Shovels and spades - Revision history

Twiggy at 16:01, 16 March 2026

2026-03-16T16:01:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:01, 16 March 2026
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	That's not to say that everything is green and fragrant among the Bregas. Copies of the [[Life of Tom Drake]] begin to circulate in the conquered land. Even though the Jotun rarely care what their thralls read, hand-written copies are made by rushlight, passed quietly from hand to hand in the back rooms of pubs and stuffed into sacks of animal feed sold at the markets. The part that people are most interested in is that Good Old Tom - who was alright for a ‘Wolder, the one good one - was Loyal to the Marches first and the Empire second. There was no guerdon in Tom's day, but doubtless he'd have had a few choice words for the anyone who said that soldiers fighting for the Marches would get nowt for all their hard work, and they'd not be "polite" words.		That's not to say that everything is green and fragrant among the Bregas. Copies of the [[Life of Tom Drake]] begin to circulate in the conquered land. Even though the Jotun rarely care what their thralls read, hand-written copies are made by rushlight, passed quietly from hand to hand in the back rooms of pubs and stuffed into sacks of animal feed sold at the markets. The part that people are most interested in is that Good Old Tom - who was alright for a ‘Wolder, the one good one - was Loyal to the Marches first and the Empire second. There was no guerdon in Tom's day, but doubtless he'd have had a few choice words for the anyone who said that soldiers fighting for the Marches would get nowt for all their hard work, and they'd not be "polite" words.

	Yet there are more pressing concerns than Tom Drake, beloved as he is. The Jotun leave no room for doubt that the Dour Fens are theirs, now. They do not tolerate rebellion or resistance, and those who want to fight are forced to sneak away and join the Strong Reeds among the rushes. Hated traitor Stephen of Sarcombe is sent to [[Bregasland#Eels_Landing\|Eel's Landing]] to explain to the Greywaters that they had best mind their manners or they will pay a hard price. Steward Margery, sadly, is nowhere to be found and neither are most of the house. They have disappeared into the marshes with the same practiced ease that made them so useful to the Strong Reeds when the Fishers came to tell the Bregas they were part of her new kingdom. Stephen is apparently furious, but then when is he not? Given his head, he would probably have burned Eel's Landing to the ground - but Queen Yrsa ~~Jansdottir~~, Jarl of Jarls, general of the Lion of the North, keeps him on a short leash and will not let him exact vengeance against the people of Bregasland unless they take up arms against their new overlords.		Yet there are more pressing concerns than Tom Drake, beloved as he is. The Jotun leave no room for doubt that the Dour Fens are theirs, now. They do not tolerate rebellion or resistance, and those who want to fight are forced to sneak away and join the Strong Reeds among the rushes. Hated traitor Stephen of Sarcombe is sent to [[Bregasland#Eels_Landing\|Eel's Landing]] to explain to the Greywaters that they had best mind their manners or they will pay a hard price. Steward Margery, sadly, is nowhere to be found and neither are most of the house. They have disappeared into the marshes with the same practiced ease that made them so useful to the Strong Reeds when the Fishers came to tell the Bregas they were part of her new kingdom. Stephen is apparently furious, but then when is he not? Given his head, he would probably have burned Eel's Landing to the ground - but Queen Yrsa Jansdóttir, Jarl of Jarls, general of the Lion of the North, keeps him on a short leash and will not let him exact vengeance against the people of Bregasland unless they take up arms against their new overlords.

	For the most part, at least at the moment, the Jotun seem content to rule. Many of their warriors have marched south, but a strong core of half a dozen armies and several champion warbands remain in the marshes. Most of those champions support the Lion of the North, and that represents a problem. While the other armies complete the conquest of Bregasland, Yrsa sets her warriors and champions to [[Army qualities#Scouting\|scour the marshes]] looking for any sign of organised resistance, for any sign of the Strong Reeds. A sizable bounty has been placed on the head of the general - but there is an even richer reward for anyone who can capture the leader of the ‘Reeds and deliver her alive into the hands of the Queen of Kalsea.		For the most part, at least at the moment, the Jotun seem content to rule. Many of their warriors have marched south, but a strong core of half a dozen armies and several champion warbands remain in the marshes. Most of those champions support the Lion of the North, and that represents a problem. While the other armies complete the conquest of Bregasland, Yrsa sets her warriors and champions to [[Army qualities#Scouting\|scour the marshes]] looking for any sign of organised resistance, for any sign of the Strong Reeds. A sizable bounty has been placed on the head of the general - but there is an even richer reward for anyone who can capture the leader of the ‘Reeds and deliver her alive into the hands of the Queen of Kalsea.

