Out of the abyss - Revision history

Hailmur: /* Overview */

2026-02-24T23:33:13Z

Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:33, 24 February 2026
Line 54:		Line 54:
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	{{SOP\|statement=We the priests of Varushka call upon the builders of the Deep Chamber to dedicate to wisdom. We wish for priests of wisdom and wardens to go and ensure their safe return from the mines.\|by=Marzanna, Varushkan Assembly\|vote=Greater Majority, 292-0 (Primacy)\|when=Autumn Equinox385YE}}		{{SOP\|statement=We the priests of Varushka call upon the builders of the Deep Chamber to dedicate to wisdom. We wish for priests of wisdom and wardens to go and ensure their safe return from the mines.\|by=Marzanna, Varushkan Assembly\|vote=Greater Majority, 292-0 (Primacy)\|when=Autumn Equinox385YE}}
	The Varushkan National Assembly [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_154\|expressed concern]] for the well-being of the miners working to create the [[Bredavoi Emissary#The Deep Chamber\|Deep Chamber]] - whatever that is - in the mountains beneath the vale of [[Volodmartz#Void\|Void]]. They upheld a [[statement of principle]] presented by ''Marzanna'', urging the builders to [[dedication\|dedicate]] to [[Wisdom]] and encouraging priests to go and ensure that they return safely from the mines.		The Varushkan National Assembly [[385YE_Autumn_Equinox_Synod_judgements#Judgement_154\|expressed concern]] for the well-being of the miners working to create the [[Bredavoi Emissary#The Deep Chamber\|Deep Chamber]] - whatever that is - in the mountains beneath the vale of [[Volodmartz#Void\|Void]]. They upheld a [[statement of principle]] presented by '''Marzanna''', urging the builders to [[dedication\|dedicate]] to [[Wisdom]] and encouraging priests to go and ensure that they return safely from the mines.

	Some of those who heard the words followed the advice, and offered support to the miners. Of those working in the deep places beneath the Mountains of Brez, a few sought dedications. A few more sought [[anointing]]. For the most part they weren't certain that spiritual aid would actually do anything. Those priests who followed the urging of the Assembly weren't actually allowed down to the site of the Deep Chamber - the cabalists were icily polite hosts but insistent that nothing disrupt the building work down there in the pitch blackness beneath the mountains of Brez.		Some of those who heard the words followed the advice, and offered support to the miners. Of those working in the deep places beneath the Mountains of Brez, a few sought dedications. A few more sought [[anointing]]. For the most part they weren't certain that spiritual aid would actually do anything. Those priests who followed the urging of the Assembly weren't actually allowed down to the site of the Deep Chamber - the cabalists were icily polite hosts but insistent that nothing disrupt the building work down there in the pitch blackness beneath the mountains of Brez.

Twiggy at 23:34, 1 August 2025

2025-08-01T23:34:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:34, 1 August 2025
Line 140:		Line 140:
	Before this plan will work, however, the Senator of Volodmartz must consent to the ''Haunter'' claiming the Star Caverns. It was driven out centuries ago, long before the Empire was born, by the Ushkan bargainers. It wants the caverns, and this trap presents the perfect opportunity for both sovereign and Varushkan to get what they want. However, it also wants one thing more. It wants [[Keeper_of_Berislav%27s_Rest\|Berislav's Rest]].		Before this plan will work, however, the Senator of Volodmartz must consent to the ''Haunter'' claiming the Star Caverns. It was driven out centuries ago, long before the Empire was born, by the Ushkan bargainers. It wants the caverns, and this trap presents the perfect opportunity for both sovereign and Varushkan to get what they want. However, it also wants one thing more. It wants [[Keeper_of_Berislav%27s_Rest\|Berislav's Rest]].

