Sungold Pass - Revision history

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

2026-01-15T14:58:20Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:58, 15 January 2026
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	Almost immediately, the pass became a source of contention between the Empire and the [[orc\|orcs]] of [[Otkodov]]; its position high in the mountains allowed both nations to claim it as part of their own territory.		Almost immediately, the pass became a source of contention between the Empire and the [[orc\|orcs]] of [[Otkodov]]; its position high in the mountains allowed both nations to claim it as part of their own territory.

	The [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] [[Claim_Sungold_Pass\|laid claim]] to Sungold Pass and the ruins there, but the Thule immediately responded with claims of their own. The situation was eventually resolved diplomatically a year later when the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] agreed that the pass belonged to the [[Thule]] as part of the negotiations around the [[Ratify Sungold Treaty\|Sungold Treaty]] securing the release of Imperial slaves by the northern orcs.		The [[Senate]] [[Claim_Sungold_Pass\|laid claim]] to Sungold Pass and the ruins there, but the Thule immediately responded with claims of their own. The situation was eventually resolved diplomatically a year later when the [[Senate]] agreed that the pass belonged to the [[Thule]] as part of the negotiations around the [[Ratify Sungold Treaty\|Sungold Treaty]] securing the release of Imperial slaves by the northern orcs.
	<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><box>'''Restoring Sungold Pass'''<br>		<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><box>'''Restoring Sungold Pass'''<br>
	Restoring the ruins would have required a [[commission]]. It would have cost 20 wains of mithril and 10 wains of weirwood, with labour costs of 30 crowns. It would have taken a season to open the mines, restore the smelting facilities, and perhaps even replace some of the damaged sections of mithril designs. This would have created a title - ''Warden of the Sungold Pass'' - and the civil service suggested that it would function as a [[sinecure]] providing 20 ingots of orichalcum each season. The [[New_Imperial_titles#Well_Worn_Paths\|well worn path]] for appointing this title would have been through the [[Bourse]] - either a private ballot by the [[mine]] owners of Varushka if it were national, or a public auction if it were Imperial.		Restoring the ruins would have required a [[commission]]. It would have cost 20 wains of mithril and 10 wains of weirwood, with labour costs of 30 crowns. It would have taken a season to open the mines, restore the smelting facilities, and perhaps even replace some of the damaged sections of mithril designs. This would have created a title - ''Warden of the Sungold Pass'' - and the civil service suggested that it would function as a [[sinecure]] providing 20 ingots of orichalcum each season. The [[New_Imperial_titles#Well_Worn_Paths\|well worn path]] for appointing this title would have been through the [[Bourse]] - either a private ballot by the [[mine]] owners of Varushka if it were national, or a public auction if it were Imperial.
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	<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Senate Motion, Summer 382YE, >The Senate reasserts that the Sungold Pass and the mountain known as the Traveller are part of the region of Opascari, in Volodmartz, and that the exploitation of resources in Imperial Land by foreigners without the direct invitation of the Empire is not acceptable.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Senate Motion, Summer 382YE, >The Senate reasserts that the Sungold Pass and the mountain known as the Traveller are part of the region of Opascari, in Volodmartz, and that the exploitation of resources in Imperial Land by foreigners without the direct invitation of the Empire is not acceptable.</quote></div>
	===Escalating Tensions===		===Escalating Tensions===
	In Summer 382YE, Vuk The Wolfeater as [[Senator]] for [[Karov]] raised a [[Senate motion\|motion]] supported by the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] [[Claim_Sungold_Pass\|laying claim]] to Sungold Pass and its ruined mine. This motion may have been prompted by reports of Thule scouts undertaking their own exploration of the area. In the wake of the Senate decision, several bands of [[military unit\|independent captains]] - mostly [[Varushka\|Varushkan]] in origin- took it upon themselves to keep a watch over the area.		In Summer 382YE, Vuk The Wolfeater as [[Senator]] for [[Karov]] raised a [[Senate motion\|motion]] supported by the [[Senate]] [[Claim_Sungold_Pass\|laying claim]] to Sungold Pass and its ruined mine. This motion may have been prompted by reports of Thule scouts undertaking their own exploration of the area. In the wake of the Senate decision, several bands of [[military unit\|independent captains]] - mostly [[Varushka\|Varushkan]] in origin- took it upon themselves to keep a watch over the area.

