Rivers Run Red - Revision history

Rafferty: /* Description */

2026-09-10T12:44:04Z

Description

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:44, 10 September 2026
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	Rivers Run Red parallels [[Rivers of Life]], although it is much clearer that it is a curse. Like that ritual, it directly impacts the outcome of a campaign battle by changing the way casualties are calculated, and some of the commentary around that ritual also applies here. Going forward, it's worth noting that unlike other magical effects from multiple sources, it is ''not'' possible to "stack" several effects that change casualties in a territory. Only the most powerful applies a reduction (or increase) to a campaign battle. Like Rivers of Life, it doesn't work quite the same way as other large-scale magics do and anything that draws on it for inspiration has a high risk of failure. Sometimes magic is just like that.</box></div>		Rivers Run Red parallels [[Rivers of Life]], although it is much clearer that it is a curse. Like that ritual, it directly impacts the outcome of a campaign battle by changing the way casualties are calculated, and some of the commentary around that ritual also applies here. Going forward, it's worth noting that unlike other magical effects from multiple sources, it is ''not'' possible to "stack" several effects that change casualties in a territory. Only the most powerful applies a reduction (or increase) to a campaign battle. Like Rivers of Life, it doesn't work quite the same way as other large-scale magics do and anything that draws on it for inspiration has a high risk of failure. Sometimes magic is just like that.</box></div>
	In Winter 380YE, Rivers Run Red was one of two rituals cast on the [[Mournwold]] during the [[381YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Let_That_Be_Your_Last_Battlefield_.28Mournwold.29\|bloody battle]] with the [[Jotun]]. An absolutely ''astonishing'' number of people - [[orc\|orcs]] and humans alike - died as a direct consequence. The combination of Rivers Run Red and an eerie, sighing [[Winter magic\|Winter]] wind killed a sixth of the civilian population across the Mournwold as well as more than half of the remaining population of the [[Mournwold#Greensward\|Greensward]] where most of the fighting took place. There was [[All along the watchtower\|extensive backlash]] from the Marches, and [[Empress Lisabetta]] herself became involved. Ultimately the Conclave chose to interdict the ritual, which helped to salve some of the anger from the Mournwold, but it quickly became clear that if that interdiction were removed any time soon there will be significant consequences. Indeed, questions about the Conclave's commitment to the interdiction arguably led to [[Tend_to_the_Flame#What_We_Need_Most\|renewed calls]] for the creation of the [[Interdiction#Remorse\|Declaration of Remorse]] as a way to permanently remove the ritual and similar curses from [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List\|Imperial lore]]. One positive consequence of the enduring interdiction, at least in the Marches, is that it encouraged some [[landskeeper\|landskeepers]] to offer to help [[farm]] owners there [[Honey and vinegar\|augment their land]] with specially crafted menhirs. These allowed them to [[farm#Diversification\|diversify]] their farms so that they could produce small amounts of crystal mana to support magicians who worked to keep the ritual from ever being performed again.		In Winter 380YE, Rivers Run Red was one of two rituals cast on the [[Mournwold]] during the [[381YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Let_That_Be_Your_Last_Battlefield_.28Mournwold.29\|bloody battle]] with the [[Jotun]]. An absolutely ''astonishing'' number of people - [[orc\|orcs]] and humans alike - died as a direct consequence. The combination of Rivers Run Red and an eerie, sighing [[Winter magic\|Winter]] wind killed a sixth of the civilian population across the Mournwold as well as more than half of the remaining population of the [[Mournwold#Greensward\|Greensward]] where most of the fighting took place. There was [[All along the watchtower\|extensive backlash]] from the Marches, and [[Empress Lisabetta]] herself became involved. Ultimately the Conclave chose to interdict the ritual, which helped to salve some of the anger from the Mournwold, but it quickly became clear that if that interdiction were removed any time soon there will be significant consequences. Indeed, questions about the Conclave's commitment to the interdiction arguably led to [[Tend_to_the_Flame#What_We_Need_Most\|renewed calls]] for the creation of the [[Interdiction#Remorse\|Declaration of Remorse]] as a way to permanently remove the ritual and similar curses from [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List\|Imperial lore]]. One positive consequence of the enduring interdiction, at least in the Marches, is that it encouraged some [[landskeeper\|landskeepers]] to offer to help [[farm]] owners there [[Honey and vinegar\|augment their land]] with specially crafted menhirs. These allowed them to [[farm#Diversification\|diversify]] their farms so that they could produce small amounts of crystal mana to support magicians who worked to keep the ritual from ever being performed again.

