Soldiers of Suran - Revision history

Twiggy: /* Through the Woods */

2026-02-11T04:18:11Z

Through the Woods

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:18, 11 February 2026
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	A captain or commander of the force joined us for a short time during our journey along the road, asking a number of penetrating questions about who we were and where we were going and who would vouch for us. Josse Argent fielded these questions and the commander seemed impressed that we were guests of the Baroness LaVasse. The whole time they were shadowed by a priest in red and green, a warrior in heavy armour with a full-face helm. They were apparently a servant of the [[Suranni_pantheon#Kobol_the_Warrior,_Maiden_of_Battle\|Maiden of Battles]] and while they did not speak I could feel their attention focused on me with the force of a blade through the ribs.		A captain or commander of the force joined us for a short time during our journey along the road, asking a number of penetrating questions about who we were and where we were going and who would vouch for us. Josse Argent fielded these questions and the commander seemed impressed that we were guests of the Baroness LaVasse. The whole time they were shadowed by a priest in red and green, a warrior in heavy armour with a full-face helm. They were apparently a servant of the [[Suranni_pantheon#Kobol_the_Warrior,_Maiden_of_Battle\|Maiden of Battles]] and while they did not speak I could feel their attention focused on me with the force of a blade through the ribs.
	===Through the Woods===		===Through the Woods===
	There is an immense forest in Veroigne, entirely encompassing some of the northern regions. Named the [[Bay of Catazar#Veroigne\|Great Forest of Ylgourne]], it has a poor reputation. The edges are tamed, and there are woodcutter settlements along them, but its depths are seen as dangerous and twisted. Somewhere among the dark trees are the ruins of the citadel of Fausseflammes, a hateful and terrible place where enemies of the gods once attempted to openly establish a temple of Dumon		There is an immense forest in Veroigne, entirely encompassing some of the northern regions. Named the [[Bay of Catazar#Veroigne\|Great Forest of Ylgourne]], it has a poor reputation. The edges are tamed, and there are woodcutter settlements along them, but its depths are seen as dangerous and twisted. Somewhere among the dark trees are the ruins of the citadel of Fausseflammes, a hateful and terrible place where enemies of the gods once attempted to openly establish a temple of Dumon.

	I did not approach closely to it, but from everything the folk we spoke to said I could not help but ponder about the teachings of the Great Forest Orcs who speak of an ancient forest that once covered the entire landmass of what is now the Empire. I asked Josse Argent if there was weirwood within and he looked startled, then worried, then changed the subject. I realised then that he was concerned we might be spies, which was an odd experience given how open and honest we had been with him to that point.		I did not approach closely to it, but from everything the folk we spoke to said I could not help but ponder about the teachings of the Great Forest Orcs who speak of an ancient forest that once covered the entire landmass of what is now the Empire. I asked Josse Argent if there was weirwood within and he looked startled, then worried, then changed the subject. I realised then that he was concerned we might be spies, which was an odd experience given how open and honest we had been with him to that point.

Twiggy: /* Through the Woods */

2026-02-11T04:17:45Z

Through the Woods

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:17, 11 February 2026
Line 44:		Line 44:
	A captain or commander of the force joined us for a short time during our journey along the road, asking a number of penetrating questions about who we were and where we were going and who would vouch for us. Josse Argent fielded these questions and the commander seemed impressed that we were guests of the Baroness LaVasse. The whole time they were shadowed by a priest in red and green, a warrior in heavy armour with a full-face helm. They were apparently a servant of the [[Suranni_pantheon#Kobol_the_Warrior,_Maiden_of_Battle\|Maiden of Battles]] and while they did not speak I could feel their attention focused on me with the force of a blade through the ribs.		A captain or commander of the force joined us for a short time during our journey along the road, asking a number of penetrating questions about who we were and where we were going and who would vouch for us. Josse Argent fielded these questions and the commander seemed impressed that we were guests of the Baroness LaVasse. The whole time they were shadowed by a priest in red and green, a warrior in heavy armour with a full-face helm. They were apparently a servant of the [[Suranni_pantheon#Kobol_the_Warrior,_Maiden_of_Battle\|Maiden of Battles]] and while they did not speak I could feel their attention focused on me with the force of a blade through the ribs.
	===Through the Woods===		===Through the Woods===
	There is an immense forest in Veroigne, entirely encompassing some of the northern regions. Named the [[Bay of Catazar#~~Forest of Ylgourne~~\|Great Forest of Ylgourne]], it has a poor reputation. The edges are tamed, and there are woodcutter settlements along them, but its depths are seen as dangerous and twisted. Somewhere among the dark trees are the ruins of the citadel of Fausseflammes, a hateful and terrible place where enemies of the gods once attempted to openly establish a temple of Dumon		There is an immense forest in Veroigne, entirely encompassing some of the northern regions. Named the [[Bay of Catazar#Veroigne\|Great Forest of Ylgourne]], it has a poor reputation. The edges are tamed, and there are woodcutter settlements along them, but its depths are seen as dangerous and twisted. Somewhere among the dark trees are the ruins of the citadel of Fausseflammes, a hateful and terrible place where enemies of the gods once attempted to openly establish a temple of Dumon

