Songs like trees - Revision history

Twiggy at 20:14, 14 March 2026

2026-03-14T20:14:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:14, 14 March 2026
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	To battle the Druj is bad enough, but the orcs of the Mallum have worked foul magic to rouse the vallorn of Therunin. It spills beyond [[Therunin#Sweetglades\|Sweetglades]] and the [[Therunin#Greenheart\|Greenheart]]. Scouts say it seems set on devouring the [[Therunin#Upper Tarn Valley\|Upper Tarn Valley]]... but once the armies cross the border from Reikos the vallornspawn cannot help but be drawn towards them, towards the concentrated force of life, towards the metal and leather that makes up the accoutrements of war.		To battle the Druj is bad enough, but the orcs of the Mallum have worked foul magic to rouse the vallorn of Therunin. It spills beyond [[Therunin#Sweetglades\|Sweetglades]] and the [[Therunin#Greenheart\|Greenheart]]. Scouts say it seems set on devouring the [[Therunin#Upper Tarn Valley\|Upper Tarn Valley]]... but once the armies cross the border from Reikos the vallornspawn cannot help but be drawn towards them, towards the concentrated force of life, towards the metal and leather that makes up the accoutrements of war.
	<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Jean d’Apulian, General of the Wolves of War">Steel sings as discipline and loyalty endure. Watch now as the Wolves of War and Golden Sun lead this Empire into this war on the ~~Vallorn~~. See how the cost is paid by knight and bravo. Burn the Thickets and that which can march no more. Drive steel through dead faces as we fall amongst them. One bloody yard at a time.</quote>		<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: left;"><quote by="Jean d’Apulian, General of the Wolves of War">Steel sings as discipline and loyalty endure. Watch now as the Wolves of War and Golden Sun lead this Empire into this war on the vallorn. See how the cost is paid by knight and bravo. Burn the Thickets and that which can march no more. Drive steel through dead faces as we fall amongst them. One bloody yard at a time.</quote>

	<quote by="Lord Daemon Mortére, General of the Golden Sun">The time has come. The golden sun will rise from Astolat. I said when we left Therunin the sun will always stand where the Empire needs us most. The Empire needs the Sun to fight once more in Therunin. This time we are called to fight the horrors of the vallorn. Let our march sound like a drumbeat of Loyalty throughout the territories of the Empire. We will meet the Wolves of War and make our Grinding advance into Peakedge Song. The Troubadours will tell the tale as knight and bravo pay the cost for this Empire. Where Glory and Death Entwine.</quote></div>		<quote by="Lord Daemon Mortére, General of the Golden Sun">The time has come. The golden sun will rise from Astolat. I said when we left Therunin the sun will always stand where the Empire needs us most. The Empire needs the Sun to fight once more in Therunin. This time we are called to fight the horrors of the vallorn. Let our march sound like a drumbeat of Loyalty throughout the territories of the Empire. We will meet the Wolves of War and make our Grinding advance into Peakedge Song. The Troubadours will tell the tale as knight and bravo pay the cost for this Empire. Where Glory and Death Entwine.</quote></div>
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	The settlements at Peakedge Stead are old, very old in fact; certainly established before the founding of the Empire, and said by some to date back to the fall of Terunael. Whilst Thornsong House has been shrouded by the Navarr, the Druj have burned most of the steading and pulled down vital parts of [[Factor_of_Stones_from_Blood\|Stones from Blood]]. Even so, the barbarians have not destroyed the place utterly. Many structures have either escaped their attention or not drawn their ire enough to warrant the effort of level.		The settlements at Peakedge Stead are old, very old in fact; certainly established before the founding of the Empire, and said by some to date back to the fall of Terunael. Whilst Thornsong House has been shrouded by the Navarr, the Druj have burned most of the steading and pulled down vital parts of [[Factor_of_Stones_from_Blood\|Stones from Blood]]. Even so, the barbarians have not destroyed the place utterly. Many structures have either escaped their attention or not drawn their ire enough to warrant the effort of level.

	The ''Thorn Guardians'' are one such set of edifices that remain, hidden in plain sight among the forest. These five white granite pillars are warding stones, believed to date back to the time when the Navarr people first began to gather and strengthen themselves, preparing for the long war against the vallorn. It has been theorised that the stones were once part of the original defences that protected the first steading in the area. It seems in the past they were used to anchor wards in place, granting the early Navarr a period of respite from the attack of the ~~Vallorn~~. Nowadays, the Empire has access to much more powerful wards than the Terunael ever created, but there is no reason why the powerful winter ritual [[Wardens of the Black Waste]] couldn't be employed here.		The ''Thorn Guardians'' are one such set of edifices that remain, hidden in plain sight among the forest. These five white granite pillars are warding stones, believed to date back to the time when the Navarr people first began to gather and strengthen themselves, preparing for the long war against the vallorn. It has been theorised that the stones were once part of the original defences that protected the first steading in the area. It seems in the past they were used to anchor wards in place, granting the early Navarr a period of respite from the attack of the vallorn. Nowadays, the Empire has access to much more powerful wards than the Terunael ever created, but there is no reason why the powerful winter ritual [[Wardens of the Black Waste]] couldn't be employed here.

