Ossium - Revision history

Hailmur: /* OOC Notes */

2026-02-23T17:24:27Z

OOC Notes

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:24, 23 February 2026
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	==OOC Notes==		==OOC Notes==
	* As of the Winter Solstice 385YE the Thule control [[#Bonewood\|Bonewood]] and the [[#Webwood\|Webwood]]. Varushka, and by extension the Empire, controls the rest of the territory.		* As of the Winter Solstice 385YE the Thule control [[#Bonewood\|Bonewood]] and the [[#Webwood\|Webwood]]. Varushka, and by extension the Empire, controls the rest of the territory.
	* ~~Fljajokep~~ in ~~Bonewood is~~ a rank one [[fortification]] controlled by the Thule.		* The [[#Towers of Zulgan Tash\|Towers of Zulgan Tash]] in [[#Drownbark Forest\|Drownbark Forest]] are a rank one [[fortification]]
			* Fljajokep in [[#Bonewood\|Bonewood]] is a rank one fortification controlled by the Thule.
	* Any [[commission]] intended to increase production of [[Materials#Metal\|metals]] in Ossium is twice as expensive		* Any [[commission]] intended to increase production of [[Materials#Metal\|metals]] in Ossium is twice as expensive
	* [[Forest\|Forests]] in the territory benefit from the [[#The Iron Roads\|Iron Roads]], Kurstrozi's Lumbermill, and the [[#Economics\|naturally rich groves]] and produce an extra 8 measures each season.		* [[Forest\|Forests]] in the territory benefit from the [[#The Iron Roads\|Iron Roads]], Kurstrozi's Lumbermill, and the [[#Economics\|naturally rich groves]] and produce an extra 8 measures each season.

Hailmur: /* Towers of Zulgan Tash */

2026-02-23T17:23:18Z

Towers of Zulgan Tash

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:23, 23 February 2026
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	===Towers of Zulgan Tash===		===Towers of Zulgan Tash===
	The Towers appeared without warning, overnight, in the [[#Drownbark Forest\|Drownbark Forest]] not far from the border with [[the Mallum]]. Composed of three cylindrical towers of dark green stone surrounded by an uneven wall with irregular crenulations, it looks nothing like traditional Varushkan architecture. The stone is smooth to the touch, all of a piece, and unmortared. It is also quite resistant to damage. When the wind blows, the towers emanate a mournful whistling noise that can be either relaxing or unsettling depending entirely on the temperament of the one who hears it. The marshes around the towers are subtly unnatural. Seemingly shallow ponds may prove to be almost bottomless; ribbons of thick fog cling to the stooped trees and drift across the scummy water regardless of other weather. A plethora of odd plants, some of them encountered nowhere else, flourish in the bogs. Sightings of large multi-legged lizards in the area have increased dramatically since the Towers appeared, and there have also been reports of strange entities that clearly do not hail from the mortal world - lantern-waving heron-like creatures, giant pale toads, and even creatures that appear to be ambulatory tree stumps. They do not appear to offer a threat to Varushkan travellers, but there have been a few minor unfortunate incidents with visitors to the Drownbark Forest - none fatal to date.		The Towers appeared without warning, overnight, in the [[#Drownbark Forest\|Drownbark Forest]] not far from the border with [[the Mallum]]. Composed of three cylindrical towers of dark green stone surrounded by an uneven wall with irregular crenulations, it looks nothing like traditional Varushkan architecture. The stone is smooth to the touch, all of a piece, and unmortared. It is also quite resistant to damage. When the wind blows, the towers emanate a mournful whistling noise that can be either relaxing or unsettling depending entirely on the temperament of the one who hears it. The marshes around the towers are subtly unnatural. Seemingly shallow ponds may prove to be almost bottomless; ribbons of thick fog cling to the stooped trees and drift across the scummy water regardless of other weather. A plethora of odd plants, some of them encountered nowhere else, flourish in the bogs. Sightings of large multi-legged lizards in the area have increased dramatically since the Towers appeared, and there have also been reports of strange entities that clearly do not hail from the mortal world - lantern-waving heron-like creatures, giant pale toads, and even creatures that appear to be ambulatory tree stumps. They do not appear to offer a threat to Varushkan travellers, but there have been a few minor, unfortunate incidents with visitors to the Drownbark Forest - none fatal to date.

