On southern sands - Revision history

Twiggy at 18:43, 15 January 2026

2026-01-15T18:43:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:43, 15 January 2026
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	==The Arete of Sword and Spear==		==The Arete of Sword and Spear==
	<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Andronikos of the Lighthouse at Nikephoros, General of the Citadel Guard">Sentinels, consider the Mountain. The servants of Siakha come to Redoubt bringing storm and fang and savagery. The mages of Urizen have met storm with storm. Fey knights will meet fang with Summer steel. You will meet savagery with discipline. You are the rock on which our foes shall break. You are the Mountain.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Andronikos of the Lighthouse at Nikephoros, General of the Citadel Guard">Sentinels, consider the Mountain. The servants of Siakha come to Redoubt bringing storm and fang and savagery. The mages of Urizen have met storm with storm. Fey knights will meet fang with Summer steel. You will meet savagery with discipline. You are the rock on which our foes shall break. You are the Mountain.</quote></div>
	The [[Citadel Guard]] crosses the Hedra east of [[Redoubt#Cargo\|Cargo]], marching south out of Morrow. They are accompanied by a grand cohort of lion-faced warriors of the Summer ~~Realm~~ – the knights of [[Eleonaris]] conjured by Imperial magic and bound to fight alongside the sentinels and war-magicians. The scarlet and gold banners of the Lady of Pennants flutter in the wind alongside those of the phoenix, and the white tower. They sing as they come, providing a tumultuous counterpoint to the smooth calm at the heart of the sentinel army.		The [[Citadel Guard]] crosses the Hedra east of [[Redoubt#Cargo\|Cargo]], marching south out of Morrow. They are accompanied by a grand cohort of lion-faced warriors of the Summer realm – the knights of [[Eleonaris]] conjured by Imperial magic and bound to fight alongside the sentinels and war-magicians. The scarlet and gold banners of the Lady of Pennants flutter in the wind alongside those of the phoenix, and the white tower. They sing as they come, providing a tumultuous counterpoint to the smooth calm at the heart of the sentinel army.

	Pausing briefly beneath the sigil-woven walls of Cargo, they head south toward the coast through Siluri. With expert precision, the strategists of the Citadel dispatch sentinels to Naris and Tomari, using the stuttering lanterns of the [[heliopticon]] to coordinate the defence of the coast with the Court of the White Fountain and the other defenders of Redoubt.		Pausing briefly beneath the sigil-woven walls of Cargo, they head south toward the coast through Siluri. With expert precision, the strategists of the Citadel dispatch sentinels to Naris and Tomari, using the stuttering lanterns of the [[heliopticon]] to coordinate the defence of the coast with the Court of the White Fountain and the other defenders of Redoubt.

Dre at 13:40, 20 August 2025

2025-08-20T13:40:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:40, 20 August 2025
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	A few nights later, under the shifted sky and battering hail, a citadel of pale stone and dark ice rises on the slopes of [[Redoubt#Siluri\|Mount Siluri]], garrisoned by folk with the white fur and visage of great bears. In the foothills below the twisted ruin of Unmade – the font of the [[Unmade trove]] that transformed the [[Citadel Guard]] – three squat towers of rime and rock forge themselves from star and moonlight as the season begins to turn cold. These [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|frozen citadels]] are only the first of the magical defences that will gird Redoubt in the coming weeks.		A few nights later, under the shifted sky and battering hail, a citadel of pale stone and dark ice rises on the slopes of [[Redoubt#Siluri\|Mount Siluri]], garrisoned by folk with the white fur and visage of great bears. In the foothills below the twisted ruin of Unmade – the font of the [[Unmade trove]] that transformed the [[Citadel Guard]] – three squat towers of rime and rock forge themselves from star and moonlight as the season begins to turn cold. These [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|frozen citadels]] are only the first of the magical defences that will gird Redoubt in the coming weeks.

