Rubies in the snow - Revision history

Twiggy at 16:01, 16 March 2026

2026-03-16T16:01:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:01, 16 March 2026
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	==Kierheim==		==Kierheim==
	The city where Jarl Ustigar once ruled in the name of the Queen lies at one end of the [[Skallahn#The_Kongegőr\|Kongegőr]]. The bridge connects Skallahn to Hordalant, and Kalsea to Narkyst. Much of the prosperity of Kierheim comes from the traders who pass back and forth across the Kongegőr, trading the mineral wealth of the north for the victuals of the south. By the time the Imperial armies press into Bjarkey, the barbarian defences are settled against them. The garrisons of both Kierheim and Ulfrsborg are arrayed against them. Warriors from all across Skallahn come to support them, come at the command not of the Jarl, but of Queen Yrsa ~~Jansdottir~~ herself. It seems the Jarl of Jarls, the first among equals and the ruler of the northern Jotun, is still in Kierheim.		The city where Jarl Ustigar once ruled in the name of the Queen lies at one end of the [[Skallahn#The_Kongegőr\|Kongegőr]]. The bridge connects Skallahn to Hordalant, and Kalsea to Narkyst. Much of the prosperity of Kierheim comes from the traders who pass back and forth across the Kongegőr, trading the mineral wealth of the north for the victuals of the south. By the time the Imperial armies press into Bjarkey, the barbarian defences are settled against them. The garrisons of both Kierheim and Ulfrsborg are arrayed against them. Warriors from all across Skallahn come to support them, come at the command not of the Jarl, but of Queen Yrsa Jansdóttir herself. It seems the Jarl of Jarls, the first among equals and the ruler of the northern Jotun, is still in Kierheim.
	<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Determination of Ice.webp\|caption='''Determination of Ice Kaisa''', General of the Narwhal's Spear\|align=right\|width=400}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Determination of Ice.webp\|caption='''Determination of Ice Kaisa''', General of the Narwhal's Spear\|align=right\|width=400}}</div>
	Her presence is explained by tales extracted from frightened thralls and captured Jotun. [[Bedight_in_veils#The_Jarl's_Death\|Jarl Ustigar is dead]]; he died fighting the General of the Green Shields as a champion of his people. It should be a simple matter for his heir to take command of Kierheim. Yet there is apparently no clear successor; Ustigar asked that the Queen appoint the new Jarl partly so that they might begin their rule free of the shadow of his influence. The Jotun are not that dissimilar to the Empire, it seems. Imperial citizens rarely see their politics at work, for they keep such things far from the battlefield, but it seems the Jotun are as given to favouritism, manoeuvring, and patronage as any League or Freeborn citizen. The Queen is still here because there are three candidates with a good claim to the Jarldom, and none of them will step aside in favour of one of the others.		Her presence is explained by tales extracted from frightened thralls and captured Jotun. [[Bedight_in_veils#The_Jarl's_Death\|Jarl Ustigar is dead]]; he died fighting the General of the Green Shields as a champion of his people. It should be a simple matter for his heir to take command of Kierheim. Yet there is apparently no clear successor; Ustigar asked that the Queen appoint the new Jarl partly so that they might begin their rule free of the shadow of his influence. The Jotun are not that dissimilar to the Empire, it seems. Imperial citizens rarely see their politics at work, for they keep such things far from the battlefield, but it seems the Jotun are as given to favouritism, manoeuvring, and patronage as any League or Freeborn citizen. The Queen is still here because there are three candidates with a good claim to the Jarldom, and none of them will step aside in favour of one of the others.

	Each is popular, experienced, and a hero of their people. Deciding the matter with a contest of arms might be traditional, but there is no certainty that such a contest would actually settle things. There is also the risk that it might spill out of control, perhaps split the people of Skallahn when they must be unified. Queen Yrsa has sent north, it seems, to [[Tromsa#Majastind\|Mount Majastind]], for a certain ''ghodi'' who hears the voice of [[Elite_Jotun_troops#Ulvenwar\|Ulven]] especially clearly. Renowned for their wisdom, they can be trusted to choose with an even hand, present an outcome that will at least quiet rival voices, and not risk the position of the Jarl of Jarls. She may be called queen, but Yrsa ~~Jansdottir~~ - like the King of the south - is first among equals, and while her jarls do not say as much out loud, while they swear oaths of fealty, they do not sacrifice their pride or their ambition in the name of thoughtless service.		Each is popular, experienced, and a hero of their people. Deciding the matter with a contest of arms might be traditional, but there is no certainty that such a contest would actually settle things. There is also the risk that it might spill out of control, perhaps split the people of Skallahn when they must be unified. Queen Yrsa has sent north, it seems, to [[Tromsa#Majastind\|Mount Majastind]], for a certain ''ghodi'' who hears the voice of [[Elite_Jotun_troops#Ulvenwar\|Ulven]] especially clearly. Renowned for their wisdom, they can be trusted to choose with an even hand, present an outcome that will at least quiet rival voices, and not risk the position of the Jarl of Jarls. She may be called queen, but Yrsa Jansdóttir - like the King of the south - is first among equals, and while her jarls do not say as much out loud, while they swear oaths of fealty, they do not sacrifice their pride or their ambition in the name of thoughtless service.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Osric5853.jpg\|caption='''Iron Osric''', General of the Green Shield\|align=right\|width=200}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Osric5853.jpg\|caption='''Iron Osric''', General of the Green Shield\|align=right\|width=200}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Aracelis4339.jpg\|caption='''Aracelis i Erigo''', General of the Burning Falcon\|align=right\|width=200}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Aracelis4339.jpg\|caption='''Aracelis i Erigo''', General of the Burning Falcon\|align=right\|width=200}}
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	==The Walls Hold==		==The Walls Hold==
	In the end, though, the Jotun defenders have the edge. The Imperial forces are pushed back through the broken runemarked gate, and the siege engines fall silent. The Queen and her Jarls hold the city - just - against the Imperial assault. Yet the walls of Kierheim, the great fortification that has proudly ringed the seat of the Jarl since before the days of Emperor Guntherm, are cracked and battered. The walls have been stormed, the gates shattered, and the garrison has paid dearly to keep the city for another day. As the Winter Solstice dawns, the Empire's armies are camped before the walls; they have most of Bjarkey under their control and the whole of Greenwall. There can be little doubt that reinforcements are on their way - the Jarls of Tromsa and Bryadvik, and perhaps even distant Fjorknae, cannot deny the call of the Queen. There has been evidence in the past that the Jarls of Skallahn have good relations with the sovereign-lords of the [[Realms#Autumn\|Iron Labyrinth]], and half the armed force of the Jotun currently engaged in [[the Marches]] owe fealty to Yrsa ~~Jansdottir~~. Will it be enough to hold the Empire, to reclaim Skallahn? Or will the hammer of Autumn and the brazen fires, and the shield and spear, and the spreading wings of the pegasus, take the city of Jarl Ustigar and create a fracture-line between the north and the south?		In the end, though, the Jotun defenders have the edge. The Imperial forces are pushed back through the broken runemarked gate, and the siege engines fall silent. The Queen and her Jarls hold the city - just - against the Imperial assault. Yet the walls of Kierheim, the great fortification that has proudly ringed the seat of the Jarl since before the days of Emperor Guntherm, are cracked and battered. The walls have been stormed, the gates shattered, and the garrison has paid dearly to keep the city for another day. As the Winter Solstice dawns, the Empire's armies are camped before the walls; they have most of Bjarkey under their control and the whole of Greenwall. There can be little doubt that reinforcements are on their way - the Jarls of Tromsa and Bryadvik, and perhaps even distant Fjorknae, cannot deny the call of the Queen. There has been evidence in the past that the Jarls of Skallahn have good relations with the sovereign-lords of the [[Realms#Autumn\|Iron Labyrinth]], and half the armed force of the Jotun currently engaged in [[the Marches]] owe fealty to Yrsa Jansdóttir. Will it be enough to hold the Empire, to reclaim Skallahn? Or will the hammer of Autumn and the brazen fires, and the shield and spear, and the spreading wings of the pegasus, take the city of Jarl Ustigar and create a fracture-line between the north and the south?