Twiggy at 22:11, 14 March 2026

2026-03-14T22:11:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:11, 14 March 2026
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	==Breaking Burhfæst (Battle Opportunity)==		==Breaking Burhfæst (Battle Opportunity)==
	Even though the Strong Reeds continue to hide across the wide fens, the barbarians are able to act here without ~~contension~~, moving where they wish, and consolidating their positions. The farms, the scattered gardens, and the cottage workshops are now all under Jotun rule. Stores are taken to support the warriors, blacksmiths turned to support the repair of armour and sharpening of weapons. Barns turned into lodgings. ~~Breagasland~~ is now fully controlled by the Jotun.		Even though the Strong Reeds continue to hide across the wide fens, the barbarians are able to act here without contention, moving where they wish, and consolidating their positions. The farms, the scattered gardens, and the cottage workshops are now all under Jotun rule. Stores are taken to support the warriors, blacksmiths turned to support the repair of armour and sharpening of weapons. Barns turned into lodgings. Bregasland is now fully controlled by the Jotun.

	One year ago Adamant sent a might Mountain Bulwark to join ''Faraldi Blutesson'' and the Ice Fishers at Graven Rock. There, the ~~eldery~~ ghodi invoked a boon from the ''King Under the Mountain'' and sent the guardian through the ''Graven Door'', returning the ''Burhfæst'' from the summer realm. During the last twelve months the mighty fortress has stood sentinel in eastern Bregasland, offering the Jotun a fine vantage point looking across Mitwold and the Mourn. The warband from Ldansk have remained inside the ''Burhfæst'', and no effort has been taken by the Empire to assail the fortification. Adamant's boon was only a gift for a year and a day, and when the sun sets on the solstice the white granite walls will once again depart to the summer realm.		One year ago Adamant sent a might Mountain Bulwark to join ''Faraldi Blutesson'' and the Ice Fishers at Graven Rock. There, the elderly ghodi invoked a boon from the ''King Under the Mountain'' and sent the guardian through the ''Graven Door'', returning the ''Burhfæst'' from the summer realm. During the last twelve months the mighty fortress has stood sentinel in eastern Bregasland, offering the Jotun a fine vantage point looking across Mitwold and the Mourn. The warband from Ldansk have remained inside the ''Burhfæst'', and no effort has been taken by the Empire to assail the fortification. Adamant's boon was only a gift for a year and a day, and when the sun sets on the solstice the white granite walls will once again depart to the summer realm.

	Yet, watchful eyes in Bregasland have informed the war scouts of a Jotun force heading to the fort, escorting another vast guardian of King Adamant's realm towards Graven Rock. The behemoth has made a path eastwards, smashing through any obstacle in the way. With it come a great number of Jotun warriors in high spirits and filled with purpose, these are some of the orcs that swiftly brought an end to Imperial control of Ottery and the Bregas end of the Otterway. Prognosticators have determined that the guardian can be intercepted on the Saturday of the solstice as it marches along the ''Cinder Drove''. This offers an opportunity to defeat the guardian before it leaves The Rushes and arrives at the foot of Graven Rock.		Yet, watchful eyes in Bregasland have informed the war scouts of a Jotun force heading to the fort, escorting another vast guardian of King Adamant's realm towards Graven Rock. The behemoth has made a path eastwards, smashing through any obstacle in the way. With it come a great number of Jotun warriors in high spirits and filled with purpose, these are some of the orcs that swiftly brought an end to Imperial control of Ottery and the Bregas end of the Otterway. Prognosticators have determined that the guardian can be intercepted on the Saturday of the solstice as it marches along the ''Cinder Drove''. This offers an opportunity to defeat the guardian before it leaves The Rushes and arrives at the foot of Graven Rock.
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	Sammy Clake is not among Aertha's captives. Surprisingly, he has sent a missive to the Empire desperately seeking help to rescue his household. He is offering his own head if the Empire will save his family members. The head of the Clakes is ultimately responsible for the actions the family took during the Steward's Invasion. His request is simple, free the family and see them set free, in return he has promised to turn himself in on the battlefield.		Sammy Clake is not among Aertha's captives. Surprisingly, he has sent a missive to the Empire desperately seeking help to rescue his household. He is offering his own head if the Empire will save his family members. The head of the Clakes is ultimately responsible for the actions the family took during the Steward's Invasion. His request is simple, free the family and see them set free, in return he has promised to turn himself in on the battlefield.