	Overnight, burning brass sigils unfold across the [[Redoubt#The_Walls_of_Cargo\|walls of Cargo]] and the [[Redoubt#The_Court_of_the_White_Fountain\|Court of the White Fountain]] that hiss and sizzle as the rain pounds against them. All who see them know, instinctively, that they bind the strength of Shikal – the volcanic metropolis where the eternal [[Estavus]] has her forge – to the mortal [[fortification\|fortifications]]. Barely a day later, two cohorts from the Autumn realm arrive to bolster the garrisons in [[Redoubt#Limus\|Limus]] and [[Redoubt#Optarion\|Optarion]]. Fifty massive metal-and-stone four-armed constructs support each fortification, ~~lead~~ by bull-headed minotaurs in bronze armour who set about reviewing the defences of the northern city and the southern [[Spire#Citadels\|citadel]], liaising with the mortal garrisons and further bolstering the might of the two castles.		Overnight, burning brass sigils unfold across the [[Redoubt#The_Walls_of_Cargo\|walls of Cargo]] and the [[Redoubt#The_Court_of_the_White_Fountain\|Court of the White Fountain]] that hiss and sizzle as the rain pounds against them. All who see them know, instinctively, that they bind the strength of Shikal – the volcanic metropolis where the eternal [[Estavus]] has her forge – to the mortal [[fortification\|fortifications]]. Barely a day later, two cohorts from the Autumn realm arrive to bolster the garrisons in [[Redoubt#Limus\|Limus]] and [[Redoubt#Optarion\|Optarion]]. Fifty massive metal-and-stone four-armed constructs support each fortification, led by bull-headed minotaurs in bronze armour who set about reviewing the defences of the northern city and the southern [[Spire#Citadels\|citadel]], liaising with the mortal garrisons and further bolstering the might of the two castles.

	In Cargo these developments are welcomed with curiosity and excitement. Arcanists take every opportunity to examine the [[enchantment]] that surrounds the city – the [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus#Ramparts_of_Ashlar\|Ramparts of Ashlar]] woven by Imperial magicians from a ritual scroll sold to them by the Forgemistress. The minotaurs find any number of fascinated scholars eager to interrogate them about life in the City of Fire and Stone; they are quickly disappointed to discover the heralds are significantly more interested in their work bolstering Cargo than in talking to academics.		In Cargo these developments are welcomed with curiosity and excitement. Arcanists take every opportunity to examine the [[enchantment]] that surrounds the city – the [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus#Ramparts_of_Ashlar\|Ramparts of Ashlar]] woven by Imperial magicians from a ritual scroll sold to them by the Forgemistress. The minotaurs find any number of fascinated scholars eager to interrogate them about life in the City of Fire and Stone; they are quickly disappointed to discover the heralds are significantly more interested in their work bolstering Cargo than in talking to academics.

Twiggy: /* The Battle of Elos */

2025-07-14T07:12:39Z

The Battle of Elos

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:12, 14 July 2025
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	The Grendel respond quickly, adjusting their tactics and seeking to land more ground troops on the beaches outside the town. The delay costs them dearly however, and even as they begin to move against the walls of Elos, returning Varushkan patrols and scouts from the Court of the White Fountain fall on them from the east and west. The heliopticon tower above the town sends out a warning and a call to arms that is quickly repeated across Naris and beyond, and the Empire's fist begins to close around the Grendel attackers. This close to the shore, they must also contend with the worst effects of the Spring curse laid across the seas and winds, which dashes more than one invading ship to pieces drowning it and its cargo of soldiers. Those shipwrecked barbarians who make it to shore are little match for the Imperial defenders.		The Grendel respond quickly, adjusting their tactics and seeking to land more ground troops on the beaches outside the town. The delay costs them dearly however, and even as they begin to move against the walls of Elos, returning Varushkan patrols and scouts from the Court of the White Fountain fall on them from the east and west. The heliopticon tower above the town sends out a warning and a call to arms that is quickly repeated across Naris and beyond, and the Empire's fist begins to close around the Grendel attackers. This close to the shore, they must also contend with the worst effects of the Spring curse laid across the seas and winds, which dashes more than one invading ship to pieces drowning it and its cargo of soldiers. Those shipwrecked barbarians who make it to shore are little match for the Imperial defenders.