	The Towers are generally believed to be the result of a [[Culling_the_threat#Dripping_Echoes\|powerful casting]] of the [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]], anchored in place with [[ilium]] by the magicians of the Zulgan-Tash coven of [[Miekarova]]. Nobody remembers where they first heard the name of the fortification - but everyone knows it. ('''OOC Note:''' The Towers of Zulgan Tash are a ~~Rank~~ one fortification that requires no upkeep).		The Towers are generally believed to be the result of a [[Culling_the_threat#Dripping_Echoes\|powerful casting]] of the [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]], anchored in place with [[ilium]] by the magicians of the Zulgan-Tash coven of [[Miekarova]]. Nobody remembers where they first heard the name of the fortification - but everyone knows it.

			'''OOC Note:''' The Towers of Zulgan Tash are a rank one [[fortification]] that requires no upkeep.

	===The Silent Pines===		===The Silent Pines===

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial army" to "[[Army"

2026-01-16T09:44:26Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial army" to "[[Army"

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:44, 16 January 2026
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	Bittershore was the first region of Ossium encountered by the Empire, and also the first one to be conquered. It lies along the eastern banks of the Semmerlak, and one end of the Golden Causeway is anchored here. The Causeway is quiescent at the moment, but all it would take is a Dawnish witch to open it and the shimmering bridge would stretch back across the lake to [[Semmerholm#Laroc\|Laroc]] in Semmerholm. Prior to the Imperial invasion, Bittershore was home to the Sand Fisher clan of orcs. The Imperial Senate [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence\|ceded]] the region of [[Holberg#Misericorde\|Misericorde]] in [[Holberg]] to the Sand Fishers and the entire nation moved south across the Semmerlak to Holberg.		Bittershore was the first region of Ossium encountered by the Empire, and also the first one to be conquered. It lies along the eastern banks of the Semmerlak, and one end of the Golden Causeway is anchored here. The Causeway is quiescent at the moment, but all it would take is a Dawnish witch to open it and the shimmering bridge would stretch back across the lake to [[Semmerholm#Laroc\|Laroc]] in Semmerholm. Prior to the Imperial invasion, Bittershore was home to the Sand Fisher clan of orcs. The Imperial Senate [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence\|ceded]] the region of [[Holberg#Misericorde\|Misericorde]] in [[Holberg]] to the Sand Fishers and the entire nation moved south across the Semmerlak to Holberg.

	Varushkan settlers have already begun to establish vales on the shores of the lake, taking advantage of the rich fishing opportunities and fertile farmland. As the prosperity of the region increases, the likelihood that Varushka will be able to support another [[~~Imperial army~~]] increases.		Varushkan settlers have already begun to establish vales on the shores of the lake, taking advantage of the rich fishing opportunities and fertile farmland. As the prosperity of the region increases, the likelihood that Varushka will be able to support another [[Army]] increases.

	===Bonewood===		===Bonewood===

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Conclave" to "[[Conclave"

2026-01-15T16:42:29Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Conclave" to "[[Conclave"

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:42, 15 January 2026
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	The Webwood is a dank, almost impenetrable forest with few trails. As its name implies it is home to large numbers of spiders - many of them either very large or very venomous. There is a well-hidden structure in its depths which apparently serves as a temple or lair for orcs dedicated to the service of the [[eternal]] [[Arhallogen]] dubbed the '''Temple of Arhallogen'''. It is not entirely clear if the orcs are really Druj or not, or whether they are an example of a nation that managed to maintain some level of independence despite living in a land oppressed by the Druj. The orcs have kept very much to themselves, but there have nonetheless been disappearances reported in the area which is littered with traps and deadfalls that pose a constant threat to travellers and settlers.		The Webwood is a dank, almost impenetrable forest with few trails. As its name implies it is home to large numbers of spiders - many of them either very large or very venomous. There is a well-hidden structure in its depths which apparently serves as a temple or lair for orcs dedicated to the service of the [[eternal]] [[Arhallogen]] dubbed the '''Temple of Arhallogen'''. It is not entirely clear if the orcs are really Druj or not, or whether they are an example of a nation that managed to maintain some level of independence despite living in a land oppressed by the Druj. The orcs have kept very much to themselves, but there have nonetheless been disappearances reported in the area which is littered with traps and deadfalls that pose a constant threat to travellers and settlers.