	If Sammy Clake can be brought in, he will face trial for the Clake's support for Mathilda Fisher and the misdemeanours of the family. He will face whatever punishment may be laid down, even though that is most certainly a quick execution. This will draw a line under the whole sorry matter and ensure everyone can move on. The local populace will come to remember a family saved by the heroes of the Marches, an enemy denied a ~~poigniant~~ and symbolic victory, and the head of a household who saw saving his kin as being more important than keeping his own head. It's far from perfect, but as Clake himself writes, "There's two ways to bury a hatchet".		If Sammy Clake can be brought in, he will face trial for the Clake's support for Mathilda Fisher and the misdemeanours of the family. He will face whatever punishment may be laid down, even though that is most certainly a quick execution. This will draw a line under the whole sorry matter and ensure everyone can move on. The local populace will come to remember a family saved by the heroes of the Marches, an enemy denied a poignant and symbolic victory, and the head of a household who saw saving his kin as being more important than keeping his own head. It's far from perfect, but as Clake himself writes, "There's two ways to bury a hatchet".

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

Matt: Text replacement - "Military Council" to "Military Council"

2026-01-16T09:33:38Z

Text replacement - "Military Council" to "Military Council"

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:33, 16 January 2026
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	Between the fighting they share the campfires, moving through the army so that no one of them spends two nights with the same group. They sing, they dance, they tell tall tales, they always have strange liquor and rarer substances. And they urge the warriors of the Marches to embrace their passions, to follow their hearts, to give voice to their dissatisfaction.		Between the fighting they share the campfires, moving through the army so that no one of them spends two nights with the same group. They sing, they dance, they tell tall tales, they always have strange liquor and rarer substances. And they urge the warriors of the Marches to embrace their passions, to follow their hearts, to give voice to their dissatisfaction.

	Perhaps the presence of Janon's chosen in the Tusks is not an unqualified boon. There are particular grumbles about the fact that the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies\|Quartermaster General]] chose not to allocate shares of the [[Military_unit#Guerdon_Shares\|Guerdon]] to the war to reclaim their homes. This speaks well of those [[Military unit\|captains]] who fight with the Tusks regardless, speaks well of their Pride and Loyalty. What would [[Life of Tom Drake\|Tom Drake]] say about a [[~~Military Council\|~~Military Council]] that holds such a tight grasp on their purse-strings when there is fighting to be done? As they say, you don't own it unless you can defend it. Should the Empire's soldiers not receive just payment for their labour? Is their pay a gift, to be given and withheld at the whim of far-away generals from other nations? It's not a new complaint, but with the Fire-Crow's encouragement it is voiced out loud by more soldiers than one might expect.		Perhaps the presence of Janon's chosen in the Tusks is not an unqualified boon. There are particular grumbles about the fact that the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies\|Quartermaster General]] chose not to allocate shares of the [[Military_unit#Guerdon_Shares\|Guerdon]] to the war to reclaim their homes. This speaks well of those [[Military unit\|captains]] who fight with the Tusks regardless, speaks well of their Pride and Loyalty. What would [[Life of Tom Drake\|Tom Drake]] say about a [[Military Council]] that holds such a tight grasp on their purse-strings when there is fighting to be done? As they say, you don't own it unless you can defend it. Should the Empire's soldiers not receive just payment for their labour? Is their pay a gift, to be given and withheld at the whim of far-away generals from other nations? It's not a new complaint, but with the Fire-Crow's encouragement it is voiced out loud by more soldiers than one might expect.

	Just as well, perhaps, that the heralds of Janon are too busy fighting and stirring the passions of the Tusks to talk to the farmers or the miners of the Mournwold as well, perhaps.		Just as well, perhaps, that the heralds of Janon are too busy fighting and stirring the passions of the Tusks to talk to the farmers or the miners of the Mournwold as well, perhaps.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

2026-01-15T12:22:21Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:22, 15 January 2026
Line 20:		Line 20:
	Between the fighting they share the campfires, moving through the army so that no one of them spends two nights with the same group. They sing, they dance, they tell tall tales, they always have strange liquor and rarer substances. And they urge the warriors of the Marches to embrace their passions, to follow their hearts, to give voice to their dissatisfaction.		Between the fighting they share the campfires, moving through the army so that no one of them spends two nights with the same group. They sing, they dance, they tell tall tales, they always have strange liquor and rarer substances. And they urge the warriors of the Marches to embrace their passions, to follow their hearts, to give voice to their dissatisfaction.