			The ritual underwent a [[A_habit_I_can%27t_break#Rivers_Red_and_Lively\|significant change]] that was noted at the start of the Autumn Equinox 388YE. Rivers Run Red and Rivers of Life no longer simply removed each other, instead ''replacing'' each other. The existing ritual fails and the second takes full effect. Once one of them is in effect, it isn't possible to just remove it - only shift whether it is keeping death at bay or attracting it. At the same time it seems that the generally held belief that there is no way to replicate Rivers of Life or Rivers Run Red with another realm of magic is no longer the case. The [[Unfettered Mind]] in particular are of the opinion that [[Winter magic]] can create similar effects - but that they would have the same relationship to each other and to the Spring rituals. That is, if a notional Winter "Rivers of Life" were cast on a territory under one of the Spring curses, it would replace that curse, and vice versa. The theory is that the effects of the two Rivers spells (and their Winter equivalents) somehow occupy the same "space" in the magical make-up of a territory, and that "space" can only hold one ritual at a time.

	==Common Elements==		==Common Elements==

Rafferty: /* Rivers Run Riot */

2026-09-10T12:41:58Z

Rivers Run Riot

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	{{Season Duration}}		{{Season Duration}}
	===Rivers Run Riot===		===Rivers Run Riot===
	Rivers Run Red replaces [[Rivers of Life]], and also is replaced by it. Note that, since the start of the Autumn Equinox 388YE, each curse no longer simply removes the other, instead replacing it.		Rivers Run Red replaces [[Rivers of Life]], and also is replaced by it. Note that, since the [[A_habit_I_can%27t_break#Rivers_Red_and_Lively\|start of the Autumn Equinox 388YE]], each curse no longer simply removes the other, instead replacing it. The existing ritual fails and the second takes full effect. Once one of them is in effect, it isn't possible to just remove it - only shift whether it is keeping death at bay or attracting it.

	==Description==		==Description==

Kirkbride at 11:16, 10 September 2026

2026-09-10T11:16:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:16, 10 September 2026
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	{{Season Duration}}		{{Season Duration}}
	===Rivers Run Riot===		===Rivers Run Riot===
	Rivers Run Red replaces [[Rivers of Life]], and also ~~replaces~~ it. Note that, since the start of the Autumn Equinox 388YE, each curse no longer simply removes the other, instead replacing it.		Rivers Run Red replaces [[Rivers of Life]], and also is replaced by it. Note that, since the start of the Autumn Equinox 388YE, each curse no longer simply removes the other, instead replacing it.

	==Description==		==Description==

Kirkbride at 11:16, 10 September 2026

2026-09-10T11:16:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:16, 10 September 2026
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	{{Season Duration}}		{{Season Duration}}
	===~~Removing the Curse~~===		===Rivers Run Riot===
	Rivers Run Red ~~removes~~ [[Rivers of Life]], and is also ~~removed by~~ it. Note that ~~neither curse ''replaces''~~ the ~~other. If a coven wishes to have Rivers Run Red take effect on a territory currently under Rivers~~ of ~~Life~~, ~~they would need to cast~~ the ~~ritual ''twice'' (once to remove Rivers of Life~~, ~~and once to place the Rivers Run Red effect)~~.		Rivers Run Red replaces [[Rivers of Life]], and also replaces it. Note that, since the start of the Autumn Equinox 388YE, each curse no longer simply removes the other, instead replacing it.