	I did not approach closely to it, but from everything the folk we spoke to said I could not help but ponder about the teachings of the Great Forest Orcs who speak of an ancient forest that once covered the entire landmass of what is now the Empire. I asked Josse Argent if there was weirwood within and he looked startled, then worried, then changed the subject. I realised then that he was concerned we might be spies, which was an odd experience given how open and honest we had been with him to that point.		I did not approach closely to it, but from everything the folk we spoke to said I could not help but ponder about the teachings of the Great Forest Orcs who speak of an ancient forest that once covered the entire landmass of what is now the Empire. I asked Josse Argent if there was weirwood within and he looked startled, then worried, then changed the subject. I realised then that he was concerned we might be spies, which was an odd experience given how open and honest we had been with him to that point.

	===Our Destination===		===Our Destination===
	Out of Veroigne there is a road that leads to the Duchy of Chaubrette, and the Tour Lavasse which is home to Baroness Katerine. Josse Argent was quite keen to impress on me that the Baroness rules over the whole of Meore – another lightly wooded “barony” (a [[territory#Regions\|region]] in Imperial parlance) scattered with apparently prosperous villages and a few small towns. She is technically a “vassal” of the Duke of Chaubrette, who is currently the aging Duke Sephora duSylaire who is renowned for her cleverness and insight. In practice, Baroness Katerine holds much higher status than many of her peers because she reports directly to the Dukes as a whole and advises them on matters of international diplomacy. She has some interesting degree of leeway to use limited forms of magic in pursuit of her duties – but only under the supervision of a priest of Kavol who will ensure she does not become corrupted thereby.		Out of Veroigne there is a road that leads to the Duchy of Chaubrette, and the Tour Lavasse which is home to Baroness Katerine. Josse Argent was quite keen to impress on me that the Baroness rules over the whole of Meore – another lightly wooded “barony” (a [[territory#Regions\|region]] in Imperial parlance) scattered with apparently prosperous villages and a few small towns. She is technically a “vassal” of the Duke of Chaubrette, who is currently the aging Duke Sephora duSylaire who is renowned for her cleverness and insight. In practice, Baroness Katerine holds much higher status than many of her peers because she reports directly to the Dukes as a whole and advises them on matters of international diplomacy. She has some interesting degree of leeway to use limited forms of magic in pursuit of her duties – but only under the supervision of a priest of Kavol who will ensure she does not become corrupted thereby.