	The runes are still bouncing on the cloth; the future is not yet written.		The runes are still bouncing on the cloth; the future is not yet written.

Hailmur: /* Kierheim */

2026-03-09T18:12:24Z

Kierheim

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:12, 9 March 2026
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	Each is popular, experienced, and a hero of their people. Deciding the matter with a contest of arms might be traditional, but there is no certainty that such a contest would actually settle things. There is also the risk that it might spill out of control, perhaps split the people of Skallahn when they must be unified. Queen Yrsa has sent north, it seems, to [[Tromsa#Majastind\|Mount Majastind]], for a certain ''ghodi'' who hears the voice of [[Elite_Jotun_troops#Ulvenwar\|Ulven]] especially clearly. Renowned for their wisdom, they can be trusted to choose with an even hand, present an outcome that will at least quiet rival voices, and not risk the position of the Jarl of Jarls. She may be called queen, but Yrsa Jansdottir - like the King of the south - is first among equals, and while her jarls do not say as much out loud, while they swear oaths of fealty, they do not sacrifice their pride or their ambition in the name of thoughtless service.		Each is popular, experienced, and a hero of their people. Deciding the matter with a contest of arms might be traditional, but there is no certainty that such a contest would actually settle things. There is also the risk that it might spill out of control, perhaps split the people of Skallahn when they must be unified. Queen Yrsa has sent north, it seems, to [[Tromsa#Majastind\|Mount Majastind]], for a certain ''ghodi'' who hears the voice of [[Elite_Jotun_troops#Ulvenwar\|Ulven]] especially clearly. Renowned for their wisdom, they can be trusted to choose with an even hand, present an outcome that will at least quiet rival voices, and not risk the position of the Jarl of Jarls. She may be called queen, but Yrsa Jansdottir - like the King of the south - is first among equals, and while her jarls do not say as much out loud, while they swear oaths of fealty, they do not sacrifice their pride or their ambition in the name of thoughtless service.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Osric5853.jpg\|caption=Iron Osric, General of the Green Shield\|align=right\|width=200}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Osric5853.jpg\|caption='''Iron Osric''', General of the Green Shield\|align=right\|width=200}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Aracelis4339.jpg\|caption='''Aracelis i Erigo''', General of the Burning Falcon\|align=right\|width=200}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Aracelis4339.jpg\|caption='''Aracelis i Erigo''', General of the Burning Falcon\|align=right\|width=200}}
	Regardless, the presence of the Queen simply means that the defence of Kierheim is being directed by one of the mightiest heroes of the Jotun. The bulk of the barbarian armies are in the south, fighting in the Marches. Skallahn does not have to drive the Empire's mighty armies out; it just needs to survive until the Queen can call her jarls back from the south to defend their lands. Messengers no doubt are already racing through Hordalant to Bregasland and Mitwold, but there is no chance of reinforcements until after the Winter Solstice. In the meantime, they must do everything they can to hold Bjarkey, to hold Kierheim, and to prevent the Empire from taking control of the northern end of the Kongegőr.		Regardless, the presence of the Queen simply means that the defence of Kierheim is being directed by one of the mightiest heroes of the Jotun. The bulk of the barbarian armies are in the south, fighting in the Marches. Skallahn does not have to drive the Empire's mighty armies out; it just needs to survive until the Queen can call her jarls back from the south to defend their lands. Messengers no doubt are already racing through Hordalant to Bregasland and Mitwold, but there is no chance of reinforcements until after the Winter Solstice. In the meantime, they must do everything they can to hold Bjarkey, to hold Kierheim, and to prevent the Empire from taking control of the northern end of the Kongegőr.

Twiggy at 14:35, 3 March 2026

2026-03-03T14:35:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:35, 3 March 2026
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	<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Monochrome Orcs.jpg\|caption=The orcs and humans of Skallahn fight as fiercely as any Imperial to defend their city.\|align=left\|width=500}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Monochrome Orcs.jpg\|caption=The orcs and humans of Skallahn fight as fiercely as any Imperial to defend their city.\|align=left\|width=500}}</div>
	==Gathering in Sermersuaq!==		==Gathering in Sermersuaq!==
			{{#ev:youtube\|link={{{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc7h4q6Qh58}}}\|300\|right}}
	The [[Narwhal's Spear]] is already in [[Sermersuaq]]. Following the Autumn Equinox, they are joined by five other Imperial armies. The [[Fire of the South]] have travelled the longest distance, all the way from [[the Mallum]], from [[Sarangrave]]. The [[Burning Falcon]] has come up from [[Mournwold]], making the bulk of the journey through Kallavesa alongside the [[Valiant Pegasus]] and the [[Autumn Hammers]] who had been billeted in [[Mitwold]], and the [[Green Shield]] from [[Upwold]]. Together the armies gather in [[Sermersuaq#Stark\|Stark]], a sea of tents spreading out around the [[Sermersuaq#Fortress_of_Kalant\|Fortress of Kalant]].		The [[Narwhal's Spear]] is already in [[Sermersuaq]]. Following the Autumn Equinox, they are joined by five other Imperial armies. The [[Fire of the South]] have travelled the longest distance, all the way from [[the Mallum]], from [[Sarangrave]]. The [[Burning Falcon]] has come up from [[Mournwold]], making the bulk of the journey through Kallavesa alongside the [[Valiant Pegasus]] and the [[Autumn Hammers]] who had been billeted in [[Mitwold]], and the [[Green Shield]] from [[Upwold]]. Together the armies gather in [[Sermersuaq#Stark\|Stark]], a sea of tents spreading out around the [[Sermersuaq#Fortress_of_Kalant\|Fortress of Kalant]].