	Berislav's Rest is a vale in Volodmartz. In 381YE, the Imperial Senate commissioned an [[Construct village expansion in Volodmartz\|expansion to the village]] to "''house the growing vigilant population of a virtuous mine in Volodmartz''." The ''Listening Dark'' doesn't really care about the people of the vale, but it wants the mine. It wants the wards removed, and to flow and pool into the tunnels and chambers as it did in "times before." This would be a severe blow to the Prosperity of the vale, but it would survive. It would no longer be able to support the [[Keeper_of_Berislav%27s_Rest#Income\|sinecure]] however and the title of [[Keeper of Berislav's Rest]] would cease to exist. Before it can take the mine, however, it requires permission from someone who has [[~~Ritual_theory~~#The_Law_of_Dominion\|dominion]]. Either the Keeper, '''Ostrik Vulpe''', or if their position is vacant a unanimous decision of the Senators of Varushka.		Berislav's Rest is a vale in Volodmartz. In 381YE, the Imperial Senate commissioned an [[Construct village expansion in Volodmartz\|expansion to the village]] to "''house the growing vigilant population of a virtuous mine in Volodmartz''." The ''Listening Dark'' doesn't really care about the people of the vale, but it wants the mine. It wants the wards removed, and to flow and pool into the tunnels and chambers as it did in "times before." This would be a severe blow to the Prosperity of the vale, but it would survive. It would no longer be able to support the [[Keeper_of_Berislav%27s_Rest#Income\|sinecure]] however and the title of [[Keeper of Berislav's Rest]] would cease to exist. Before it can take the mine, however, it requires permission from someone who has [[Laws_of_magic#The_Law_of_Dominion\|dominion]]. Either the Keeper, '''Ostrik Vulpe''', or if their position is vacant a unanimous decision of the Senators of Varushka.
	===Gift Giving (Conjunction)===		===Gift Giving (Conjunction)===
	<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">		<div style="width: 400px; float: right; clear: right; margin-left:10px;">

Twiggy at 21:07, 12 July 2025

2025-07-12T21:07:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:07, 12 July 2025
Line 64:		Line 64:
	There is something in the darkness beneath the Mountains, a [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns\|sovereign]] that some stories refer to as the [[Night Below]]. Others call it ''Blackdamp'', ''Listening Dark'', ''Haunter'', ''Extinguished Sun'' and a dozen or more other names, each more fanciful and foreboding than the last. It has never been quiescent, but in the last year or so it has become noticeably more active. Indeed, there's some suggestion the disappearances around the [[Various_storms_and_saints#The_Cave_of_Zoria\|Cave of Zoria]] might be the result of this entity (or its servants). It may well be the entity that some sense in the depths of the [[Granites of Veltsgorsk]]. Sensible Varushkan miners, in [[Miekarova]] and [[Volodmartz]] particularly, know the importance of carving watchful faces into pit props, and ensuring that they have plenty of lights. When the lamps start to burn out a little too quickly, when the lightstones begin to flicker, they either reinforce the tunnels with additional wards or else seal the affected passages and seek other veins. In the end it's maybe no wonder so many Varushkan miners in the north end up leaving the tunnels behind to become wagon-raiders or sell-swords.		There is something in the darkness beneath the Mountains, a [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns\|sovereign]] that some stories refer to as the [[Night Below]]. Others call it ''Blackdamp'', ''Listening Dark'', ''Haunter'', ''Extinguished Sun'' and a dozen or more other names, each more fanciful and foreboding than the last. It has never been quiescent, but in the last year or so it has become noticeably more active. Indeed, there's some suggestion the disappearances around the [[Various_storms_and_saints#The_Cave_of_Zoria\|Cave of Zoria]] might be the result of this entity (or its servants). It may well be the entity that some sense in the depths of the [[Granites of Veltsgorsk]]. Sensible Varushkan miners, in [[Miekarova]] and [[Volodmartz]] particularly, know the importance of carving watchful faces into pit props, and ensuring that they have plenty of lights. When the lamps start to burn out a little too quickly, when the lightstones begin to flicker, they either reinforce the tunnels with additional wards or else seal the affected passages and seek other veins. In the end it's maybe no wonder so many Varushkan miners in the north end up leaving the tunnels behind to become wagon-raiders or sell-swords.