Twiggy: /* Southbound */

2026-02-11T04:09:28Z

Southbound

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:09, 11 February 2026
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	Greetings Minister. Or perhaps that should be ministers! I received the information that I was going to the Iron Confederacy for a sabbatical while I was in the middle of reading a fascinating treatise penned by ''Laskaris of the Ten-Spoked Wheel'', who was as you know obsessed with "strange auras." I'd hoped it might uncover something useful to the Heirs of Lepidus who I know are busy investigating paragons and exemplars for the [[Lepidean Librarian]]. Sadly the book is far too old and fragile to survive a journey to the distant south.		Greetings Minister. Or perhaps that should be ministers! I received the information that I was going to the Iron Confederacy for a sabbatical while I was in the middle of reading a fascinating treatise penned by ''Laskaris of the Ten-Spoked Wheel'', who was as you know obsessed with "strange auras." I'd hoped it might uncover something useful to the Heirs of Lepidus who I know are busy investigating paragons and exemplars for the [[Lepidean Librarian]]. Sadly the book is far too old and fragile to survive a journey to the distant south.
	===Southbound===		===Southbound===
	At the advice of my peers, I decided that we should travel by land rather than by sea given all that is in upheaval in the [[Bay of Catazar\|Bay]] at this time. We passed through [[Madruga]], and crossed the river by a raft poled by a certain cheerful [[merrow]] fellow who was droll company. From there we went south through benighted [[Feroz]], spending a night in [[Feroz#Oran\|Oran]] and hearing the tale of how they fought off the [[Children of Wrecks\|Wreckers]] with the [[A_circle_sewn_with_fate#The_Battle_of_Oran\|aid of Grendel soldiers]]. From there, along the coastal road (such as remains of it) to [[Feroz#~~Bramar~~\|Bramar]] where once Suranni merchants came to trade with the Empire in great numbers. That trade is much diminished, but it is slowly growing again in strength.		At the advice of my peers, I decided that we should travel by land rather than by sea given all that is in upheaval in the [[Bay of Catazar\|Bay]] at this time. We passed through [[Madruga]], and crossed the river by a raft poled by a certain cheerful [[merrow]] fellow who was droll company. From there we went south through benighted [[Feroz]], spending a night in [[Feroz#Oran\|Oran]] and hearing the tale of how they fought off the [[Children of Wrecks\|Wreckers]] with the [[A_circle_sewn_with_fate#The_Battle_of_Oran\|aid of Grendel soldiers]]. From there, along the coastal road (such as remains of it) to [[Feroz#Fontargenta\|Bramar]] where once Suranni merchants came to trade with the Empire in great numbers. That trade is much diminished, but it is slowly growing again in strength.
	<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Kavol.PNG\|align=left\|caption=Kavol is named the Veiled King by the Suranni, and seeks out those who would undermine the strength of the Iron Confederacy\|width=300}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Kavol.PNG\|align=left\|caption=Kavol is named the Veiled King by the Suranni, and seeks out those who would undermine the strength of the Iron Confederacy\|width=300}}</div>
	There we met our guide, ''Josse Argent'', that self-same priest who had [[Keep_talking#A_History_of_Strength\|come to Anvil]] during the equinox to speak with Imperial priests on matters of history and faith. They are a priest of their [[Suranni_pantheon#Kavol,_the_Veiled_King\|Veiled God]] whom mortals name Kavol, said to be the consort of their Sun Goddess Suran the founder of their nation. Before we departed, Josse spoke out a portentous blessing on our little group, calling on his god to veil us from the eyes of any foe that might seek to stay us on our passage. It made a couple of my companions uneasy, but I at least am made of sterner stuff. The Department teaches us to remain sanguine when foreign folk speak of their religions and beliefs, whatever we ourselves hold close to our hearts.		There we met our guide, ''Josse Argent'', that self-same priest who had [[Keep_talking#A_History_of_Strength\|come to Anvil]] during the equinox to speak with Imperial priests on matters of history and faith. They are a priest of their [[Suranni_pantheon#Kavol,_the_Veiled_King\|Veiled God]] whom mortals name Kavol, said to be the consort of their Sun Goddess Suran the founder of their nation. Before we departed, Josse spoke out a portentous blessing on our little group, calling on his god to veil us from the eyes of any foe that might seek to stay us on our passage. It made a couple of my companions uneasy, but I at least am made of sterner stuff. The Department teaches us to remain sanguine when foreign folk speak of their religions and beliefs, whatever we ourselves hold close to our hearts.

	===Songs in Arbonne===		===Songs in Arbonne===
	From there we went south still further, crossing out of Feroz into [[Bay_of_Catazar#Kalino_(or_“Arbonne”)\|Arbonne]], which the Lasambrian orcs called Kalino. It is a dry place, especially with Spring fading into Summer. A hilly place that reminded me at times of [[Kahraman]] but without the great mountain ranges. It is also a place that the Iron Confederacy have stamped their indelible mark upon. Villages and towns now dot the hills, and the land has been tamed and bound up with roads and paths. The Duke rules this place with an iron hand, and it is a place of order and binding laws.		From there we went south still further, crossing out of Feroz into [[Bay_of_Catazar#Kalino_(or_“Arbonne”)\|Arbonne]], which the Lasambrian orcs called Kalino. It is a dry place, especially with Spring fading into Summer. A hilly place that reminded me at times of [[Kahraman]] but without the great mountain ranges. It is also a place that the Iron Confederacy have stamped their indelible mark upon. Villages and towns now dot the hills, and the land has been tamed and bound up with roads and paths. The Duke rules this place with an iron hand, and it is a place of order and binding laws.

Twiggy: /* Into the Iron Confederacy */

2026-02-11T04:07:44Z

Into the Iron Confederacy

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:07, 11 February 2026
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	==Into the Iron Confederacy==		==Into the Iron Confederacy==
	Greetings Minister. Or perhaps that should be ministers! I received the information that I was going to the Iron Confederacy for a sabbatical while I was in the middle of reading a fascinating treatise penned by ''Laskaris of the Ten-Spoked Wheel'', who was as you know obsessed with "strange auras". I'd hoped it might uncover something useful to the Heirs of Lepidus who I know are busy investigating paragons and exemplars for the [[Lepidean Librarian]]. Sadly the book is far too old and fragile to survive a journey to the distant south.		Greetings Minister. Or perhaps that should be ministers! I received the information that I was going to the Iron Confederacy for a sabbatical while I was in the middle of reading a fascinating treatise penned by ''Laskaris of the Ten-Spoked Wheel'', who was as you know obsessed with "strange auras." I'd hoped it might uncover something useful to the Heirs of Lepidus who I know are busy investigating paragons and exemplars for the [[Lepidean Librarian]]. Sadly the book is far too old and fragile to survive a journey to the distant south.
	===Southbound===		===Southbound===
	At the advice of my peers, I decided that we should travel by land rather than by sea given all that is in upheaval in the [[Bay of Catazar\|Bay]] at this time. We passed through [[Madruga]], and crossed the river by a raft poled by a certain cheerful [[merrow]] fellow who was droll company. From there we went south through benighted [[Feroz]], spending a night in [[Feroz#Oran\|Oran]] and hearing the tale of how they fought off the [[Children of Wrecks\|Wreckers]] with the [[A_circle_sewn_with_fate#The_Battle_of_Oran\|aid of Grendel soldiers]]. From there, along the coastal road (such as remains of it) to [[Feroz#Bramar\|Bramar]] where once Suranni merchants came to trade with the Empire in great numbers. That trade is much diminished, but it is slowly growing again in strength.		At the advice of my peers, I decided that we should travel by land rather than by sea given all that is in upheaval in the [[Bay of Catazar\|Bay]] at this time. We passed through [[Madruga]], and crossed the river by a raft poled by a certain cheerful [[merrow]] fellow who was droll company. From there we went south through benighted [[Feroz]], spending a night in [[Feroz#Oran\|Oran]] and hearing the tale of how they fought off the [[Children of Wrecks\|Wreckers]] with the [[A_circle_sewn_with_fate#The_Battle_of_Oran\|aid of Grendel soldiers]]. From there, along the coastal road (such as remains of it) to [[Feroz#Bramar\|Bramar]] where once Suranni merchants came to trade with the Empire in great numbers. That trade is much diminished, but it is slowly growing again in strength.

