One last song - Revision history

Twiggy at 17:45, 11 July 2025

2025-07-11T17:45:32Z

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	The trees are untouched, the land between them pristine. There is no miasma here – the air is pure and fresh albeit tinged with the cold hand of the coming winter. The spawn of the vallorn press around the edges but they do not venture among the trees.		The trees are untouched, the land between them pristine. There is no miasma here – the air is pure and fresh albeit tinged with the cold hand of the coming winter. The spawn of the vallorn press around the edges but they do not venture among the trees.

	[[Drive_back#~~West_Wood_Weirwood~~\|Something similar]] was encountered in Liathaven when the ~~West Wood~~ was cleansed of the vallorn's presence. Living weirwood, it seems, is anathema to the corruption of the vallorn. It provides a safe location for heroes to camp – as long as they do not become too complacent.		[[Drive_back#Westwood_Weirwood\|Something similar]] was encountered in Liathaven when the Westwood was cleansed of the vallorn's presence. Living weirwood, it seems, is anathema to the corruption of the vallorn. It provides a safe location for heroes to camp – as long as they do not become too complacent.

	There are signs that the Imperial heroes are not the first people to find this grove – merely the first people in a ''very'' long time. The remains of old structures are unearthed, beneath centuries of leaf mold. There is little time to explore them in detail – but it seems that there were half a dozen weirwood buildings here a very long time ago. Rusted pieces of iron, and a few scraps of tarnished bronze are all that remain of whoever built them.		There are signs that the Imperial heroes are not the first people to find this grove – merely the first people in a ''very'' long time. The remains of old structures are unearthed, beneath centuries of leaf mold. There is little time to explore them in detail – but it seems that there were half a dozen weirwood buildings here a very long time ago. Rusted pieces of iron, and a few scraps of tarnished bronze are all that remain of whoever built them.

Dre at 22:16, 23 April 2024

2024-04-23T22:16:49Z

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	===Echoes and Abominations===		===Echoes and Abominations===
	Vastly older, more powerful, and more omnipresent than any legacy of the Heirs of Terunael is the vallorn itself. Even if Brocéliande is not quite the largest known – that “honour” goes to untouched ~~Visokumo~~ in Axos – it certainly seems to be the most malignant. Right now, smothered in [[Wither the Seed\|Winter magic]] it seems almost quiescent. The vallornspawn are slow to respond to the intrusion of so many questing heroes. But as the seasons turn, they become more and more agitated. And the further the explorers push into the depths of the cursed forests, the more dangerous the abominations become.		Vastly older, more powerful, and more omnipresent than any legacy of the Heirs of Terunael is the vallorn itself. Even if Brocéliande is not quite the largest known – that “honour” goes to untouched Visokuma in Axos – it certainly seems to be the most malignant. Right now, smothered in [[Wither the Seed\|Winter magic]] it seems almost quiescent. The vallornspawn are slow to respond to the intrusion of so many questing heroes. But as the seasons turn, they become more and more agitated. And the further the explorers push into the depths of the cursed forests, the more dangerous the abominations become.

	For some the myriad ways the vallorn expresses its corruption prove exhausting. Husks, ettercaps, twisted beasts, predatory vegetation, abominations that bear no resemblance to anything familiar; the cavalcade of monstrosities seems to have no end. Many Imperial adventurers have only faced husks before. Here in Brocéliande they are forced to face the truth that they are the least of the vallorn's forces.		For some the myriad ways the vallorn expresses its corruption prove exhausting. Husks, ettercaps, twisted beasts, predatory vegetation, abominations that bear no resemblance to anything familiar; the cavalcade of monstrosities seems to have no end. Many Imperial adventurers have only faced husks before. Here in Brocéliande they are forced to face the truth that they are the least of the vallorn's forces.

Rafferty: /* Participation */

2024-04-19T09:34:55Z

Participation

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	If you already have the briar lineage you can use this as an impetus to increase your trappings, especially if you wish to add [[Briar#Flowers\|flowers]] to your phys-rep. This increase can be temporary if you wish – unlike the normal rules for increasing your trappings, the impact of exploring Brocéliande might be temporary.		If you already have the briar lineage you can use this as an impetus to increase your trappings, especially if you wish to add [[Briar#Flowers\|flowers]] to your phys-rep. This increase can be temporary if you wish – unlike the normal rules for increasing your trappings, the impact of exploring Brocéliande might be temporary.
			{{Vallorn links}}