Dre at 09:41, 16 February 2026

2026-02-16T09:41:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:41, 16 February 2026
Line 66:		Line 66:
	* '''Control of Bjarkey will grant control of the northern end of the Kongegőr'''		* '''Control of Bjarkey will grant control of the northern end of the Kongegőr'''
	* '''The Walls of Kierheim still stand but have taken a serious pounding'''		* '''The Walls of Kierheim still stand but have taken a serious pounding'''
	The Empire took the defenders of Skallahn by surprise with their bold attack. Imperial forces have conquered Greenwall, and are three-quarters of the way toward conquering Bjarkey. The new fortification rules come into effect at the start of the Winter Solstice, which have implications for the conquest of Bjarkey, but this season has seen the [[fortification#Bastion\|bastion]] take significant damage, and the [[fortification#garrison\|garrison]] significantly damaged. Our rules team is currently putting together a short [[Rules update 2026\|update]] as to how the transition to the new fortification rules will ~~effect~~ existing ~~capaigns~~ which we anticipate being presented shortly. We're asking people to hold off on queries until this goes up.		The Empire took the defenders of Skallahn by surprise with their bold attack. Imperial forces have conquered Greenwall, and are three-quarters of the way toward conquering Bjarkey. The new fortification rules come into effect at the start of the Winter Solstice, which have implications for the conquest of Bjarkey, but this season has seen the [[fortification#Bastion\|bastion]] take significant damage, and the [[fortification#garrison\|garrison]] significantly damaged. Our rules team is currently putting together a short [[Rules update 2026\|update]] as to how the transition to the new fortification rules will affect existing campaigns which we anticipate being presented shortly. We're asking people to hold off on queries until this goes up.

	Control of Bjarkey brings with it control of the northern end of the Kongegőr. As laid out by the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office\|Prognosticators Office]] by [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra\|Graciana]], this would present a [[A_bridge_too_far#Brute_Force\|strategic opportunity]] to split the northern Jotun kingdom off from the southern kingdom.		Control of Bjarkey brings with it control of the northern end of the Kongegőr. As laid out by the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office\|Prognosticators Office]] by [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra\|Graciana]], this would present a [[A_bridge_too_far#Brute_Force\|strategic opportunity]] to split the northern Jotun kingdom off from the southern kingdom.

Rafferty: /* Game Information */

2026-02-15T19:54:12Z

Game Information

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:54, 15 February 2026
Line 66:		Line 66:
	* '''Control of Bjarkey will grant control of the northern end of the Kongegőr'''		* '''Control of Bjarkey will grant control of the northern end of the Kongegőr'''
	* '''The Walls of Kierheim still stand but have taken a serious pounding'''		* '''The Walls of Kierheim still stand but have taken a serious pounding'''
	The Empire took the defenders of Skallahn by surprise with their bold attack. Imperial forces have conquered Greenwall, and are three-quarters of the way toward conquering Bjarkey. The new fortification rules come into effect at the start of the Winter Solstice, which have implications for the conquest of Bjarkey, but this season has seen the [[fortification#Bastion\|bastion]] take significant damage, and the [[fortification#garrison\|garrison]] significantly damaged. Our rules team is currently putting together a short [[~~RUles~~ update 2026\|update]] as to how the transition to the new fortification rules will effect existing capaigns which we anticipate being presented shortly. We're asking people to hold off on queries until this goes up.		The Empire took the defenders of Skallahn by surprise with their bold attack. Imperial forces have conquered Greenwall, and are three-quarters of the way toward conquering Bjarkey. The new fortification rules come into effect at the start of the Winter Solstice, which have implications for the conquest of Bjarkey, but this season has seen the [[fortification#Bastion\|bastion]] take significant damage, and the [[fortification#garrison\|garrison]] significantly damaged. Our rules team is currently putting together a short [[Rules update 2026\|update]] as to how the transition to the new fortification rules will effect existing capaigns which we anticipate being presented shortly. We're asking people to hold off on queries until this goes up.

	Control of Bjarkey brings with it control of the northern end of the Kongegőr. As laid out by the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office\|Prognosticators Office]] by [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra\|Graciana]], this would present a [[A_bridge_too_far#Brute_Force\|strategic opportunity]] to split the northern Jotun kingdom off from the southern kingdom.		Control of Bjarkey brings with it control of the northern end of the Kongegőr. As laid out by the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office\|Prognosticators Office]] by [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra\|Graciana]], this would present a [[A_bridge_too_far#Brute_Force\|strategic opportunity]] to split the northern Jotun kingdom off from the southern kingdom.

Rafferty: /* Game Information */

2026-02-15T19:53:35Z

Game Information

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:53, 15 February 2026
Line 66:		Line 66:
	* '''Control of Bjarkey will grant control of the northern end of the Kongegőr'''		* '''Control of Bjarkey will grant control of the northern end of the Kongegőr'''
	* '''The Walls of Kierheim still stand but have taken a serious pounding'''		* '''The Walls of Kierheim still stand but have taken a serious pounding'''
	The Empire took the defenders of Skallahn by surprise with their bold attack. Imperial forces have conquered Greenwall, and are three-quarters of the way toward conquering Bjarkey. The new fortification rules come into effect at the start of the Winter Solstice, which have implications for the conquest of Bjarkey, but this season has seen the [[fortification#Bastion\|bastion]] take significant damage, and the [[fortification#garrison\|garrison]] significantly damaged.		The Empire took the defenders of Skallahn by surprise with their bold attack. Imperial forces have conquered Greenwall, and are three-quarters of the way toward conquering Bjarkey. The new fortification rules come into effect at the start of the Winter Solstice, which have implications for the conquest of Bjarkey, but this season has seen the [[fortification#Bastion\|bastion]] take significant damage, and the [[fortification#garrison\|garrison]] significantly damaged. Our rules team is currently putting together a short [[RUles update 2026\|update]] as to how the transition to the new fortification rules will effect existing capaigns which we anticipate being presented shortly. We're asking people to hold off on queries until this goes up.

	Control of Bjarkey brings with it control of the northern end of the Kongegőr. As laid out by the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office\|Prognosticators Office]] by [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra\|Graciana]], this would present a [[A_bridge_too_far#Brute_Force\|strategic opportunity]] to split the northern Jotun kingdom off from the southern kingdom.		Control of Bjarkey brings with it control of the northern end of the Kongegőr. As laid out by the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office\|Prognosticators Office]] by [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra\|Graciana]], this would present a [[A_bridge_too_far#Brute_Force\|strategic opportunity]] to split the northern Jotun kingdom off from the southern kingdom.