	In recent months, the shadow under the northern mountains seems to have roused itself further. Every miner seems to know someone with a story of someone who has gone missing in the middle of a shift. ~~Travelers~~ along the northern Iron Roads carry rumours of watchers in the darkness beneath the trees, or voices that try to entice them to leave the safety of the road when they pass near the foothills of the soaring peaks. The bats have been fluttering in the dreams of those visiting the [[Guardian_of_the_Maze_of_Zoria#The_Maze_of_Zoria\|Maze of Zoria]], twittering tales of foolish bargains, the rolling night, and the dark beneath the hills.		In recent months, the shadow under the northern mountains seems to have roused itself further. Every miner seems to know someone with a story of someone who has gone missing in the middle of a shift. Travellers along the northern Iron Roads carry rumours of watchers in the darkness beneath the trees, or voices that try to entice them to leave the safety of the road when they pass near the foothills of the soaring peaks. The bats have been fluttering in the dreams of those visiting the [[Guardian_of_the_Maze_of_Zoria#The_Maze_of_Zoria\|Maze of Zoria]], twittering tales of foolish bargains, the rolling night, and the dark beneath the hills.

	<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Lightstones.jpg\|align=right\|caption=[[Technology#Lightstones\|Lightstone]] is an uncommon crystalline mineral mined primarily in the peaks of [[Urizen]].\|width=300}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Lightstones.jpg\|align=right\|caption=[[Technology#Lightstones\|Lightstone]] is an uncommon crystalline mineral mined primarily in the peaks of [[Urizen]].\|width=300}}</div>

Dre at 13:49, 28 November 2024

2024-11-28T13:49:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:49, 28 November 2024
Line 75:		Line 75:
	The touch of [[liao]] can only do so much. It can help miners face their fears, remembering their [[Courage]] or their [[Ambition]], or the pursuit of [[Prosperity]]. But it is little help in the face of a fading [[Technology#Lightstones\|lightstone]] or a burnt out torch. It offers comfort, but it cannot help a lost miner find their way out of a maze of passages become suddenly unfamiliar and hostile.		The touch of [[liao]] can only do so much. It can help miners face their fears, remembering their [[Courage]] or their [[Ambition]], or the pursuit of [[Prosperity]]. But it is little help in the face of a fading [[Technology#Lightstones\|lightstone]] or a burnt out torch. It offers comfort, but it cannot help a lost miner find their way out of a maze of passages become suddenly unfamiliar and hostile.

	In many ways the problem for miners in Varushka is not one of virtue, but of light. There are wards that are effective against the ''Grasping Dark'' but the most effective way to keep it at bay - and to mark places where it may be gathering - is with large amounts of light. Especially lightstones. Unfortunately, the demand for good lightstone (and fine lamps) is in danger of outstripping the supply. The situation is particularly bad in Volodmartz where the presence of Cold Sun in the southern regions is proving disruptive to the import of good quality lightstones from [[Urizen]]. The mineral is found sparsely under the mountains of Varushka, of course, but that brought from the far south is particularly prized for its clarity, ~~it's~~ purity, and most importantly ~~it's~~ longevity.		In many ways the problem for miners in Varushka is not one of virtue, but of light. There are wards that are effective against the ''Grasping Dark'' but the most effective way to keep it at bay - and to mark places where it may be gathering - is with large amounts of light. Especially lightstones. Unfortunately, the demand for good lightstone (and fine lamps) is in danger of outstripping the supply. The situation is particularly bad in Volodmartz where the presence of Cold Sun in the southern regions is proving disruptive to the import of good quality lightstones from [[Urizen]]. The mineral is found sparsely under the mountains of Varushka, of course, but that brought from the far south is particularly prized for its clarity, its purity, and most importantly its longevity.

	After some discussion with priests and pilgrims dedicated to Wisdom, a scheme has been hatched. Mostly, the scheme amounts to "buy more lightstone from Urizen and ship it to Varushka", which is actually reasonably straightforward. Following the Winter Solstice any [[business]] in Varushka or Urizen can [[business#Diversification\|diversify]] for free. They lose 36 rings of income but permanently gain 2 ingots of whichever metal they like. This represents an arrangement with mines in northern Varushka to provide finest quality lightstones, lamp oil, torches, lanterns and the like.		After some discussion with priests and pilgrims dedicated to Wisdom, a scheme has been hatched. Mostly, the scheme amounts to "buy more lightstone from Urizen and ship it to Varushka", which is actually reasonably straightforward. Following the Winter Solstice any [[business]] in Varushka or Urizen can [[business#Diversification\|diversify]] for free. They lose 36 rings of income but permanently gain 2 ingots of whichever metal they like. This represents an arrangement with mines in northern Varushka to provide finest quality lightstones, lamp oil, torches, lanterns and the like.
Line 112:		Line 112:
	<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Appointment:''' Tally of the Votes</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Control of a sinecure; custodianship of the Light Market; ability to change the benefit of the great work when appointed</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Powers:''' Control of a sinecure; custodianship of the Light Market; ability to change the benefit of the great work when appointed</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Oversee the Light market; maintain trade with Urizen; protect and support ~~Varushkas~~ miners; monitor Night Below</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Responsibilities:''' Oversee the Light market; maintain trade with Urizen; protect and support Varushka's miners; monitor Night Below</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Opportunity:''' This title has required elements; if any are not all fulfilled the title does not gain some or all of its powers</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Opportunity:''' This title has required elements; if any are not all fulfilled the title does not gain some or all of its powers</td></tr>
	</table></div>		</table></div>