Hailmur: added audio link

2023-03-15T19:59:44Z

added audio link

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:59, 15 March 2023
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	[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:384YE Winter]] [[Category:Military Council]]		[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:384YE Winter]] [[Category:Military Council]]
	<div style="float:left; width: 700px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Silhouettes.jpg\|caption=Maybe one day I won't sing about you I'll sing a song about someone new.\|align=left\|width=700}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 700px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Silhouettes.jpg\|caption=Maybe one day I won't sing about you I'll sing a song about someone new.\|align=left\|width=700}}</div>
			{{Audio\|link=https://youtu.be/vwQDeNc0MAY}}
	===Someone New===		===Someone New===
	The cauldron sits at the heart of the Broch, a golden island in a sea of darkness. Actually reaching the fortified steading at the heart of [[Brocéliande#Black Boughs\|Black Boughs]] is no mean feat, even for the Navarr. It lies deep within Brocéliande, and there are no roads to follow. The vallornspawn throng the cursed woods in spite of the [[Wither the Seed\|Winter curse]] hanging heavy over the territory. The miasma coils between the trees, making every fight a potentially fatal encounter. The challenge of actually reaching the Broch serves, perhaps intentionally, to discourage all but the most committed.		The cauldron sits at the heart of the Broch, a golden island in a sea of darkness. Actually reaching the fortified steading at the heart of [[Brocéliande#Black Boughs\|Black Boughs]] is no mean feat, even for the Navarr. It lies deep within Brocéliande, and there are no roads to follow. The vallornspawn throng the cursed woods in spite of the [[Wither the Seed\|Winter curse]] hanging heavy over the territory. The miasma coils between the trees, making every fight a potentially fatal encounter. The challenge of actually reaching the Broch serves, perhaps intentionally, to discourage all but the most committed.

Rafferty: /* Participation */

2023-03-15T18:36:09Z

Participation

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:36, 15 March 2023
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	Rhianos' cauldron protected the explorers of Brocéliande from the effect of the miasma. The vitality it granted means that there are no lingering traumatic wounds among the survivors. However, the forest was nonetheless dangerous. Any player who sent their military unit to Brocéliande may choose to roleplay that their soldiers were wiped out by one of the horrors there; in return they can e-mail Profound Decisions to arrange a different personal resource of the same rank as the military unit they have lost, located in any of their nation's territories.		Rhianos' cauldron protected the explorers of Brocéliande from the effect of the miasma. The vitality it granted means that there are no lingering traumatic wounds among the survivors. However, the forest was nonetheless dangerous. Any player who sent their military unit to Brocéliande may choose to roleplay that their soldiers were wiped out by one of the horrors there; in return they can e-mail Profound Decisions to arrange a different personal resource of the same rank as the military unit they have lost, located in any of their nation's territories.

	Everyone who ~~went~~ to Brocéliande has drunk of the golden cauldron. For many, the [[roleplaying effects]] of doing so will linger until the end of the Winter Solstice. Anyone who sent their military unit may choose to experience the following roleplaying effect: ''You are filled with the vigour of youth. Nothing seems impossible to you; the more risky an endeavour the more it excites you''. As long as you continue to roleplay appropriately, you will also gain the benefit of an additional temporary [[heroic skills#hero\|hero point]]. This extra hero point is the first one spent when you spend hero points. It doesn't increase your normal maximum, and once spent it is gone. If not used, it fades by the end of the event.		Everyone who assigned a military unit to support the action in Brocéliande has drunk of the golden cauldron. For many, the [[roleplaying effects]] of doing so will linger until the end of the Winter Solstice. Anyone who sent their military unit may choose to experience the following roleplaying effect: ''You are filled with the vigour of youth. Nothing seems impossible to you; the more risky an endeavour the more it excites you''. As long as you continue to roleplay appropriately, you will also gain the benefit of an additional temporary [[heroic skills#hero\|hero point]]. This extra hero point is the first one spent when you spend hero points. It doesn't increase your normal maximum, and once spent it is gone. If not used, it fades by the end of the event.

	Finally, any unlineaged human who went to Brocéliande has been exposed to significant amounts of Spring magic – especially those who explored the ''garden of abomination''. If you assigned your military unit, you could use this an explanation for gaining the [[briar]] lineage. If you wish to do so, e-mail Profound Decisions at plot@profounddecisions.co.uk.		Finally, any unlineaged human who went to Brocéliande has been exposed to significant amounts of Spring magic – especially those who explored the ''garden of abomination''. If you assigned your military unit, you could use this an explanation for gaining the [[briar]] lineage. If you wish to do so, e-mail Profound Decisions at plot@profounddecisions.co.uk.