	Yet the Grendel are nothing if not adaptable, and in the face of unexpected defenders ~~they~~ they change their tactics. The mightiest armoured warships form a tight spearpoint aimed at the heart of Elos, and pierce the defences. The fighting on the docks is fierce and bloody, as the Grendel focus on clearing the defences the Towerjacks have created. They are able to establish a beachhead and from there the battle spills over into the town. Urizen settlements are as often as not laid out with an eye for aesthetics and beauty, with spacious avenues between the buildings - a far cry from the tangled mazes that characterise a League city or a Varushkan town. Pitched battles take place between the Imperial soldiers and the Grendel invaders, with the crossbows and bows on both sides proving to be a powerful asset in the long, straight streets.		Yet the Grendel are nothing if not adaptable, and in the face of unexpected defenders they change their tactics. The mightiest armoured warships form a tight spearpoint aimed at the heart of Elos, and pierce the defences. The fighting on the docks is fierce and bloody, as the Grendel focus on clearing the defences the Towerjacks have created. They are able to establish a beachhead and from there the battle spills over into the town. Urizen settlements are as often as not laid out with an eye for aesthetics and beauty, with spacious avenues between the buildings - a far cry from the tangled mazes that characterise a League city or a Varushkan town. Pitched battles take place between the Imperial soldiers and the Grendel invaders, with the crossbows and bows on both sides proving to be a powerful asset in the long, straight streets.

	The attacking orcs have the upper hand, and so the Empire adjusts its own tactics. They play a delaying game, slowing the invasion and bogging the orcs down wherever they can. With each hour that passes, more defenders arrive - soldiers from the Imperial armies, scouts from the fortifications, and even a scattering of supernatural allies come down from the magic citadels, eager not to miss a fight after weeks of boredom in the foothills. In the end, as night begins to fall, it is clear that the Grendel will not be able to take Elos and they begin to fall back to their vessels. Yet they make one last attempt to achieve their goal; soldiers of the Iron Gulls, adept siege engineers in their own right, try to fire the harbour and especially the facilities for maintaining and building ships. Perhaps control - or the destruction - of this nascent shipyard has been their intention all along. They are able to inflict some damage, but a cadre of Urizeni sentinels breaks through the Grendel defensive line and falls on the would-be saboteurs, and covered by League and Varushkan troops they make short work of the attackers. The survivors are forced to retreat back to their ships.		The attacking orcs have the upper hand, and so the Empire adjusts its own tactics. They play a delaying game, slowing the invasion and bogging the orcs down wherever they can. With each hour that passes, more defenders arrive - soldiers from the Imperial armies, scouts from the fortifications, and even a scattering of supernatural allies come down from the magic citadels, eager not to miss a fight after weeks of boredom in the foothills. In the end, as night begins to fall, it is clear that the Grendel will not be able to take Elos and they begin to fall back to their vessels. Yet they make one last attempt to achieve their goal; soldiers of the Iron Gulls, adept siege engineers in their own right, try to fire the harbour and especially the facilities for maintaining and building ships. Perhaps control - or the destruction - of this nascent shipyard has been their intention all along. They are able to inflict some damage, but a cadre of Urizeni sentinels breaks through the Grendel defensive line and falls on the would-be saboteurs, and covered by League and Varushkan troops they make short work of the attackers. The survivors are forced to retreat back to their ships.