	Perhaps the presence of Janon's chosen in the Tusks is not an unqualified boon. There are particular grumbles about the fact that the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies\|Quartermaster General]] chose not to allocate shares of the [[Military_unit#Guerdon_Shares\|Guerdon]] to the war to reclaim their homes. This speaks well of those [[Military unit\|captains]] who fight with the Tusks regardless, speaks well of their Pride and Loyalty. What would [[Life of Tom Drake\|Tom Drake]] say about a [[~~Imperial~~ Military Council\|Military Council]] that holds such a tight grasp on their purse-strings when there is fighting to be done? As they say, you don't own it unless you can defend it. Should the Empire's soldiers not receive just payment for their labour? Is their pay a gift, to be given and withheld at the whim of far-away generals from other nations? It's not a new complaint, but with the Fire-Crow's encouragement it is voiced out loud by more soldiers than one might expect.		Perhaps the presence of Janon's chosen in the Tusks is not an unqualified boon. There are particular grumbles about the fact that the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies\|Quartermaster General]] chose not to allocate shares of the [[Military_unit#Guerdon_Shares\|Guerdon]] to the war to reclaim their homes. This speaks well of those [[Military unit\|captains]] who fight with the Tusks regardless, speaks well of their Pride and Loyalty. What would [[Life of Tom Drake\|Tom Drake]] say about a [[Military Council\|Military Council]] that holds such a tight grasp on their purse-strings when there is fighting to be done? As they say, you don't own it unless you can defend it. Should the Empire's soldiers not receive just payment for their labour? Is their pay a gift, to be given and withheld at the whim of far-away generals from other nations? It's not a new complaint, but with the Fire-Crow's encouragement it is voiced out loud by more soldiers than one might expect.

	Just as well, perhaps, that the heralds of Janon are too busy fighting and stirring the passions of the Tusks to talk to the farmers or the miners of the Mournwold as well, perhaps.		Just as well, perhaps, that the heralds of Janon are too busy fighting and stirring the passions of the Tusks to talk to the farmers or the miners of the Mournwold as well, perhaps.

Twiggy: /* Battlefield Opportunity: Bring in Sammy Clakes */

2025-09-12T11:17:56Z

Battlefield Opportunity: Bring in Sammy Clakes

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:17, 12 September 2025
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	* '''The ringleader can be returned to the magistrates in Anvil to face the law'''		* '''The ringleader can be returned to the magistrates in Anvil to face the law'''
	* '''If Sammy Clake is brought to justice it will draw a line under the whole sorry affair with the Clakes'''		* '''If Sammy Clake is brought to justice it will draw a line under the whole sorry affair with the Clakes'''
	Sammy Clake is not among Aertha's captives. Surprisingly, he ~~has~~ has sent a missive to the Empire desperately seeking help to rescue his household. He is offering his own head if the Empire will save his family members. The head of the Clakes is ultimately responsible for the actions the family took during the Steward's Invasion. His request is simple, free the family and see them set free, in return he has promised to turn himself in on the battlefield.		Sammy Clake is not among Aertha's captives. Surprisingly, he has sent a missive to the Empire desperately seeking help to rescue his household. He is offering his own head if the Empire will save his family members. The head of the Clakes is ultimately responsible for the actions the family took during the Steward's Invasion. His request is simple, free the family and see them set free, in return he has promised to turn himself in on the battlefield.

	If Sammy Clake can be brought in, he will face trial for the Clake's support for Mathilda Fisher and the misdemeanours of the family. He will face whatever punishment may be laid down, even though that is most certainly a quick execution. This will draw a line under the whole sorry matter and ensure everyone can move on. The local populace will come to remember a family saved by the heroes of the Marches, an enemy denied a poigniant and symbolic victory, and the head of a household who saw saving his kin as being more important than keeping his own head. It's far from perfect, but as Clake himself writes, "There's two ways to bury a hatchet".		If Sammy Clake can be brought in, he will face trial for the Clake's support for Mathilda Fisher and the misdemeanours of the family. He will face whatever punishment may be laid down, even though that is most certainly a quick execution. This will draw a line under the whole sorry matter and ensure everyone can move on. The local populace will come to remember a family saved by the heroes of the Marches, an enemy denied a poigniant and symbolic victory, and the head of a household who saw saving his kin as being more important than keeping his own head. It's far from perfect, but as Clake himself writes, "There's two ways to bury a hatchet".

Kirkbride: /* On Honour's Fields */

2025-07-22T09:52:21Z

On Honour's Fields

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:52, 22 July 2025
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	* '''The ''Friar of Honour's Rest'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication\|responsible]] for killing the Ulvenwar'''		* '''The ''Friar of Honour's Rest'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication\|responsible]] for killing the Ulvenwar'''
	{{InnocentPeoplePresent}}		{{InnocentPeoplePresent}}
	The prognosticators believe that the Marcher orcs have been scattered and may be being chased across a dispersed area. It is the responsibility of the [[Friar of Honour's Rest]], '''Friar John of the Mourn''', to rescue the orcs and kill the Ulvenwar.		The prognosticators believe that the Marcher orcs have been scattered and may be being chased across a dispersed area. The orcs are still a way away from [[Friar_of_Honour%27s_Rest#Honour.27s_Rest\|Honour's Rest]] itself, but they have been cut off by the Jotun. It is the responsibility of the [[Friar of Honour's Rest]], '''Friar John of the Mourn''', to rescue the orcs and kill the Ulvenwar.