	If you already have the briar lineage you can use this as an impetus to increase your trappings, especially if you wish to add [[Briar#Flowers\|flowers]] to your phys-rep. This increase can be temporary if you wish – unlike the normal rules for increasing your trappings, the impact of exploring Brocéliande might be temporary.		If you already have the briar lineage you can use this as an impetus to increase your trappings, especially if you wish to add [[Briar#Flowers\|flowers]] to your phys-rep. This increase can be temporary if you wish – unlike the normal rules for increasing your trappings, the impact of exploring Brocéliande might be temporary.

Hailmur: /* Game Information : How Far You Go */

2023-03-12T10:09:56Z

Game Information : How Far You Go

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	You can only chose ''one'' of these three destinations for your character - there was not enough time in a single season for any character to be involved in more than one of these three crucial fights. Either your character went to the Sanctuary Grove, the Gardens of Abomination or the Heart of Terunael.		You can only chose ''one'' of these three destinations for your character - there was not enough time in a single season for any character to be involved in more than one of these three crucial fights. Either your character went to the Sanctuary Grove, the Gardens of Abomination or the Heart of Terunael.

	Unless they email in, a player receives one additional wain of weirwood and is assumed to have gone to the Sanctuary Grove. Any player who sent their military unit to Brocéliande can email plot@profounddecisions.co.uk and request either the rewards for the Gardens of Abomination (five chaos fruits) or the Heart of Corruption (a briefing sheet of what lies there).		Unless they email in, a player receives one additional wain of weirwood and is assumed to have gone to the Sanctuary Grove. Any player who sent their military unit to Brocéliande can email plot@profounddecisions.co.uk before '''Wednesday the 12th of April''' and request either the rewards for the Gardens of Abomination (five chaos fruits) or the Heart of Corruption (a briefing sheet of what lies there).

	These rewards are in ''addition'' to the standard rewards below.		These rewards are in ''addition'' to the standard rewards below.

Dre: /* Into the Woods */

2023-03-11T20:25:11Z

Into the Woods

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	Thought the Druj have been quickly defeated, the green horror that infests Brocéliande is magnitudes more terrible and it seems almost impossible that it will ''ever'' be defeated. The miasma has lurked her for centuries condemning those who fell here to a macabre existence as [[vallornspawn husk\|husks]]. Some of these ghoulish threats show clear signs of having once been Imperial champions. The scions of ancient Navarr stridings and steadings swallowed by the vallorn long ago. Proud Dawnish knights who ventured here seeking glory, Highborn cataphracts and unconquered who bodies were corrupted by the miasma. Relics of courageous lives ended by the vallorn, some of them stretching back to the foundations of the Empire and beyond, are gathered from husks finally laid to rest.		Thought the Druj have been quickly defeated, the green horror that infests Brocéliande is magnitudes more terrible and it seems almost impossible that it will ''ever'' be defeated. The miasma has lurked her for centuries condemning those who fell here to a macabre existence as [[vallornspawn husk\|husks]]. Some of these ghoulish threats show clear signs of having once been Imperial champions. The scions of ancient Navarr stridings and steadings swallowed by the vallorn long ago. Proud Dawnish knights who ventured here seeking glory, Highborn cataphracts and unconquered who bodies were corrupted by the miasma. Relics of courageous lives ended by the vallorn, some of them stretching back to the foundations of the Empire and beyond, are gathered from husks finally laid to rest.
	{{SOP\|statement=The virtues demand that we face the greatest spiritual threat faced by the Empire at this time. We send Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower with 75 doses of liao to urge the priests of Highguard to support the attempt to reach Terunael whatever the cost. Let us pierce the black heart and thwart its malice.\|by=~~Hazelponi~~ of the Shattered Tower\|vote= in the Highborn Assembly with a Greater Majority 346 to 22\|when=Autumn Equinox 384YE}}		{{SOP\|statement=The virtues demand that we face the greatest spiritual threat faced by the Empire at this time. We send Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower with 75 doses of liao to urge the priests of Highguard to support the attempt to reach Terunael whatever the cost. Let us pierce the black heart and thwart its malice.\|by=Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower\|vote= in the Highborn Assembly with a Greater Majority 346 to 22\|when=Autumn Equinox 384YE}}