	The construction of the ''Thorn Guardians'' allows them to be used to bear ritual wardings - either [[Ward of the Black Waste]] or [[Wardens of the Black Waste]] - to hold back the vallorn. When a ward is cast on a warding stone it anchors the magic, removing the normal requirement for a physical building or posts to hold the magic in place. When cast in this way, the wards won't have an immediate dramatic impact on the area, but the magic will grow over time, steadily weakening any vallorn spawn that come in the area.		The construction of the ''Thorn Guardians'' allows them to be used to bear ritual wardings - either [[Ward of the Black Waste]] or [[Wardens of the Black Waste]] - to hold back the vallorn. When a ward is cast on a warding stone it anchors the magic, removing the normal requirement for a physical building or posts to hold the magic in place. When cast in this way, the wards won't have an immediate dramatic impact on the area, but the magic will grow over time, steadily weakening any vallorn spawn that come in the area.

Matt: Text replacement - "Conclave" to "Conclave"

2026-01-16T09:37:31Z

Text replacement - "Conclave" to "Conclave"

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:37, 16 January 2026
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	Imperial forces secure the site, do their best to fight the fire. It rages until dawn the next day, when it begins to burn out. As the flames die down, it begins to rain. A focused cloudburst that brings with it the soothing scents of [[Spring]]. From out of the rain emerges a figure with pale blue skin and a sodden shift. A [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds\|herald]] of ''Brother Harvest''. Flanking them are two massive quadrupedal creatures, [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians\|guardians]] that until recently protected the steading with their green and growing songs.		Imperial forces secure the site, do their best to fight the fire. It rages until dawn the next day, when it begins to burn out. As the flames die down, it begins to rain. A focused cloudburst that brings with it the soothing scents of [[Spring]]. From out of the rain emerges a figure with pale blue skin and a sodden shift. A [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds\|herald]] of ''Brother Harvest''. Flanking them are two massive quadrupedal creatures, [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians\|guardians]] that until recently protected the steading with their green and growing songs.

	The herald is quiet, and calm, and has a message. At great cost, at the request of the [[Archmage of Spring]], Lord Rain maintained the protection of Peakedge Song for another season. He was clear that he did so to allow the [[~~Conclave\|~~Conclave]] and the [[Senate]] to complete their deliberations, before removing accursed magic from [[Imperial lore]]. He felt that assurances were given, and he made clear that if they could not be fulfilled he would be left with no choice. The Archmage entered into that bargain freely, with his eyes open, and ''Ossegrahn'' trusted that what was promised would be done. It was not done, and instead the Conclave [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Ossegrahn,_Neutrality\|turned away from his friendship]]. As if blaming him for doing what they asked, and being clear about what it would cost.		The herald is quiet, and calm, and has a message. At great cost, at the request of the [[Archmage of Spring]], Lord Rain maintained the protection of Peakedge Song for another season. He was clear that he did so to allow the [[Conclave]] and the [[Senate]] to complete their deliberations, before removing accursed magic from [[Imperial lore]]. He felt that assurances were given, and he made clear that if they could not be fulfilled he would be left with no choice. The Archmage entered into that bargain freely, with his eyes open, and ''Ossegrahn'' trusted that what was promised would be done. It was not done, and instead the Conclave [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Ossegrahn,_Neutrality\|turned away from his friendship]]. As if blaming him for doing what they asked, and being clear about what it would cost.

	So ''Coomarta of the Rains'' was left with no choice. In the absence of a sign that the Empire could move away from merciless slaughter, from magic that kills the weak indiscriminately, there is little point continuing. He withdrew his children to the [[Realms#Spring\|Spring realm]] as he said he would do. Peakedge Song fell within the hour to the Druj. They looted the place, burned it, would have tortured any left behind… had there ''been'' any left behind for them to hurt.		So ''Coomarta of the Rains'' was left with no choice. In the absence of a sign that the Empire could move away from merciless slaughter, from magic that kills the weak indiscriminately, there is little point continuing. He withdrew his children to the [[Realms#Spring\|Spring realm]] as he said he would do. Peakedge Song fell within the hour to the Druj. They looted the place, burned it, would have tortured any left behind… had there ''been'' any left behind for them to hurt.

Matt: Text replacement - "Senate" to "Senate"

2026-01-15T22:29:31Z

Text replacement - "Senate" to "Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:29, 15 January 2026
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	Imperial forces secure the site, do their best to fight the fire. It rages until dawn the next day, when it begins to burn out. As the flames die down, it begins to rain. A focused cloudburst that brings with it the soothing scents of [[Spring]]. From out of the rain emerges a figure with pale blue skin and a sodden shift. A [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds\|herald]] of ''Brother Harvest''. Flanking them are two massive quadrupedal creatures, [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians\|guardians]] that until recently protected the steading with their green and growing songs.		Imperial forces secure the site, do their best to fight the fire. It rages until dawn the next day, when it begins to burn out. As the flames die down, it begins to rain. A focused cloudburst that brings with it the soothing scents of [[Spring]]. From out of the rain emerges a figure with pale blue skin and a sodden shift. A [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds\|herald]] of ''Brother Harvest''. Flanking them are two massive quadrupedal creatures, [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians\|guardians]] that until recently protected the steading with their green and growing songs.