Twiggy at 22:40, 14 February 2026

2026-02-14T22:40:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:40, 14 February 2026
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	[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Winter]] [[Category:Military Council]]		[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:387YE Winter]] [[Category:Military Council]]
	<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Monochrome Orcs.jpg\|caption=The orcs and humans of Skallahn fight as ~~fiercly~~ as any Imperial to defend their city.\|align=left\|width=500}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Monochrome Orcs.jpg\|caption=The orcs and humans of Skallahn fight as fiercely as any Imperial to defend their city.\|align=left\|width=500}}</div>
	==Gathering in Sermersuaq!==		==Gathering in Sermersuaq!==
	The [[Narwhal's Spear]] is already in [[Sermersuaq]]. Following the Autumn Equinox, they are joined by five other Imperial armies. The [[Fire of the South]] have travelled the longest distance, all the way from [[the Mallum]], from [[Sarangrave]]. The [[Burning Falcon]] has come up from [[Mournwold]], making the bulk of the journey through Kallavesa alongside the [[Valiant Pegasus]] and the [[Autumn Hammers]] who had been billeted in [[Mitwold]], and the [[Green Shield]] from [[Upwold]]. Together the armies gather in [[Sermersuaq#Stark\|Stark]], a sea of tents spreading out around the [[Sermersuaq#Fortress_of_Kalant\|Fortress of Kalant]].		The [[Narwhal's Spear]] is already in [[Sermersuaq]]. Following the Autumn Equinox, they are joined by five other Imperial armies. The [[Fire of the South]] have travelled the longest distance, all the way from [[the Mallum]], from [[Sarangrave]]. The [[Burning Falcon]] has come up from [[Mournwold]], making the bulk of the journey through Kallavesa alongside the [[Valiant Pegasus]] and the [[Autumn Hammers]] who had been billeted in [[Mitwold]], and the [[Green Shield]] from [[Upwold]]. Together the armies gather in [[Sermersuaq#Stark\|Stark]], a sea of tents spreading out around the [[Sermersuaq#Fortress_of_Kalant\|Fortress of Kalant]].
Line 8:		Line 8:
	<quote by="Ashborn Vana, General of the Autumn Hammers">Hammers, once again we have a Jotun Fort in our sights! We call upon the contracts with the Forgemistress to storm the walls and take Kierheim in the Jotun Heartlands of Skallahn. Strike the Hamer blow in Bjorkey, break down their gates and claim the fort. Take pride in your strength, our Empire will grow.</quote>		<quote by="Ashborn Vana, General of the Autumn Hammers">Hammers, once again we have a Jotun Fort in our sights! We call upon the contracts with the Forgemistress to storm the walls and take Kierheim in the Jotun Heartlands of Skallahn. Strike the Hamer blow in Bjorkey, break down their gates and claim the fort. Take pride in your strength, our Empire will grow.</quote>
	<quote by="Aracelis I Erigo, General of the Burning Falcon">To the Marches last season. To the North this season. The Jotun threaten the west and we respond as one Empire. The walls of Kierheim will shake before the Falcon and crumble before the Hammer of the Imperial Orcs. We march to Victory and to show the Jotun the pride of Freeborn.</quote>		<quote by="Aracelis I Erigo, General of the Burning Falcon">To the Marches last season. To the North this season. The Jotun threaten the west and we respond as one Empire. The walls of Kierheim will shake before the Falcon and crumble before the Hammer of the Imperial Orcs. We march to Victory and to show the Jotun the pride of Freeborn.</quote>
	<quote by="Xenia i Erigo, General of the Fire of the South">Cousins! I have watched with pride as your flame burned across the Empire to crush the Druj. I now ask you to shine your ~~indomintable~~ light towards the cold, windswept north. Take a forced march onwards to Skallahn to engage the Jotun. Move with the clarity of Day in your minds and courage in your hearts. Strike hard and true, show our enemies the blazing strength of the Freeborn!</quote>		<quote by="Xenia i Erigo, General of the Fire of the South">Cousins! I have watched with pride as your flame burned across the Empire to crush the Druj. I now ask you to shine your indomitable light towards the cold, windswept north. Take a forced march onwards to Skallahn to engage the Jotun. Move with the clarity of Day in your minds and courage in your hearts. Strike hard and true, show our enemies the blazing strength of the Freeborn!</quote>
	<quote by="Iron Osric, General of the Green Shield">How to Honour the fallen, friend and foe? The faithful lost, the hearts laid low? Now with sorrows, not with sighs, but with fire that lights the skies. The Host assembles! Banners bright, shining in the sun, steadfast in fight. Spears like silver, swords that sing. Drums of the march, trumpets ring. We storm the fortress. Strong and high. The walls will crumble and towers lie. Through toil and tempest, with blood and flame, we slow the north of a warriors home. For hardship faced and courage shown, turns bitter grief to honour grown. War done nightly, with heart and hand, is the greatest gift to foe and friend.</quote>		<quote by="Iron Osric, General of the Green Shield">How to Honour the fallen, friend and foe? The faithful lost, the hearts laid low? Now with sorrows, not with sighs, but with fire that lights the skies. The Host assembles! Banners bright, shining in the sun, steadfast in fight. Spears like silver, swords that sing. Drums of the march, trumpets ring. We storm the fortress. Strong and high. The walls will crumble and towers lie. Through toil and tempest, with blood and flame, we slow the north of a warriors home. For hardship faced and courage shown, turns bitter grief to honour grown. War done nightly, with heart and hand, is the greatest gift to foe and friend.</quote>
	<quote by="Determination of Ice Kaisa, General of the Narwhal's Spear">Sermersuaq, I feel your pain. I feel you suffer. I have lived through all 4675 of your nightmares. In loyalty, with courage we remember the fallen. We are the ones who carry on. We are the proud flames of those now gone. Take a breath, a deep breath, our work never stops. Look to the west, to Skallahn, to Kierheim. We push to get their attention, to make them look at us. Be the beacon of Ambition, no one can ignore!</quote>		<quote by="Determination of Ice Kaisa, General of the Narwhal's Spear">Sermersuaq, I feel your pain. I feel you suffer. I have lived through all 4675 of your nightmares. In loyalty, with courage we remember the fallen. We are the ones who carry on. We are the proud flames of those now gone. Take a breath, a deep breath, our work never stops. Look to the west, to Skallahn, to Kierheim. We push to get their attention, to make them look at us. Be the beacon of Ambition, no one can ignore!</quote>