	===Rage and Ruin===		===Rage and Ruin===

Dre at 20:24, 11 March 2023

2023-03-11T20:24:36Z

Noserenda: /* Someone New */

2023-03-11T18:16:19Z

Someone New

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	A few late stragglers make it to the Broch in time to taste the last of its potence... and then it is done. The gold fades, and the cauldron is nothing more than a cauldron. After some discussion the cauldron is left in the keeping of the Navarr. It will remain in the Broch as a monument to the grand adventure of 384YE. The heralds of Rhianos have no interest in tarrying in the relative safety of the steading. With their duty to oversee the cauldron done, they are eager to join the heroes exploring the depths of Brocéliande.		A few late stragglers make it to the Broch in time to taste the last of its potence... and then it is done. The gold fades, and the cauldron is nothing more than a cauldron. After some discussion the cauldron is left in the keeping of the Navarr. It will remain in the Broch as a monument to the grand adventure of 384YE. The heralds of Rhianos have no interest in tarrying in the relative safety of the steading. With their duty to oversee the cauldron done, they are eager to join the heroes exploring the depths of Brocéliande.
	<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Travid Longest Path, Senator for Therunin">Over t’comin’ season many of us’ll be exporin’ Brocéliande t’hopefully see a bastard vallorn heart - an eternal is givin’ us safe(ish) passage, i don’t understand it but it’s makin’ the researchers happy. The more of us that go, t’more we can find out ‘n’ t’closer we get to t’heart- Do y’want to join us with t’Spears of the Pines to see what’s there.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Travid Longest Path, Senator for Therunin">Over t’comin’ season many of us’ll be exporin’ Brocéliande t’hopefully see a bastard vallorn heart - an eternal is givin’ us safe(ish) passage, i don’t understand it but it’s makin’ the researchers happy. The more of us that go, t’more we can find out ‘n’ t’closer we get to t’heart- Do y’want to join us with t’Spears of the Pines to see what’s there.</quote></div>

	===Into the Woods===		===Into the Woods===
	The first order of business is to secure Elerael in the south and Boar's Dell in the north. The number of Druj in Brocéliande has been on the rise ever since their [[383YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#Wood\|unexpected involvement in the battle against the Heirs of Terunael]]. Reports suggest that more of them have been sneaking over the borders from The Barrens in the months since. It seems to be only a matter of time before they establish a more significant presence. They are adept at avoiding direct encounters and melting back into the woods whenever they meet a questing knight or a Navarr scouting band.		The first order of business is to secure Elerael in the south and Boar's Dell in the north. The number of Druj in Brocéliande has been on the rise ever since their [[383YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#Wood\|unexpected involvement in the battle against the Heirs of Terunael]]. Reports suggest that more of them have been sneaking over the borders from The Barrens in the months since. It seems to be only a matter of time before they establish a more significant presence. They are adept at avoiding direct encounters and melting back into the woods whenever they meet a questing knight or a Navarr scouting band.

Noserenda: /* Into the Woods */

2023-03-11T18:15:52Z

Into the Woods

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	With the periphery secured, sentry posts are established along the borders. The watchers will stay vigilant not only for orcs from the Mallum, but also against any potential expansion of the Brocéliande vallorn. With the threat from the Druj ended, the Navarr and their allies are able to secure the most important routes between the [[steading\|steadings]]. They are even able to carve a few paths through the vallorn itself. Slow erosion will eventually close these paths again, but for now it is possible for small groups to pass safely from Elerael to Boar's Dell, or to seek the sanctuary of the Broch.		With the periphery secured, sentry posts are established along the borders. The watchers will stay vigilant not only for orcs from the Mallum, but also against any potential expansion of the Brocéliande vallorn. With the threat from the Druj ended, the Navarr and their allies are able to secure the most important routes between the [[steading\|steadings]]. They are even able to carve a few paths through the vallorn itself. Slow erosion will eventually close these paths again, but for now it is possible for small groups to pass safely from Elerael to Boar's Dell, or to seek the sanctuary of the Broch.