	For their part, the orcs of Otkodov refused to give up their claim to the high pass and the mine ruins. [[In_the_end_everything_collides#Sungold_Pass\|Almost immediately]] following the Senate's decision the Thule ambassador to the Empire, Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided, issued a formal announcement that the Dragons did not recognise the Imperial claim. Rak claimed that while the Thule agree that the mountain known as the Traveller in the Empire lies partially in Opascari in [[Volodmartz]] and partially in Kogur in [[Otkodov#Sk.C3.BCld\|Sküld]], that the "Sungold Pass" is on ''their'' side of the mountain. As such, the resources were theirs to exploit and the presence of Imperial forces neither welcomed nor appropriate. In the interests of preserving the peace between the Empire and their northern neighbours, however, the Thule agreed that the orcs would not begin to build there until the dispute was settled - and sent their own soldiers to ensure that the pass remained undisturbed until the matter could be resolved.		For their part, the orcs of Otkodov refused to give up their claim to the high pass and the mine ruins. [[In_the_end_everything_collides#Sungold_Pass\|Almost immediately]] following the Senate's decision the Thule ambassador to the Empire, Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided, issued a formal announcement that the Dragons did not recognise the Imperial claim. Rak claimed that while the Thule agree that the mountain known as the Traveller in the Empire lies partially in Opascari in [[Volodmartz]] and partially in Kogur in [[Otkodov#Sk.C3.BCld\|Sküld]], that the "Sungold Pass" is on ''their'' side of the mountain. As such, the resources were theirs to exploit and the presence of Imperial forces neither welcomed nor appropriate. In the interests of preserving the peace between the Empire and their northern neighbours, however, the Thule agreed that the orcs would not begin to build there until the dispute was settled - and sent their own soldiers to ensure that the pass remained undisturbed until the matter could be resolved.

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

2026-01-15T13:27:40Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Bourse" to "[[Bourse"

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:27, 15 January 2026
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	The [[Imperial Senate]] [[Claim_Sungold_Pass\|laid claim]] to Sungold Pass and the ruins there, but the Thule immediately responded with claims of their own. The situation was eventually resolved diplomatically a year later when the [[Imperial Senate]] agreed that the pass belonged to the [[Thule]] as part of the negotiations around the [[Ratify Sungold Treaty\|Sungold Treaty]] securing the release of Imperial slaves by the northern orcs.		The [[Imperial Senate]] [[Claim_Sungold_Pass\|laid claim]] to Sungold Pass and the ruins there, but the Thule immediately responded with claims of their own. The situation was eventually resolved diplomatically a year later when the [[Imperial Senate]] agreed that the pass belonged to the [[Thule]] as part of the negotiations around the [[Ratify Sungold Treaty\|Sungold Treaty]] securing the release of Imperial slaves by the northern orcs.
	<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><box>'''Restoring Sungold Pass'''<br>		<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><box>'''Restoring Sungold Pass'''<br>
	Restoring the ruins would have required a [[commission]]. It would have cost 20 wains of mithril and 10 wains of weirwood, with labour costs of 30 crowns. It would have taken a season to open the mines, restore the smelting facilities, and perhaps even replace some of the damaged sections of mithril designs. This would have created a title - ''Warden of the Sungold Pass'' - and the civil service suggested that it would function as a [[sinecure]] providing 20 ingots of orichalcum each season. The [[New_Imperial_titles#Well_Worn_Paths\|well worn path]] for appointing this title would have been through the [[~~Imperial~~ Bourse]] - either a private ballot by the [[mine]] owners of Varushka if it were national, or a public auction if it were Imperial.		Restoring the ruins would have required a [[commission]]. It would have cost 20 wains of mithril and 10 wains of weirwood, with labour costs of 30 crowns. It would have taken a season to open the mines, restore the smelting facilities, and perhaps even replace some of the damaged sections of mithril designs. This would have created a title - ''Warden of the Sungold Pass'' - and the civil service suggested that it would function as a [[sinecure]] providing 20 ingots of orichalcum each season. The [[New_Imperial_titles#Well_Worn_Paths\|well worn path]] for appointing this title would have been through the [[Bourse]] - either a private ballot by the [[mine]] owners of Varushka if it were national, or a public auction if it were Imperial.

