Oerwealt]]. Otherwise, the attack will need to come from [[the Barrens]]. There are also currently Druj armies in Ulnak that would definitely resist such an attack, and the garrisons of [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Cassad_Ûln\|Cassad ~~Uln~~]] and the [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Ghul'thak_Forest\|Thistle of Barbs]].		To achieve this, the Empire would need to send armies into the region to seize the Gul'Thak forest which will be hard because they will need a bridgehead unless they can get the agreement of the Thule to use [[Forest of Ulnak#Oerwealt\|Oerwealt]]. Otherwise, the attack will need to come from [[the Barrens]]. There are also currently Druj armies in Ulnak that would definitely resist such an attack, and the garrisons of [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Cassad_Ûln\|Cassad Ûln]] and the [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Ghul'thak_Forest\|Thistle of Barbs]].

	Allies exist however; [[Irra Harah]] has been granted access to the Forest by the Navarri magicians and will certainly help to free the Dreamers from the shackles of the Druj. The ability of the ''Prince With a Thousand Foes'' to support the attack of armies is somewhat limited but he would automatically add 2,000 strength to any effort to attack Ulnak this coming season as long as the orders of any generals involved made it clear they were there to free the orcs of the region rather than just to slaughter the Druj.		Allies exist however; [[Irra Harah]] has been granted access to the Forest by the Navarri magicians and will certainly help to free the Dreamers from the shackles of the Druj. The ability of the ''Prince With a Thousand Foes'' to support the attack of armies is somewhat limited but he would automatically add 2,000 strength to any effort to attack Ulnak this coming season as long as the orders of any generals involved made it clear they were there to free the orcs of the region rather than just to slaughter the Druj.
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	The Dreamers themselves would throw their full support behind an attack to reunite their sept and bring the three "missing families" home. Their presence would add an additional 2,000 strength to any effort to take Ghul'Thak this season, thanks both to the training they received, their experience fighting the Druj, and the excellent weapons and armour gifted them by Highguard and Varushka.		The Dreamers themselves would throw their full support behind an attack to reunite their sept and bring the three "missing families" home. Their presence would add an additional 2,000 strength to any effort to take Ghul'Thak this season, thanks both to the training they received, their experience fighting the Druj, and the excellent weapons and armour gifted them by Highguard and Varushka.
	<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=WinterSun_Colour.png\|align=right\|width=300}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=WinterSun_Colour.png\|align=right\|width=300}}</div>
	This kind of strategy is exactly where the strength of the [[Winter Sun]] is at its greatest. Under normal circumstances they cannot issue a [[Army_qualities#Freedom_Fighters\|Break the Chains]] order unless their side controls a region with the [[Region_qualities#Forest\|forested]], [[Region_qualities#Hills\|hills]], or [[Region_qualities#Marsh\|marsh]] quality. This season, the support of the Dreamers would allow them to issue such an order in Ghul'Thak. Unfortunately they are in Mareave, ~~and so~~ even if they wanted to get here ~~they~~ break the chains in Ulnak this season.		This kind of strategy is exactly where the strength of the [[Winter Sun]] is at its greatest. Under normal circumstances they cannot issue a [[Army_qualities#Freedom_Fighters\|Break the Chains]] order unless their side controls a region with the [[Region_qualities#Forest\|forested]], [[Region_qualities#Hills\|hills]], or [[Region_qualities#Marsh\|marsh]] quality. This season, the support of the Dreamers would allow them to issue such an order in Ghul'Thak. Unfortunately they are in Mareave, even if they wanted to get here to break the chains in Ulnak this season.

	To which the Dreamers ask when ''could'' the Winter Sun get there? Their people have laboured under the rule of the Druj for many years - but the rule of the [[Druj lore#Buruk Tepel\|Buruk Tepel]] is crumbling ''fast''. They haven't murdered the Dreamers yet, but there is no way to know if that will change or when. They're already aware of the way ''Nimon Rue'' tried to use the Great Forest Orcs, and the casual atrocity the Druj were preparing to carry out. Furthermore, if the Thule take the region, the situation will only get worse in the view of the Dreamers.		To which the Dreamers ask when ''could'' the Winter Sun get there? Their people have laboured under the rule of the Druj for many years - but the rule of the [[Druj lore#Buruk Tepel\|Buruk Tepel]] is crumbling ''fast''. They haven't murdered the Dreamers yet, but there is no way to know if that will change or when. They're already aware of the way ''Nimon Rue'' tried to use the Great Forest Orcs, and the casual atrocity the Druj were preparing to carry out. Furthermore, if the Thule take the region, the situation will only get worse in the view of the Dreamers.