Hailmur: /* Blot out the Sun */

2024-04-21T23:21:05Z

Blot out the Sun

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:21, 21 April 2024
Line 132:		Line 132:
	At the moment, the Varushkan covens have them penned in at [[Volodmartz#Livardz\|Livardz]] but the phantasm offers a bargain. It will claim the [[Things_that_burn#The_Shepherds_of_Ash\|Shepherds of Ash]]. Take them into itself, into the darkness that no light can penetrate. For their part, all the Varushkans need to do is lure them into a place where the sovereign can enfold them. And meet its price...		At the moment, the Varushkan covens have them penned in at [[Volodmartz#Livardz\|Livardz]] but the phantasm offers a bargain. It will claim the [[Things_that_burn#The_Shepherds_of_Ash\|Shepherds of Ash]]. Take them into itself, into the darkness that no light can penetrate. For their part, all the Varushkans need to do is lure them into a place where the sovereign can enfold them. And meet its price...

	The place the shadow has selected is the ''Star Caverns'' under [[Volodmartz#Murupa\|Murupa]]. The caverns lie in the far north of that region, in the hills south of the Mountains of Brez where the sovereign has its places of power. The ''scions'' must first be led into position. This will require work by the Varushkan covens - or their allies. They will need to create a wall that leaves the scions no alternate route but to enter the forests of Murupa. This would be done by raising [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|ice citadels]] in [[Volodmartz#Opascari\|~~Suvretz~~]] and weaving wards of [[Forge the Wooden Fastness\|living wood]] in [[Volodmartz#~~Opascari~~\|~~Opascari~~]], but ''not'' in [[Volodmartz#Murupa\|Murupa]] or [[Volodmartz#Brez\|Brez]]. The Shepherds of Ash will be unable to resist the lure of slaughtering the people of Murupa and Brez, of the chance to destroy [[Volodmartz#Void\|Void]], of the opportunity to claim the Granites of Veltsgorsk... of the teasing promise of the [[regio]] that lies at the heart of the Star Caverns. As soon as they reach the caves, however, the trap will close. The sovereign will take them.		The place the shadow has selected is the ''Star Caverns'' under [[Volodmartz#Murupa\|Murupa]]. The caverns lie in the far north of that region, in the hills south of the Mountains of Brez where the sovereign has its places of power. The ''scions'' must first be led into position. This will require work by the Varushkan covens - or their allies. They will need to create a wall that leaves the scions no alternate route but to enter the forests of Murupa. This would be done by raising [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|ice citadels]] in [[Volodmartz#Opascari\|Opascari]] and weaving wards of [[Forge the Wooden Fastness\|living wood]] in [[Volodmartz#Suvretz\|Suvretz]], but ''not'' in [[Volodmartz#Murupa\|Murupa]] or [[Volodmartz#Brez\|Brez]]. The Shepherds of Ash will be unable to resist the lure of slaughtering the people of Murupa and Brez, of the chance to destroy [[Volodmartz#Void\|Void]], of the opportunity to claim the Granites of Veltsgorsk... of the teasing promise of the [[regio]] that lies at the heart of the Star Caverns. As soon as they reach the caves, however, the trap will close. The sovereign will take them.

	All of them.		All of them.