	In the end, the Empire chose to go a different way. It is assumed that the Thule will undertake this commission themselves following the [[Ratify_Sungold_Treaty\|ratification of the Sungold Treaty]].</box></div>		In the end, the Empire chose to go a different way. It is assumed that the Thule will undertake this commission themselves following the [[Ratify_Sungold_Treaty\|ratification of the Sungold Treaty]].</box></div>

Hailmur at 12:22, 11 April 2024

2024-04-11T12:22:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:22, 11 April 2024
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	The ruins above-ground ruins were not the focus of the expedition, but Henk confirmed what several Varushkan observers had reported - that there were signs of fortifications and barricades on both sides of the pass. Skywise Slu speculates in the report that the original Terunael builders who constructed the mine were as worried about attack from the south as from the north - perhaps understandable given the various horrors that populate the wilds of northern Varushka. In addition to smelting, sorting, and casting facilities clearly dedicated to the production of orichalcum, iron, and gold, there were remains of several stone buildings that appear to have been warehouses, barracks, and living quarters - many still partially buried. It seemed the Terunael were refining the metal pulled from the bones of the mountain ''in situ'' before sending it on... wherever they were sending it.		The ruins above-ground ruins were not the focus of the expedition, but Henk confirmed what several Varushkan observers had reported - that there were signs of fortifications and barricades on both sides of the pass. Skywise Slu speculates in the report that the original Terunael builders who constructed the mine were as worried about attack from the south as from the north - perhaps understandable given the various horrors that populate the wilds of northern Varushka. In addition to smelting, sorting, and casting facilities clearly dedicated to the production of orichalcum, iron, and gold, there were remains of several stone buildings that appear to have been warehouses, barracks, and living quarters - many still partially buried. It seemed the Terunael were refining the metal pulled from the bones of the mountain ''in situ'' before sending it on... wherever they were sending it.
	===The Golden Tracery===		===The Golden Tracery===
	Henk reported that the tunnels leading deeper into the mountains were dangerous and prone to collapse. Several times promising avenues ended at solid walls of fallen rock. Blackbeak Ussa had been specifically recruited for their familiarity with mines - a skill the [[Liberated]] orc had gained through long years labouring in the mines of eastern [[Principalities of Jarm\|Jarm]]. They confirmed that the mine workings were themselves a fine example of stone craft. The tunnels and galleries were narrow but well constructed as often. Where wood had been used to support the ceilings, it was generally weirwood - meaning they had survived the centuries relatively intact. Still, many parts of the ruined mine was unstable especially the larger galleries where Blackbeak Ussa cautioned that even a loud noise might trigger a catastrophic collapse.		Henk reported that the tunnels leading deeper into the mountains were dangerous and prone to collapse. Several times promising avenues ended at solid walls of fallen rock. Blackbeak Ussa had been specifically recruited for their familiarity with mines - a skill the Liberated orc had gained through long years labouring in the mines of eastern [[Principalities of Jarm\|Jarm]]. They confirmed that the mine workings were themselves a fine example of stone craft. The tunnels and galleries were narrow but well constructed as often. Where wood had been used to support the ceilings, it was generally weirwood - meaning they had survived the centuries relatively intact. Still, many parts of the ruined mine was unstable especially the larger galleries where Blackbeak Ussa cautioned that even a loud noise might trigger a catastrophic collapse.