	If the Jotun are killed, and the orcs are rescued, then they will support the [[Tusks]] with supplies and new recruits. The army will gain one hundred strength before the coming season.		If the Jotun are killed, and the orcs are rescued, then they will support the [[Tusks]] with supplies and new recruits. The army will gain one hundred strength before the coming season.

Twiggy: /* Objective: Ensure the Burhfæst's Dismissal */

2025-07-21T21:32:27Z

Objective: Ensure the Burhfæst's Dismissal

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:32, 21 July 2025
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	===Objective: Ensure the ''Burhfæst's'' Dismissal===		===Objective: Ensure the ''Burhfæst's'' Dismissal===
	* '''Stop the procession of the Mountain Bulwark towards ~~Gravenrock~~'''		* '''Stop the procession of the Mountain Bulwark towards Graven Rock'''
	* '''Incapacitate the guardian and then destroy it with a powerful ritual'''		* '''Incapacitate the guardian and then destroy it with a powerful ritual'''
	* '''If not stopped then the ''Burhfæst's'' enchantment will endure for another year upon Graven Rock'''		* '''If not stopped then the ''Burhfæst's'' enchantment will endure for another year upon Graven Rock'''

Matt: /* Conjunctions */

2025-07-21T21:14:24Z

Conjunctions

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:14, 21 July 2025
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	If the Jotun are killed, and the orcs are rescued, then they will support the [[Tusks]] with supplies and new recruits. The army will gain one hundred strength before the coming season.		If the Jotun are killed, and the orcs are rescued, then they will support the [[Tusks]] with supplies and new recruits. The army will gain one hundred strength before the coming season.

			==Breaking Burhfæst (Battle Opportunity)==
			Even though the Strong Reeds continue to hide across the wide fens, the barbarians are able to act here without contension, moving where they wish, and consolidating their positions. The farms, the scattered gardens, and the cottage workshops are now all under Jotun rule. Stores are taken to support the warriors, blacksmiths turned to support the repair of armour and sharpening of weapons. Barns turned into lodgings. Breagasland is now fully controlled by the Jotun.

			One year ago Adamant sent a might Mountain Bulwark to join ''Faraldi Blutesson'' and the Ice Fishers at Graven Rock. There, the eldery ghodi invoked a boon from the ''King Under the Mountain'' and sent the guardian through the ''Graven Door'', returning the ''Burhfæst'' from the summer realm. During the last twelve months the mighty fortress has stood sentinel in eastern Bregasland, offering the Jotun a fine vantage point looking across Mitwold and the Mourn. The warband from Ldansk have remained inside the ''Burhfæst'', and no effort has been taken by the Empire to assail the fortification. Adamant's boon was only a gift for a year and a day, and when the sun sets on the solstice the white granite walls will once again depart to the summer realm.

			Yet, watchful eyes in Bregasland have informed the war scouts of a Jotun force heading to the fort, escorting another vast guardian of King Adamant's realm towards Graven Rock. The behemoth has made a path eastwards, smashing through any obstacle in the way. With it come a great number of Jotun warriors in high spirits and filled with purpose, these are some of the orcs that swiftly brought an end to Imperial control of Ottery and the Bregas end of the Otterway. Prognosticators have determined that the guardian can be intercepted on the Saturday of the solstice as it marches along the ''Cinder Drove''. This offers an opportunity to defeat the guardian before it leaves The Rushes and arrives at the foot of Graven Rock.

			===Objective: Ensure the ''Burhfæst's'' Dismissal===
			* '''Stop the procession of the Mountain Bulwark towards Gravenrock'''
			* '''Incapacitate the guardian and then destroy it with a powerful ritual'''
			* '''If not stopped then the ''Burhfæst's'' enchantment will endure for another year upon Graven Rock'''
			The Mountain Bulwark, one of Adamant's colossal summer guardians, are massive walking mountains of enduring stone. They have fists of hardened granite that can smash foes to the ground, splinter weapons or shields, and cast soldiers through the air with ease. Hewn from the deepest stones in Adamant's domain, these creatures are nigh on impossible to stop and pose a serious risk to Imperial lives should it break the line of battle. Last time one of these creatures headed to Graven Rock it was accompanied by a band of summerborn champions who drew inspiration and fighting prowess from its presence.