GuiltyConscience: /* Game Information */

2026-02-14T22:06:22Z

Game Information

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:06, 14 February 2026
Line 66:		Line 66:
	* '''Control of Bjarkey will grant control of the northern end of the Kongegőr'''		* '''Control of Bjarkey will grant control of the northern end of the Kongegőr'''
	* '''The Walls of Kierheim still stand but have taken a serious pounding'''		* '''The Walls of Kierheim still stand but have taken a serious pounding'''
	The Empire took the defenders of Skallahn by surprise with their bold attack, Imperial forces have conquered Greenwall, and are three-quarters of the way toward conquering Bjarkey. The new fortification rules come into effect at the start of the Winter Solstice, which have implications for the conquest of Bjarkey, but this season has seen the [[fortification#Bastion\|bastion]] take significant damage, and the [[fortification#garrison\|garrison]] significantly damaged.		The Empire took the defenders of Skallahn by surprise with their bold attack. Imperial forces have conquered Greenwall, and are three-quarters of the way toward conquering Bjarkey. The new fortification rules come into effect at the start of the Winter Solstice, which have implications for the conquest of Bjarkey, but this season has seen the [[fortification#Bastion\|bastion]] take significant damage, and the [[fortification#garrison\|garrison]] significantly damaged.

	Control of Bjarkey brings with it control of the northern end of the Kongegőr. As laid out by the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office\|Prognosticators Office]] by [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra\|Graciana]], this would present a [[A_bridge_too_far#Brute_Force\|strategic opportunity]] to split the northern Jotun kingdom off from the southern kingdom.		Control of Bjarkey brings with it control of the northern end of the Kongegőr. As laid out by the [[Appraisal#The_Prognosticators_Office\|Prognosticators Office]] by [[Appraisal#Graciana_i_Lòpez_i_Guerra\|Graciana]], this would present a [[A_bridge_too_far#Brute_Force\|strategic opportunity]] to split the northern Jotun kingdom off from the southern kingdom.

GuiltyConscience: /* The Walls Hold */

2026-02-14T22:05:50Z

The Walls Hold

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:05, 14 February 2026
Line 49:		Line 49:

	==The Walls Hold==		==The Walls Hold==
	In the end, though, the Jotun defenders have the edge. The Imperial forces are pushed back through the broken runemarked gate, and the siege engines fall silent. The Queen and her Jarls hold the city - just - against the Imperial assault. Yet the walls of Kierheim, the great fortification that has proudly ringed the seat of the Jarl since before the days of Emperor Guntherm, are cracked and battered. The walls have been stormed, the gates shattered, and the garrison has paid dearly to keep the city for another day. As the Winter Solstice dawns, the Empire's armies are camped before the walls; they have most of Bjarkey under their control and the whole of Greenwall. There can be little doubt that reinforcements are on their way - the Jarls of Tromsa and Bryadvik, and perhaps even distant Fjorknae, cannot deny the call of the Queen. There has been evidence in the past that the Jarls of Skallahn have good relations with the sovereign-lords of the [[Realms#Autumn\|Iron Labyrinth]], and half the armed force of the Jotun currently engaged in [[the Marches]] owe fealty to Yrsa ~~Jansdotti~~. Will it be enough to hold the Empire, to reclaim Skallahn? Or will the hammer of Autumn and the brazen fires, and the shield and spear, and the spreading wings of the pegasus, take the city of Jarl Ustigar and create a fracture-line between the north and the south?		In the end, though, the Jotun defenders have the edge. The Imperial forces are pushed back through the broken runemarked gate, and the siege engines fall silent. The Queen and her Jarls hold the city - just - against the Imperial assault. Yet the walls of Kierheim, the great fortification that has proudly ringed the seat of the Jarl since before the days of Emperor Guntherm, are cracked and battered. The walls have been stormed, the gates shattered, and the garrison has paid dearly to keep the city for another day. As the Winter Solstice dawns, the Empire's armies are camped before the walls; they have most of Bjarkey under their control and the whole of Greenwall. There can be little doubt that reinforcements are on their way - the Jarls of Tromsa and Bryadvik, and perhaps even distant Fjorknae, cannot deny the call of the Queen. There has been evidence in the past that the Jarls of Skallahn have good relations with the sovereign-lords of the [[Realms#Autumn\|Iron Labyrinth]], and half the armed force of the Jotun currently engaged in [[the Marches]] owe fealty to Yrsa Jansdottir. Will it be enough to hold the Empire, to reclaim Skallahn? Or will the hammer of Autumn and the brazen fires, and the shield and spear, and the spreading wings of the pegasus, take the city of Jarl Ustigar and create a fracture-line between the north and the south?

	The runes are still bouncing on the cloth; the future is not yet written.		The runes are still bouncing on the cloth; the future is not yet written.
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	ValiantPegasus Colour.png		ValiantPegasus Colour.png
	</gallery>		</gallery>
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=SkallahnStrategic.png\|width=300\|align=right}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=SkallahnStrategic.png\|width=300\|align=right}}

	==Game Information==		==Game Information==
	* '''The Empire has captured Greenwall and is three-quarters of the way toward seizing Bjarkey'''		* '''The Empire has captured Greenwall and is three-quarters of the way toward seizing Bjarkey'''