	The "temple" has been recognised by the [[~~Imperial~~ Conclave]] as being the property of Arhallogen, and Varushkan settlers are discouraged from attempting to establish vales here. This has not stopped the most ambitious or bloody minded from starting to build along the southern and western margins. Webwood is perhaps the most dangerous and least explored region of Ossium, and there are known to be at least two bands of Druj bandits in the depths who periodically emerge to raid Varushkan settlements, reaching as far afield as the north-western Galath Fields and the northern Echofell.		The "temple" has been recognised by the [[Conclave]] as being the property of Arhallogen, and Varushkan settlers are discouraged from attempting to establish vales here. This has not stopped the most ambitious or bloody minded from starting to build along the southern and western margins. Webwood is perhaps the most dangerous and least explored region of Ossium, and there are known to be at least two bands of Druj bandits in the depths who periodically emerge to raid Varushkan settlements, reaching as far afield as the north-western Galath Fields and the northern Echofell.

	During the Winter Solstice 383YE the Imperial Senate ceded the region to the Thule as part of a [[Ratify_treaty_with_Thule_Winter_383YE\|treaty]]. Presumably they will take steps to deal with the dangerous orcs here.		During the Winter Solstice 383YE the Imperial Senate ceded the region to the Thule as part of a [[Ratify_treaty_with_Thule_Winter_383YE\|treaty]]. Presumably they will take steps to deal with the dangerous orcs here.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Bourse" to "[[Bourse"

2026-01-15T13:49:50Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Bourse" to "[[Bourse"

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:49, 15 January 2026
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	===Vale of the [[Sunless Depths]]===		===Vale of the [[Sunless Depths]]===
	The Depths are a mithril mine under the settlement of Lomaa. Custodianship of the Depths is an [[Imperial Title]] that brings with it a Seat on the [[~~Imperial~~ Bourse]]. It produces 14 Imperial wains of mithril every season. Control is allocated to any Imperial citizen by open auction during the Autumn Equinox.		The Depths are a mithril mine under the settlement of Lomaa. Custodianship of the Depths is an [[Imperial Title]] that brings with it a Seat on the [[Bourse]]. It produces 14 Imperial wains of mithril every season. Control is allocated to any Imperial citizen by open auction during the Autumn Equinox.

	During the Spring Equinox 384YE, the Senate [[Blood_makes_noise#The_Wealth_of_Lomaa\|chose to allow]] the new [[boyar\|boyars]] of [[Ossium]] to claim those parts of the mine that were not currently being exploited. The mine was upgraded, but the additional production claimed by the vales of Ossium - greatly enhancing the prosperity of the new settlements.		During the Spring Equinox 384YE, the Senate [[Blood_makes_noise#The_Wealth_of_Lomaa\|chose to allow]] the new [[boyar\|boyars]] of [[Ossium]] to claim those parts of the mine that were not currently being exploited. The mine was upgraded, but the additional production claimed by the vales of Ossium - greatly enhancing the prosperity of the new settlements.

Twiggy: /* OOC Notes */

2025-09-29T11:58:16Z

OOC Notes

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:58, 29 September 2025
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	* Any [[commission]] intended to increase production of [[Materials#Metal\|metals]] in Ossium is twice as expensive		* Any [[commission]] intended to increase production of [[Materials#Metal\|metals]] in Ossium is twice as expensive
	* [[Forest\|Forests]] in the territory benefit from the [[#The Iron Roads\|Iron Roads]], Kurstrozi's Lumbermill, and the [[#Economics\|naturally rich groves]] and produce an extra 8 measures each season.		* [[Forest\|Forests]] in the territory benefit from the [[#The Iron Roads\|Iron Roads]], Kurstrozi's Lumbermill, and the [[#Economics\|naturally rich groves]] and produce an extra 8 measures each season.
			* The [[Strategos_of_Navarr#Awstin's_Rest\|Awstin's Rest Wayhouse]] in Nearweald allows Navarri characters to establish a [[Resource#Personal_Resource\|personal resource]] in Ossium and gain the benefit of any [[great work]] in the territory