GuiltyConscience: /* Not Sharing */

2026-09-08T16:03:47Z

Not Sharing

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:03, 8 September 2026
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	Indeed there's some confusion about why the Illarawm are interested in the idea at all. Obviously the two septs have had some limited contact in the past - both are from Ossium - but the Dreamers find their [[Illarawm#Beliefs\|beliefs]] alien. The Howling Abyss can't be silenced; the ancestors speak to whoever they wish to. The world of dreams is ultimately an unknowable place - the only way for any mortal being to understand it is to die. They don't have a problem with the idea that Illarawm is the first ancestor, they just don't see what it should matter to them.		Indeed there's some confusion about why the Illarawm are interested in the idea at all. Obviously the two septs have had some limited contact in the past - both are from Ossium - but the Dreamers find their [[Illarawm#Beliefs\|beliefs]] alien. The Howling Abyss can't be silenced; the ancestors speak to whoever they wish to. The world of dreams is ultimately an unknowable place - the only way for any mortal being to understand it is to die. They don't have a problem with the idea that Illarawm is the first ancestor, they just don't see what it should matter to them.

	One minor hiccup comes when the dimwalkers ask to speak to Bloodcrow Knott. Explaining that the orc who inspired this effort to reach out to septs within and around the Empire was executed for religious crimes causes a little consternation. The next morning the dimwalkers ask a few follow up questions and it after that are a little more guarded in their speech.		One minor hiccup comes when the dimwalkers ask to speak to Bloodcrow Knott. Explaining that the orc who inspired this effort to reach out to septs within and around the Empire was executed for religious crimes causes a little consternation. The next morning the dimwalkers ask a few follow up questions and after that are a little more guarded in their speech.

	==Is Any of This "True"?==		==Is Any of This "True"?==

GuiltyConscience: /* Missing Three */

2026-09-08T16:02:27Z

Missing Three

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:02, 8 September 2026
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	It's one of the Illarawm that points out that there are three First Dreamers and six lessons. Where did the other three come from? It seems that there are three other ancestors of the Dreamers of the Deep Forest - Holdfast, the ox, who worked day and night to ensure the original Dreamers had everything they needed to survive; Bright, the torch-bearer who lit the way for her people through the darkest times; and Wordmarked, who wrote down the laws the Dreamers still live by and helped forge them into one people. Their voices have fallen silent because the Dreamers are cut in two. This is the reason they refused to leave Ossium and why they continue to fight against the Druj - not just because it is the right thing to do but because the rest of their family is still held in the Mallum. Specifically, in the [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Ghul'thak_Forest\|Gul'Thak Forest]].		It's one of the Illarawm that points out that there are three First Dreamers and six lessons. Where did the other three come from? It seems that there are three other ancestors of the Dreamers of the Deep Forest - Holdfast, the ox, who worked day and night to ensure the original Dreamers had everything they needed to survive; Bright, the torch-bearer who lit the way for her people through the darkest times; and Wordmarked, who wrote down the laws the Dreamers still live by and helped forge them into one people. Their voices have fallen silent because the Dreamers are cut in two. This is the reason they refused to leave Ossium and why they continue to fight against the Druj - not just because it is the right thing to do but because the rest of their family is still held in the Mallum. Specifically, in the [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Ghul'thak_Forest\|Gul'Thak Forest]].

	It turns out the Dreamers of the Dark Forest have no particular affection for Echofell or even for Ossium. Unlike the Great Forest Orcs, they don't conceive of the Dark Forest as a physical place - every orc carries it with them all the time. They know they will dream of the forest and their ancestors anywhere in the world. ~~THe~~ reason they stay here is that they will not abandon those still held by the Druj. In fact, they believe they ''cannot'' abandon the other half of their sept and still be the Dreamers of the Dark Forest. Ultimately, they want to be reunited with the rest of their people. The two halves of the sept were separated roughly two hundred years ago at the order of a Buruk Tepel of the ''Sawscaled Viper''. The reasons are unclear, but the Dreamers teach that it was because they hated and feared the bonds of community that meant that no matter how hard they tried the Druj could never entirely break their spirits, even with their [[Druj miasma]] and their cruelties.		It turns out the Dreamers of the Dark Forest have no particular affection for Echofell or even for Ossium. Unlike the Great Forest Orcs, they don't conceive of the Dark Forest as a physical place - every orc carries it with them all the time. They know they will dream of the forest and their ancestors anywhere in the world. The reason they stay here is that they will not abandon those still held by the Druj. In fact, they believe they ''cannot'' abandon the other half of their sept and still be the Dreamers of the Dark Forest. Ultimately, they want to be reunited with the rest of their people. The two halves of the sept were separated roughly two hundred years ago at the order of a Buruk Tepel of the ''Sawscaled Viper''. The reasons are unclear, but the Dreamers teach that it was because they hated and feared the bonds of community that meant that no matter how hard they tried the Druj could never entirely break their spirits, even with their [[Druj miasma]] and their cruelties.