	The herald is quiet, and calm, and has a message. At great cost, at the request of the [[Archmage of Spring]], Lord Rain maintained the protection of Peakedge Song for another season. He was clear that he did so to allow the [[Conclave\|Conclave]] and the [[~~Senate\|~~Senate]] to complete their deliberations, before removing accursed magic from [[Imperial lore]]. He felt that assurances were given, and he made clear that if they could not be fulfilled he would be left with no choice. The Archmage entered into that bargain freely, with his eyes open, and ''Ossegrahn'' trusted that what was promised would be done. It was not done, and instead the Conclave [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Ossegrahn,_Neutrality\|turned away from his friendship]]. As if blaming him for doing what they asked, and being clear about what it would cost.		The herald is quiet, and calm, and has a message. At great cost, at the request of the [[Archmage of Spring]], Lord Rain maintained the protection of Peakedge Song for another season. He was clear that he did so to allow the [[Conclave\|Conclave]] and the [[Senate]] to complete their deliberations, before removing accursed magic from [[Imperial lore]]. He felt that assurances were given, and he made clear that if they could not be fulfilled he would be left with no choice. The Archmage entered into that bargain freely, with his eyes open, and ''Ossegrahn'' trusted that what was promised would be done. It was not done, and instead the Conclave [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Ossegrahn,_Neutrality\|turned away from his friendship]]. As if blaming him for doing what they asked, and being clear about what it would cost.

	So ''Coomarta of the Rains'' was left with no choice. In the absence of a sign that the Empire could move away from merciless slaughter, from magic that kills the weak indiscriminately, there is little point continuing. He withdrew his children to the [[Realms#Spring\|Spring realm]] as he said he would do. Peakedge Song fell within the hour to the Druj. They looted the place, burned it, would have tortured any left behind… had there ''been'' any left behind for them to hurt.		So ''Coomarta of the Rains'' was left with no choice. In the absence of a sign that the Empire could move away from merciless slaughter, from magic that kills the weak indiscriminately, there is little point continuing. He withdrew his children to the [[Realms#Spring\|Spring realm]] as he said he would do. Peakedge Song fell within the hour to the Druj. They looted the place, burned it, would have tortured any left behind… had there ''been'' any left behind for them to hurt.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Conclave" to "[[Conclave"

2026-01-15T16:47:25Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Conclave" to "[[Conclave"

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:47, 15 January 2026
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	Imperial forces secure the site, do their best to fight the fire. It rages until dawn the next day, when it begins to burn out. As the flames die down, it begins to rain. A focused cloudburst that brings with it the soothing scents of [[Spring]]. From out of the rain emerges a figure with pale blue skin and a sodden shift. A [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds\|herald]] of ''Brother Harvest''. Flanking them are two massive quadrupedal creatures, [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians\|guardians]] that until recently protected the steading with their green and growing songs.		Imperial forces secure the site, do their best to fight the fire. It rages until dawn the next day, when it begins to burn out. As the flames die down, it begins to rain. A focused cloudburst that brings with it the soothing scents of [[Spring]]. From out of the rain emerges a figure with pale blue skin and a sodden shift. A [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds\|herald]] of ''Brother Harvest''. Flanking them are two massive quadrupedal creatures, [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians\|guardians]] that until recently protected the steading with their green and growing songs.

	The herald is quiet, and calm, and has a message. At great cost, at the request of the [[Archmage of Spring]], Lord Rain maintained the protection of Peakedge Song for another season. He was clear that he did so to allow the [[~~Imperial~~ Conclave\|Conclave]] and the [[Senate\|Senate]] to complete their deliberations, before removing accursed magic from [[Imperial lore]]. He felt that assurances were given, and he made clear that if they could not be fulfilled he would be left with no choice. The Archmage entered into that bargain freely, with his eyes open, and ''Ossegrahn'' trusted that what was promised would be done. It was not done, and instead the Conclave [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Ossegrahn,_Neutrality\|turned away from his friendship]]. As if blaming him for doing what they asked, and being clear about what it would cost.		The herald is quiet, and calm, and has a message. At great cost, at the request of the [[Archmage of Spring]], Lord Rain maintained the protection of Peakedge Song for another season. He was clear that he did so to allow the [[Conclave\|Conclave]] and the [[Senate\|Senate]] to complete their deliberations, before removing accursed magic from [[Imperial lore]]. He felt that assurances were given, and he made clear that if they could not be fulfilled he would be left with no choice. The Archmage entered into that bargain freely, with his eyes open, and ''Ossegrahn'' trusted that what was promised would be done. It was not done, and instead the Conclave [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Ossegrahn,_Neutrality\|turned away from his friendship]]. As if blaming him for doing what they asked, and being clear about what it would cost.