	Part of the danger was presented by what appeared to be quite extensive flooding. The water was freezing - and indeed in many of the lower tunnels the scholars explored had frozen solid creating beautiful but deadly icicles and columns of frozen water. Indeed, the tunnels rapidly became cold enough that even orcs toughened by the cold winters of [[Skarsind]] and wrapped in thick furs were unable to continue safely. Blackbeak Ussa speculated that any number of the lower galleries might be entirely choked with ice - although obviously how extensive the lower galleries and tunnels might prove to be was impossible to say.		Part of the danger was presented by what appeared to be quite extensive flooding. The water was freezing - and indeed in many of the lower tunnels the scholars explored had frozen solid creating beautiful but deadly icicles and columns of frozen water. Indeed, the tunnels rapidly became cold enough that even orcs toughened by the cold winters of [[Skarsind]] and wrapped in thick furs were unable to continue safely. Blackbeak Ussa speculated that any number of the lower galleries might be entirely choked with ice - although obviously how extensive the lower galleries and tunnels might prove to be was impossible to say.

Dre at 17:22, 7 June 2022

2022-06-07T17:22:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:22, 7 June 2022
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	<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Senate Motion, Summer 382YE, >The Senate reasserts that the Sungold Pass and the mountain known as the Traveller are part of the region of Opascari, in Volodmartz, and that the exploitation of resources in Imperial Land by foreigners without the direct invitation of the Empire is not acceptable.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Senate Motion, Summer 382YE, >The Senate reasserts that the Sungold Pass and the mountain known as the Traveller are part of the region of Opascari, in Volodmartz, and that the exploitation of resources in Imperial Land by foreigners without the direct invitation of the Empire is not acceptable.</quote></div>
	===Escalating Tensions===		===Escalating Tensions===
	In Summer 382YE, Vuk The Wolfeater as [[Senator]] for [[Karov]] raised a [[Senate motion\|motion]] supported by the [[Imperial Senate]] [[Claim_Sungold_Pass\|laying claim]] to Sungold Pass and ~~it's~~ ruined mine. This motion may have been prompted by reports of Thule scouts undertaking their own exploration of the area. In the wake of the Senate decision, several bands of [[military unit\|independent captains]] - mostly [[Varushka\|Varushkan]] in origin- took it upon themselves to keep a watch over the area.		In Summer 382YE, Vuk The Wolfeater as [[Senator]] for [[Karov]] raised a [[Senate motion\|motion]] supported by the [[Imperial Senate]] [[Claim_Sungold_Pass\|laying claim]] to Sungold Pass and its ruined mine. This motion may have been prompted by reports of Thule scouts undertaking their own exploration of the area. In the wake of the Senate decision, several bands of [[military unit\|independent captains]] - mostly [[Varushka\|Varushkan]] in origin- took it upon themselves to keep a watch over the area.