	One of the reasons the Dreamers are excited is that their ancestors, their voices made clearer by Varushkan spirit magic, are telling them that the coming of the Unshackled presents a way for them to finally reunite with their family.		One of the reasons the Dreamers are excited is that their ancestors, their voices made clearer by Varushkan spirit magic, are telling them that the coming of the Unshackled presents a way for them to finally reunite with their family.

GuiltyConscience: /* Missing Three */

2026-09-08T16:00:07Z

Missing Three

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:00, 8 September 2026
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	* '''There are three other ancestors the Dreamers honour whose voices have fallen silent'''		* '''There are three other ancestors the Dreamers honour whose voices have fallen silent'''
	* '''These ancestors are the founders of three other families trapped under the tyranny of the Druj'''		* '''These ancestors are the founders of three other families trapped under the tyranny of the Druj'''
	* '''The Dreamers remain in Ossium because they will not abandon the half of their sept in Gul'~~Thank~~ forest'''		* '''The Dreamers remain in Ossium because they will not abandon the half of their sept in Gul'Thak forest'''
	It's one of the Illarawm that points out that there are three First Dreamers and six lessons. Where did the other three come from? It seems that there are three other ancestors of the Dreamers of the Deep Forest - Holdfast, the ox, who worked day and night to ensure the original Dreamers had everything they needed to survive; Bright, the torch-bearer who lit the way for her people through the darkest times; and Wordmarked, who wrote down the laws the Dreamers still live by and helped forge them into one people. Their voices have fallen silent because the Dreamers are cut in two. This is the reason they refused to leave Ossium and why they continue to fight against the Druj - not just because it is the right thing to do but because the rest of their family is still held in the Mallum. Specifically, in the [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Ghul'thak_Forest\|Gul'Thak Forest]].		It's one of the Illarawm that points out that there are three First Dreamers and six lessons. Where did the other three come from? It seems that there are three other ancestors of the Dreamers of the Deep Forest - Holdfast, the ox, who worked day and night to ensure the original Dreamers had everything they needed to survive; Bright, the torch-bearer who lit the way for her people through the darkest times; and Wordmarked, who wrote down the laws the Dreamers still live by and helped forge them into one people. Their voices have fallen silent because the Dreamers are cut in two. This is the reason they refused to leave Ossium and why they continue to fight against the Druj - not just because it is the right thing to do but because the rest of their family is still held in the Mallum. Specifically, in the [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Ghul'thak_Forest\|Gul'Thak Forest]].

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	One of the reasons the Dreamers are excited is that their ancestors, their voices made clearer by Varushkan spirit magic, are telling them that the coming of the Unshackled presents a way for them to finally reunite with their family.		One of the reasons the Dreamers are excited is that their ancestors, their voices made clearer by Varushkan spirit magic, are telling them that the coming of the Unshackled presents a way for them to finally reunite with their family.
	<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Illarawm.png\|align=right\|width=300\|caption=The Dreamers of the Dark Forest and the Illarawm are not in accord when it comes to ancestors.}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Illarawm.png\|align=right\|width=300\|caption=The Dreamers of the Dark Forest and the Illarawm are not in accord when it comes to ancestors.}}</div>

	===Not Sharing===		===Not Sharing===
	* '''The Dreamers are not interested in "sharing" their ancestors with the Unshackled'''		* '''The Dreamers are not interested in "sharing" their ancestors with the Unshackled'''