	==Special Qualities==		==Special Qualities==

Hailmur: /* Webwood */

2025-08-19T18:49:28Z

Webwood

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:49, 19 August 2025
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	===Webwood===		===Webwood===
	* '''Quality:''' Forest, [[Otkodov]], [[#~~Under_threat~~\|Under threat]] (Druj)		* '''Quality:''' Forest, [[Otkodov]], [[Region_qualities#Under_Threat\|Under threat]] (Druj)
	The Webwood is a dank, almost impenetrable forest with few trails. As its name implies it is home to large numbers of spiders - many of them either very large or very venomous. There is a well-hidden structure in its depths which apparently serves as a temple or lair for orcs dedicated to the service of the [[eternal]] [[Arhallogen]] dubbed the '''Temple of Arhallogen'''. It is not entirely clear if the orcs are really Druj or not, or whether they are an example of a nation that managed to maintain some level of independence despite living in a land oppressed by the Druj. The orcs have kept very much to themselves, but there have nonetheless been disappearances reported in the area which is littered with traps and deadfalls that pose a constant threat to travellers and settlers.		The Webwood is a dank, almost impenetrable forest with few trails. As its name implies it is home to large numbers of spiders - many of them either very large or very venomous. There is a well-hidden structure in its depths which apparently serves as a temple or lair for orcs dedicated to the service of the [[eternal]] [[Arhallogen]] dubbed the '''Temple of Arhallogen'''. It is not entirely clear if the orcs are really Druj or not, or whether they are an example of a nation that managed to maintain some level of independence despite living in a land oppressed by the Druj. The orcs have kept very much to themselves, but there have nonetheless been disappearances reported in the area which is littered with traps and deadfalls that pose a constant threat to travellers and settlers.

Hailmur at 18:48, 19 August 2025

2025-08-19T18:48:49Z

@@ Line 130: / Line 130: @@
 During the Winter Solstice 383YE the Imperial Senate ceded the region to the Thule as part of a [[Ratify_treaty_with_Thule_Winter_383YE|treaty]]. Presumably they will take steps to deal with the dangerous orcs here.
 ==Special Qualities==
@@ Line 149: / Line 157: @@
 * '''<s>Drownbark Forest</s>, <s>Echofell</s>, Webwood'''
 While the Druj have lost their grip on the territory, they have by no means been entirely driven out. The forests and marshes provide copious hiding places from which the cruel orcs are free to launch raids against both Imperial settlers and former subjects. These guerrilla forces melt away when faced with serious opposition, retreating to their hidden camps, and returning after a respite to attack from another, unexpected direction. While they remain in force, Ossium can never be fully secure. At this time, the Webwood remains [[Region_qualities#Under_Threat|under threat]]
 ==Further Reading==
@@ Line 173: / Line 173: @@
 * [[Culling the threat]] - Summer 385YE Wind of Fortune on how to remove the under threat qualities from Echofell and the Drownbark Forest
 * [[Burgher of Ketsov#The Ketsov Family|The Ketsov Family]] - Notes about the Ketsov of Ossium
 [[Category:Imperial Territory]]

Hailmur: /* Special Qualities */

2025-08-19T18:47:56Z

Special Qualities

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:47, 19 August 2025
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	==Special Qualities==		==Special Qualities==
	Several regions of Ossium ~~have~~ special qualities that ~~relate~~ to the problems faced by the Varushkans when bringing the former Druj-dominated territory into the Empire. While the qualities ~~are~~ tied to specific regions, their impact ~~covers~~ the entire territory - so the ''under-developed'' quality ~~effects~~ commissions anywhere in Ossium, not only when those commissions ~~are~~ built in the regions ~~specifically tied to~~ the quality. In some ways, these qualities ~~are~~ similar to the army-movement restricting ''passes'' in territories such as Spiral and Skarsind - a way to create plot but do so in a player-facing way that characters can discuss in-character; so the ~~players~~ can see where the problems ~~are~~; they can see when they've been successful at addressing a problem; and they ~~can~~ see how much work ~~remains~~ to be done. ~~It's~~ intended ~~that these qualities~~ be ~~possible to remove~~ through player action - and the winds of fortune offer several ways that could be done.		Several regions of Ossium originally had special qualities that related to the problems faced by the Varushkans when bringing the former Druj-dominated territory into the Empire. While the qualities were tied to specific regions, their impact covered the entire territory - so the ''under-developed'' quality affected commissions anywhere in Ossium, not only when those commissions were built in the regions with the quality. In some ways, these qualities were similar to the army-movement restricting ''passes'' in territories such as [[Spiral]] and [[Skarsind]] - a way to create plot but do so in a player-facing way that characters can discuss in-character; so the characters can see where the problems were; they can see when they've been successful at addressing a problem; and they could see how much work remained to be done. These qualities were intended to be removable through player action - and the winds of fortune offer several ways that could be done.