			To defeat the monster it must first be incapacitated by the blows of the Empire's warriors. Only then will it be possible to destroy it - by casting one of the destructive rituals of spring or winter - [[Rising Roots that Rend Stone]] or [[Inevitable Collapse into Ruin]]. These rituals won't harm it while it is still active. Given the importance of the summer guardian to the Jotun, it is certain that they would not simply abandon it into the Empire's hands and will make every attempt to restore its vitality and continue the march to Graven Rock.

			===Objective: Save the Clakes===
			* '''Rescue the Clake family from Jarl Aertha to lift the resentful mood in The Rushes'''
			When Mathilda Fisher sought to become Steward of Bregasland, the Clakes were quick to throw in their lot and join her council. Tattling on their neighbours who had long disdained them, the family were well rewarded for their help. Following the downfall of the Fishers, the Clakes paid a heavy price as stolen possessions were recovered and grudges settled. Thirty-six were sent to the gallows once the magistrates were done. Yet Sammy Clakes and the core of his inner circle and immediate family escaped the noose. They went to ground out in the sodden expanses of The Rushes. Mistrust and a grim-faced cynicism holds fast in The Rushes.

			Last season there was word that the Clakes had welcomed the return of the Jotun to Bregasland and that Sammy Clake had met with the traitor Stephen of Sarcombe to join his cause. If so, it appears someone has recently had a change of heart. Details are scant, but the rumour is that the orcs asked something of the Clakes they were not prepared to give. Truth is, nobody knows why, but Jarl Aertha has spent the last month searching for them on command of the Jarl-of-Jarls. Now she has caught them, she has bound the Clakes in rope and is leading them to the ''Burhfæst''. The orcs give short shrift to criminals and turncoats and it is highly likely they will be executed by the Jotun.

			If this group of Clakes are executed, then the current resentful mood in the Rushes will rumble on unchanged. The ill feelings will endure with the family's cousins and their cousins' cousins. No-one nurses a grudge like a Marcher. But if the Empire rescued the Clakes, it would be bound to put a few noses out of joint (they're not popular after all), but it would put a stop to the current bitterness, permanently ending the resentful mood in the region.

			===Battlefield Opportunity: Bring in Sammy Clakes===
			* '''Freeing the Clakes will see Sammy turn himself in'''
			* '''The ringleader can be returned to the magistrates in Anvil to face the law'''
			* '''If Sammy Clake is brought to justice it will draw a line under the whole sorry affair with the Clakes'''
			Sammy Clake is not among Aertha's captives. Surprisingly, he has has sent a missive to the Empire desperately seeking help to rescue his household. He is offering his own head if the Empire will save his family members. The head of the Clakes is ultimately responsible for the actions the family took during the Steward's Invasion. His request is simple, free the family and see them set free, in return he has promised to turn himself in on the battlefield.

			If Sammy Clake can be brought in, he will face trial for the Clake's support for Mathilda Fisher and the misdemeanours of the family. He will face whatever punishment may be laid down, even though that is most certainly a quick execution. This will draw a line under the whole sorry matter and ensure everyone can move on. The local populace will come to remember a family saved by the heroes of the Marches, an enemy denied a poigniant and symbolic victory, and the head of a household who saw saving his kin as being more important than keeping his own head. It's far from perfect, but as Clake himself writes, "There's two ways to bury a hatchet".

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

Novemberalice at 15:28, 21 July 2025

2025-07-21T15:28:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:28, 21 July 2025
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	<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Yegarra Traitor.jpg\|caption=Both Bregas and Mournwolder take it poorly when someone sides with the Jotun against their neighbours.\|align=right\|width=500}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Yegarra Traitor.jpg\|caption=Both Bregas and Mournwolder take it poorly when someone sides with the Jotun against their neighbours.\|align=right\|width=500}}</div>
	==Pickaxe and Fen==		==Pickaxe and Fen==
			{{audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35RcTMkeFbI}}
	When people think of [[the Marches]] it is the rich farmlands of [[Upwold]] and [[Mitwold]] they normally imagine. A patchwork of farms, hedges, fences, gates. The earthbound clouds of bleating sheep, the waving golden oceans of grain. The distant sounds of the hurdy-gurdy, of leather and wood, of clay ale-mugs clinking. Yet here is [[Bregasland]], and here [[Mournwold]]. Are they not also the Marches? The dour mire, where they grow eels and grudges. The rolling hills and the stubborn grasses with their rich harvests of rare ores and centuries of bitterness.		When people think of [[the Marches]] it is the rich farmlands of [[Upwold]] and [[Mitwold]] they normally imagine. A patchwork of farms, hedges, fences, gates. The earthbound clouds of bleating sheep, the waving golden oceans of grain. The distant sounds of the hurdy-gurdy, of leather and wood, of clay ale-mugs clinking. Yet here is [[Bregasland]], and here [[Mournwold]]. Are they not also the Marches? The dour mire, where they grow eels and grudges. The rolling hills and the stubborn grasses with their rich harvests of rare ores and centuries of bitterness.