	==Description==		==Description==

Dre at 13:04, 28 May 2026

2026-05-28T13:04:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:04, 28 May 2026
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	Liquid of some kind often serves as a focus for this ritual. Pure water or fine wine that is befouled with mud or blood during the performance is especially popular. Symbols of death and sickness may be used, especially invocations of flies, mosquitos and other vermin. A map or symbol of the target territory may be employed, ultimately drenched or destroyed with filthy liquid or blood. The malign nature of the ritual often sees magicians wearing masks or cowls - which serve the dual purpose of guarding them from any potential for stray strands of magic that might sicken them, and protecting them from identification by those who might oppose the casting.		Liquid of some kind often serves as a focus for this ritual. Pure water or fine wine that is befouled with mud or blood during the performance is especially popular. Symbols of death and sickness may be used, especially invocations of flies, mosquitos and other vermin. A map or symbol of the target territory may be employed, ultimately drenched or destroyed with filthy liquid or blood. The malign nature of the ritual often sees magicians wearing masks or cowls - which serve the dual purpose of guarding them from any potential for stray strands of magic that might sicken them, and protecting them from identification by those who might oppose the casting.

	The runes [[Rhyv]], [[Kyrop]] and [[Mawrig]] are commonly used during this ritual, and the constellation of [[The Drowned ~~Man~~]] is often evoked. A [[Aspect magic#Heraldic Magic\|heraldic magician]] might evoke the [[Legendary_beasts#Hydra\|hydra]] or the [[Legendary_beasts#Sphinxes_and_Manticores\|manticore]], while a master of [[Aspect_magic#Beast_Magic\|beast magic]] would invoke venomous beasts (although [[the Marches\|Marcher]] magicians also include those vermin dangerous to crops such as crows and rats). A [[dramaturgy\|dramaturge]] likely evokes [[the Garden]], subverting it with sickness and poison and perhaps ultimately transforming it into [[the Tomb]] with the use of [[the Cup]]. While a [[Aspect_magic#Goetia\|goetic]] magician most likely evokes [[Arhallogen]], or perhaps [[Llofir]], the malign nature of the ritual means that [[the Thrice-cursed Court]] or [[Agramant]] might also be evoked despite the ritual being firmly part of [[Spring magic]].		The runes [[Rhyv]], [[Kyrop]] and [[Mawrig]] are commonly used during this ritual, and the constellation of [[The Drowned Shepherd]] is often evoked. A [[Aspect magic#Heraldic Magic\|heraldic magician]] might evoke the [[Legendary_beasts#Hydra\|hydra]] or the [[Legendary_beasts#Sphinxes_and_Manticores\|manticore]], while a master of [[Aspect_magic#Beast_Magic\|beast magic]] would invoke venomous beasts (although [[the Marches\|Marcher]] magicians also include those vermin dangerous to crops such as crows and rats). A [[dramaturgy\|dramaturge]] likely evokes [[the Garden]], subverting it with sickness and poison and perhaps ultimately transforming it into [[the Tomb]] with the use of [[the Cup]]. While a [[Aspect_magic#Goetia\|goetic]] magician most likely evokes [[Arhallogen]], or perhaps [[Llofir]], the malign nature of the ritual means that [[the Thrice-cursed Court]] or [[Agramant]] might also be evoked despite the ritual being firmly part of [[Spring magic]].

	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==

Rafferty at 13:07, 1 April 2026

2026-04-01T13:07:59Z

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	===Effects===		===Effects===

	The ritual targets a single territory. Over the course of the next few days, a powerful [[curse]] settles over the territory. All casualties suffered by campaign-level armies fighting in the targeted territory are doubled.		The ritual targets a single territory. Over the course of the next few days, a powerful [[curse]] settles over the territory. All casualties suffered by campaign-level [[army\|armies]], [[navy\|navies]], and [[Fortification#Garrison\|garrisons]] fighting in the targeted territory are doubled.