	For their part, the orcs of Otkodov refused to give up their claim to the high pass and the mine ruins. [[In_the_end_everything_collides#Sungold_Pass\|Almost immediately]] following the Senate's decision the Thule ambassador to the Empire, Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided, issued a formal announcement that the Dragons did not recognise the Imperial claim. Rak claimed that while the Thule agree that the mountain known as the Traveller in the Empire lies partially in Opascari in [[Volodmartz]] and partially in Kogur in [[Otkodov#Sk.C3.BCld\|Sküld]], that the "Sungold Pass" is on ''their'' side of the mountain. As such, the resources were theirs to exploit and the presence of Imperial forces neither welcomed nor appropriate. In the interests of preserving the peace between the Empire and their northern neighbours, however, the Thule agreed that the orcs would not begin to build there until the dispute was settled - and sent their own soldiers to ensure that the pass remained undisturbed until the matter could be resolved.		For their part, the orcs of Otkodov refused to give up their claim to the high pass and the mine ruins. [[In_the_end_everything_collides#Sungold_Pass\|Almost immediately]] following the Senate's decision the Thule ambassador to the Empire, Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided, issued a formal announcement that the Dragons did not recognise the Imperial claim. Rak claimed that while the Thule agree that the mountain known as the Traveller in the Empire lies partially in Opascari in [[Volodmartz]] and partially in Kogur in [[Otkodov#Sk.C3.BCld\|Sküld]], that the "Sungold Pass" is on ''their'' side of the mountain. As such, the resources were theirs to exploit and the presence of Imperial forces neither welcomed nor appropriate. In the interests of preserving the peace between the Empire and their northern neighbours, however, the Thule agreed that the orcs would not begin to build there until the dispute was settled - and sent their own soldiers to ensure that the pass remained undisturbed until the matter could be resolved.
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	Much of the road showed signs of having been recently excavated however - it looked as if there had been a significant collapse of avalanche that had shattered much of the approach and buried the road in hundreds of tons of stone at some point in the distant past - before the recent storms had caused further collapse serendipitously revealing parts of the road again and allowing the orcs to begin clearing the rest.		Much of the road showed signs of having been recently excavated however - it looked as if there had been a significant collapse of avalanche that had shattered much of the approach and buried the road in hundreds of tons of stone at some point in the distant past - before the recent storms had caused further collapse serendipitously revealing parts of the road again and allowing the orcs to begin clearing the rest.
	===Final Notes===		===Final Notes===
	Henk finished his report with some further speculation. It is his opinion that someone – probably the Terunael but possibly the Thule - was mining the orichalcum and the mithril up in Sungold pass, then taking it down the mountain on the northern side. Given the presence of the unique designs clearly used to heat the tunnels, Henk speculates that the mine workings must have been especially rich - if only to justify the obvious expenditure of both orichalcum and mithril used to keep them habitable. There's no sign, incidentally, that the Terunael were moving anything either into the mountains or down to modern-day Volodmartz - the approach on the Varushkan side looks to have always been perilous and difficult.		Henk finished his report with some further speculation. It is his opinion that someone – probably the Terunael but possibly the Thule - was mining the orichalcum and the mithril up in Sungold pass, then taking it down the mountain on the northern side. Given the presence of the unique designs clearly used to heat the tunnels, Henk speculates that the mine workings must have been especially rich - if only to justify the obvious expenditure of both orichalcum and mithril used to keep them habitable. There's no sign, incidentally, that the Terunael were moving anything either into the mountains or down to modern-day Volodmartz - the approach on the Varushkan side looks to have always been perilous and difficult.

	The Thule themselves were aware of the ruins, but unable to reach them (or unwilling to spend the resources needed to reach them) until the great storm caused some of the previous stone blocking access to the ruins to be cleared. Indeed, Henk reported, the Thule were ''very'' interested in the ruins - to the degree that while the warlocks were interrogating the captured orcs there was often one of the Thule [[Thule#Warriors_of_the_Thule\|hollow]] present - the eyes and ears of one of the Dragons themselves.		The Thule themselves were aware of the ruins, but unable to reach them (or unwilling to spend the resources needed to reach them) until the great storm caused some of the previous stone blocking access to the ruins to be cleared. Indeed, Henk reported, the Thule were ''very'' interested in the ruins - to the degree that while the warlocks were interrogating the captured orcs there was often one of the Thule [[Thule#Warriors_of_the_Thule\|hollow]] present - the eyes and ears of one of the Dragons themselves.