Kirkbride: /* A Dream of Unity */

2026-09-08T15:53:48Z

A Dream of Unity

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:53, 8 September 2026
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	These are the people who ''want'' something from the Empire. As soon as they hear about the [[A greater darkness\|events taking place in the Mallum]] they are convinced that their ancestors have been urging them to ask their Imperial neighbours for help. One of their great fears is that the Druj are ''monsters'' and they are ''desperate''. ''Nimon Rue'' was prepared to destroy the Great Forest Orcs and lose their expertise forever just to manipulate their family in the Barrens. When they hear about their use of the vallorn in [[Therunin]] and [[Sarangrave]], it reinforces their belief that the Druj of Ulnak are more than capable of slaughtering entire septs just to deny them the liberty the Empire might offer them. The Druj will ''always'' destroy a thing, say the dimwalkers, rather than lose control of it. They are sure the Empire must have many examples of this from their own experience with the Druj.		These are the people who ''want'' something from the Empire. As soon as they hear about the [[A greater darkness\|events taking place in the Mallum]] they are convinced that their ancestors have been urging them to ask their Imperial neighbours for help. One of their great fears is that the Druj are ''monsters'' and they are ''desperate''. ''Nimon Rue'' was prepared to destroy the Great Forest Orcs and lose their expertise forever just to manipulate their family in the Barrens. When they hear about their use of the vallorn in [[Therunin]] and [[Sarangrave]], it reinforces their belief that the Druj of Ulnak are more than capable of slaughtering entire septs just to deny them the liberty the Empire might offer them. The Druj will ''always'' destroy a thing, say the dimwalkers, rather than lose control of it. They are sure the Empire must have many examples of this from their own experience with the Druj.

	As such, the Dreamers beg the Highborn, Varushkan, and Imperial Orcs to rescue their septmates from the ~~Gul~~'~~Thank~~ Forest before it is too late. And before the Thule - who the Dreamers consider to be barely better than the Druj - get there. The immediate problem is that unlike the Great Forest Orcs, the Dreamers are not all conveniently collected in one place. They are spread out across ~~Gul~~'Thak, and the Dreamers will not countenance leaving any of their folk behind. It will need the Empire to actually conquer ~~Gul~~'Thak if they want the sept in Ossium to be completed. They wouldn't need long - with the help of the Unshackled the Dreamers will get their people moving as soon as the entire region is no longer in the hands of the Druj.		As such, the Dreamers beg the Highborn, Varushkan, and Imperial Orcs to rescue their septmates from the Ghul'Thak Forest before it is too late. And before the Thule - who the Dreamers consider to be barely better than the Druj - get there. The immediate problem is that unlike the Great Forest Orcs, the Dreamers are not all conveniently collected in one place. They are spread out across Ghul'Thak, and the Dreamers will not countenance leaving any of their folk behind. It will need the Empire to actually conquer Ghul'Thak if they want the sept in Ossium to be completed. They wouldn't need long - with the help of the Unshackled the Dreamers will get their people moving as soon as the entire region is no longer in the hands of the Druj.

	To achieve this, the Empire would need to send armies into the region to seize the Gul'Thak forest which will be hard because they will need a bridgehead unless they can get the agreement of the Thule to use [[Forest of Ulnak#Oerwealt\|Oerwealt]]. Otherwise, the attack will need to come from [[the Barrens]]. There are also currently Druj armies in Ulnak that would definitely resist such an attack, and the garrisons of [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Cassad_Ûln\|Cassad Uln]] and the [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Ghul'thak_Forest\|Thistle of Barbs]].		To achieve this, the Empire would need to send armies into the region to seize the Gul'Thak forest which will be hard because they will need a bridgehead unless they can get the agreement of the Thule to use [[Forest of Ulnak#Oerwealt\|Oerwealt]]. Otherwise, the attack will need to come from [[the Barrens]]. There are also currently Druj armies in Ulnak that would definitely resist such an attack, and the garrisons of [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Cassad_Ûln\|Cassad Uln]] and the [[Forest_of_Ulnak#Ghul'thak_Forest\|Thistle of Barbs]].
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	Allies exist however; [[Irra Harah]] has been granted access to the Forest by the Navarri magicians and will certainly help to free the Dreamers from the shackles of the Druj. The ability of the ''Prince With a Thousand Foes'' to support the attack of armies is somewhat limited but he would automatically add 2,000 strength to any effort to attack Ulnak this coming season as long as the orders of any generals involved made it clear they were there to free the orcs of the region rather than just to slaughter the Druj.		Allies exist however; [[Irra Harah]] has been granted access to the Forest by the Navarri magicians and will certainly help to free the Dreamers from the shackles of the Druj. The ability of the ''Prince With a Thousand Foes'' to support the attack of armies is somewhat limited but he would automatically add 2,000 strength to any effort to attack Ulnak this coming season as long as the orders of any generals involved made it clear they were there to free the orcs of the region rather than just to slaughter the Druj.