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

2026-01-16T09:41:24Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:41, 16 January 2026
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	===Our First Soldiers===		===Our First Soldiers===
	It was in Veroigne that we got our first look at the Suranni military itself; an [[~~Imperial army~~\|army]] of Iron Confederacy soldiers camped out beneath banners showing a soaring white bird with its wings spread before a blazing sun. The tents entirely covered several acres of land, and reminded me a little of Anvil on the rare occasion I am able to visit during a summit. The soldiers seemed easily as disciplined as an Imperial force of similar size, and while we attracted some interest none of the soldiers spoke to us.		It was in Veroigne that we got our first look at the Suranni military itself; an [[Army\|army]] of Iron Confederacy soldiers camped out beneath banners showing a soaring white bird with its wings spread before a blazing sun. The tents entirely covered several acres of land, and reminded me a little of Anvil on the rare occasion I am able to visit during a summit. The soldiers seemed easily as disciplined as an Imperial force of similar size, and while we attracted some interest none of the soldiers spoke to us.

	A captain or commander of the force joined us for a short time during our journey along the road, asking a number of penetrating questions about who we were and where we were going and who would vouch for us. Josse Argent fielded these questions and the commander seemed impressed that we were guests of the Baroness LaVasse. The whole time they were shadowed by a priest in red and green, a warrior in heavy armour with a full-face helm. They were apparently a servant of the [[Suranni_pantheon#Kobol_the_Warrior,_Maiden_of_Battle\|Maiden of Battles]] and while they did not speak I could feel their attention focused on me with the force of a blade through the ribs.		A captain or commander of the force joined us for a short time during our journey along the road, asking a number of penetrating questions about who we were and where we were going and who would vouch for us. Josse Argent fielded these questions and the commander seemed impressed that we were guests of the Baroness LaVasse. The whole time they were shadowed by a priest in red and green, a warrior in heavy armour with a full-face helm. They were apparently a servant of the [[Suranni_pantheon#Kobol_the_Warrior,_Maiden_of_Battle\|Maiden of Battles]] and while they did not speak I could feel their attention focused on me with the force of a blade through the ribs.

Thespaceinvader: /* Overview */

2025-09-08T20:08:48Z

Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:08, 8 September 2025
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	<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Suran.PNG\|align=left\|caption=The [[Iron Confederacy\|Suranni]] take their name from their goddess [[Suranni_pantheon#Suran,_the_Queen_of_Heaven\|Suran]], the "Queen of Heaven".\|width=300}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 300px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Suran.PNG\|align=left\|caption=The [[Iron Confederacy\|Suranni]] take their name from their goddess [[Suranni_pantheon#Suran,_the_Queen_of_Heaven\|Suran]], the "Queen of Heaven".\|width=300}}</div>
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	During the Spring Equinox 387YE then [[Minister of Historical Research]], '''Silk Farkas''', [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Research_Suranni_Military_History\|commissioned an investigation]] into the military history of the [[Iron Confederacy]]. The research was partially inspired by an offer from visiting priests; [[Historical_research#Marko_Siwarsbairn\|~~Mark~~ Siwarsbairn]] would travel to the Confederacy, and stay as a quest of the ''Baroness Katerine Lavasse of Meore'' the Suranni ambassador to the Empire. The investigation is expected to take some time, given that it is being performed in a foreign nation - one that has a long history of being extremely touchy.		During the Spring Equinox 387YE then [[Minister of Historical Research]], '''Silk Farkas''', [[387YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Research_Suranni_Military_History\|commissioned an investigation]] into the military history of the [[Iron Confederacy]]. The research was partially inspired by an offer from visiting priests; [[Historical_research#Marko_Siwarsbairn\|Marko Siwarsbairn]] would travel to the Confederacy, and stay as a quest of the ''Baroness Katerine Lavasse of Meore'' the Suranni ambassador to the Empire. The investigation is expected to take some time, given that it is being performed in a foreign nation - one that has a long history of being extremely touchy.