Hastur: /* The Golden Tracery */

2019-11-14T16:10:16Z

The Golden Tracery

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:10, 14 November 2019
Line 49:		Line 49:
	The ruins above-ground ruins were not the focus of the expedition, but Henk confirmed what several Varushkan observers had reported - that there were signs of fortifications and barricades on both sides of the pass. Skywise Slu speculates in the report that the original Terunael builders who constructed the mine were as worried about attack from the south as from the north - perhaps understandable given the various horrors that populate the wilds of northern Varushka. In addition to smelting, sorting, and casting facilities clearly dedicated to the production of orichalcum, iron, and gold, there were remains of several stone buildings that appear to have been warehouses, barracks, and living quarters - many still partially buried. It seemed the Terunael were refining the metal pulled from the bones of the mountain ''in situ'' before sending it on... wherever they were sending it.		The ruins above-ground ruins were not the focus of the expedition, but Henk confirmed what several Varushkan observers had reported - that there were signs of fortifications and barricades on both sides of the pass. Skywise Slu speculates in the report that the original Terunael builders who constructed the mine were as worried about attack from the south as from the north - perhaps understandable given the various horrors that populate the wilds of northern Varushka. In addition to smelting, sorting, and casting facilities clearly dedicated to the production of orichalcum, iron, and gold, there were remains of several stone buildings that appear to have been warehouses, barracks, and living quarters - many still partially buried. It seemed the Terunael were refining the metal pulled from the bones of the mountain ''in situ'' before sending it on... wherever they were sending it.
	===The Golden Tracery===		===The Golden Tracery===
	Henk reported that the tunnels leading deeper into the mountains were dangerous and prone to collapse. Several times promising avenues ended at solid walls of fallen rock. Blackbeak Ussa had been specifically recruited for their familiarity with mines - a skill the [[Liberated[[ orc had gained through long years labouring in the mines of eastern [[Principalities of Jarm\|Jarm]]. They confirmed that the mine workings were themselves a fine example of stone craft. The tunnels and galleries were narrow but well constructed as often. Where wood had been used to support the ceilings, it was generally weirwood - meaning they had survived the centuries relatively intact. Still, many parts of the ruined mine was unstable especially the larger galleries where Blackbeak Ussa cautioned that even a loud noise might trigger a catastrophic collapse.		Henk reported that the tunnels leading deeper into the mountains were dangerous and prone to collapse. Several times promising avenues ended at solid walls of fallen rock. Blackbeak Ussa had been specifically recruited for their familiarity with mines - a skill the [[Liberated]] orc had gained through long years labouring in the mines of eastern [[Principalities of Jarm\|Jarm]]. They confirmed that the mine workings were themselves a fine example of stone craft. The tunnels and galleries were narrow but well constructed as often. Where wood had been used to support the ceilings, it was generally weirwood - meaning they had survived the centuries relatively intact. Still, many parts of the ruined mine was unstable especially the larger galleries where Blackbeak Ussa cautioned that even a loud noise might trigger a catastrophic collapse.

	Part of the danger was presented by what appeared to be quite extensive flooding. The water was freezing - and indeed in many of the lower tunnels the scholars explored had frozen solid creating beautiful but deadly icicles and columns of frozen water. Indeed, the tunnels rapidly became cold enough that even orcs toughened by the cold winters of [[Skarsind]] and wrapped in thick furs were unable to continue safely. Blackbeak Ussa speculated that any number of the lower galleries might be entirely choked with ice - although obviously how extensive the lower galleries and tunnels might prove to be was impossible to say.		Part of the danger was presented by what appeared to be quite extensive flooding. The water was freezing - and indeed in many of the lower tunnels the scholars explored had frozen solid creating beautiful but deadly icicles and columns of frozen water. Indeed, the tunnels rapidly became cold enough that even orcs toughened by the cold winters of [[Skarsind]] and wrapped in thick furs were unable to continue safely. Blackbeak Ussa speculated that any number of the lower galleries might be entirely choked with ice - although obviously how extensive the lower galleries and tunnels might prove to be was impossible to say.

	The initial focus of the investigation were the mithril-tracers inlaid in the upper mine workings whose propensity for gathering and spreading heat had been remarked by the initial Varushkan exploration of the area. More thorough examination by the [[Crafting skills#Artisan\|artisan]] Snowstorm Makka revealed that the metal used in these "decorations" was actually an alloy of mithril and orichalcum, spun and stretched to make wire, and then inlaid into the stone walls in sweeping, angular designs. The orcs speculated that the designs emanated from a single central point somewhere deep within the mountain - and further speculated that it was likely that wherever they came from there was likely to be a source of heat. There was no doubt that the heat-providing properties of the designs was intentional and exploited by the Terunael to keep the frigid air of the high peaks at bay - in several places the designs were also worked into the floor especially in the orichalcum mining galleries.		The initial focus of the investigation were the mithril-tracers inlaid in the upper mine workings whose propensity for gathering and spreading heat had been remarked by the initial Varushkan exploration of the area. More thorough examination by the [[Crafting skills#Artisan\|artisan]] Snowstorm Makka revealed that the metal used in these "decorations" was actually an alloy of mithril and orichalcum, spun and stretched to make wire, and then inlaid into the stone walls in sweeping, angular designs. The orcs speculated that the designs emanated from a single central point somewhere deep within the mountain - and further speculated that it was likely that wherever they came from there was likely to be a source of heat. There was no doubt that the heat-providing properties of the designs was intentional and exploited by the Terunael to keep the frigid air of the high peaks at bay - in several places the designs were also worked into the floor especially in the orichalcum mining galleries.