Dre at 21:36, 19 July 2025

2025-07-19T21:36:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:36, 19 July 2025
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	Between the fighting they share the campfires, moving through the army so that no one of them spends two nights with the same group. They sing, they dance, they tell tall tales, they always have strange liquor and rarer substances. And they urge the warriors of the Marches to embrace their passions, to follow their hearts, to give voice to their dissatisfaction.		Between the fighting they share the campfires, moving through the army so that no one of them spends two nights with the same group. They sing, they dance, they tell tall tales, they always have strange liquor and rarer substances. And they urge the warriors of the Marches to embrace their passions, to follow their hearts, to give voice to their dissatisfaction.

	Perhaps the presence of Janon's chosen in the Tusks is not an unqualified boon. There are particular grumbles about the fact that the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies\|Quartermaster General]] chose not to allocate shares of the [[Military_unit#Guerdon_Shares\|Guerdon]] to the war to reclaim their homes. This speaks well of those [[Military unit\|captains]] who fight with the Tusks regardless, speaks well of their Pride and Loyalty. What would [[Life of Tom Drake\|Tom Drake]] say about a [[Imperial Military Council\|Military Council]] that holds such a tight grasp on their purse-strings when there is fighting to be done? As they say, you don't own it unless you can defend it. Should the Empire's soldiers not receive just payment for their labour? Is their pay a gift, to be given and withheld at the whim of far-away generals from other nations? It's not a new complaint, but with the Fire-Crow's encouragement it is voiced out loud by more soldiers than one might expect.		Perhaps the presence of Janon's chosen in the Tusks is not an unqualified boon. There are particular grumbles about the fact that the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies\|Quartermaster General]] chose not to allocate shares of the [[Military_unit#Guerdon_Shares\|Guerdon]] to the war to reclaim their homes. This speaks well of those [[Military unit\|captains]] who fight with the Tusks regardless, speaks well of their Pride and Loyalty. What would [[Life of Tom Drake\|Tom Drake]] say about a [[Imperial Military Council\|Military Council]] that holds such a tight grasp on their purse-strings when there is fighting to be done? As they say, you don't own it unless you can defend it. Should the Empire's soldiers not receive just payment for their labour? Is their pay a gift, to be given and withheld at the whim of far-away generals from other nations? It's not a new complaint, but with the Fire-Crow's encouragement it is voiced out loud by more soldiers than one might expect.

	Just as well, perhaps, that the heralds of Janon are too busy fighting and stirring the passions of the Tusks to talk to the farmers or the miners of the Mournwold as well, perhaps.		Just as well, perhaps, that the heralds of Janon are too busy fighting and stirring the passions of the Tusks to talk to the farmers or the miners of the Mournwold as well, perhaps.
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	Yet there are more pressing concerns than Tom Drake, beloved as he is. The Jotun leave no room for doubt that the Dour Fens are theirs, now. They do not tolerate rebellion or resistance, and those who want to fight are forced to sneak away and join the Strong Reeds among the rushes. Hated traitor Stephen of Sarcombe is sent to [[Bregasland#Eels_Landing\|Eel's Landing]] to explain to the Greywaters that they had best mind their manners or they will pay a hard price. Steward Margery, sadly, is nowhere to be found and neither are most of the house. They have disappeared into the marshes with the same practiced ease that made them so useful to the Strong Reeds when the Fishers came to tell the Bregas they were part of her new kingdom. Stephen is apparently furious, but then when is he not? Given his head, he would probably have burned Eel's Landing to the ground - but Queen Yrsa Jansdottir, Jarl of Jarls, general of the Lion of the North, keeps him on a short leash and will not let him exact vengeance against the people of Bregasland unless they take up arms against their new overlords.		Yet there are more pressing concerns than Tom Drake, beloved as he is. The Jotun leave no room for doubt that the Dour Fens are theirs, now. They do not tolerate rebellion or resistance, and those who want to fight are forced to sneak away and join the Strong Reeds among the rushes. Hated traitor Stephen of Sarcombe is sent to [[Bregasland#Eels_Landing\|Eel's Landing]] to explain to the Greywaters that they had best mind their manners or they will pay a hard price. Steward Margery, sadly, is nowhere to be found and neither are most of the house. They have disappeared into the marshes with the same practiced ease that made them so useful to the Strong Reeds when the Fishers came to tell the Bregas they were part of her new kingdom. Stephen is apparently furious, but then when is he not? Given his head, he would probably have burned Eel's Landing to the ground - but Queen Yrsa Jansdottir, Jarl of Jarls, general of the Lion of the North, keeps him on a short leash and will not let him exact vengeance against the people of Bregasland unless they take up arms against their new overlords.