Hailmur: /* Gift Giving (Conjunction) */

2024-04-19T14:19:56Z

Gift Giving (Conjunction)

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:19, 19 April 2024
Line 163:		Line 163:
	* '''A conjunction of the Sentinel gate allows passage to the ''Varyu Mets'', Murupa, Volodmarts'''		* '''A conjunction of the Sentinel gate allows passage to the ''Varyu Mets'', Murupa, Volodmarts'''
	* '''The conjunction will allow thirty people to visit the area near the Star Caverns'''		* '''The conjunction will allow thirty people to visit the area near the Star Caverns'''
			* '''This is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely_or_Contained\|combat unlikely or contained]] encounter'''
	* '''It opens at 23.30 on Friday evening'''		* '''It opens at 23.30 on Friday evening'''
	Granting the sovereign permission to claim the Star Caverns and the mines of Verislav is not a matter for the Senate, the Synod, or the Conclave. It is a matter for the people of Varushka. The [[cabalists]] have identified a conjunction of the Sentinel Gate that leads to the ''Varyu Mets'', an area of woodland not far from the Star Caverns in northern Murupa.		Granting the sovereign permission to claim the Star Caverns and the mines of Verislav is not a matter for the Senate, the Synod, or the Conclave. It is a matter for the people of Varushka. The [[cabalists]] have identified a conjunction of the Sentinel Gate that leads to the ''Varyu Mets'', an area of woodland not far from the Star Caverns in northern Murupa.

Hailmur: /* Blot out the Sun */

2024-04-18T20:05:19Z

Blot out the Sun

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:05, 18 April 2024
Line 132:		Line 132:
	At the moment, the Varushkan covens have them penned in at [[Volodmartz#Livardz\|Livardz]] but the phantasm offers a bargain. It will claim the [[Things_that_burn#The_Shepherds_of_Ash\|Shepherds of Ash]]. Take them into itself, into the darkness that no light can penetrate. For their part, all the Varushkans need to do is lure them into a place where the sovereign can enfold them. And meet its price...		At the moment, the Varushkan covens have them penned in at [[Volodmartz#Livardz\|Livardz]] but the phantasm offers a bargain. It will claim the [[Things_that_burn#The_Shepherds_of_Ash\|Shepherds of Ash]]. Take them into itself, into the darkness that no light can penetrate. For their part, all the Varushkans need to do is lure them into a place where the sovereign can enfold them. And meet its price...

	The place the shadow has selected is the ''Star Caverns'' under [[Volodmartz#Murupa\|Murupa]]. The caverns lie in the far north of that region, in the hills south of the Mountains of Brez where the sovereign has its places of power. The ''scions'' must first be led into position. This will require work by the Varushkan covens - or their allies. They will need to create a wall that leaves the scions no alternate route but to enter the forests of Murupa. This would be done by ~~Raising~~ [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|ice citadels]]~~, or by~~ weaving wards of [[Forge the Wooden Fastness\|living wood~~]] or [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen\|coiling mist~~]] in [[Volodmartz#Opascari\|Opascari]] ~~and [[Volodmartz#Opascari\|Suvretz]]~~ but ''not'' in [[Volodmartz#Murupa\|Murupa]] or [[Volodmartz#Brez\|Brez]]. The Shepherds of Ash will be unable to resist the lure of slaughtering the people of Murupa and Brez, of the chance to destroy [[Volodmartz#Void\|Void]], of the opportunity to claim the Granites of Veltsgorsk... of the teasing promise of the [[regio]] that lies at the heart of the Star Caverns. As soon as they reach the caves, however, the trap will close. The sovereign will take them.		The place the shadow has selected is the ''Star Caverns'' under [[Volodmartz#Murupa\|Murupa]]. The caverns lie in the far north of that region, in the hills south of the Mountains of Brez where the sovereign has its places of power. The ''scions'' must first be led into position. This will require work by the Varushkan covens - or their allies. They will need to create a wall that leaves the scions no alternate route but to enter the forests of Murupa. This would be done by raising [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|ice citadels]] in [[Volodmartz#Opascari\|Suvretz]] and weaving wards of [[Forge the Wooden Fastness\|living wood]] in [[Volodmartz#Opascari\|Opascari]], but ''not'' in [[Volodmartz#Murupa\|Murupa]] or [[Volodmartz#Brez\|Brez]]. The Shepherds of Ash will be unable to resist the lure of slaughtering the people of Murupa and Brez, of the chance to destroy [[Volodmartz#Void\|Void]], of the opportunity to claim the Granites of Veltsgorsk... of the teasing promise of the [[regio]] that lies at the heart of the Star Caverns. As soon as they reach the caves, however, the trap will close. The sovereign will take them.