	Navies are only affected by this curse if they are taking a [[Navy_orders\|coastal order]], rather than a maritime order. The curse does not affect casualties caused by environmental factors, or by an army disbanding due to lack of support.

	{{Territory Effects}}		{{Territory Effects}}

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

2026-01-16T09:42:43Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:42, 16 January 2026
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	For the common inhabitants, this means a miserable time. Death is significantly more likely from otherwise preventable causes, and sickness runs rampant. Its effects are of particular worry to the commanders of armies. The stinking mud and noisome rivers drain energy and slowly poison soldiers in the area. Even bottles of wine, barrels of beer, or fresh water in waterskins may be slowly influenced by this [[curse]]. Warriors who receive severe, but not life-threatening, injuries often succumb to them rather than recovering. Even relatively minor wounds can become infected, leading to fever, delirium, and death. There are cases of simple insect bites that lead to a doughty warrior taking ill in the evening and being dead by the next morning.		For the common inhabitants, this means a miserable time. Death is significantly more likely from otherwise preventable causes, and sickness runs rampant. Its effects are of particular worry to the commanders of armies. The stinking mud and noisome rivers drain energy and slowly poison soldiers in the area. Even bottles of wine, barrels of beer, or fresh water in waterskins may be slowly influenced by this [[curse]]. Warriors who receive severe, but not life-threatening, injuries often succumb to them rather than recovering. Even relatively minor wounds can become infected, leading to fever, delirium, and death. There are cases of simple insect bites that lead to a doughty warrior taking ill in the evening and being dead by the next morning.

	Much as with Rivers of Life, the ritual has fascinated Imperial magicians for centuries. It has a dramatic impact, but creating similar magical effects in other realms or which impact different elements of a [[Campaign outcome\|military campaign]] have proved impossible without peculiar and unpredictable [[astronomancy\|conjunctions]]. Attempts to codify magic such as the Winter wind that exacerbated the situation in the Mournwold, for example, have been fruitless. Likewise, efforts to create similar curses or [[enchantment\|enchantments]] that fill a [[territory]] with magic in the hope of influencing the effectiveness of [[~~Imperial army~~\|armies]] have ended in failure. It is possible there is an [[eternal]] involved, but unlike rituals such as [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] there has never been any hint that this is the case. Perhaps, like the peculiar properties of [[Traitor's Fate]] that allow its effects to be [[Traitor%27s_Fate#Option\|made permanent]] for a single ring of [[ilium]], this is simply an example of a deeper mystery that will never be solved.		Much as with Rivers of Life, the ritual has fascinated Imperial magicians for centuries. It has a dramatic impact, but creating similar magical effects in other realms or which impact different elements of a [[Campaign outcome\|military campaign]] have proved impossible without peculiar and unpredictable [[astronomancy\|conjunctions]]. Attempts to codify magic such as the Winter wind that exacerbated the situation in the Mournwold, for example, have been fruitless. Likewise, efforts to create similar curses or [[enchantment\|enchantments]] that fill a [[territory]] with magic in the hope of influencing the effectiveness of [[Army\|armies]] have ended in failure. It is possible there is an [[eternal]] involved, but unlike rituals such as [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] there has never been any hint that this is the case. Perhaps, like the peculiar properties of [[Traitor's Fate]] that allow its effects to be [[Traitor%27s_Fate#Option\|made permanent]] for a single ring of [[ilium]], this is simply an example of a deeper mystery that will never be solved.
	<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box>'''A Poor Template'''<br>		<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box>'''A Poor Template'''<br>
	Rivers Run Red parallels [[Rivers of Life]], although it is much clearer that it is a curse. Like that ritual, it directly impacts the outcome of a campaign battle by changing the way casualties are calculated, and some of the commentary around that ritual also applies here. Going forward, it's worth noting that unlike other magical effects from multiple sources, it is ''not'' possible to "stack" several effects that change casualties in a territory. Only the most powerful applies a reduction (or increase) to a campaign battle. Like Rivers of Life, it doesn't work quite the same way as other large-scale magics do and anything that draws on it for inspiration has a high risk of failure. Sometimes magic is just like that.</box></div>		Rivers Run Red parallels [[Rivers of Life]], although it is much clearer that it is a curse. Like that ritual, it directly impacts the outcome of a campaign battle by changing the way casualties are calculated, and some of the commentary around that ritual also applies here. Going forward, it's worth noting that unlike other magical effects from multiple sources, it is ''not'' possible to "stack" several effects that change casualties in a territory. Only the most powerful applies a reduction (or increase) to a campaign battle. Like Rivers of Life, it doesn't work quite the same way as other large-scale magics do and anything that draws on it for inspiration has a high risk of failure. Sometimes magic is just like that.</box></div>