	===Under-developed===		===Under-developed===

Twiggy at 00:49, 11 July 2025

2025-07-11T00:49:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:49, 11 July 2025
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	===The Iron Roads===		===The Iron Roads===
	During the Autumn Equinox ~~382 YE~~, the Civil Service presented a proposal for the [[Starting_at_the_end#The_Iron_Roads_of_Varushka\|Iron Roads]], a network of Varushkan [[Varushkan Road\|highways]] to link together the prominent vales, mines, and forests of the entire nation. With the roads underway, and Varushkan settlers flooding into Ossium, the civil service offices at Lomaa presented proposals for expanding the Iron Roads across Ossium as well. The settlements of [[#Lomaa\|Lomaa]], [[#Ketsov\|Ketsov]], and Lanit are now all connected by a great road from Karsk, running as far east as the ruins of the [[#Tower_of_the_Scorpion\|Tower of the Scorpion]] in the [[#Echofell\|Echofell]], and down through Nearweald. Varushkan road builders had little experience working with the extensive marshes of the south, but their confidence that stone bridges could be used to reach the former Druj settlement of Orieb in the [[#Drownbark_Forest\|Drownbark Forest]] proved well founded. As well as bringing prosperity to the [[forest]] owners of the territory, and to the [[Vale of the Sunless Depths]], the roads dramatically improved the infrastructure in the territory, removing the final ''under-developed'' quality from Ossium.		During the Autumn Equinox 382YE, the Civil Service presented a proposal for the [[Starting_at_the_end#The_Iron_Roads_of_Varushka\|Iron Roads]], a network of Varushkan [[Varushkan Road\|highways]] to link together the prominent vales, mines, and forests of the entire nation. With the roads underway, and Varushkan settlers flooding into Ossium, the civil service offices at Lomaa presented proposals for expanding the Iron Roads across Ossium as well. The settlements of [[#Lomaa\|Lomaa]], [[#Ketsov\|Ketsov]], and Lanit are now all connected by a great road from Karsk, running as far east as the ruins of the [[#Tower_of_the_Scorpion\|Tower of the Scorpion]] in the [[#Echofell\|Echofell]], and down through Nearweald. Varushkan road builders had little experience working with the extensive marshes of the south, but their confidence that stone bridges could be used to reach the former Druj settlement of Orieb in the [[#Drownbark_Forest\|Drownbark Forest]] proved well founded. As well as bringing prosperity to the [[forest]] owners of the territory, and to the [[Vale of the Sunless Depths]], the roads dramatically improved the infrastructure in the territory, removing the final ''under-developed'' quality from Ossium.

	===The Field of Glory===		===The Field of Glory===

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:24, 23 February 2026
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	==OOC Notes==		==OOC Notes==
	* As of the Winter Solstice 385YE the Thule control [[#Bonewood\|Bonewood]] and the [[#Webwood\|Webwood]]. Varushka, and by extension the Empire, controls the rest of the territory.		* As of the Winter Solstice 385YE the Thule control [[#Bonewood\|Bonewood]] and the [[#Webwood\|Webwood]]. Varushka, and by extension the Empire, controls the rest of the territory.
	* ~~Fljajokep~~ in ~~Bonewood is~~ a rank one [[fortification]] controlled by the Thule.		* The [[#Towers of Zulgan Tash\|Towers of Zulgan Tash]] in [[#Drownbark Forest\|Drownbark Forest]] are a rank one [[fortification]]
			* Fljajokep in [[#Bonewood\|Bonewood]] is a rank one fortification controlled by the Thule.
	* Any [[commission]] intended to increase production of [[Materials#Metal\|metals]] in Ossium is twice as expensive		* Any [[commission]] intended to increase production of [[Materials#Metal\|metals]] in Ossium is twice as expensive
	* [[Forest\|Forests]] in the territory benefit from the [[#The Iron Roads\|Iron Roads]], Kurstrozi's Lumbermill, and the [[#Economics\|naturally rich groves]] and produce an extra 8 measures each season.		* [[Forest\|Forests]] in the territory benefit from the [[#The Iron Roads\|Iron Roads]], Kurstrozi's Lumbermill, and the [[#Economics\|naturally rich groves]] and produce an extra 8 measures each season.