	All of them.		All of them.

Responsible1: /* Delving Deep */

2024-04-18T19:43:13Z

Delving Deep

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:43, 18 April 2024
Line 62:		Line 62:
	==Delving Deep==		==Delving Deep==
	* '''There are further signs that a certain ancient horror has become more active'''		* '''There are further signs that a certain ancient horror has become more active'''
	There is something in the darkness beneath the Mountains, a [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns\|sovereign]] that some stories refer to as the [[Night Below]]. Others call it ''Blackdamp'', ''Listening Dark'', ''Haunter'', ''Extinguished Sun'' and a dozen or more other names, each more fanciful and foreboding than the last. It has never been quiescent, but in the last year or so it has become ~~noticably~~ more active. Indeed, there's some suggestion the disappearances around the [[Various_storms_and_saints#The_Cave_of_Zoria\|Cave of Zoria]] might be the result of this entity (or its servants). It may well be the entity that some sense in the depths of the [[Granites of Veltsgorsk]]. Sensible Varushkan miners, in [[Miekarova]] and [[Volodmartz]] particularly, know the importance of carving watchful faces into pit props, and ensuring that they have plenty of lights. When the lamps start to burn out a little too quickly, when the lightstones begin to flicker, they either reinforce the tunnels with additional wards or else seal the affected passages and seek other veins. In the end it's maybe no wonder so many Varushkan miners in the north end up leaving the tunnels behind to become wagon-raiders or sell-swords.		There is something in the darkness beneath the Mountains, a [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns\|sovereign]] that some stories refer to as the [[Night Below]]. Others call it ''Blackdamp'', ''Listening Dark'', ''Haunter'', ''Extinguished Sun'' and a dozen or more other names, each more fanciful and foreboding than the last. It has never been quiescent, but in the last year or so it has become noticeably more active. Indeed, there's some suggestion the disappearances around the [[Various_storms_and_saints#The_Cave_of_Zoria\|Cave of Zoria]] might be the result of this entity (or its servants). It may well be the entity that some sense in the depths of the [[Granites of Veltsgorsk]]. Sensible Varushkan miners, in [[Miekarova]] and [[Volodmartz]] particularly, know the importance of carving watchful faces into pit props, and ensuring that they have plenty of lights. When the lamps start to burn out a little too quickly, when the lightstones begin to flicker, they either reinforce the tunnels with additional wards or else seal the affected passages and seek other veins. In the end it's maybe no wonder so many Varushkan miners in the north end up leaving the tunnels behind to become wagon-raiders or sell-swords.

	In recent months, the shadow under the northern mountains seems to have roused itself further. Every miner seems to know someone with a story of someone who has gone missing in the middle of a shift. Travelers along the northern Iron Roads carry rumours of watchers in the darkness beneath the trees, or voices that try to entice them to leave the safety of the road when they pass near the foothills of the soaring peaks. The bats have been fluttering in the dreams of those visiting the [[Guardian_of_the_Maze_of_Zoria#The_Maze_of_Zoria\|Maze of Zoria]], twittering tales of foolish bargains, the rolling night, and the dark beneath the hills.		In recent months, the shadow under the northern mountains seems to have roused itself further. Every miner seems to know someone with a story of someone who has gone missing in the middle of a shift. Travelers along the northern Iron Roads carry rumours of watchers in the darkness beneath the trees, or voices that try to entice them to leave the safety of the road when they pass near the foothills of the soaring peaks. The bats have been fluttering in the dreams of those visiting the [[Guardian_of_the_Maze_of_Zoria#The_Maze_of_Zoria\|Maze of Zoria]], twittering tales of foolish bargains, the rolling night, and the dark beneath the hills.