	Marko delivered the first part of their research to the Minister at the Summer Solstice, via [[Call Winged Messenger\|magical messenger]]. Developments following the Solstice may prevent the early completion of the research as touched on in the [[Bedight_in_veils#An_Imperial_Historian_in_the_Baronial_Court\|Bedight in veils]] wind of fortune. For now though the first part of the report has been published by the [[Historical_research#Department of Historical Research\|Department of Historical Research]].		Marko delivered the first part of their research to the Minister at the Summer Solstice, via [[Call Winged Messenger\|magical messenger]]. Developments following the Solstice may prevent the early completion of the research as touched on in the [[Bedight_in_veils#An_Imperial_Historian_in_the_Baronial_Court\|Bedight in veils]] wind of fortune. For now though the first part of the report has been published by the [[Historical_research#Department of Historical Research\|Department of Historical Research]].

Noserenda: /* Our Destination */

2025-09-08T19:43:36Z

Our Destination

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:43, 8 September 2025
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	I did not approach closely to it, but from everything the folk we spoke to said I could not help but ponder about the teachings of the Great Forest Orcs who speak of an ancient forest that once covered the entire landmass of what is now the Empire. I asked Josse Argent if there was weirwood within and he looked startled, then worried, then changed the subject. I realised then that he was concerned we might be spies, which was an odd experience given how open and honest we had been with him to that point.		I did not approach closely to it, but from everything the folk we spoke to said I could not help but ponder about the teachings of the Great Forest Orcs who speak of an ancient forest that once covered the entire landmass of what is now the Empire. I asked Josse Argent if there was weirwood within and he looked startled, then worried, then changed the subject. I realised then that he was concerned we might be spies, which was an odd experience given how open and honest we had been with him to that point.
	===Our Destination===		===Our Destination===
	Out of Veroigne there is a road that leads to the Duchy of Chaubrette, and the Tour Lavasse which is home to Baroness Katerine. Josse Argent was quite keen to impress on me that the Baroness rules over the whole of Meore – another lightly wooded “barony” (a [[territory#Regions\|region]] in Imperial parlance) scattered with apparently prosperous villages and a few small towns. She is technically a “vassal” of the Duke of Chaubrette, who is currently the aging Duke Sephora duSylaire who is renowned for her cleverness and insight. In practice, Baroness Katerine holds much higher status than many of her peers because she reports directly to the Dukes as a whole and advises them on matters of international diplomacy. She has some interesting degree of leeway to use limited forms of magic in pursuit of her duties – but only under the supervision of a priest of ~~Koval~~ who will ensure she does not become corrupted thereby.		Out of Veroigne there is a road that leads to the Duchy of Chaubrette, and the Tour Lavasse which is home to Baroness Katerine. Josse Argent was quite keen to impress on me that the Baroness rules over the whole of Meore – another lightly wooded “barony” (a [[territory#Regions\|region]] in Imperial parlance) scattered with apparently prosperous villages and a few small towns. She is technically a “vassal” of the Duke of Chaubrette, who is currently the aging Duke Sephora duSylaire who is renowned for her cleverness and insight. In practice, Baroness Katerine holds much higher status than many of her peers because she reports directly to the Dukes as a whole and advises them on matters of international diplomacy. She has some interesting degree of leeway to use limited forms of magic in pursuit of her duties – but only under the supervision of a priest of Kavol who will ensure she does not become corrupted thereby.

	The Tour Lavasse is a beautiful round tower on a low hill overlooking a town with the same name. We met with the Baroness on the first night as her guests, and I found her a clever and entertaining host. Like many of her peers she has the blood of Night – the [[naga]] lineage – and that clearly expresses itself in the delight she takes in beautiful things and in diverting conversation. I was never doubted, though, that I was dealing with a canny politician who knew many secrets and was not averse to using either cleverness or knowledge in pursuit of her goals.		The Tour Lavasse is a beautiful round tower on a low hill overlooking a town with the same name. We met with the Baroness on the first night as her guests, and I found her a clever and entertaining host. Like many of her peers she has the blood of Night – the [[naga]] lineage – and that clearly expresses itself in the delight she takes in beautiful things and in diverting conversation. I was never doubted, though, that I was dealing with a canny politician who knew many secrets and was not averse to using either cleverness or knowledge in pursuit of her goals.