Noserenda at 22:03, 14 February 2026

2026-02-14T22:03:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:01, 16 March 2026
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	==Kierheim==		==Kierheim==
	The city where Jarl Ustigar once ruled in the name of the Queen lies at one end of the [[Skallahn#The_Kongegőr\|Kongegőr]]. The bridge connects Skallahn to Hordalant, and Kalsea to Narkyst. Much of the prosperity of Kierheim comes from the traders who pass back and forth across the Kongegőr, trading the mineral wealth of the north for the victuals of the south. By the time the Imperial armies press into Bjarkey, the barbarian defences are settled against them. The garrisons of both Kierheim and Ulfrsborg are arrayed against them. Warriors from all across Skallahn come to support them, come at the command not of the Jarl, but of Queen Yrsa ~~Jansdottir~~ herself. It seems the Jarl of Jarls, the first among equals and the ruler of the northern Jotun, is still in Kierheim.		The city where Jarl Ustigar once ruled in the name of the Queen lies at one end of the [[Skallahn#The_Kongegőr\|Kongegőr]]. The bridge connects Skallahn to Hordalant, and Kalsea to Narkyst. Much of the prosperity of Kierheim comes from the traders who pass back and forth across the Kongegőr, trading the mineral wealth of the north for the victuals of the south. By the time the Imperial armies press into Bjarkey, the barbarian defences are settled against them. The garrisons of both Kierheim and Ulfrsborg are arrayed against them. Warriors from all across Skallahn come to support them, come at the command not of the Jarl, but of Queen Yrsa Jansdóttir herself. It seems the Jarl of Jarls, the first among equals and the ruler of the northern Jotun, is still in Kierheim.
	<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Determination of Ice.webp\|caption='''Determination of Ice Kaisa''', General of the Narwhal's Spear\|align=right\|width=400}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Determination of Ice.webp\|caption='''Determination of Ice Kaisa''', General of the Narwhal's Spear\|align=right\|width=400}}</div>
	Her presence is explained by tales extracted from frightened thralls and captured Jotun. [[Bedight_in_veils#The_Jarl's_Death\|Jarl Ustigar is dead]]; he died fighting the General of the Green Shields as a champion of his people. It should be a simple matter for his heir to take command of Kierheim. Yet there is apparently no clear successor; Ustigar asked that the Queen appoint the new Jarl partly so that they might begin their rule free of the shadow of his influence. The Jotun are not that dissimilar to the Empire, it seems. Imperial citizens rarely see their politics at work, for they keep such things far from the battlefield, but it seems the Jotun are as given to favouritism, manoeuvring, and patronage as any League or Freeborn citizen. The Queen is still here because there are three candidates with a good claim to the Jarldom, and none of them will step aside in favour of one of the others.		Her presence is explained by tales extracted from frightened thralls and captured Jotun. [[Bedight_in_veils#The_Jarl's_Death\|Jarl Ustigar is dead]]; he died fighting the General of the Green Shields as a champion of his people. It should be a simple matter for his heir to take command of Kierheim. Yet there is apparently no clear successor; Ustigar asked that the Queen appoint the new Jarl partly so that they might begin their rule free of the shadow of his influence. The Jotun are not that dissimilar to the Empire, it seems. Imperial citizens rarely see their politics at work, for they keep such things far from the battlefield, but it seems the Jotun are as given to favouritism, manoeuvring, and patronage as any League or Freeborn citizen. The Queen is still here because there are three candidates with a good claim to the Jarldom, and none of them will step aside in favour of one of the others.

	Each is popular, experienced, and a hero of their people. Deciding the matter with a contest of arms might be traditional, but there is no certainty that such a contest would actually settle things. There is also the risk that it might spill out of control, perhaps split the people of Skallahn when they must be unified. Queen Yrsa has sent north, it seems, to [[Tromsa#Majastind\|Mount Majastind]], for a certain ''ghodi'' who hears the voice of [[Elite_Jotun_troops#Ulvenwar\|Ulven]] especially clearly. Renowned for their wisdom, they can be trusted to choose with an even hand, present an outcome that will at least quiet rival voices, and not risk the position of the Jarl of Jarls. She may be called queen, but Yrsa ~~Jansdottir~~ - like the King of the south - is first among equals, and while her jarls do not say as much out loud, while they swear oaths of fealty, they do not sacrifice their pride or their ambition in the name of thoughtless service.		Each is popular, experienced, and a hero of their people. Deciding the matter with a contest of arms might be traditional, but there is no certainty that such a contest would actually settle things. There is also the risk that it might spill out of control, perhaps split the people of Skallahn when they must be unified. Queen Yrsa has sent north, it seems, to [[Tromsa#Majastind\|Mount Majastind]], for a certain ''ghodi'' who hears the voice of [[Elite_Jotun_troops#Ulvenwar\|Ulven]] especially clearly. Renowned for their wisdom, they can be trusted to choose with an even hand, present an outcome that will at least quiet rival voices, and not risk the position of the Jarl of Jarls. She may be called queen, but Yrsa Jansdóttir - like the King of the south - is first among equals, and while her jarls do not say as much out loud, while they swear oaths of fealty, they do not sacrifice their pride or their ambition in the name of thoughtless service.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Osric5853.jpg\|caption='''Iron Osric''', General of the Green Shield\|align=right\|width=200}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Osric5853.jpg\|caption='''Iron Osric''', General of the Green Shield\|align=right\|width=200}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Aracelis4339.jpg\|caption='''Aracelis i Erigo''', General of the Burning Falcon\|align=right\|width=200}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Aracelis4339.jpg\|caption='''Aracelis i Erigo''', General of the Burning Falcon\|align=right\|width=200}}
Line 50:		Line 50:

	==The Walls Hold==		==The Walls Hold==
	In the end, though, the Jotun defenders have the edge. The Imperial forces are pushed back through the broken runemarked gate, and the siege engines fall silent. The Queen and her Jarls hold the city - just - against the Imperial assault. Yet the walls of Kierheim, the great fortification that has proudly ringed the seat of the Jarl since before the days of Emperor Guntherm, are cracked and battered. The walls have been stormed, the gates shattered, and the garrison has paid dearly to keep the city for another day. As the Winter Solstice dawns, the Empire's armies are camped before the walls; they have most of Bjarkey under their control and the whole of Greenwall. There can be little doubt that reinforcements are on their way - the Jarls of Tromsa and Bryadvik, and perhaps even distant Fjorknae, cannot deny the call of the Queen. There has been evidence in the past that the Jarls of Skallahn have good relations with the sovereign-lords of the [[Realms#Autumn\|Iron Labyrinth]], and half the armed force of the Jotun currently engaged in [[the Marches]] owe fealty to Yrsa ~~Jansdottir~~. Will it be enough to hold the Empire, to reclaim Skallahn? Or will the hammer of Autumn and the brazen fires, and the shield and spear, and the spreading wings of the pegasus, take the city of Jarl Ustigar and create a fracture-line between the north and the south?		In the end, though, the Jotun defenders have the edge. The Imperial forces are pushed back through the broken runemarked gate, and the siege engines fall silent. The Queen and her Jarls hold the city - just - against the Imperial assault. Yet the walls of Kierheim, the great fortification that has proudly ringed the seat of the Jarl since before the days of Emperor Guntherm, are cracked and battered. The walls have been stormed, the gates shattered, and the garrison has paid dearly to keep the city for another day. As the Winter Solstice dawns, the Empire's armies are camped before the walls; they have most of Bjarkey under their control and the whole of Greenwall. There can be little doubt that reinforcements are on their way - the Jarls of Tromsa and Bryadvik, and perhaps even distant Fjorknae, cannot deny the call of the Queen. There has been evidence in the past that the Jarls of Skallahn have good relations with the sovereign-lords of the [[Realms#Autumn\|Iron Labyrinth]], and half the armed force of the Jotun currently engaged in [[the Marches]] owe fealty to Yrsa Jansdóttir. Will it be enough to hold the Empire, to reclaim Skallahn? Or will the hammer of Autumn and the brazen fires, and the shield and spear, and the spreading wings of the pegasus, take the city of Jarl Ustigar and create a fracture-line between the north and the south?

	The runes are still bouncing on the cloth; the future is not yet written.		The runes are still bouncing on the cloth; the future is not yet written.