	So ''Coomarta of the Rains'' was left with no choice. In the absence of a sign that the Empire could move away from merciless slaughter, from magic that kills the weak indiscriminately, there is little point continuing. He withdrew his children to the [[Realms#Spring\|Spring realm]] as he said he would do. Peakedge Song fell within the hour to the Druj. They looted the place, burned it, would have tortured any left behind… had there ''been'' any left behind for them to hurt.		So ''Coomarta of the Rains'' was left with no choice. In the absence of a sign that the Empire could move away from merciless slaughter, from magic that kills the weak indiscriminately, there is little point continuing. He withdrew his children to the [[Realms#Spring\|Spring realm]] as he said he would do. Peakedge Song fell within the hour to the Druj. They looted the place, burned it, would have tortured any left behind… had there ''been'' any left behind for them to hurt.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

2026-01-15T14:53:42Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:53, 15 January 2026
Line 34:		Line 34:
	Imperial forces secure the site, do their best to fight the fire. It rages until dawn the next day, when it begins to burn out. As the flames die down, it begins to rain. A focused cloudburst that brings with it the soothing scents of [[Spring]]. From out of the rain emerges a figure with pale blue skin and a sodden shift. A [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds\|herald]] of ''Brother Harvest''. Flanking them are two massive quadrupedal creatures, [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians\|guardians]] that until recently protected the steading with their green and growing songs.		Imperial forces secure the site, do their best to fight the fire. It rages until dawn the next day, when it begins to burn out. As the flames die down, it begins to rain. A focused cloudburst that brings with it the soothing scents of [[Spring]]. From out of the rain emerges a figure with pale blue skin and a sodden shift. A [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds\|herald]] of ''Brother Harvest''. Flanking them are two massive quadrupedal creatures, [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians\|guardians]] that until recently protected the steading with their green and growing songs.

	The herald is quiet, and calm, and has a message. At great cost, at the request of the [[Archmage of Spring]], Lord Rain maintained the protection of Peakedge Song for another season. He was clear that he did so to allow the [[Imperial Conclave\|Conclave]] and the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate\|Senate]] to complete their deliberations, before removing accursed magic from [[Imperial lore]]. He felt that assurances were given, and he made clear that if they could not be fulfilled he would be left with no choice. The Archmage entered into that bargain freely, with his eyes open, and ''Ossegrahn'' trusted that what was promised would be done. It was not done, and instead the Conclave [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Ossegrahn,_Neutrality\|turned away from his friendship]]. As if blaming him for doing what they asked, and being clear about what it would cost.		The herald is quiet, and calm, and has a message. At great cost, at the request of the [[Archmage of Spring]], Lord Rain maintained the protection of Peakedge Song for another season. He was clear that he did so to allow the [[Imperial Conclave\|Conclave]] and the [[Senate\|Senate]] to complete their deliberations, before removing accursed magic from [[Imperial lore]]. He felt that assurances were given, and he made clear that if they could not be fulfilled he would be left with no choice. The Archmage entered into that bargain freely, with his eyes open, and ''Ossegrahn'' trusted that what was promised would be done. It was not done, and instead the Conclave [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Ossegrahn,_Neutrality\|turned away from his friendship]]. As if blaming him for doing what they asked, and being clear about what it would cost.

	So ''Coomarta of the Rains'' was left with no choice. In the absence of a sign that the Empire could move away from merciless slaughter, from magic that kills the weak indiscriminately, there is little point continuing. He withdrew his children to the [[Realms#Spring\|Spring realm]] as he said he would do. Peakedge Song fell within the hour to the Druj. They looted the place, burned it, would have tortured any left behind… had there ''been'' any left behind for them to hurt.		So ''Coomarta of the Rains'' was left with no choice. In the absence of a sign that the Empire could move away from merciless slaughter, from magic that kills the weak indiscriminately, there is little point continuing. He withdrew his children to the [[Realms#Spring\|Spring realm]] as he said he would do. Peakedge Song fell within the hour to the Druj. They looted the place, burned it, would have tortured any left behind… had there ''been'' any left behind for them to hurt.

Kirkbride: /* Against the Vallorn */

2025-09-09T12:32:12Z

Against the Vallorn

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:32, 9 September 2025
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	Fortunately, [[Why Sulemaine Walked Away From The Baker]] has provided significant protection. It has both reduced the extra casualties caused by three-quarters, and on top of that reduced all casualties taken by a tenth. Without the enchantment, the losses to the armies here would have been ''significantly'' higher.		Fortunately, [[Why Sulemaine Walked Away From The Baker]] has provided significant protection. It has both reduced the extra casualties caused by three-quarters, and on top of that reduced all casualties taken by a tenth. Without the enchantment, the losses to the armies here would have been ''significantly'' higher.

			The vallorn will again have a strength of 25,000 this season, but there are [[#Battle_Opportunity_:_With_Doom_We_Come\|numerous]] [[#Conjunctions:_Dangerous_Locations\|opportunities]] to reduce that strength during the summit.

	===Peakedge Stead and Lord Rain===		===Peakedge Stead and Lord Rain===

Vsabo: /* Conjunctions: Dangerous Locations */

2025-09-08T21:15:31Z

Conjunctions: Dangerous Locations

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:15, 8 September 2025
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	There are rumblings deep in the woods of the Sweetglades; rumours and reports from thorns, questing knights, and other members of the Vallornguard that there are two ettercap nests in relatively undefended areas. Them being in the Sweetglades means there is still a vast array of creatures milling around the ettercap's nest, but the scouts believe that there is opportunity here.		There are rumblings deep in the woods of the Sweetglades; rumours and reports from thorns, questing knights, and other members of the Vallornguard that there are two ettercap nests in relatively undefended areas. Them being in the Sweetglades means there is still a vast array of creatures milling around the ettercap's nest, but the scouts believe that there is opportunity here.