Twiggy at 18:32, 15 January 2026

2026-01-15T18:32:49Z

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	Where [[Rivers of Life]] fills the water in a territory with potent life-giving power, ''Rivers Run Red'' poisons the water. Worse, it encourages rivers, streams, and lakes to break their banks, causing widespread flooding. The watercourses rush fast and strong, overwhelming simple fords and threatening to sweep away bridges. Lowlands become mired with mud and marshes swell. Worse, the water itself encourages minor pestilence, the birth of venomous insects, and wounds that fester or become infected.		Where [[Rivers of Life]] fills the water in a territory with potent life-giving power, ''Rivers Run Red'' poisons the water. Worse, it encourages rivers, streams, and lakes to break their banks, causing widespread flooding. The watercourses rush fast and strong, overwhelming simple fords and threatening to sweep away bridges. Lowlands become mired with mud and marshes swell. Worse, the water itself encourages minor pestilence, the birth of venomous insects, and wounds that fester or become infected.

	Like many similar rituals from the Spring ~~Realm~~, ''Rivers Run Red'' must be used carefully. It is most effective when the allied armies greatly outnumber their enemies; while the ritualists' allies will suffer a little from the ritual, the enemies may be effectively devastated by the increased casualties. The [[Druj]] in particular are known to make regular use of magic similar to this ritual, ensuring that those who dare to engage them in battle pay a terrible price for doing so, even as their own warriors die in their droves.		Like many similar rituals from the Spring realm, ''Rivers Run Red'' must be used carefully. It is most effective when the allied armies greatly outnumber their enemies; while the ritualists' allies will suffer a little from the ritual, the enemies may be effectively devastated by the increased casualties. The [[Druj]] in particular are known to make regular use of magic similar to this ritual, ensuring that those who dare to engage them in battle pay a terrible price for doing so, even as their own warriors die in their droves.

	For the common inhabitants, this means a miserable time. Death is significantly more likely from otherwise preventable causes, and sickness runs rampant. Its effects are of particular worry to the commanders of armies. The stinking mud and noisome rivers drain energy and slowly poison soldiers in the area. Even bottles of wine, barrels of beer, or fresh water in waterskins may be slowly influenced by this [[curse]]. Warriors who receive severe, but not life-threatening, injuries often succumb to them rather than recovering. Even relatively minor wounds can become infected, leading to fever, delirium, and death. There are cases of simple insect bites that lead to a doughty warrior taking ill in the evening and being dead by the next morning.		For the common inhabitants, this means a miserable time. Death is significantly more likely from otherwise preventable causes, and sickness runs rampant. Its effects are of particular worry to the commanders of armies. The stinking mud and noisome rivers drain energy and slowly poison soldiers in the area. Even bottles of wine, barrels of beer, or fresh water in waterskins may be slowly influenced by this [[curse]]. Warriors who receive severe, but not life-threatening, injuries often succumb to them rather than recovering. Even relatively minor wounds can become infected, leading to fever, delirium, and death. There are cases of simple insect bites that lead to a doughty warrior taking ill in the evening and being dead by the next morning.

Twiggy at 19:56, 30 July 2025

2025-07-30T19:56:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:56, 30 July 2025
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	===Effects===		===Effects===

	The ritual targets a single territory. Over the course of the next few days a powerful [[curse]] settles over the territory. All casualties suffered by campaign-level armies fighting in the targeted territory are doubled.		The ritual targets a single territory. Over the course of the next few days, a powerful [[curse]] settles over the territory. All casualties suffered by campaign-level armies fighting in the targeted territory are doubled.