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:03, 14 February 2026
Line 4:		Line 4:
	The [[Narwhal's Spear]] is already in [[Sermersuaq]]. Following the Autumn Equinox, they are joined by five other Imperial armies. The [[Fire of the South]] have travelled the longest distance, all the way from [[the Mallum]], from [[Sarangrave]]. The [[Burning Falcon]] has come up from [[Mournwold]], making the bulk of the journey through Kallavesa alongside the [[Valiant Pegasus]] and the [[Autumn Hammers]] who had been billeted in [[Mitwold]], and the [[Green Shield]] from [[Upwold]]. Together the armies gather in [[Sermersuaq#Stark\|Stark]], a sea of tents spreading out around the [[Sermersuaq#Fortress_of_Kalant\|Fortress of Kalant]].		The [[Narwhal's Spear]] is already in [[Sermersuaq]]. Following the Autumn Equinox, they are joined by five other Imperial armies. The [[Fire of the South]] have travelled the longest distance, all the way from [[the Mallum]], from [[Sarangrave]]. The [[Burning Falcon]] has come up from [[Mournwold]], making the bulk of the journey through Kallavesa alongside the [[Valiant Pegasus]] and the [[Autumn Hammers]] who had been billeted in [[Mitwold]], and the [[Green Shield]] from [[Upwold]]. Together the armies gather in [[Sermersuaq#Stark\|Stark]], a sea of tents spreading out around the [[Sermersuaq#Fortress_of_Kalant\|Fortress of Kalant]].

	The weather is grim; a short autumn in the north gives way to hail, sleet, and snow. At night, it is cold enough to freeze water into stone; the [[the Brass Coast\|Freeborn]] in particular feel the cold, but mostly use it as an excuse to light bonfires and stay up late into the night, sharing stories and the warmth of camaraderie with their allies. For the Winterfolk and [[Imperial Orcs\|Unshackled]], the cold is notable but nothing unfamiliar. They are used to the cold plains of Sermersuaq, to the snowy alpine mountains of [[Skarsind]]. They offer advice to their friends from the south; how to dress, how to keep warm in the night, how to avoid ~~chillblains~~ and frostbite.		The weather is grim; a short autumn in the north gives way to hail, sleet, and snow. At night, it is cold enough to freeze water into stone; the [[the Brass Coast\|Freeborn]] in particular feel the cold, but mostly use it as an excuse to light bonfires and stay up late into the night, sharing stories and the warmth of camaraderie with their allies. For the Winterfolk and [[Imperial Orcs\|Unshackled]], the cold is notable but nothing unfamiliar. They are used to the cold plains of Sermersuaq, to the snowy alpine mountains of [[Skarsind]]. They offer advice to their friends from the south; how to dress, how to keep warm in the night, how to avoid chilblains and frostbite.
	<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;">		<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;">
	<quote by="Ashborn Vana, General of the Autumn Hammers">Hammers, once again we have a Jotun Fort in our sights! We call upon the contracts with the Forgemistress to storm the walls and take Kierheim in the Jotun Heartlands of Skallahn. Strike the Hamer blow in Bjorkey, break down their gates and claim the fort. Take pride in your strength, our Empire will grow.</quote>		<quote by="Ashborn Vana, General of the Autumn Hammers">Hammers, once again we have a Jotun Fort in our sights! We call upon the contracts with the Forgemistress to storm the walls and take Kierheim in the Jotun Heartlands of Skallahn. Strike the Hamer blow in Bjorkey, break down their gates and claim the fort. Take pride in your strength, our Empire will grow.</quote>
Line 11:		Line 11:
	<quote by="Iron Osric, General of the Green Shield">How to Honour the fallen, friend and foe? The faithful lost, the hearts laid low? Now with sorrows, not with sighs, but with fire that lights the skies. The Host assembles! Banners bright, shining in the sun, steadfast in fight. Spears like silver, swords that sing. Drums of the march, trumpets ring. We storm the fortress. Strong and high. The walls will crumble and towers lie. Through toil and tempest, with blood and flame, we slow the north of a warriors home. For hardship faced and courage shown, turns bitter grief to honour grown. War done nightly, with heart and hand, is the greatest gift to foe and friend.</quote>		<quote by="Iron Osric, General of the Green Shield">How to Honour the fallen, friend and foe? The faithful lost, the hearts laid low? Now with sorrows, not with sighs, but with fire that lights the skies. The Host assembles! Banners bright, shining in the sun, steadfast in fight. Spears like silver, swords that sing. Drums of the march, trumpets ring. We storm the fortress. Strong and high. The walls will crumble and towers lie. Through toil and tempest, with blood and flame, we slow the north of a warriors home. For hardship faced and courage shown, turns bitter grief to honour grown. War done nightly, with heart and hand, is the greatest gift to foe and friend.</quote>
	<quote by="Determination of Ice Kaisa, General of the Narwhal's Spear">Sermersuaq, I feel your pain. I feel you suffer. I have lived through all 4675 of your nightmares. In loyalty, with courage we remember the fallen. We are the ones who carry on. We are the proud flames of those now gone. Take a breath, a deep breath, our work never stops. Look to the west, to Skallahn, to Kierheim. We push to get their attention, to make them look at us. Be the beacon of Ambition, no one can ignore!</quote>		<quote by="Determination of Ice Kaisa, General of the Narwhal's Spear">Sermersuaq, I feel your pain. I feel you suffer. I have lived through all 4675 of your nightmares. In loyalty, with courage we remember the fallen. We are the ones who carry on. We are the proud flames of those now gone. Take a breath, a deep breath, our work never stops. Look to the west, to Skallahn, to Kierheim. We push to get their attention, to make them look at us. Be the beacon of Ambition, no one can ignore!</quote>
	<quote by="Lucifer, General of the Valiant Pegasus">My brothers and sisters, we march to Skallahn to fight alongside our cousins in ~~wintermark~~, the freeborn and the Imperial orcs to strike the city of Kierheim, inflicting a blow to the Jotun which they shall surely feel. Look to your bands of loyalty for each other and the empire to guide your actions through virtue. Your loyal brother, Hector</quote>		<quote by="Lucifer, General of the Valiant Pegasus">My brothers and sisters, we march to Skallahn to fight alongside our cousins in Wintermark, the freeborn and the Imperial orcs to strike the city of Kierheim, inflicting a blow to the Jotun which they shall surely feel. Look to your bands of loyalty for each other and the empire to guide your actions through virtue. Your loyal brother, Hector</quote>
	</div>		</div>
	If the Valiant Pegasus have an opinion on the weather, the [[Highguard\|Highborn]] keep it to themselves. They are too busy preparing to face the Jotun to worry about what the sky is doing. The magical warriors who have pitched their tents among the stark black, white, and red of the Highguard army are perhaps also a cause for some concern. The [[Knights of Glory]] have been called from the demesne of the ''[[Eleonaris\|Mistress of Penants]]'' to fight with the Pegasus. These fey hunters are garbed in gold and green, and the majority wear animal masks and fight with paired blades. They are led by ''Mistress Malachie'', herself a relentless war-witch who once served the ''Peregrine Knight'' [[Hayaak]] but now owes fealty to the ''Lady of Summer''. It is probably just a coincidence that this particular cohort has come from Eleonaris' realm to fight with the Highborn, although a handful of [[magister\|magisters]] mutter that to choose ''this'' band of knights in ''this'' place, and have them fight alongside Highguard, may be some kind of pointed comment from the Lion Queen.		If the Valiant Pegasus have an opinion on the weather, the [[Highguard\|Highborn]] keep it to themselves. They are too busy preparing to face the Jotun to worry about what the sky is doing. The magical warriors who have pitched their tents among the stark black, white, and red of the Highguard army are perhaps also a cause for some concern. The [[Knights of Glory]] have been called from the demesne of the ''[[Eleonaris\|Mistress of Penants]]'' to fight with the Pegasus. These fey hunters are garbed in gold and green, and the majority wear animal masks and fight with paired blades. They are led by ''Mistress Malachie'', herself a relentless war-witch who once served the ''Peregrine Knight'' [[Hayaak]] but now owes fealty to the ''Lady of Summer''. It is probably just a coincidence that this particular cohort has come from Eleonaris' realm to fight with the Highborn, although a handful of [[magister\|magisters]] mutter that to choose ''this'' band of knights in ''this'' place, and have them fight alongside Highguard, may be some kind of pointed comment from the Lion Queen.
Line 35:		Line 35:
	The city where Jarl Ustigar once ruled in the name of the Queen lies at one end of the [[Skallahn#The_Kongegőr\|Kongegőr]]. The bridge connects Skallahn to Hordalant, and Kalsea to Narkyst. Much of the prosperity of Kierheim comes from the traders who pass back and forth across the Kongegőr, trading the mineral wealth of the north for the victuals of the south. By the time the Imperial armies press into Bjarkey, the barbarian defences are settled against them. The garrisons of both Kierheim and Ulfrsborg are arrayed against them. Warriors from all across Skallahn come to support them, come at the command not of the Jarl, but of Queen Yrsa Jansdottir herself. It seems the Jarl of Jarls, the first among equals and the ruler of the northern Jotun, is still in Kierheim.		The city where Jarl Ustigar once ruled in the name of the Queen lies at one end of the [[Skallahn#The_Kongegőr\|Kongegőr]]. The bridge connects Skallahn to Hordalant, and Kalsea to Narkyst. Much of the prosperity of Kierheim comes from the traders who pass back and forth across the Kongegőr, trading the mineral wealth of the north for the victuals of the south. By the time the Imperial armies press into Bjarkey, the barbarian defences are settled against them. The garrisons of both Kierheim and Ulfrsborg are arrayed against them. Warriors from all across Skallahn come to support them, come at the command not of the Jarl, but of Queen Yrsa Jansdottir herself. It seems the Jarl of Jarls, the first among equals and the ruler of the northern Jotun, is still in Kierheim.
	<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Determination of Ice.webp\|caption='''Determination of Ice Kaisa''', General of the Narwhal's Spear\|align=right\|width=400}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Determination of Ice.webp\|caption='''Determination of Ice Kaisa''', General of the Narwhal's Spear\|align=right\|width=400}}</div>
	Her presence is explained by tales extracted from frightened thralls and captured Jotun. [[Bedight_in_veils#The_Jarl's_Death\|Jarl Ustigar is dead]]; he died fighting the General of the Green Shields as a champion of his people. It should be a simple matter for his heir to take command of Kierheim. Yet there is apparently no clear successor; Ustigar asked that the Queen appoint the new Jarl partly so that they might begin their rule free of the shadow of his influence. The Jotun are not that ~~dissimillar~~ to the Empire, it seems. Imperial citizens rarely see their politics at work, for they keep such things far from the battlefield, but it seems the Jotun are as given to favouritism, manoeuvring, and patronage as any League or Freeborn citizen. The Queen is still here because there are three candidates with a good claim to the Jarldom, and none of them will step aside in favour of one of the others.		Her presence is explained by tales extracted from frightened thralls and captured Jotun. [[Bedight_in_veils#The_Jarl's_Death\|Jarl Ustigar is dead]]; he died fighting the General of the Green Shields as a champion of his people. It should be a simple matter for his heir to take command of Kierheim. Yet there is apparently no clear successor; Ustigar asked that the Queen appoint the new Jarl partly so that they might begin their rule free of the shadow of his influence. The Jotun are not that dissimilar to the Empire, it seems. Imperial citizens rarely see their politics at work, for they keep such things far from the battlefield, but it seems the Jotun are as given to favouritism, manoeuvring, and patronage as any League or Freeborn citizen. The Queen is still here because there are three candidates with a good claim to the Jarldom, and none of them will step aside in favour of one of the others.