	Most of the nest is underground - the creatures emerge from the nest's exit once they are large enough to survive. Unfortunately, the nests are filled with thick miasma - far is too poisonous for any human or orc to enter. However, all the nests that scouts have discovered so far have incorporated a feeding hole that the ettercaps use to feed the nest. If the monsters can be held off and the location of the feeding hole discovered then poison could be poured in to wreak havoc on the larvae within.		Most of the nest is underground - the creatures emerge from the nest's exit once they are large enough to survive. Unfortunately, the nests are filled with thick miasma - far too poisonous for any human or orc to enter. However, all the nests that scouts have discovered so far have incorporated a feeding hole that the ettercaps use to feed the nest. If the monsters can be held off and the location of the feeding hole discovered then poison could be poured in to wreak havoc on the larvae within.

	Exactly what kind of poison would be most effective is unknown, but that is a question that the [[Apothecaries Guild]] might be able to help with. There is a conjunction to investigate the corpse of a dead ettercap, which might give the Apothecaries a chance to uncover the ideal poison or poisons to use. If they fail, then Imperial heroes might have to resort to trial and error, mixing as many poisons as they can and pouring them down the hole.		Exactly what kind of poison would be most effective is unknown, but that is a question that the [[Apothecaries Guild]] might be able to help with. There is a conjunction to investigate the corpse of a dead ettercap, which might give the Apothecaries a chance to uncover the ideal poison or poisons to use. If they fail, then Imperial heroes might have to resort to trial and error, mixing as many poisons as they can and pouring them down the hole.

Twiggy at 21:15, 8 September 2025

2025-09-08T21:15:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:15, 8 September 2025
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	* '''The Apothecaries Guild have a chance to discover what poison is needed to destroy the nest on Friday evening'''		* '''The Apothecaries Guild have a chance to discover what poison is needed to destroy the nest on Friday evening'''
	* '''If they cannot identify the right poison, the only alternative would be to pour every possible poison into the nest to see what works'''		* '''If they cannot identify the right poison, the only alternative would be to pour every possible poison into the nest to see what works'''
	* '''~~Sucessfully~~ poisoning the hive will permanently reduce the strength of the current vallornspawn host by two thousand'''		* '''Successfully poisoning the hive will permanently reduce the strength of the current vallornspawn host by two thousand'''

	An ettercap hive has been located at ''Thorngroves'' close to the ruins of Peakedge Stead. The large number of mature ettercap that have been witnessed crawling free of the brood hole suggests this nest is particularly large. Entering the nest is out of the question - the miasma is so thick inside it would kill any human or orc who tried to enter. However, the nests can be destroyed by pouring poison into the feeding hole that the ettercaps use to feed the nest. If the defenders can be driven off and the location of the feeding hole discovered then poison could be poured in to wreak havoc on the larvae within.		An ettercap hive has been located at ''Thorngroves'' close to the ruins of Peakedge Stead. The large number of mature ettercap that have been witnessed crawling free of the brood hole suggests this nest is particularly large. Entering the nest is out of the question - the miasma is so thick inside it would kill any human or orc who tried to enter. However, the nests can be destroyed by pouring poison into the feeding hole that the ettercaps use to feed the nest. If the defenders can be driven off and the location of the feeding hole discovered then poison could be poured in to wreak havoc on the larvae within.

Kirkbride: /* Objective: Hold Back the Vallorn */

2025-09-08T20:53:34Z

Objective: Hold Back the Vallorn

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:53, 8 September 2025
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	The construction of the ''Thorn Guardians'' allows them to be used to bear ritual wardings - either [[Ward of the Black Waste]] or [[Wardens of the Black Waste]] - to hold back the vallorn. When a ward is cast on a warding stone it anchors the magic, removing the normal requirement for a physical building or posts to hold the magic in place. When cast in this way, the wards won't have an immediate dramatic impact on the area, but the magic will grow over time, steadily weakening any vallorn spawn that come in the area.		The construction of the ''Thorn Guardians'' allows them to be used to bear ritual wardings - either [[Ward of the Black Waste]] or [[Wardens of the Black Waste]] - to hold back the vallorn. When a ward is cast on a warding stone it anchors the magic, removing the normal requirement for a physical building or posts to hold the magic in place. When cast in this way, the wards won't have an immediate dramatic impact on the area, but the magic will grow over time, steadily weakening any vallorn spawn that come in the area.

	Each successful casting of Wardens of the Black Wastes on a single warding stone will reduce the strength of the vallorn in Therunin by 1000 over the coming season, to a maximum of 5000 strength if all five stones were enchanted. Unlike the destruction of the ettercap hives, this offers only a temporary reduction; it will only last as long as the magic of the wards remain. With the arrival of the Winter Solstice the wards will fade and the vallorn will be able to move freely once more. If the Empire can create the rituals on the warding stones, then a similar approach may be possible in the future, creating new strategic options to help in countering the vallorn if it works.		Each successful casting of Wardens of the Black Wastes on a single warding stone will reduce the strength of the vallorn in Therunin by 1000 over the coming season, to a maximum of 5000 strength if all five stones were enchanted. Unlike the destruction of the ettercap hives, this offers only a temporary reduction; it will only last as long as the magic of the wards remain. With the arrival of the Winter Solstice, the wards will fade and the vallorn will be able to move freely once more. If the Empire can create the rituals on the warding stones, then a similar approach may be possible in the future, creating new strategic options to help in countering the vallorn if it works. As this is part of an opportunity, it is not possible to use [[ilium]] to make the effect on the stones permanent.