Noserenda: /* Into the West */

2025-09-08T19:41:40Z

Into the West

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:41, 8 September 2025
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	From Shavronne we travelled west into [[Bay_of_Catazar#Veroigne\|Veroigne]]. By this point it was clear that we would get little done this season save travelling. It is notable that there are no [[trods]] in the Iron Confederacy – nor would they welcome them. All travel seems to take ten times as long – although I know that is foolish and that I am simply unused to having to bear each day's travails as a weary traveller without the trods to help.		From Shavronne we travelled west into [[Bay_of_Catazar#Veroigne\|Veroigne]]. By this point it was clear that we would get little done this season save travelling. It is notable that there are no [[trods]] in the Iron Confederacy – nor would they welcome them. All travel seems to take ten times as long – although I know that is foolish and that I am simply unused to having to bear each day's travails as a weary traveller without the trods to help.

	Veroigne is much flatter than Arbonne or Shavronne, and more forested. It reminded me of [[Astolat]] or perhaps [[Weirwater]], but warmer. I will own that I was ill prepared for the heat, and our guide was openly amused as each morning I wore less and less of my traditional [[~~Winermark~~\|Winterfolk]] garb. Josse Argent himself had likewise stripped down his travelling clothes, favouring an open-chested robe of light cotton with short sleeves, bound up with a thick belt. I considered adopting this more Suranni look, but in the end resisted. I compromised with a broad-brimmed Marcher hat, and my lightest tunic, and a short kilt of thin wool. Still, I sweated like an ox through the hours of the day.		Veroigne is much flatter than Arbonne or Shavronne, and more forested. It reminded me of [[Astolat]] or perhaps [[Weirwater]], but warmer. I will own that I was ill prepared for the heat, and our guide was openly amused as each morning I wore less and less of my traditional [[Wintermark\|Winterfolk]] garb. Josse Argent himself had likewise stripped down his travelling clothes, favouring an open-chested robe of light cotton with short sleeves, bound up with a thick belt. I considered adopting this more Suranni look, but in the end resisted. I compromised with a broad-brimmed Marcher hat, and my lightest tunic, and a short kilt of thin wool. Still, I sweated like an ox through the hours of the day.

	Unsurprisingly as the Summer heat intensified we started travelling in two legs each day- from the first light of morning until the heat became too great to endure. During that time, we would erect light canopies and lean-tos to rest beneath, eating lightly and talking lazily until sleep claimed us. Once the heat broke, we would continue travelling until it was too dark to see and then camp for the night. It is notable that we would camp more often than we would spend time in an inn or tavern – they existed but Josse Argent was happier under the stars.		Unsurprisingly as the Summer heat intensified we started travelling in two legs each day- from the first light of morning until the heat became too great to endure. During that time, we would erect light canopies and lean-tos to rest beneath, eating lightly and talking lazily until sleep claimed us. Once the heat broke, we would continue travelling until it was too dark to see and then camp for the night. It is notable that we would camp more often than we would spend time in an inn or tavern – they existed but Josse Argent was happier under the stars.
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	On several occasions I was aware that he and his companions were speaking prayers to the moon in the sky. They invited me to join them once or twice but I politely declined. It is not clear to me whether they believe that the moon is in some way ''physically'' Kavol, or whether it is simply a ceremonial way to practice their odd faith. But they were very sincere in my judgement; they genuinely believed that a god of the moon watched over them.		On several occasions I was aware that he and his companions were speaking prayers to the moon in the sky. They invited me to join them once or twice but I politely declined. It is not clear to me whether they believe that the moon is in some way ''physically'' Kavol, or whether it is simply a ceremonial way to practice their odd faith. But they were very sincere in my judgement; they genuinely believed that a god of the moon watched over them.
	<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Kobol.PNG\|align=left\|caption=Kobol is named the Maiden of Battles, and is said to be the most popular of the Suranni gods.\|width=300}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Kobol.PNG\|align=left\|caption=Kobol is named the Maiden of Battles, and is said to be the most popular of the Suranni gods.\|width=300}}</div>

	===Our First Soldiers===		===Our First Soldiers===
	It was in Veroigne that we got our first look at the Suranni military itself; an [[Imperial army\|army]] of Iron Confederacy soldiers camped out beneath banners showing a soaring white bird with its wings spread before a blazing sun. The tents entirely covered several acres of land, and reminded me a little of Anvil on the rare occasion I am able to visit during a summit. The soldiers seemed easily as disciplined as an Imperial force of similar size, and while we attracted some interest none of the soldiers spoke to us.		It was in Veroigne that we got our first look at the Suranni military itself; an [[Imperial army\|army]] of Iron Confederacy soldiers camped out beneath banners showing a soaring white bird with its wings spread before a blazing sun. The tents entirely covered several acres of land, and reminded me a little of Anvil on the rare occasion I am able to visit during a summit. The soldiers seemed easily as disciplined as an Imperial force of similar size, and while we attracted some interest none of the soldiers spoke to us.