	Each is popular, experienced, and a hero of their people. Deciding the matter with a contest of arms might be traditional, but there is no certainty that such a contest would actually settle things. There is also the risk that it might spill out of control, perhaps split the people of Skallahn when they must be unified. Queen Yrsa has sent north, it seems, to [[Tromsa#Majastind\|Mount Majastind]], for a certain ''ghodi'' who hears the voice of [[Elite_Jotun_troops#Ulvenwar\|Ulven]] especially clearly. Renowned for their wisdom, they can be trusted to choose with an even hand, present an outcome that will at least quiet rival voices, and not risk the position of the Jarl of Jarls. She may be called queen, but Yrsa Jansdottir - like the King of the south - is first among equals, and while her jarls do not say as much out loud, while they swear oaths of fealty, they do not sacrifice their pride or their ambition in the name of thoughtless service.		Each is popular, experienced, and a hero of their people. Deciding the matter with a contest of arms might be traditional, but there is no certainty that such a contest would actually settle things. There is also the risk that it might spill out of control, perhaps split the people of Skallahn when they must be unified. Queen Yrsa has sent north, it seems, to [[Tromsa#Majastind\|Mount Majastind]], for a certain ''ghodi'' who hears the voice of [[Elite_Jotun_troops#Ulvenwar\|Ulven]] especially clearly. Renowned for their wisdom, they can be trusted to choose with an even hand, present an outcome that will at least quiet rival voices, and not risk the position of the Jarl of Jarls. She may be called queen, but Yrsa Jansdottir - like the King of the south - is first among equals, and while her jarls do not say as much out loud, while they swear oaths of fealty, they do not sacrifice their pride or their ambition in the name of thoughtless service.