	Thought the Druj have been quickly defeated, the green horror that infests Brocéliande is magnitudes more terrible and it seems almost impossible that it will ''ever'' be defeated. The miasma has lurked her for centuries condemning those who fell here to a macabre existence as [[vallornspawn husk\|husks]]. Some of these ghoulish threats show clear signs of having once been Imperial champions. The scions of ancient Navarr ~~stiridngs~~ and steadings swallowed by the vallorn long ago. Proud Dawnish knights who ventured here seeking glory, Highborn cataphracts and unconquered who bodies were corrupted by the miasma. Relics of courageous lives ended by the vallorn, some of them stretching back to the foundations of the Empire and beyond, are gathered from husks finally laid to rest.		Thought the Druj have been quickly defeated, the green horror that infests Brocéliande is magnitudes more terrible and it seems almost impossible that it will ''ever'' be defeated. The miasma has lurked her for centuries condemning those who fell here to a macabre existence as [[vallornspawn husk\|husks]]. Some of these ghoulish threats show clear signs of having once been Imperial champions. The scions of ancient Navarr stridings and steadings swallowed by the vallorn long ago. Proud Dawnish knights who ventured here seeking glory, Highborn cataphracts and unconquered who bodies were corrupted by the miasma. Relics of courageous lives ended by the vallorn, some of them stretching back to the foundations of the Empire and beyond, are gathered from husks finally laid to rest.
	{{SOP\|statement=The virtues demand that we face the greatest spiritual threat faced by the Empire at this time. We send Hazelponi of the Shattered Tower with 75 doses of liao to urge the priests of Highguard to support the attempt to reach Terunael whatever the cost. Let us pierce the black heart and thwart its malice.\|by=Hazelponi of the Shattered Tower\|vote= in the Highborn Assembly with a Greater Majority 346 to 22\|when=Autumn Equinox 384YE}}		{{SOP\|statement=The virtues demand that we face the greatest spiritual threat faced by the Empire at this time. We send Hazelponi of the Shattered Tower with 75 doses of liao to urge the priests of Highguard to support the attempt to reach Terunael whatever the cost. Let us pierce the black heart and thwart its malice.\|by=Hazelponi of the Shattered Tower\|vote= in the Highborn Assembly with a Greater Majority 346 to 22\|when=Autumn Equinox 384YE}}

	===Rage and Ruin===		===Rage and Ruin===
	First though is the matter of the Heirs of Terunael. These crazed cultists appear to have forged an alliance with the vallorn, or at least found a way to live in unity with it. Many were once Navarr, although they abandoned their oaths and embraced the chaos of the vallorn. Their power was broken when they were defeated in Brocéliande, and driven from Hercynia and Therunin. The last remnants of the secret conspiracy hide in Liathaven but their time is done. Perhaps one day they will be a threat once more, but for now they are shattered and scattered.		First though is the matter of the Heirs of Terunael. These crazed cultists appear to have forged an alliance with the vallorn, or at least found a way to live in unity with it. Many were once Navarr, although they abandoned their oaths and embraced the chaos of the vallorn. Their power was broken when they were defeated in Brocéliande, and driven from Hercynia and Therunin. The last remnants of the secret conspiracy hide in Liathaven but their time is done. Perhaps one day they will be a threat once more, but for now they are shattered and scattered.

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:24, 11 March 2023
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	Thought the Druj have been quickly defeated, the green horror that infests Brocéliande is magnitudes more terrible and it seems almost impossible that it will ''ever'' be defeated. The miasma has lurked her for centuries condemning those who fell here to a macabre existence as [[vallornspawn husk\|husks]]. Some of these ghoulish threats show clear signs of having once been Imperial champions. The scions of ancient Navarr stridings and steadings swallowed by the vallorn long ago. Proud Dawnish knights who ventured here seeking glory, Highborn cataphracts and unconquered who bodies were corrupted by the miasma. Relics of courageous lives ended by the vallorn, some of them stretching back to the foundations of the Empire and beyond, are gathered from husks finally laid to rest.		Thought the Druj have been quickly defeated, the green horror that infests Brocéliande is magnitudes more terrible and it seems almost impossible that it will ''ever'' be defeated. The miasma has lurked her for centuries condemning those who fell here to a macabre existence as [[vallornspawn husk\|husks]]. Some of these ghoulish threats show clear signs of having once been Imperial champions. The scions of ancient Navarr stridings and steadings swallowed by the vallorn long ago. Proud Dawnish knights who ventured here seeking glory, Highborn cataphracts and unconquered who bodies were corrupted by the miasma. Relics of courageous lives ended by the vallorn, some of them stretching back to the foundations of the Empire and beyond, are gathered from husks finally laid to rest.
	{{SOP\|statement=The virtues demand that we face the greatest spiritual threat faced by the Empire at this time. We send ~~Hazelponi~~ of the Shattered Tower with 75 doses of liao to urge the priests of Highguard to support the attempt to reach Terunael whatever the cost. Let us pierce the black heart and thwart its malice.\|by=Hazelponi of the Shattered Tower\|vote= in the Highborn Assembly with a Greater Majority 346 to 22\|when=Autumn Equinox 384YE}}		{{SOP\|statement=The virtues demand that we face the greatest spiritual threat faced by the Empire at this time. We send Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower with 75 doses of liao to urge the priests of Highguard to support the attempt to reach Terunael whatever the cost. Let us pierce the black heart and thwart its malice.\|by=Hazelponi of the Shattered Tower\|vote= in the Highborn Assembly with a Greater Majority 346 to 22\|when=Autumn Equinox 384YE}}