Hailmur: /* Illumination */

2024-04-18T19:17:51Z

Illumination

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:17, 18 April 2024
Line 82:		Line 82:
	<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="float: right; margin-left:10px; width=50%; max-width:400px;">		<table class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="float: right; margin-left:10px; width=50%; max-width:400px;">
	<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''House of Illumination and Light Market'''</td></tr>		<tr><td style="background-color: LightBlue;">'''House of Illumination and Light Market'''</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Commission Type: '''[[Great Work]]</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Commission Type: '''[[Great work\|Great Work]]</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Location:''' Both Cargo, Redoubt and Dupadealuri, Miekarova </td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Location:''' Both Cargo, Redoubt and Dupadealuri, Miekarova </td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 75 wains of white granite, 225 crowns, six months</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 75 wains of white granite, 225 crowns, six months</td></tr>

Noserenda: /* Blot out the Sun */

2024-04-18T19:14:41Z

Blot out the Sun

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:14, 18 April 2024
Line 132:		Line 132:
	At the moment, the Varushkan covens have them penned in at [[Volodmartz#Livardz\|Livardz]] but the phantasm offers a bargain. It will claim the [[Things_that_burn#The_Shepherds_of_Ash\|Shepherds of Ash]]. Take them into itself, into the darkness that no light can penetrate. For their part, all the Varushkans need to do is lure them into a place where the sovereign can enfold them. And meet its price...		At the moment, the Varushkan covens have them penned in at [[Volodmartz#Livardz\|Livardz]] but the phantasm offers a bargain. It will claim the [[Things_that_burn#The_Shepherds_of_Ash\|Shepherds of Ash]]. Take them into itself, into the darkness that no light can penetrate. For their part, all the Varushkans need to do is lure them into a place where the sovereign can enfold them. And meet its price...

	The place the shadow has selected is the ''Star Caverns'' under [[Volodmartz#Murupa\|Murupa]]. The caverns lie in the far north of that region, in the hills south of the Mountains of Brez where the sovereign has its places of power. The ''scions'' must first be led into position. This will require work by the Varushkan covens - or their allies. They will need to create a wall that leaves the scions no alternate route but to enter the forests of Murupa. This would be done by Raising [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|ice citadels]], or by weaving wards of [[Forge the Wooden Fastness\|living wood]] or [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen\|coiling mist]] in [[Volodmartz#Opascari\|Opascari]] and [[Volodmartz#Opascari\|Suvretz]] but ''not'' in [[Volodmartz#Murupa\|Murupa]] or [[Volodmartz#Brez\|Brez]]. The Shepherds of Ash will be unable to resist the lure of slaughtering the people of Murupa and Brez, of the chance to destroy[[Volodmartz#Void\|Void]], of the opportunity to claim the Granites of Veltsgorsk... of the teasing promise of the [[regio]] that lies at the heart of the Star Caverns. As soon as they reach the caves, however, the trap will close. The sovereign will take them.		The place the shadow has selected is the ''Star Caverns'' under [[Volodmartz#Murupa\|Murupa]]. The caverns lie in the far north of that region, in the hills south of the Mountains of Brez where the sovereign has its places of power. The ''scions'' must first be led into position. This will require work by the Varushkan covens - or their allies. They will need to create a wall that leaves the scions no alternate route but to enter the forests of Murupa. This would be done by Raising [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|ice citadels]], or by weaving wards of [[Forge the Wooden Fastness\|living wood]] or [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen\|coiling mist]] in [[Volodmartz#Opascari\|Opascari]] and [[Volodmartz#Opascari\|Suvretz]] but ''not'' in [[Volodmartz#Murupa\|Murupa]] or [[Volodmartz#Brez\|Brez]]. The Shepherds of Ash will be unable to resist the lure of slaughtering the people of Murupa and Brez, of the chance to destroy [[Volodmartz#Void\|Void]], of the opportunity to claim the Granites of Veltsgorsk... of the teasing promise of the [[regio]] that lies at the heart of the Star Caverns. As soon as they reach the caves, however, the trap will close. The sovereign will take them.