	===Relics===		===Relics===
	The upper mine workings had been largely picked clean of relics - either by the first Varushkan visitors or by the orcs of Otkodov. There was still some sign of the previous inhabitants however. In a narrow spur off one of the main tunnels on one of the upper levels, the orc scholars found four old tablets of slate covered in crabbed writing. A full translation was impossible in the poor conditions in the tunnels, but Snowstorm Henk reports that from a preliminary examination they were the journal or last testimony of a person who had fled south from ''Emrys'' and become trapped up in the mountains by the weather. Their food supplies were running out, and the heat that made the tunnels habitable was slowly fading. There were no remains found with the slates however. Pushing further down, the orcs found several more of these slates, again covered in crabbed handwriting. They expected to be able to review them at their leisure once they had returned to civilisation. Henk speculates that they were left for the benefit of "rescuers" that the person writing them was sure would come in the Spring.		The upper mine workings had been largely picked clean of relics - either by the first Varushkan visitors or by the orcs of Otkodov. There was still some sign of the previous inhabitants however. In a narrow spur off one of the main tunnels on one of the upper levels, the orc scholars found four old tablets of slate covered in crabbed writing. A full translation was impossible in the poor conditions in the tunnels, but Snowstorm Henk reports that from a preliminary examination they were the journal or last testimony of a person who had fled south from ''Emrys'' and become trapped up in the mountains by the weather. Their food supplies were running out, and the heat that made the tunnels habitable was slowly fading. There were no remains found with the slates however. Pushing further down, the orcs found several more of these slates, again covered in crabbed handwriting. They expected to be able to review them at their leisure once they had returned to civilisation. Henk speculates that they were left for the benefit of "rescuers" that the person writing them was sure would come in the Spring.

Hastur: /* The Snowstorm Henk Incident */

2019-11-14T15:49:28Z

The Snowstorm Henk Incident

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:49, 14 November 2019
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	For their part, the orcs of Otkodov refused to give up their claim to the high pass and the mine ruins. [[In_the_end_everything_collides#Sungold_Pass\|Almost immediately]] following the Senate's decision the Thule ambassador to the Empire, Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided, issued a formal announcement that the Dragons did not recognise the Imperial claim. Rak claimed that while the Thule agree that the mountain known as the Traveller in the Empire lies partially in Opascari in [[Volodmartz]] and partially in Kogur in [[Otkodov#Sk.C3.BCld\|Sküld]], that the "Sungold Pass" is on ''their'' side of the mountain. As such, the resources were theirs to exploit and the presence of Imperial forces neither welcomed nor appropriate. In the interests of preserving the peace between the Empire and their northern neighbours, however, the Thule agreed that the orcs would not begin to build there until the dispute was settled - and sent their own soldiers to ensure that the pass remained undisturbed until the matter could be resolved.		For their part, the orcs of Otkodov refused to give up their claim to the high pass and the mine ruins. [[In_the_end_everything_collides#Sungold_Pass\|Almost immediately]] following the Senate's decision the Thule ambassador to the Empire, Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided, issued a formal announcement that the Dragons did not recognise the Imperial claim. Rak claimed that while the Thule agree that the mountain known as the Traveller in the Empire lies partially in Opascari in [[Volodmartz]] and partially in Kogur in [[Otkodov#Sk.C3.BCld\|Sküld]], that the "Sungold Pass" is on ''their'' side of the mountain. As such, the resources were theirs to exploit and the presence of Imperial forces neither welcomed nor appropriate. In the interests of preserving the peace between the Empire and their northern neighbours, however, the Thule agreed that the orcs would not begin to build there until the dispute was settled - and sent their own soldiers to ensure that the pass remained undisturbed until the matter could be resolved.
	===The Snowstorm Henk Incident===		===The Snowstorm Henk Incident===
	The situation came to a head in Spring 383YE. The [[Minister of Historical Research]], Caleb of the Cenotaph, instructed the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research\|Department of Historical Research]] to [[Research_Sungold_Pass\|prepare a report]] on the history of the area. As part of the commission, the adventurous [[Imperial Orcs\|Imperial Orc]] scholar [[Historical_research#Other_Researchers\|Snowstorm Henk]] ~~lead~~ a small team of orc researchers up to the pass. While exploring the area, the civil servants were taken prisoner by the Thule who accused them of trespass, theft, and espionage.		The situation came to a head in Spring 383YE. The [[Minister of Historical Research]], Caleb of the Cenotaph, instructed the [[Historical_research#The_Department_of_Historical_Research\|Department of Historical Research]] to [[Research_Sungold_Pass\|prepare a report]] on the history of the area. As part of the commission, the adventurous [[Imperial Orcs\|Imperial Orc]] scholar [[Historical_research#Other_Researchers\|Snowstorm Henk]] led a small team of orc researchers up to the pass. While exploring the area, the civil servants were taken prisoner by the Thule who accused them of trespass, theft, and espionage.