	Navies are only affected by this curse if they are taking a [[Navy_orders\|coastal order]], rather than a maritime order. The curse does not affect casualties caused by environmental factors, or by an army disbanding due to lack of support.		Navies are only affected by this curse if they are taking a [[Navy_orders\|coastal order]], rather than a maritime order. The curse does not affect casualties caused by environmental factors, or by an army disbanding due to lack of support.

Twiggy: /* Common Elements */

2025-07-13T15:07:39Z

Common Elements

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:07, 13 July 2025
Line 36:		Line 36:
	Liquid of some kind often serves as a focus for this ritual. Pure water or fine wine that is befouled with mud or blood during the performance is especially popular. Symbols of death and sickness may be used, especially invocations of flies, mosquitos and other vermin. A map or symbol of the target territory may be employed, ultimately drenched or destroyed with filthy liquid or blood. The malign nature of the ritual often sees magicians wearing masks or cowls - which serve the dual purpose of guarding them from any potential for stray strands of magic that might sicken them, and protecting them from identification by those who might oppose the casting.		Liquid of some kind often serves as a focus for this ritual. Pure water or fine wine that is befouled with mud or blood during the performance is especially popular. Symbols of death and sickness may be used, especially invocations of flies, mosquitos and other vermin. A map or symbol of the target territory may be employed, ultimately drenched or destroyed with filthy liquid or blood. The malign nature of the ritual often sees magicians wearing masks or cowls - which serve the dual purpose of guarding them from any potential for stray strands of magic that might sicken them, and protecting them from identification by those who might oppose the casting.

	The runes [[Rhyv]], [[Kyrop]] and [[Mawrig]] are commonly used during this ritual, and the constellation of [[The Drowned Man]] is often evoked. A [[Aspect magic#Heraldic Magic\|heraldic magician]] might evoke the [[Legendary_beasts#Hydra\|hydra]] or the [[Legendary_beasts#Sphinxes_and_Manticores\|manticore]], while a master of [[Aspect_magic#Beast_Magic\|beast magic]] would invoke venomous beasts (although [[the Marches\|Marcher]] magicians also include those vermin dangerous to crops such as crows and rats). A [[~~dramatirgy~~\|dramaturge]] likely evokes [[the Garden]], subverting it with sickness and poison and perhaps ultimately transforming it into [[the Tomb]] with the use of [[the Cup]]. While a [[Aspect_magic#Goetia\|goetic]] magician most likely evokes [[Arhallogen]], or perhaps [[Llofir]], the malign nature of the ritual means that [the Thrice-cursed Court]] or [[Agramant]] might also be evoked despite the ritual being firmly part of [[Spring magic]].		The runes [[Rhyv]], [[Kyrop]] and [[Mawrig]] are commonly used during this ritual, and the constellation of [[The Drowned Man]] is often evoked. A [[Aspect magic#Heraldic Magic\|heraldic magician]] might evoke the [[Legendary_beasts#Hydra\|hydra]] or the [[Legendary_beasts#Sphinxes_and_Manticores\|manticore]], while a master of [[Aspect_magic#Beast_Magic\|beast magic]] would invoke venomous beasts (although [[the Marches\|Marcher]] magicians also include those vermin dangerous to crops such as crows and rats). A [[dramaturgy\|dramaturge]] likely evokes [[the Garden]], subverting it with sickness and poison and perhaps ultimately transforming it into [[the Tomb]] with the use of [[the Cup]]. While a [[Aspect_magic#Goetia\|goetic]] magician most likely evokes [[Arhallogen]], or perhaps [[Llofir]], the malign nature of the ritual means that [[the Thrice-cursed Court]] or [[Agramant]] might also be evoked despite the ritual being firmly part of [[Spring magic]].

	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==