	All of them.		All of them.
Line 173:		Line 173:
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Desilav10126.jpg\|\|caption=Desilav Sergeyevich Jesen (centre), Senator Volodmartz\|align=right\|width=400}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Desilav10126.jpg\|\|caption=Desilav Sergeyevich Jesen (centre), Senator Volodmartz\|align=right\|width=400}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Ostrik11793.jpg\|caption=Ostrik Vulpe (right), Keeper of Berislav's Rest\|align=right\|width=400}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Ostrik11793.jpg\|caption=Ostrik Vulpe (right), Keeper of Berislav's Rest\|align=right\|width=400}}

	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==
	* [[Night Below]]		* [[Night Below]]
	* [[The_horror_and_the_wild#Speakers_of_the_Void\|Speakers of the Void]] - 385YE Summer Wind of Fortune section presenting the Deep Chamber		* [[The_horror_and_the_wild#Speakers_of_the_Void\|Speakers of the Void]] - 385YE Summer Wind of Fortune section presenting the Deep Chamber

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:07, 12 July 2025
Line 64:		Line 64:
	There is something in the darkness beneath the Mountains, a [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns\|sovereign]] that some stories refer to as the [[Night Below]]. Others call it ''Blackdamp'', ''Listening Dark'', ''Haunter'', ''Extinguished Sun'' and a dozen or more other names, each more fanciful and foreboding than the last. It has never been quiescent, but in the last year or so it has become noticeably more active. Indeed, there's some suggestion the disappearances around the [[Various_storms_and_saints#The_Cave_of_Zoria\|Cave of Zoria]] might be the result of this entity (or its servants). It may well be the entity that some sense in the depths of the [[Granites of Veltsgorsk]]. Sensible Varushkan miners, in [[Miekarova]] and [[Volodmartz]] particularly, know the importance of carving watchful faces into pit props, and ensuring that they have plenty of lights. When the lamps start to burn out a little too quickly, when the lightstones begin to flicker, they either reinforce the tunnels with additional wards or else seal the affected passages and seek other veins. In the end it's maybe no wonder so many Varushkan miners in the north end up leaving the tunnels behind to become wagon-raiders or sell-swords.		There is something in the darkness beneath the Mountains, a [[Varushkan_Monster#Sovereigns\|sovereign]] that some stories refer to as the [[Night Below]]. Others call it ''Blackdamp'', ''Listening Dark'', ''Haunter'', ''Extinguished Sun'' and a dozen or more other names, each more fanciful and foreboding than the last. It has never been quiescent, but in the last year or so it has become noticeably more active. Indeed, there's some suggestion the disappearances around the [[Various_storms_and_saints#The_Cave_of_Zoria\|Cave of Zoria]] might be the result of this entity (or its servants). It may well be the entity that some sense in the depths of the [[Granites of Veltsgorsk]]. Sensible Varushkan miners, in [[Miekarova]] and [[Volodmartz]] particularly, know the importance of carving watchful faces into pit props, and ensuring that they have plenty of lights. When the lamps start to burn out a little too quickly, when the lightstones begin to flicker, they either reinforce the tunnels with additional wards or else seal the affected passages and seek other veins. In the end it's maybe no wonder so many Varushkan miners in the north end up leaving the tunnels behind to become wagon-raiders or sell-swords.

	In recent months, the shadow under the northern mountains seems to have roused itself further. Every miner seems to know someone with a story of someone who has gone missing in the middle of a shift. ~~Travelers~~ along the northern Iron Roads carry rumours of watchers in the darkness beneath the trees, or voices that try to entice them to leave the safety of the road when they pass near the foothills of the soaring peaks. The bats have been fluttering in the dreams of those visiting the [[Guardian_of_the_Maze_of_Zoria#The_Maze_of_Zoria\|Maze of Zoria]], twittering tales of foolish bargains, the rolling night, and the dark beneath the hills.		In recent months, the shadow under the northern mountains seems to have roused itself further. Every miner seems to know someone with a story of someone who has gone missing in the middle of a shift. Travellers along the northern Iron Roads carry rumours of watchers in the darkness beneath the trees, or voices that try to entice them to leave the safety of the road when they pass near the foothills of the soaring peaks. The bats have been fluttering in the dreams of those visiting the [[Guardian_of_the_Maze_of_Zoria#The_Maze_of_Zoria\|Maze of Zoria]], twittering tales of foolish bargains, the rolling night, and the dark beneath the hills.

	<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Lightstones.jpg\|align=right\|caption=[[Technology#Lightstones\|Lightstone]] is an uncommon crystalline mineral mined primarily in the peaks of [[Urizen]].\|width=300}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Lightstones.jpg\|align=right\|caption=[[Technology#Lightstones\|Lightstone]] is an uncommon crystalline mineral mined primarily in the peaks of [[Urizen]].\|width=300}}</div>