	===Objective: Poison the Ettercap Hive===		===Objective: Poison the Ettercap Hive===

Emmanovi: /* Surprises */ corrected title

2025-09-08T20:32:38Z

Surprises: corrected title

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:32, 8 September 2025
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	* '''A dead ettercap nest presents an opportunity to investigate what poisons are effective'''		* '''A dead ettercap nest presents an opportunity to investigate what poisons are effective'''
	* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely\|combat unlikely]] encounter'''		* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Unlikely\|combat unlikely]] encounter'''
	* '''The ''~~Speaker~~ of the Apothecaries ~~Guild~~'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication\|responsible]] for investigating'''		* '''The ''Guild Leader of the Imperial Apothecaries'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication\|responsible]] for investigating'''
	Even as the soldiers of the Golden Sun and the Wolves of War fought to hold off the horde, scouts were able to venture into the Sweetglades. There, they found the remnants of an ettercap nest; just a few of the insectuous creatures shuffling around. The scouts were able to defeat the remnant monsters and have asked the [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild]] to investigate as they believe the right investigation could reveal how best to poison a nest. It is the responsibility of the [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Guild_Leader\|~~Speaker~~ of the Apothecaries ~~Guild~~]], '''Esmé i Estrico i Erigo''', to investigate the dead nest and experiment with the different [[Potion#Poisons\|poisons]] known to the Empire to discover which is best used on the two uncovered in Sweetglades, as well as the one in Peakedge Song.		Even as the soldiers of the Golden Sun and the Wolves of War fought to hold off the horde, scouts were able to venture into the Sweetglades. There, they found the remnants of an ettercap nest; just a few of the insectuous creatures shuffling around. The scouts were able to defeat the remnant monsters and have asked the [[Imperial Apothecaries Guild]] to investigate as they believe the right investigation could reveal how best to poison a nest. It is the responsibility of the [[Imperial_Apothecaries_Guild#Guild_Leader\|Guild Leader of the Imperial Apothecaries]], '''Esmé i Estrico i Erigo''', to investigate the dead nest and experiment with the different [[Potion#Poisons\|poisons]] known to the Empire to discover which is best used on the two uncovered in Sweetglades, as well as the one in Peakedge Song.

	===Cluster of Rosebuds===		===Cluster of Rosebuds===

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:37, 16 January 2026
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	Imperial forces secure the site, do their best to fight the fire. It rages until dawn the next day, when it begins to burn out. As the flames die down, it begins to rain. A focused cloudburst that brings with it the soothing scents of [[Spring]]. From out of the rain emerges a figure with pale blue skin and a sodden shift. A [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds\|herald]] of ''Brother Harvest''. Flanking them are two massive quadrupedal creatures, [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians\|guardians]] that until recently protected the steading with their green and growing songs.		Imperial forces secure the site, do their best to fight the fire. It rages until dawn the next day, when it begins to burn out. As the flames die down, it begins to rain. A focused cloudburst that brings with it the soothing scents of [[Spring]]. From out of the rain emerges a figure with pale blue skin and a sodden shift. A [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds\|herald]] of ''Brother Harvest''. Flanking them are two massive quadrupedal creatures, [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians\|guardians]] that until recently protected the steading with their green and growing songs.

	The herald is quiet, and calm, and has a message. At great cost, at the request of the [[Archmage of Spring]], Lord Rain maintained the protection of Peakedge Song for another season. He was clear that he did so to allow the [[~~Conclave\|~~Conclave]] and the [[Senate]] to complete their deliberations, before removing accursed magic from [[Imperial lore]]. He felt that assurances were given, and he made clear that if they could not be fulfilled he would be left with no choice. The Archmage entered into that bargain freely, with his eyes open, and ''Ossegrahn'' trusted that what was promised would be done. It was not done, and instead the Conclave [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Ossegrahn,_Neutrality\|turned away from his friendship]]. As if blaming him for doing what they asked, and being clear about what it would cost.		The herald is quiet, and calm, and has a message. At great cost, at the request of the [[Archmage of Spring]], Lord Rain maintained the protection of Peakedge Song for another season. He was clear that he did so to allow the [[Conclave]] and the [[Senate]] to complete their deliberations, before removing accursed magic from [[Imperial lore]]. He felt that assurances were given, and he made clear that if they could not be fulfilled he would be left with no choice. The Archmage entered into that bargain freely, with his eyes open, and ''Ossegrahn'' trusted that what was promised would be done. It was not done, and instead the Conclave [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Ossegrahn,_Neutrality\|turned away from his friendship]]. As if blaming him for doing what they asked, and being clear about what it would cost.