Matt: /* Participation: Nikephoros */

2025-07-07T08:27:57Z

Participation: Nikephoros

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:27, 7 July 2025
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	===Participation: Nikephoros===		===Participation: Nikephoros===
	* '''The Lighthouse at Nikephoros has been destroyed'''		* '''The Lighthouse at Nikephoros has been destroyed'''
	The destruction of the Lighthouse at Nikephoros ensured not only that the Grendel did not capture any of its magical secrets, but also made them more reticent to attack isolated spires along the coast for fear of the destructive power the magicians within might unleash. If you were an inhabitant of the spire, you are free to create a story about your involvement in the raid, and the subsequent decision to collapse the sea-stack rather than let the spire fall to Grendel raiders. If you were not a resident of the spire, you need the permission of the players who were before you can claim to have been involved in the defence. It is assumed that player characters are among those who manage to get to safety through storm-wracked seas before the tower came down, but you are free to begin the event [[Combat#Terminal\|terminal]] if you wish.		The destruction of the Lighthouse at Nikephoros ensured not only that the Grendel did not capture any of its magical secrets, but also made them more reticent to attack isolated spires along the coast for fear of the destructive power the magicians within might unleash. If you were an inhabitant of the spire, you are free to create a story about your involvement in the raid, and the subsequent decision to collapse the sea-stack rather than let the spire fall to Grendel raiders. If you were not a resident of the spire, you need the permission of the players who were, before you can claim to have been involved in the defence. It is assumed that player characters are among those who manage to get to safety through storm-wracked seas before the tower came down, but you are free to begin the event [[Combat#Terminal\|terminal]] if you wish.

	==Conjunctions==		==Conjunctions==

Hailmur: /* Salt Burned (Battle Opportunity) */

2025-05-01T18:37:11Z

Salt Burned (Battle Opportunity)

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:37, 1 May 2025
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	With brutal savagery, they descended on the ''Littilian Fast'', a clifftop defence founded soon after Urizen joined the Empire. With most of the [[sentinel\|sentinels]] supporting military efforts to the north, the defenders were quickly overwhelmed, the halls and gardens burned, and the study rooms ransacked, with anything of value carried off. The raiders then turned south and headed into [[Redoubt#Optarion\|Optarion]].		With brutal savagery, they descended on the ''Littilian Fast'', a clifftop defence founded soon after Urizen joined the Empire. With most of the [[sentinel\|sentinels]] supporting military efforts to the north, the defenders were quickly overwhelmed, the halls and gardens burned, and the study rooms ransacked, with anything of value carried off. The raiders then turned south and headed into [[Redoubt#Optarion\|Optarion]].

	As news of the attack spread toward [[Redoubt#Optarion\|Visten]], alarms were raised as raiders' ships were sighted off the coast, in the roiling waters near the [[Redoubt#Optarion\|Ribbon of Salt]]. This potent spring regio lies off the shore and is only accessible by boat, making it an obvious target for the ''Turn of the Gyre'''; a Spring coven favoured by [[Siakha]]. The coven is planning to call on a boon of the ''Maelstrom'' to replicate their recent destructive castings at ''Siakha's Maw'' and upon the ''Freeborn Plain'' to inundate the town with an enhanced casting of [[Thunderous Deluge]].		As news of the attack spread toward [[Redoubt#Optarion\|Visten]], alarms were raised as raiders' ships were sighted off the coast, in the roiling waters near the [[Redoubt#Optarion\|Ribbon of Salt]]. This potent spring regio lies off the shore and is only accessible by boat, making it an obvious target for the ''Turn of the Gyre''; a Spring coven favoured by [[Siakha]]. The coven is planning to call on a boon of the ''Maelstrom'' to replicate their recent destructive castings at ''Siakha's Maw'' and upon the ''Freeborn Plain'' to inundate the town with an enhanced casting of [[Thunderous Deluge]].

	There is an opportunity on the Saturday of the solstice to intercept the raiders approaching the coast and prevent them from uniting with the coven. If the opportunity is not taken, or the raiders are victorious at ''Visten Head'', then the port that lies at the feet of the town's three spires will be destroyed as the coven will unleash their destructive magic on the coast of [[Redoubt]].		There is an opportunity on the Saturday of the solstice to intercept the raiders approaching the coast and prevent them from uniting with the coven. If the opportunity is not taken, or the raiders are victorious at ''Visten Head'', then the port that lies at the feet of the town's three spires will be destroyed as the coven will unleash their destructive magic on the coast of [[Redoubt]].