Castaras: /* Songs in Arbonne */

2025-09-08T18:03:46Z

Songs in Arbonne

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:03, 8 September 2025
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	From there we went south still further, crossing out of Feroz into [[Bay_of_Catazar#Kalino_(or_“Arbonne”)\|Arbonne]], which the Lasambrian orcs called Kalino. It is a dry place, especially with Spring fading into Summer. A hilly place that reminded me at times of [[Kahraman]] but without the great mountain ranges. It is also a place that the Iron Confederacy have stamped their indelible mark upon. Villages and towns now dot the hills, and the land has been tamed and bound up with roads and paths. The Duke rules this place with an iron hand, and it is a place of order and binding laws.		From there we went south still further, crossing out of Feroz into [[Bay_of_Catazar#Kalino_(or_“Arbonne”)\|Arbonne]], which the Lasambrian orcs called Kalino. It is a dry place, especially with Spring fading into Summer. A hilly place that reminded me at times of [[Kahraman]] but without the great mountain ranges. It is also a place that the Iron Confederacy have stamped their indelible mark upon. Villages and towns now dot the hills, and the land has been tamed and bound up with roads and paths. The Duke rules this place with an iron hand, and it is a place of order and binding laws.

	We stayed one night as guests of the Duke. We were greeted by the Duke's court, but it was clear that our guide Josse was not quite as welcome as we were. As a personal priest to the Baroness Lavasse it was clear that the court of Arbonne saw him as a representative of a rival rather than a welcome countryman. The Duke was very attentive, and interested to learn as much as possible about how things lay in Feroz now that the [[Grendel[[ had departed; whether Imperial ambitions in [[Reinos]] were to be realised any time soon; and how the Empire was dealing with the Children of Wrecks. Wherever possible I gave bland answers that provided him with little actual information – another thing I learned well at the Department!		We stayed one night as guests of the Duke. We were greeted by the Duke's court, but it was clear that our guide Josse was not quite as welcome as we were. As a personal priest to the Baroness Lavasse it was clear that the court of Arbonne saw him as a representative of a rival rather than a welcome countryman. The Duke was very attentive, and interested to learn as much as possible about how things lay in Feroz now that the [[Grendel]] had departed; whether Imperial ambitions in [[Reinos]] were to be realised any time soon; and how the Empire was dealing with the Children of Wrecks. Wherever possible I gave bland answers that provided him with little actual information – another thing I learned well at the Department!
	<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Arav.PNG\|align=left\|caption=Arav is named the Maiden of Silence, and his priests are called on to enforce the laws of the Confederacy.\|width=300}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Arav.PNG\|align=left\|caption=Arav is named the Maiden of Silence, and his priests are called on to enforce the laws of the Confederacy.\|width=300}}</div>
	From Arbonne, we passed into and through [[Bay_of_Catazar#Shavronne\|Shavronne]], the land claimed by the Druke Jaques duMoi who has earned himself the name “Iron Wolf”. He was less interested in meeting with us, and Josse Argent commented that it might be simple jealousy or bitterness. Once Jaques duMoi was responsible for diplomacy with the Empire but lost that position following the conquest of Arbonne. Not that we lacked for hospitality; there was a monastery of priests dedicated to their [[Suranni_pantheon#Arav_the_Judge,_Maiden_of_Silence\|God of Judges]] (who they name Arav, Maiden of Silence). They were quite insistent that we spend time with them, and sought to engage us in conversation about the beliefs of the Way and the Virtues. It was clear they were as cautious and suspicious of our faith as we were of theirs. I used this opportunity to raise the matter of how the priests may work alongside the armies through the history of their wars. I fear both of us were disappointed in the outcome.		From Arbonne, we passed into and through [[Bay_of_Catazar#Shavronne\|Shavronne]], the land claimed by the Druke Jaques duMoi who has earned himself the name “Iron Wolf”. He was less interested in meeting with us, and Josse Argent commented that it might be simple jealousy or bitterness. Once Jaques duMoi was responsible for diplomacy with the Empire but lost that position following the conquest of Arbonne. Not that we lacked for hospitality; there was a monastery of priests dedicated to their [[Suranni_pantheon#Arav_the_Judge,_Maiden_of_Silence\|God of Judges]] (who they name Arav, Maiden of Silence). They were quite insistent that we spend time with them, and sought to engage us in conversation about the beliefs of the Way and the Virtues. It was clear they were as cautious and suspicious of our faith as we were of theirs. I used this opportunity to raise the matter of how the priests may work alongside the armies through the history of their wars. I fear both of us were disappointed in the outcome.

	We travelled mostly inland, rather than along the coast. There was still much talk of the raid on Axiom Prison, which saw a large number of political prisoners released by the Children of Wrecks. The people here credited the destruction of that place to the sinister machinations of [[Suranni_pantheon#Dumon_the_Liar,_the_Wicked_One\|Dumon]], but that was not the first time we encountered that name the Suranni find so fell. There is hardly a misfortune that befalls a citizen that is not traced back to the malice of the God of Lies. He is widely feared and hated by the common folk.		We travelled mostly inland, rather than along the coast. There was still much talk of the raid on Axiom Prison, which saw a large number of political prisoners released by the Children of Wrecks. The people here credited the destruction of that place to the sinister machinations of [[Suranni_pantheon#Dumon_the_Liar,_the_Wicked_One\|Dumon]], but that was not the first time we encountered that name the Suranni find so fell. There is hardly a misfortune that befalls a citizen that is not traced back to the malice of the God of Lies. He is widely feared and hated by the common folk.