	The Dreamers themselves would throw their full support behind an attack to reunite their sept and bring the three "missing families" home. Their presence would add an additional 2,000 strength to any effort to take ~~Gul~~'Thak this season, thanks both to the training they received, their experience fighting the Druj, and the excellent weapons and armour gifted them by Highguard and Varushka.		The Dreamers themselves would throw their full support behind an attack to reunite their sept and bring the three "missing families" home. Their presence would add an additional 2,000 strength to any effort to take Ghul'Thak this season, thanks both to the training they received, their experience fighting the Druj, and the excellent weapons and armour gifted them by Highguard and Varushka.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=WinterSun_Colour.png\|align=right\|width=300}}		<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=WinterSun_Colour.png\|align=right\|width=300}}</div>
	This kind of strategy is exactly where the strength of the [[Winter Sun]] is at its greatest. Under normal circumstances they cannot issue a [[Army_qualities#Freedom_Fighters\|Break the Chains]] order unless their side controls a region with the [[Region_qualities#Forest\|forested]], [[Region_qualities#Hills\|hills]], or [[Region_qualities#Marsh\|marsh]] quality. This season, the support of the Dreamers would allow them to issue such an order in ~~Gul~~'~~thak~~. Unfortunately they are in Mareave, and so even if they wanted to get here they break the chains in Ulnak this season.		This kind of strategy is exactly where the strength of the [[Winter Sun]] is at its greatest. Under normal circumstances they cannot issue a [[Army_qualities#Freedom_Fighters\|Break the Chains]] order unless their side controls a region with the [[Region_qualities#Forest\|forested]], [[Region_qualities#Hills\|hills]], or [[Region_qualities#Marsh\|marsh]] quality. This season, the support of the Dreamers would allow them to issue such an order in Ghul'Thak. Unfortunately they are in Mareave, and so even if they wanted to get here they break the chains in Ulnak this season.

	To which the Dreamers ask when ''could'' the Winter Sun get there? Their people have laboured under the rule of the Druj for many years - but the rule of the [[Druj lore#Buruk Tepel\|Buruk Tepel]] is crumbling ''fast''. They haven't murdered the Dreamers yet, but there is no way to know if that will change or when. They're already aware of the way ''Nimon Rue'' tried to use the Great Forest Orcs, and the casual atrocity the Druj were preparing to carry out. Furthermore, if the Thule take the region, the situation will only get worse in the view of the Dreamers.		To which the Dreamers ask when ''could'' the Winter Sun get there? Their people have laboured under the rule of the Druj for many years - but the rule of the [[Druj lore#Buruk Tepel\|Buruk Tepel]] is crumbling ''fast''. They haven't murdered the Dreamers yet, but there is no way to know if that will change or when. They're already aware of the way ''Nimon Rue'' tried to use the Great Forest Orcs, and the casual atrocity the Druj were preparing to carry out. Furthermore, if the Thule take the region, the situation will only get worse in the view of the Dreamers.

	The Imperial scouts say there are a lot more orcs in ~~Gul~~'~~Thank~~ than there are in Echofell - it's not clear how much it would swell the numbers of the Dreamers but it would certainly create problems for their current arrangement of living in a few settlements along the borders. That at least is something the Dreamers are prepared to consider. Unlike the Druj and several other septs, they have no particular tie to any given land. If the Empire reunites them, then they would be content to look for new lands elsewhere, not unlike the [[Outreach_across_the_marshes\|Sand Fishers]] did. As they said before, they can dream anywhere.		The Imperial scouts say there are a lot more orcs in Ghul'Thak than there are in Echofell - it's not clear how much it would swell the numbers of the Dreamers but it would certainly create problems for their current arrangement of living in a few settlements along the borders. That at least is something the Dreamers are prepared to consider. Unlike the Druj and several other septs, they have no particular tie to any given land. If the Empire reunites them, then they would be content to look for new lands elsewhere, not unlike the [[Outreach_across_the_marshes\|Sand Fishers]] did. As they said before, they can dream anywhere.
	<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">		<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=NBOrcs.jpg\|width=200}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=NBOrcs.jpg\|width=200}}

GuiltyConscience: /* Who Are You? */

2026-09-08T15:52:15Z

Who Are You?