TomH: /* Battlefield opportunity: Capture the Jaws of Selachan */

2025-04-25T21:41:11Z

Battlefield opportunity: Capture the Jaws of Selachan

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:41, 25 April 2025
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	* '''Locate and wrest the Spring-touched maw from the bearer'''		* '''Locate and wrest the Spring-touched maw from the bearer'''
	* '''The relic is powerful and could be destroyed or used against the Wreckers'''		* '''The relic is powerful and could be destroyed or used against the Wreckers'''
	A terrified trader freed from captivity has passed on rumour of the ''Jaws of ~~Selchan~~'' borne by a group of cultists and understood to be of significance to the ''Mother of Wrecks''. Described as a golden skeletal maw, filled with sharp teeth, the item invokes a powerful, vicious fury for the person carrying it and is held in great respect by those who fight alongside it.		A terrified trader freed from captivity has passed on rumour of the ''Jaws of Selachan'' borne by a group of cultists and understood to be of significance to the ''Mother of Wrecks''. Described as a golden skeletal maw, filled with sharp teeth, the item invokes a powerful, vicious fury for the person carrying it and is held in great respect by those who fight alongside it.

	Evidently an item of some magical potency, the most prudent course of action is for it to be located by Imperial forces and for a skilled diviner to determine the nature of the power that created it. As the item is a creation of Siakha, who is under the [[Alignment\|enmity]] of the Conclave, any Imperial citizen who recovers it should either destroy it with [[Words of Ending]] or pass it to the magistrates. It would be illegal to attempt to keep the item, regardless of whether the power was claimed or used against the wreckers.		Evidently an item of some magical potency, the most prudent course of action is for it to be located by Imperial forces and for a skilled diviner to determine the nature of the power that created it. As the item is a creation of Siakha, who is under the [[Alignment\|enmity]] of the Conclave, any Imperial citizen who recovers it should either destroy it with [[Words of Ending]] or pass it to the magistrates. It would be illegal to attempt to keep the item, regardless of whether the power was claimed or used against the wreckers.

Hailmur: /* Objective: Eliminate the traitors */

2025-04-22T19:04:43Z

Objective: Eliminate the traitors

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:04, 22 April 2025
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	* '''They will need to be located and then killed during the battle'''		* '''They will need to be located and then killed during the battle'''
	* '''Each traitor slain will safeguard their former nation from the depredation of the wreckers'''		* '''Each traitor slain will safeguard their former nation from the depredation of the wreckers'''
			Observations by war scouts have identified five former Imperial citizens who have joined with the "''free nation''". These five do not currently hold positions of power among the raiders, instead, they have been drawn to the Children of Wrecks following acts of violence and chaos in their pasts. They will be found among the hosts of the wreckers and should be notable for their distinctive national dress. Each of the nation's egregores has made it clear that they have abandoned their oaths and are no longer considered Imperials. The magistrates have confirmed that the five individuals are considered barbarians, are no longer protected by Imperial law, and as there is absolutely nothing to suggest that they would consent to being targeted by [[Cuckoo's Egg]], they can be legally killed by citizens of the Empire in battle.
	Observations by war scouts have identified five former Imperial citizens who have joined with the "''free nation''". These five do not currently hold positions of power among the raiders, instead, they have been drawn to the Children of Wrecks following acts of violence and chaos in their pasts. They will be found among the hosts of the wreckers and should be notable for their distinctive national dress. Each of the nation's egregores has made it clear that they have abandoned their oaths and are no longer considered Imperials. The magistrates have confirmed that the five individuals are ~~guilty of treason under~~ Imperial law, and as there is absolutely nothing to suggest that they would consent to being targeted by [[Cuckoo's Egg]], they can be legally killed by citizens of the Empire in battle.

	If a traitor escapes the battle, then they will be able to help the Children's plan raids against their former nations. Wreckers will find ways to loot and plunder the affected region in a territory of that nation, rendering it [[Region_qualities#Lawless\|lawless]], swelling the wreckers' coffers, even as they drain the treasury.		If a traitor escapes the battle, then they will be able to help the Children's plan raids against their former nations. Wreckers will find ways to loot and plunder the affected region in a territory of that nation, rendering it [[Region_qualities#Lawless\|lawless]], swelling the wreckers' coffers, even as they drain the treasury.