	For the most part, at least at the moment, the Jotun seem content to rule. Many of their warriors have marched south, but a strong core of half a dozen armies and several champion warbands remain in the marshes. Most of those champions support the Lion of the North, and that represents a problem. While the other armies complete the conquest of Bregasland, Yrsa sets her warriors and champions to [[Army qualities#Scouting\|scour the marshes]] looking for any sign of organised resistance, for any sign of the Strong Reeds. A sizable bounty has been placed on the head of the general - but there is an even richer reward for anyone who can capture the leader of the ‘Reeds and deliver her alive into the hands of the Queen of ~~Kallsea~~.		For the most part, at least at the moment, the Jotun seem content to rule. Many of their warriors have marched south, but a strong core of half a dozen armies and several champion warbands remain in the marshes. Most of those champions support the Lion of the North, and that represents a problem. While the other armies complete the conquest of Bregasland, Yrsa sets her warriors and champions to [[Army qualities#Scouting\|scour the marshes]] looking for any sign of organised resistance, for any sign of the Strong Reeds. A sizable bounty has been placed on the head of the general - but there is an even richer reward for anyone who can capture the leader of the ‘Reeds and deliver her alive into the hands of the Queen of Kalsea.

	The Strong Reeds prove harder to root out than a [[spy network]] or a ring of Grendel agents, but between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice the Reeds must remain on their toes. Several times a warband or a cell of sympathisers need to be relocated with hours notice to avoid the lions of Queen Yrsa. There are victories as well - vicious fights between Jotun who manage to find some of the Marcher soldiers which leave both sides bloodied. It is a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, but for now the Reeds have the upper hand. As the Summer Solstice nears, the Jotun are in no doubt that the Strong Reeds are present, and that they are organising resistance against the orcs' rule. How much ''else'' they know is not clear, but it does not seem they know exactly where the Strong Reeds are - if they did they would have ended them already.		The Strong Reeds prove harder to root out than a [[spy network]] or a ring of Grendel agents, but between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice the Reeds must remain on their toes. Several times a warband or a cell of sympathisers need to be relocated with hours notice to avoid the lions of Queen Yrsa. There are victories as well - vicious fights between Jotun who manage to find some of the Marcher soldiers which leave both sides bloodied. It is a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, but for now the Reeds have the upper hand. As the Summer Solstice nears, the Jotun are in no doubt that the Strong Reeds are present, and that they are organising resistance against the orcs' rule. How much ''else'' they know is not clear, but it does not seem they know exactly where the Strong Reeds are - if they did they would have ended them already.
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	The Empire has taken steps on several battles to bolster the [[Pride]] and [[Loyalty]] of the Marcher armies, and the people of Mournwold and Bregasland. The generals of the Strong Reeds and Tusks have sworn powerful oaths to protect the people of "their" territory. The inspiration these acts provide should not be underestimated.		The Empire has taken steps on several battles to bolster the [[Pride]] and [[Loyalty]] of the Marcher armies, and the people of Mournwold and Bregasland. The generals of the Strong Reeds and Tusks have sworn powerful oaths to protect the people of "their" territory. The inspiration these acts provide should not be underestimated.

	Any Marcher character whose [[military unit]] supported either the Tusks or the Strong Reeds this season may experience that inspiration if it suits their characterisation. As long as they have an [[anointing]] of [[Auras_of_Loyalty#Anointing\|Loyalty]] or [[Auras_of_Pride#Anointing\|Pride]], they receive a bonus [[heroic skills#Hero\|hero point]] during the Summer Solstice. This bonus increases their maximum number of hero points for the duration of the summit.		Any Marcher character whose [[military unit]] supported either the Tusks or the Strong Reeds this season may experience that inspiration if it suits their characterisation. As long as they have an [[anointing]] of [[Auras_of_Loyalty#Anointing\|Loyalty]] or [[Auras_of_Pride#Anointing\|Pride]], they receive a bonus [[heroic skills#Hero\|hero point]] during the Summer Solstice. This bonus increases their maximum number of hero points for the duration of the summit.

	Any character who is not a Marcher may also receive a benefit but it is less intense. Instead of an increase to their maximum hero points for the summit, they receive a single temporary hero point which is lost once it is used - provided they have an appropriate anointing.		Any character who is not a Marcher may also receive a benefit but it is less intense. Instead of an increase to their maximum hero points for the summit, they receive a single temporary hero point which is lost once it is used - provided they have an appropriate anointing.