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:52, 8 September 2026
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	A lot can change in three years, especially in a place like Ossium. When the Unshackled and their human advisors arrive, they find the Dreamers of the Dark Forest quite different to how they were in 385YE. Almost as soon as they venture into territory claimed by the Dreamers, the Imperial group is intercepted by a patrol of a dozen serious orcs. Their weapons and armaments - bows, swords, and shields bearing the sigil of the black tree and six multicoloured stars - are practically antiques but there are also relatively new Varushkan axes and segmented armour on display. They are cautious but by no means unwelcoming, carefully questioning their visitors and providing them with a small honour guard to the large village of ''Dimmorden''.		A lot can change in three years, especially in a place like Ossium. When the Unshackled and their human advisors arrive, they find the Dreamers of the Dark Forest quite different to how they were in 385YE. Almost as soon as they venture into territory claimed by the Dreamers, the Imperial group is intercepted by a patrol of a dozen serious orcs. Their weapons and armaments - bows, swords, and shields bearing the sigil of the black tree and six multicoloured stars - are practically antiques but there are also relatively new Varushkan axes and segmented armour on display. They are cautious but by no means unwelcoming, carefully questioning their visitors and providing them with a small honour guard to the large village of ''Dimmorden''.

	Gone are the ramshackle huts that were all the Druj allowed them. In their place stand proud new structures of hardwood and stone surrounded by the kind of defensive wall familiar to any Varushkan, needful to keep the predators of the dark woods at bay. The settlement is also easily twice as large as it was when the Empire was last here in any official capacity. The warriors escorting the Unshackled explain that a few years ago several hundred of their kin captured by the ''Iceblood'' - a ~~disparage~~ term for the [[Thule]] - joined them from [[Ossium#Webwood\|Webwood]]. Apparently the orc rulers of northern Ossium had tried to persuade them to stay, but when they refused had begrudgingly allowed them to leave - although it has done nothing to endear the folk of Otkodov to the Dreamers.		Gone are the ramshackle huts that were all the Druj allowed them. In their place stand proud new structures of hardwood and stone surrounded by the kind of defensive wall familiar to any Varushkan, needful to keep the predators of the dark woods at bay. The settlement is also easily twice as large as it was when the Empire was last here in any official capacity. The warriors escorting the Unshackled explain that a few years ago several hundred of their kin captured by the ''Iceblood'' - a disparaging term for the [[Thule]] - joined them from [[Ossium#Webwood\|Webwood]]. Apparently the orc rulers of northern Ossium had tried to persuade them to stay, but when they refused had begrudgingly allowed them to leave - although it has done nothing to endear the folk of Otkodov to the Dreamers.

	~~Dwimmorden~~ is overseen by three "dimwalkers" - respected orcs who represent the three extended families that make up the Dreamers of the Dark Forest. Between them they guide the sept, relying on the wisdom of the ancestors which they ~~gleam~~ from their dreams. Obviously, this excites the interest of the mystagogues and shamans, and it seems the dimwalkers are equally eager to speak to the Unshackled. It seems they have been expecting their arrival, having received dream portents that warned them of the Empire's approach.		Dimmorden is overseen by three "dimwalkers" - respected orcs who represent the three extended families that make up the Dreamers of the Dark Forest. Between them they guide the sept, relying on the wisdom of the ancestors which they glean from their dreams. Obviously, this excites the interest of the mystagogues and shamans, and it seems the dimwalkers are equally eager to speak to the Unshackled. It seems they have been expecting their arrival, having received dream portents that warned them of the Empire's approach.

	This news rouses particular interest in the magicians accompanying the expedition. Apparently the Dreamers are quite excited that over the last several weeks their dreams have been particularly vivid and powerful, and even the least insightful among them record night time visits to the Dark Forest that underpins the waking world. A few of their magicians have pointed out that this is the result of an [[enchantment]] laid over the whole of Ossium, a clever weaving of the [[Night magic\|Spirit]], but where it comes from does not matter to the Dreamers as much as the way it helps them hear their ancestors.		This news rouses particular interest in the magicians accompanying the expedition. Apparently the Dreamers are quite excited that over the last several weeks their dreams have been particularly vivid and powerful, and even the least insightful among them record night time visits to the Dark Forest that underpins the waking world. A few of their magicians have pointed out that this is the result of an [[enchantment]] laid over the whole of Ossium, a clever weaving of the [[Night magic\|Spirit]], but where it comes from does not matter to the Dreamers as much as the way it helps them hear their ancestors.

	Intrigued, the Unshackled settle down to discuss matters of ancestors and spirits with the dimwalkers.		Intrigued, the Unshackled settle down to discuss matters of ancestors and spirits with the dimwalkers.