GuiltyConscience: /* Battlefield opportunity: Capture the Jaws of Selachan */

2025-04-20T20:32:14Z

Battlefield opportunity: Capture the Jaws of Selachan

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:32, 20 April 2025
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	===Battlefield opportunity: Capture the ''Jaws of Selachan''===		===Battlefield opportunity: Capture the ''Jaws of Selachan''===
	* '''A devotee of ~~Sikaha~~ carries with them a relic of the ''Maelstrom'''''		* '''A devotee of Siakha carries with them a relic of the ''Maelstrom'''''
	* '''Locate and wrest the Spring-touched maw from the bearer'''		* '''Locate and wrest the Spring-touched maw from the bearer'''
	* '''The relic is powerful and could be destroyed or used against the Wreckers'''		* '''The relic is powerful and could be destroyed or used against the Wreckers'''

Hailmur: /* Objective: Eliminate the traitors */

2025-04-20T19:30:14Z

Objective: Eliminate the traitors

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:30, 20 April 2025
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	* '''Each traitor slain will safeguard their former nation from the depredation of the wreckers'''		* '''Each traitor slain will safeguard their former nation from the depredation of the wreckers'''

	Observations by war scouts have identified five ~~key~~ Imperial citizens who have joined with the "''free nation''". These five do not currently hold positions of power among the raiders, instead, they have been drawn to the Children of Wrecks following acts of violence and chaos in their pasts. They will be found among the hosts of the wreckers and should be notable for their distinctive national dress. Each of the nation's egregores has made it clear that they have abandoned their oaths and are no longer considered Imperials. The magistrates have confirmed that the five individuals are guilty of treason under Imperial law, and as there is absolutely nothing to suggest that they would consent to being targeted by [[Cuckoo's Egg]], they can be legally killed by citizens of the Empire in battle.		Observations by war scouts have identified five former Imperial citizens who have joined with the "''free nation''". These five do not currently hold positions of power among the raiders, instead, they have been drawn to the Children of Wrecks following acts of violence and chaos in their pasts. They will be found among the hosts of the wreckers and should be notable for their distinctive national dress. Each of the nation's egregores has made it clear that they have abandoned their oaths and are no longer considered Imperials. The magistrates have confirmed that the five individuals are guilty of treason under Imperial law, and as there is absolutely nothing to suggest that they would consent to being targeted by [[Cuckoo's Egg]], they can be legally killed by citizens of the Empire in battle.

	If a traitor escapes the battle, then they will be able to help the Children's plan raids against their former nations. Wreckers will find ways to loot and plunder the affected region in a territory of that nation, rendering it [[Region_qualities#Lawless\|lawless]], swelling the wreckers' coffers, even as they drain the treasury.		If a traitor escapes the battle, then they will be able to help the Children's plan raids against their former nations. Wreckers will find ways to loot and plunder the affected region in a territory of that nation, rendering it [[Region_qualities#Lawless\|lawless]], swelling the wreckers' coffers, even as they drain the treasury.

Hailmur: /* Salt Burned (Battle Opportunity) */

2025-04-20T19:26:12Z

Salt Burned (Battle Opportunity)

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 ==Salt Burned (Battle Opportunity)==
-* '''The Children of Wrecks have launched a lightning raid aimed at Visten'''
+The twin battles of [[Redoubt#Naris|Elos]] have drawn the attention of Imperial forces in Redoubt this season. Through grit and determination, the defenders endured and drove both [[Grendel]] and the [[Children of Wrecks]] from the port. But with storms lashing the coasts of the territory, it is soon apparent that something was missing. The vigilant watch of the seas reveals it; a second raiding force of wreckers put ashore in southern Tomari, landing under the cover of heavy skies, and then quickly disappearing into the interior.
-There is an opportunity for Imperial heroes to face the Children of Wrecks in Redoubt. As the Empire repulses the attack on Elos, a force of pirates, storm witches, and creatures of Siakha has launched a surprise attack aimed at the town of Visten in Optarion. There is some speculation that the attack on Elos may have been a feint, designed to focus Imperial attention in the west while the real goal of the Children lies in the east. Fortunately, vigilance and wisdom have ensured that the raiding forces have been spotted in time for heroes to intercede.