	===Rage and Ruin===		===Rage and Ruin===
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	===A Power That Preserves===		===A Power That Preserves===
	There is one other place, deep in the heart of the vallorn, that provides a sanctuary all of its own. On the outskirts of the vallornheart, less than half-a-day's march from the ruins of the city, is a grove of ancient weirwood trees. The heralds of Rhianos know of it, and ~~it's~~ rough location, but actually reaching it requires the concerted effort of dozens of champions. The vallorn holds the grove in a jealous embrace. Hundreds of husks – themselves among some of the oldest ever encountered in Brocéliande – throng in the forest around it. The approach is guarded by several dreadful, unique abominations – a riverbeast whose heads open up like tooth-lined orchids, an ape-like behemoth with four arms and one eye and venom-tipped spurs on hands and feet, a serpent with hundreds of raking taloned legs, and an almost incomprehensible creature not quite a translucent cat and not quite a shimmering crab		There is one other place, deep in the heart of the vallorn, that provides a sanctuary all of its own. On the outskirts of the vallornheart, less than half-a-day's march from the ruins of the city, is a grove of ancient weirwood trees. The heralds of Rhianos know of it, and its rough location, but actually reaching it requires the concerted effort of dozens of champions. The vallorn holds the grove in a jealous embrace. Hundreds of husks – themselves among some of the oldest ever encountered in Brocéliande – throng in the forest around it. The approach is guarded by several dreadful, unique abominations – a riverbeast whose heads open up like tooth-lined orchids, an ape-like behemoth with four arms and one eye and venom-tipped spurs on hands and feet, a serpent with hundreds of raking taloned legs, and an almost incomprehensible creature not quite a translucent cat and not quite a shimmering crab

	Together, the heroes of the Empire are able to defeat or drive off these guardians, and press through to the weirwood grove where they discover...		Together, the heroes of the Empire are able to defeat or drive off these guardians, and press through to the weirwood grove where they discover...
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	These buildings had purpose, undoubtedly, but sometimes it is hard to tell what that was. For every obvious bath-house, or marketplace, there is a structure like the partially-collapsed step-pyramid covered in intricate, angular designs, its inner chamber is open to the sky, found a short distance from the eastern walls. What was it for? It would be easy to guess that it had some ritual significance but nothing about the building hints at what that might have been.		These buildings had purpose, undoubtedly, but sometimes it is hard to tell what that was. For every obvious bath-house, or marketplace, there is a structure like the partially-collapsed step-pyramid covered in intricate, angular designs, its inner chamber is open to the sky, found a short distance from the eastern walls. What was it for? It would be easy to guess that it had some ritual significance but nothing about the building hints at what that might have been.

	There's one structure that attracts particular attention when it is found, especially among the heroes of Wintermark who have come this far. It lies right at the periphery on the western side of the city, where it is one of the few that have survived the vallorn's crushing weight. The squat building of white granite with the fallen-in roof proves to stand over several underground cellars or galleries that have become home to a particularly vicious breed of venomous ettercap. The beasts aren't important.		There's one structure that attracts particular attention when it is found, especially among the heroes of Wintermark who have come this far. It lies right at the periphery on the western side of the city, where it is one of the few that have survived the vallorn's crushing weight. The squat building of white granite with the fallen-in roof proves to stand over several underground cellars or galleries that have become home to a particularly vicious breed of venomous ettercap. The beasts aren't important.

	What is important is that the interior walls of this structure are marked with familiar runes – Wintermark runes. Several of the heroes who explore here are struck by how eerily reminiscent of the runeforge beneath far-off Skarsind it is. Beneath the omnipresent foliage are the shattered remains of what might once very well have been a runeforge; and again those broken remnants put the explorers in mind of the ruins of [[Excavate_Gildenheim_Runeforge\|Gildenheim Runeforge]].		What is important is that the interior walls of this structure are marked with familiar runes – Wintermark runes. Several of the heroes who explore here are struck by how eerily reminiscent of the runeforge beneath far-off Skarsind it is. Beneath the omnipresent foliage are the shattered remains of what might once very well have been a runeforge; and again those broken remnants put the explorers in mind of the ruins of [[Excavate_Gildenheim_Runeforge\|Gildenheim Runeforge]].