	===Bound to the Fields===		===Bound to the Fields===
	On the subject of which, a matter that is a little more sensitive. We had been told that the Suranni had abandoned their practice of slavery and yet it certainly seemed to me as if they had large numbers of people who were all but enslaved. They worked tirelessly in the fields even as the sun waxed furnace-hot in the blue skies. They drove oxen, built walls, dug ditches, sweaty and dirty. They were not chained – we saw nary a hint of chains or whips – but there was nothing hopeful about them. They did not look up as we passed, keeping their eyes cast down whenever one of our guides had reason to talk to them. These “serfs” are no more free than the thralls of the [[Jotun]]. Perhaps even less so – for at least the thralls believe that if they take up arms they can become Jotun. I would not question the wisdom of those who know politics better than I. I am a simple person. But I am also askance at this acceptance of “serfdom” as materially different to “slavery”.		On the subject of which, a matter that is a little more sensitive. We had been told that the Suranni had abandoned their practice of slavery and yet it certainly seemed to me as if they had large numbers of people who were all but enslaved. They worked tirelessly in the fields even as the sun waxed furnace-hot in the blue skies. They drove oxen, built walls, dug ditches, sweaty and dirty. They were not chained – we saw nary a hint of chains or whips – but there was nothing hopeful about them. They did not look up as we passed, keeping their eyes cast down whenever one of our guides had reason to talk to them. These “serfs” are no more free than the thralls of the [[Jotun]]. Perhaps even less so – for at least the thralls believe that if they take up arms they can become Jotun. I would not question the wisdom of those who know politics better than I. I am a simple person. But I am also askance at this acceptance of “serfdom” as materially different to “slavery”.

Twiggy at 17:57, 8 September 2025

2025-09-08T17:57:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:57, 8 September 2025
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	From Shavronne we travelled west into [[Bay_of_Catazar#Veroigne\|Veroigne]]. By this point it was clear that we would get little done this season save travelling. It is notable that there are no [[trods]] in the Iron Confederacy – nor would they welcome them. All travel seems to take ten times as long – although I know that is foolish and that I am simply unused to having to bear each day's travails as a weary traveller without the trods to help.		From Shavronne we travelled west into [[Bay_of_Catazar#Veroigne\|Veroigne]]. By this point it was clear that we would get little done this season save travelling. It is notable that there are no [[trods]] in the Iron Confederacy – nor would they welcome them. All travel seems to take ten times as long – although I know that is foolish and that I am simply unused to having to bear each day's travails as a weary traveller without the trods to help.

	Veroigne is much flatter than Arbonne or ~~Shavrone~~, and more forested. It reminded me of [[Astolat]] or perhaps [[Weirwater]], but warmer. I will own that I was ill prepared for the heat, and our guide was openly amused as each morning I wore less and less of my traditional [[Winermark\|Winterfolk]] garb. Josse Argent himself had likewise stripped down his travelling clothes, favouring an open-chested robe of light cotton with short sleeves, bound up with a thick belt. I considered adopting this more Suranni look, but in the end resisted. I compromised with a broad-brimmed Marcher hat, and my lightest tunic, and a short kilt of thin wool. Still, I sweated like an ox through the hours of the day.		Veroigne is much flatter than Arbonne or Shavronne, and more forested. It reminded me of [[Astolat]] or perhaps [[Weirwater]], but warmer. I will own that I was ill prepared for the heat, and our guide was openly amused as each morning I wore less and less of my traditional [[Winermark\|Winterfolk]] garb. Josse Argent himself had likewise stripped down his travelling clothes, favouring an open-chested robe of light cotton with short sleeves, bound up with a thick belt. I considered adopting this more Suranni look, but in the end resisted. I compromised with a broad-brimmed Marcher hat, and my lightest tunic, and a short kilt of thin wool. Still, I sweated like an ox through the hours of the day.

	Unsurprisingly as the Summer heat intensified we started travelling in two legs each day- from the first light of morning until the heat became too great to endure. During that time, we would erect light canopies and lean-tos to rest beneath, eating lightly and talking lazily until sleep claimed us. Once the heat broke, we would continue travelling until it was too dark to see and then camp for the night. It is notable that we would camp more often than we would spend time in an inn or tavern – they existed but Josse Argent was happier under the stars.		Unsurprisingly as the Summer heat intensified we started travelling in two legs each day- from the first light of morning until the heat became too great to endure. During that time, we would erect light canopies and lean-tos to rest beneath, eating lightly and talking lazily until sleep claimed us. Once the heat broke, we would continue travelling until it was too dark to see and then camp for the night. It is notable that we would camp more often than we would spend time in an inn or tavern – they existed but Josse Argent was happier under the stars.