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:40, 20 August 2025
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	A few nights later, under the shifted sky and battering hail, a citadel of pale stone and dark ice rises on the slopes of [[Redoubt#Siluri\|Mount Siluri]], garrisoned by folk with the white fur and visage of great bears. In the foothills below the twisted ruin of Unmade – the font of the [[Unmade trove]] that transformed the [[Citadel Guard]] – three squat towers of rime and rock forge themselves from star and moonlight as the season begins to turn cold. These [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|frozen citadels]] are only the first of the magical defences that will gird Redoubt in the coming weeks.		A few nights later, under the shifted sky and battering hail, a citadel of pale stone and dark ice rises on the slopes of [[Redoubt#Siluri\|Mount Siluri]], garrisoned by folk with the white fur and visage of great bears. In the foothills below the twisted ruin of Unmade – the font of the [[Unmade trove]] that transformed the [[Citadel Guard]] – three squat towers of rime and rock forge themselves from star and moonlight as the season begins to turn cold. These [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|frozen citadels]] are only the first of the magical defences that will gird Redoubt in the coming weeks.

	Overnight, burning brass sigils unfold across the [[Redoubt#The_Walls_of_Cargo\|walls of Cargo]] and the [[Redoubt#The_Court_of_the_White_Fountain\|Court of the White Fountain]] that hiss and sizzle as the rain pounds against them. All who see them know, instinctively, that they bind the strength of Shikal – the volcanic metropolis where the eternal [[Estavus]] has her forge – to the mortal [[fortification\|fortifications]]. Barely a day later, two cohorts from the Autumn realm arrive to bolster the garrisons in [[Redoubt#Limus\|Limus]] and [[Redoubt#Optarion\|Optarion]]. Fifty massive metal-and-stone four-armed constructs support each fortification, ~~lead~~ by bull-headed minotaurs in bronze armour who set about reviewing the defences of the northern city and the southern [[Spire#Citadels\|citadel]], liaising with the mortal garrisons and further bolstering the might of the two castles.		Overnight, burning brass sigils unfold across the [[Redoubt#The_Walls_of_Cargo\|walls of Cargo]] and the [[Redoubt#The_Court_of_the_White_Fountain\|Court of the White Fountain]] that hiss and sizzle as the rain pounds against them. All who see them know, instinctively, that they bind the strength of Shikal – the volcanic metropolis where the eternal [[Estavus]] has her forge – to the mortal [[fortification\|fortifications]]. Barely a day later, two cohorts from the Autumn realm arrive to bolster the garrisons in [[Redoubt#Limus\|Limus]] and [[Redoubt#Optarion\|Optarion]]. Fifty massive metal-and-stone four-armed constructs support each fortification, led by bull-headed minotaurs in bronze armour who set about reviewing the defences of the northern city and the southern [[Spire#Citadels\|citadel]], liaising with the mortal garrisons and further bolstering the might of the two castles.

	In Cargo these developments are welcomed with curiosity and excitement. Arcanists take every opportunity to examine the [[enchantment]] that surrounds the city – the [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus#Ramparts_of_Ashlar\|Ramparts of Ashlar]] woven by Imperial magicians from a ritual scroll sold to them by the Forgemistress. The minotaurs find any number of fascinated scholars eager to interrogate them about life in the City of Fire and Stone; they are quickly disappointed to discover the heralds are significantly more interested in their work bolstering Cargo than in talking to academics.		In Cargo these developments are welcomed with curiosity and excitement. Arcanists take every opportunity to examine the [[enchantment]] that surrounds the city – the [[Mystic_scrolls_of_Estavus#Ramparts_of_Ashlar\|Ramparts of Ashlar]] woven by Imperial magicians from a ritual scroll sold to them by the Forgemistress. The minotaurs find any number of fascinated scholars eager to interrogate them about life in the City of Fire and Stone; they are quickly disappointed to discover the heralds are significantly more interested in their work bolstering Cargo than in talking to academics.