	So ''Coomarta of the Rains'' was left with no choice. In the absence of a sign that the Empire could move away from merciless slaughter, from magic that kills the weak indiscriminately, there is little point continuing. He withdrew his children to the [[Realms#Spring\|Spring realm]] as he said he would do. Peakedge Song fell within the hour to the Druj. They looted the place, burned it, would have tortured any left behind… had there ''been'' any left behind for them to hurt.		So ''Coomarta of the Rains'' was left with no choice. In the absence of a sign that the Empire could move away from merciless slaughter, from magic that kills the weak indiscriminately, there is little point continuing. He withdrew his children to the [[Realms#Spring\|Spring realm]] as he said he would do. Peakedge Song fell within the hour to the Druj. They looted the place, burned it, would have tortured any left behind… had there ''been'' any left behind for them to hurt.

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:29, 15 January 2026
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	Imperial forces secure the site, do their best to fight the fire. It rages until dawn the next day, when it begins to burn out. As the flames die down, it begins to rain. A focused cloudburst that brings with it the soothing scents of [[Spring]]. From out of the rain emerges a figure with pale blue skin and a sodden shift. A [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds\|herald]] of ''Brother Harvest''. Flanking them are two massive quadrupedal creatures, [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians\|guardians]] that until recently protected the steading with their green and growing songs.		Imperial forces secure the site, do their best to fight the fire. It rages until dawn the next day, when it begins to burn out. As the flames die down, it begins to rain. A focused cloudburst that brings with it the soothing scents of [[Spring]]. From out of the rain emerges a figure with pale blue skin and a sodden shift. A [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds\|herald]] of ''Brother Harvest''. Flanking them are two massive quadrupedal creatures, [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians\|guardians]] that until recently protected the steading with their green and growing songs.

	The herald is quiet, and calm, and has a message. At great cost, at the request of the [[Archmage of Spring]], Lord Rain maintained the protection of Peakedge Song for another season. He was clear that he did so to allow the [[Conclave\|Conclave]] and the [[~~Senate\|~~Senate]] to complete their deliberations, before removing accursed magic from [[Imperial lore]]. He felt that assurances were given, and he made clear that if they could not be fulfilled he would be left with no choice. The Archmage entered into that bargain freely, with his eyes open, and ''Ossegrahn'' trusted that what was promised would be done. It was not done, and instead the Conclave [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Ossegrahn,_Neutrality\|turned away from his friendship]]. As if blaming him for doing what they asked, and being clear about what it would cost.		The herald is quiet, and calm, and has a message. At great cost, at the request of the [[Archmage of Spring]], Lord Rain maintained the protection of Peakedge Song for another season. He was clear that he did so to allow the [[Conclave\|Conclave]] and the [[Senate]] to complete their deliberations, before removing accursed magic from [[Imperial lore]]. He felt that assurances were given, and he made clear that if they could not be fulfilled he would be left with no choice. The Archmage entered into that bargain freely, with his eyes open, and ''Ossegrahn'' trusted that what was promised would be done. It was not done, and instead the Conclave [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Ossegrahn,_Neutrality\|turned away from his friendship]]. As if blaming him for doing what they asked, and being clear about what it would cost.

	So ''Coomarta of the Rains'' was left with no choice. In the absence of a sign that the Empire could move away from merciless slaughter, from magic that kills the weak indiscriminately, there is little point continuing. He withdrew his children to the [[Realms#Spring\|Spring realm]] as he said he would do. Peakedge Song fell within the hour to the Druj. They looted the place, burned it, would have tortured any left behind… had there ''been'' any left behind for them to hurt.		So ''Coomarta of the Rains'' was left with no choice. In the absence of a sign that the Empire could move away from merciless slaughter, from magic that kills the weak indiscriminately, there is little point continuing. He withdrew his children to the [[Realms#Spring\|Spring realm]] as he said he would do. Peakedge Song fell within the hour to the Druj. They looted the place, burned it, would have tortured any left behind… had there ''been'' any left behind for them to hurt.

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:47, 15 January 2026
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	Imperial forces secure the site, do their best to fight the fire. It rages until dawn the next day, when it begins to burn out. As the flames die down, it begins to rain. A focused cloudburst that brings with it the soothing scents of [[Spring]]. From out of the rain emerges a figure with pale blue skin and a sodden shift. A [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds\|herald]] of ''Brother Harvest''. Flanking them are two massive quadrupedal creatures, [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians\|guardians]] that until recently protected the steading with their green and growing songs.		Imperial forces secure the site, do their best to fight the fire. It rages until dawn the next day, when it begins to burn out. As the flames die down, it begins to rain. A focused cloudburst that brings with it the soothing scents of [[Spring]]. From out of the rain emerges a figure with pale blue skin and a sodden shift. A [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds\|herald]] of ''Brother Harvest''. Flanking them are two massive quadrupedal creatures, [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians\|guardians]] that until recently protected the steading with their green and growing songs.