	==The Dream==		==The Dream==
	* '''The Dreamers of the Dark Forest have mystical beliefs about ancestors and the Howling Abyss'''		* '''The Dreamers of the Dark Forest have mystical beliefs about ancestors and the Howling Abyss'''

Kirkbride: /* Is Any of This "True"? */

2026-09-08T15:51:46Z

Is Any of This "True"?

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:51, 8 September 2026
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	The dimwalkers don't claim that the ancestors are constantly visiting them in dreams, but they say that in the past it was more common than it is now. One reason, they explain, is that in the days before the Druj they had access to a plant that helped a sleeping orc seek the advice of their ancestors when they faced particularly trying times. That plant is lost to them since they were exiled from Ulnak, and they recount how the Sawscaled Viper wickedly destroyed it wherever it grew. As far as they know, it is extinct and that is another reason they despise the Druj and the Buruk Tepel. When asked if it is [[Regarding_Black_Lotus\|black lotus]] they say it isn't - black lotus is a legendary plant they claim was first grown by Threadsnap, and it allows a living orc to create a profound bridge to the world of dreams and speak directly to the ancestors and to each other in a lucid way that goes far beyond what the Dreamers experience. The plant they are referring to was called ''dimbloom'', and they believe it has passed from the world. The closest they can get today is through the preparations of [[apothecary\|apothecaries]] - the [[Infusions of Feathers]] - which they say are a dim and unpredictable shadow of the past.		The dimwalkers don't claim that the ancestors are constantly visiting them in dreams, but they say that in the past it was more common than it is now. One reason, they explain, is that in the days before the Druj they had access to a plant that helped a sleeping orc seek the advice of their ancestors when they faced particularly trying times. That plant is lost to them since they were exiled from Ulnak, and they recount how the Sawscaled Viper wickedly destroyed it wherever it grew. As far as they know, it is extinct and that is another reason they despise the Druj and the Buruk Tepel. When asked if it is [[Regarding_Black_Lotus\|black lotus]] they say it isn't - black lotus is a legendary plant they claim was first grown by Threadsnap, and it allows a living orc to create a profound bridge to the world of dreams and speak directly to the ancestors and to each other in a lucid way that goes far beyond what the Dreamers experience. The plant they are referring to was called ''dimbloom'', and they believe it has passed from the world. The closest they can get today is through the preparations of [[apothecary\|apothecaries]] - the [[Infusions of Feathers]] - which they say are a dim and unpredictable shadow of the past.
	<div ~~style="~~float~~:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"~~>{{CaptionedImage\|file=Obligatory Grud Photo.jpg\|align=right\|width=4500\|caption=The Dreamers of the Dark Forest seek the military aid of the Empire to rescue the rest of their family before the Druj slaughter them all.}}</div>		<div {{float}}>{{CaptionedImage\|file=Obligatory Grud Photo.jpg\|align=right\|width=4500\|caption=The Dreamers of the Dark Forest seek the military aid of the Empire to rescue the rest of their family before the Druj slaughter them all.}}</div>

	==A Dream of Unity==		==A Dream of Unity==

Kirkbride: /* The Dream */

2026-09-08T15:51:05Z

The Dream

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:51, 8 September 2026
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	There are however an almost unlimited number of other ancestors that speak to the Dreamers when they sleep. The Dreamers believe that the waking world of solid objects and people is underpinned by the world of dreams. The two exist side by side, separated by a curtain of shadow. When someone is awake they can only see the mundane world, but when they hover on the edge of sleep they can sometimes glimpse through to the primordial world of dreams that is the foundation of reality. When people sleep, their spirits are free to explore the world of dreams and that is where the ancestors exist. They characterise it as the Dark Forest, a primordial space just out of reach of the waking world from which flow all sapient things, whether orc, human, animal, or tree. This rouses obvious interest but it appears that the Dreamers believe that human spirits come from the same place as orc spirits (and the spirits of trees and ox and what have you) and probably return there when they die). For the most part they don't worry about what human ancestors get up to - the first time they learned that humans believe they reincarnate was when they met the Highborn. It seems an odd idea to the dimwalkers, but they cheerfully point out that it would be incredibly rude for any orc to tell a human what their beliefs should be. One Varushkan casually asks if they think orcs can reincarnate and again they find the question odd. If humans can do it, orcs could probably do it (the word "better" is left unspoken). But why would they want to? And what would it even look like if an ancestor were born into the world of flesh again?		There are however an almost unlimited number of other ancestors that speak to the Dreamers when they sleep. The Dreamers believe that the waking world of solid objects and people is underpinned by the world of dreams. The two exist side by side, separated by a curtain of shadow. When someone is awake they can only see the mundane world, but when they hover on the edge of sleep they can sometimes glimpse through to the primordial world of dreams that is the foundation of reality. When people sleep, their spirits are free to explore the world of dreams and that is where the ancestors exist. They characterise it as the Dark Forest, a primordial space just out of reach of the waking world from which flow all sapient things, whether orc, human, animal, or tree. This rouses obvious interest but it appears that the Dreamers believe that human spirits come from the same place as orc spirits (and the spirits of trees and ox and what have you) and probably return there when they die). For the most part they don't worry about what human ancestors get up to - the first time they learned that humans believe they reincarnate was when they met the Highborn. It seems an odd idea to the dimwalkers, but they cheerfully point out that it would be incredibly rude for any orc to tell a human what their beliefs should be. One Varushkan casually asks if they think orcs can reincarnate and again they find the question odd. If humans can do it, orcs could probably do it (the word "better" is left unspoken). But why would they want to? And what would it even look like if an ancestor were born into the world of flesh again?