	What is a building that seems patterned after a lost subterranean forge that many speculate was ~~build~~ by the mythical trolls doing here, in the heart of Terunael?		What is a building that seems patterned after a lost subterranean forge - that many speculate was built by the mythical trolls - doing here, in the heart of Terunael?

	A mystery. And any hope of solving it will need to wait. The season is growing late, the protection of the golden cauldron beginning to falter, and there is one more thing to be done.		A mystery. And any hope of solving it will need to wait. The season is growing late, the protection of the golden cauldron beginning to falter, and there is one more thing to be done.
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	Winter is nearly here, and with it the magical vitality of the golden cauldron begins to wane. There is one final chance to push on, the penetrate the greatest of Terunael's mysteries. The vallornheart itself.		Winter is nearly here, and with it the magical vitality of the golden cauldron begins to wane. There is one final chance to push on, the penetrate the greatest of Terunael's mysteries. The vallornheart itself.

	From their makeshift camp at the Sanctuary Grove, a number of courageous explorers plan their approach to the centre of the city. To the immense trees that form the heart of the vallorn, where the miasma is at its heaviest, where the vallornspawn are thickest. Not to harm it – it is as beyond the harm of a handful of heroes as a mammoth is beyond harm from the mountain hare. But to see. To gaze on the wellspring of the vallorn, on the fountainhead of Terunael's folly, on the place where the Navarr arguably began.		From their makeshift camp at the Sanctuary Grove, a number of courageous explorers plan their approach to the centre of the city. To the immense trees that form the heart of the vallorn, where the miasma is at its heaviest, where the vallornspawn are thickest. Not to harm it – it is as beyond the harm of a handful of heroes as a mammoth is beyond harm from the mountain hare. But to see. To gaze on the wellspring of the vallorn, on the fountainhead of Terunael's folly, on the place where the Navarr arguably began.

	No living brand, or thorn, or vate has ever looked on a vallornheart. Here, now, at the heart of the largest vallorn in the Empire, there is a chance for some at least to gaze upon the face of their enemy for the first time since the destruction of Miaren...		No living brand, or thorn, or vate has ever looked on a vallornheart. Here, now, at the heart of the largest vallorn in the Empire, there is a chance for some at least to gaze upon the face of their enemy for the first time since the destruction of Miaren...
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	Brocéliande – Terunael – continues to slumber but its sleep is restless. Without the blanket of Winter magic, this great adventure would have been impossible even with the courage of Imperial citizens, and the power of the golden cauldron, and the unfathomable whims of the eternals.		Brocéliande – Terunael – continues to slumber but its sleep is restless. Without the blanket of Winter magic, this great adventure would have been impossible even with the courage of Imperial citizens, and the power of the golden cauldron, and the unfathomable whims of the eternals.

	The last of Rhianos' supernatural vitality fades as the Winter Solstice gathers momentum. It is time for the explorers to withdraw from Brocéliande, to think about what they have learned, to weigh the treasures they have carried out of the ~~accurséd~~ forest, and to wonder if the price was worth the prize.		The last of Rhianos' supernatural vitality fades as the Winter Solstice gathers momentum. It is time for the explorers to withdraw from Brocéliande, to think about what they have learned, to weigh the treasures they have carried out of the accursèd forest, and to wonder if the price was worth the prize.

	===Game Information : How Far You Go===		===Game Information : How Far You Go===
	The adventure inspired by the Regent of the Eternal Sea, has been a triumph. Imperial heroes have pressed deep into the unknown territory of Brocéliande and returned with both valuable prizes and hidden lore. After some discussion, however, we've decided to slightly alter the way we provide those rewards. This differs from the way the wind of fortune rewards were laid out, by reducing some of the randomness, and focussing instead on a key choice that every player involved can make. Each of the players who assigned their military unit to Brocéliande can pick ''one'' of three possible destinations where their character has gone - which in turn will determine which additional reward they receive. The three choices are:		The adventure inspired by the Regent of the Eternal Sea, has been a triumph. Imperial heroes have pressed deep into the unknown territory of Brocéliande and returned with both valuable prizes and hidden lore. After some discussion, however, we've decided to slightly alter the way we provide those rewards. This differs from the way the wind of fortune rewards were laid out, by reducing some of the randomness, and focussing instead on a key choice that every player involved can make. Each of the players who assigned their military unit to Brocéliande can pick ''one'' of three possible destinations where their character has gone - which in turn will determine which additional reward they receive. The three choices are:

	* '''The Sanctuary Grove''' - if your character fought their way through to the Sanctuary Grove then you receive a wain of weirwood taken from the ancient site.		* '''The Sanctuary Grove''' - if your character fought their way through to the Sanctuary Grove then you receive a wain of weirwood taken from the ancient site.
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	In addition to the individual rewards, each military unit has a chance to gain a share of a random rewards. Some of these rewards take the form of ribbons. These represent relics of fallen explorers; relics of the heirs of Terunael; and ribbons representing relics of the Terunael civilisation. In addition, 20 rings of ilium uncovered from the untouched vallorn-infested groves will be distributed randomly among the military units assigned to support the adventure.		In addition to the individual rewards, each military unit has a chance to gain a share of a random rewards. Some of these rewards take the form of ribbons. These represent relics of fallen explorers; relics of the heirs of Terunael; and ribbons representing relics of the Terunael civilisation. In addition, 20 rings of ilium uncovered from the untouched vallorn-infested groves will be distributed randomly among the military units assigned to support the adventure.

	This expedition has recovered valuable lore as well. Breaching the walls of Terunael and reaching the vallorn heart will reduce the amount of time needed for the Great Library of Hacynian to [[The_bones_of_what_you_believe#Yesterday_is_Tomorrow\|research the weakness of the vallorn]] - if it is built - by six months. The Navarr have also recovered "''the last singing stone''” from the Sanctuary Grove – it is currently under the watchful gaze of the nation's egregores, The [[Advisor on the Vallorn]] will receive a short additional briefing providing more information about the Heirs of Terunael, their understanding of the vallorn, and their schemes.		This expedition has recovered valuable lore as well. Breaching the walls of Terunael and reaching the vallorn heart will reduce the amount of time needed for the Great Library of Hacynian to [[The_bones_of_what_you_believe#Yesterday_is_Tomorrow\|research the weakness of the vallorn]] - if it is built - by six months. The Navarr have also recovered "''the last singing stone''” from the Sanctuary Grove – it is currently under the watchful gaze of the nation's egregores, The [[Advisor on the Vallorn]] will receive a short additional briefing providing more information about the Heirs of Terunael, their understanding of the vallorn, and their schemes.

	Finally, there are some unlooked-for rewards. The Highborn pilgrims who aided the adventure into Brocéliande have returned with treasures of their own. Every [[congregation]] that gave up [[liao]] and Synod votes to support the expedition will receive five random herbs gathered in the forests and donated to the priests by returning congregants. Congregations are ''not'' however eligible for a share of the random rewards.		Finally, there are some unlooked-for rewards. The Highborn pilgrims who aided the adventure into Brocéliande have returned with treasures of their own. Every [[congregation]] that gave up [[liao]] and Synod votes to support the expedition will receive five random herbs gathered in the forests and donated to the priests by returning congregants. Congregations are ''not'' however eligible for a share of the random rewards.
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	Finally, any unlineaged human who went to Brocéliande has been exposed to significant amounts of Spring magic – especially those who explored the ''garden of abomination''. If you assigned your military unit, you could use this an explanation for gaining the [[briar]] lineage. If you wish to do so, e-mail Profound Decisions at plot@profounddecisions.co.uk.		Finally, any unlineaged human who went to Brocéliande has been exposed to significant amounts of Spring magic – especially those who explored the ''garden of abomination''. If you assigned your military unit, you could use this an explanation for gaining the [[briar]] lineage. If you wish to do so, e-mail Profound Decisions at plot@profounddecisions.co.uk.

	If you already have the briar lineage you can use this as an impetus to increase your trappings, especially if you wish to add [[Briar#Flowers\|flowers]] to your ~~physrep~~. This increase can be temporary if you wish – unlike the normal rules for increasing your trappings, the impact of exploring Brocéliande might be temporary.		If you already have the briar lineage you can use this as an impetus to increase your trappings, especially if you wish to add [[Briar#Flowers\|flowers]] to your phys-rep. This increase can be temporary if you wish – unlike the normal rules for increasing your trappings, the impact of exploring Brocéliande might be temporary.