	The herald is quiet, and calm, and has a message. At great cost, at the request of the [[Archmage of Spring]], Lord Rain maintained the protection of Peakedge Song for another season. He was clear that he did so to allow the [[~~Imperial~~ Conclave\|Conclave]] and the [[Senate\|Senate]] to complete their deliberations, before removing accursed magic from [[Imperial lore]]. He felt that assurances were given, and he made clear that if they could not be fulfilled he would be left with no choice. The Archmage entered into that bargain freely, with his eyes open, and ''Ossegrahn'' trusted that what was promised would be done. It was not done, and instead the Conclave [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Ossegrahn,_Neutrality\|turned away from his friendship]]. As if blaming him for doing what they asked, and being clear about what it would cost.		The herald is quiet, and calm, and has a message. At great cost, at the request of the [[Archmage of Spring]], Lord Rain maintained the protection of Peakedge Song for another season. He was clear that he did so to allow the [[Conclave\|Conclave]] and the [[Senate\|Senate]] to complete their deliberations, before removing accursed magic from [[Imperial lore]]. He felt that assurances were given, and he made clear that if they could not be fulfilled he would be left with no choice. The Archmage entered into that bargain freely, with his eyes open, and ''Ossegrahn'' trusted that what was promised would be done. It was not done, and instead the Conclave [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Ossegrahn,_Neutrality\|turned away from his friendship]]. As if blaming him for doing what they asked, and being clear about what it would cost.

	So ''Coomarta of the Rains'' was left with no choice. In the absence of a sign that the Empire could move away from merciless slaughter, from magic that kills the weak indiscriminately, there is little point continuing. He withdrew his children to the [[Realms#Spring\|Spring realm]] as he said he would do. Peakedge Song fell within the hour to the Druj. They looted the place, burned it, would have tortured any left behind… had there ''been'' any left behind for them to hurt.		So ''Coomarta of the Rains'' was left with no choice. In the absence of a sign that the Empire could move away from merciless slaughter, from magic that kills the weak indiscriminately, there is little point continuing. He withdrew his children to the [[Realms#Spring\|Spring realm]] as he said he would do. Peakedge Song fell within the hour to the Druj. They looted the place, burned it, would have tortured any left behind… had there ''been'' any left behind for them to hurt.

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:53, 15 January 2026
Line 34:		Line 34:
	Imperial forces secure the site, do their best to fight the fire. It rages until dawn the next day, when it begins to burn out. As the flames die down, it begins to rain. A focused cloudburst that brings with it the soothing scents of [[Spring]]. From out of the rain emerges a figure with pale blue skin and a sodden shift. A [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds\|herald]] of ''Brother Harvest''. Flanking them are two massive quadrupedal creatures, [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians\|guardians]] that until recently protected the steading with their green and growing songs.		Imperial forces secure the site, do their best to fight the fire. It rages until dawn the next day, when it begins to burn out. As the flames die down, it begins to rain. A focused cloudburst that brings with it the soothing scents of [[Spring]]. From out of the rain emerges a figure with pale blue skin and a sodden shift. A [[Inhabitants of the realms#Heralds\|herald]] of ''Brother Harvest''. Flanking them are two massive quadrupedal creatures, [[Inhabitants of the realms#Guardians\|guardians]] that until recently protected the steading with their green and growing songs.

	The herald is quiet, and calm, and has a message. At great cost, at the request of the [[Archmage of Spring]], Lord Rain maintained the protection of Peakedge Song for another season. He was clear that he did so to allow the [[Imperial Conclave\|Conclave]] and the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate\|Senate]] to complete their deliberations, before removing accursed magic from [[Imperial lore]]. He felt that assurances were given, and he made clear that if they could not be fulfilled he would be left with no choice. The Archmage entered into that bargain freely, with his eyes open, and ''Ossegrahn'' trusted that what was promised would be done. It was not done, and instead the Conclave [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Ossegrahn,_Neutrality\|turned away from his friendship]]. As if blaming him for doing what they asked, and being clear about what it would cost.		The herald is quiet, and calm, and has a message. At great cost, at the request of the [[Archmage of Spring]], Lord Rain maintained the protection of Peakedge Song for another season. He was clear that he did so to allow the [[Imperial Conclave\|Conclave]] and the [[Senate\|Senate]] to complete their deliberations, before removing accursed magic from [[Imperial lore]]. He felt that assurances were given, and he made clear that if they could not be fulfilled he would be left with no choice. The Archmage entered into that bargain freely, with his eyes open, and ''Ossegrahn'' trusted that what was promised would be done. It was not done, and instead the Conclave [[387YE_Summer_Solstice_Conclave_sessions#Alignment:_Ossegrahn,_Neutrality\|turned away from his friendship]]. As if blaming him for doing what they asked, and being clear about what it would cost.

	So ''Coomarta of the Rains'' was left with no choice. In the absence of a sign that the Empire could move away from merciless slaughter, from magic that kills the weak indiscriminately, there is little point continuing. He withdrew his children to the [[Realms#Spring\|Spring realm]] as he said he would do. Peakedge Song fell within the hour to the Druj. They looted the place, burned it, would have tortured any left behind… had there ''been'' any left behind for them to hurt.		So ''Coomarta of the Rains'' was left with no choice. In the absence of a sign that the Empire could move away from merciless slaughter, from magic that kills the weak indiscriminately, there is little point continuing. He withdrew his children to the [[Realms#Spring\|Spring realm]] as he said he would do. Peakedge Song fell within the hour to the Druj. They looted the place, burned it, would have tortured any left behind… had there ''been'' any left behind for them to hurt.