	They are very clear that only those who dream are truly people; they firmly believe that creatures such as [[mora]] or (controversially) the Thule are not really people because they do not really dream. They are no more people than rocks are. There is disagreement about heralds and creatures of the realms, but the Dreamers frankly don't have enough experience of them to have formed a strong opinion. Ghosts, incidentally, are also not people because they cannot dream - the Dreamers equate ghosts with the Nightmare or the Howling Abyss and teach their children to avoid them at all costs . There are also ways to cut people off from dreams, and doing so is a terrible crime that they believe ultimately causes anyone condemned to that state to go mad, die, and be immediately claimed by the Nightmare. This is one reason they have a deep-rooted distrust of [[Wise Rangara]] in particular, who they view with the same dread many Imperials reserve for Agramant.		They are very clear that only those who dream are truly people; they firmly believe that creatures such as [[Varushkan Monster\|mora]] or (controversially) the Thule are not really people because they do not really dream. They are no more people than rocks are. There is disagreement about heralds and creatures of the realms, but the Dreamers frankly don't have enough experience of them to have formed a strong opinion. Ghosts, incidentally, are also not people because they cannot dream - the Dreamers equate ghosts with the Nightmare or the Howling Abyss and teach their children to avoid them at all costs. There are also ways to cut people off from dreams, and doing so is a terrible crime that they believe ultimately causes anyone condemned to that state to go mad, die, and be immediately claimed by the Nightmare. This is one reason they have a deep-rooted distrust of [[Wise Rangara]] in particular, who they view with the same dread many Imperials reserve for Agramant.

	Following some further exploration, the dimwalkers are clear that this world is not the [[Realms#Night\|Night realm]]. They're aware of that place and the [[inhabitants of the realms\|creatures]] that dwell there but it is not the Dark Forest or the world of dreams. The realms are likewise underpinned by the Dark Forest, and those closest to it in concept (the Night realm, and the realms of Spring and Winter) show that closeness with their forests. The Autumn and Day realms are furthest from the primal dreaming and that is why they are described in such unsettling and unnatural ways.		Following some further exploration, the dimwalkers are clear that this world is not the [[Realms#Night\|Night realm]]. They're aware of that place and the [[inhabitants of the realms\|creatures]] that dwell there but it is not the Dark Forest or the world of dreams. The realms are likewise underpinned by the Dark Forest, and those closest to it in concept (the Night realm, and the realms of Spring and Winter) show that closeness with their forests. The Autumn and Day realms are furthest from the primal dreaming and that is why they are described in such unsettling and unnatural ways.
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	One minor hiccup comes when the dimwalkers ask to speak to Bloodcrow Knott. Explaining that the orc who inspired this effort to reach out to septs within and around the Empire was executed for religious crimes causes a little consternation. The next morning the dimwalkers ask a few follow up questions and it after that are a little more guarded in their speech.		One minor hiccup comes when the dimwalkers ask to speak to Bloodcrow Knott. Explaining that the orc who inspired this effort to reach out to septs within and around the Empire was executed for religious crimes causes a little consternation. The next morning the dimwalkers ask a few follow up questions and it after that are a little more guarded in their speech.

	==Is Any of This "True"?==		==Is Any of This "True"?==
	* '''The Illarawm mystagogues believe that the Dreamers are fundamentally wrong about the nature of the ancestors and the Howling Abyss'''		* '''The Illarawm mystagogues believe that the Dreamers are fundamentally wrong about the nature of the ancestors and the Howling Abyss'''