	The researcher and four of his companions were imprisoned in the Thule camp on the northern slopes of the Traveller. A Navarr magistrate was grudgingly allowed into the camp to see them - and was consequently able to smuggle a short report prepared by Henk back to the Minister of Historical Research. After further negotiation, Yevgeni Katzev (the [[Ambassador to Otkodov]]) issued a formal apology to the Thule on behalf of the Empire, and Henk and his companions were released shortly after although the artefacts they had recovered from the mine workings in the Pass were confiscated by the Thule.		The researcher and four of his companions were imprisoned in the Thule camp on the northern slopes of the Traveller. A Navarr magistrate was grudgingly allowed into the camp to see them - and was consequently able to smuggle a short report prepared by Henk back to the Minister of Historical Research. After further negotiation, Yevgeni Katzev (the [[Ambassador to Otkodov]]) issued a formal apology to the Thule on behalf of the Empire, and Henk and his companions were released shortly after although the artefacts they had recovered from the mine workings in the Pass were confiscated by the Thule.
	<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Senate Motion, Summer 383YE">To ratify a Thule treaty in which we cede the Sungold Pass and pay 300 Thrones in order to have 2900 Imperial Citizens returned, as well as all Navarri citizens freed, and assured Ossium defence for the next season.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Senate Motion, Summer 383YE">To ratify a Thule treaty in which we cede the Sungold Pass and pay 300 Thrones in order to have 2900 Imperial Citizens returned, as well as all Navarri citizens freed, and assured Ossium defence for the next season.</quote></div>

	===The Sungold Treaty===		===The Sungold Treaty===
	Finally, in Summer 383YE, Yegeni Katzev prepared a [[Ambassador#Treaty\|treaty]] for ratification by the Senate, part of which concerned the disposition of Sungold Pass. Along with provisions for the return of Imperial slaves held in Otkodov, the [[Ratify_Sungold_Treaty\|Sungold Treaty]] formally [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence\|conceded]] the Pass to the orcs. It was again proposed by the Senator for Karsk - Vuk The Wolfeater - and approved by the Senate. The Thule queried the exact language used, claiming that their understanding was that the treaty would recognise that Sungold Pass was in Otkodov rather than in the Empire, but they did not challenge the treaty.		Finally, in Summer 383YE, Yegeni Katzev prepared a [[Ambassador#Treaty\|treaty]] for ratification by the Senate, part of which concerned the disposition of Sungold Pass. Along with provisions for the return of Imperial slaves held in Otkodov, the [[Ratify_Sungold_Treaty\|Sungold Treaty]] formally [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence\|conceded]] the Pass to the orcs. It was again proposed by the Senator for Karsk - Vuk The Wolfeater - and approved by the Senate. The Thule queried the exact language used, claiming that their understanding was that the treaty would recognise that Sungold Pass was in Otkodov rather than in the Empire, but they did not challenge the treaty.

Noserenda: /* Final Notes */

2019-11-03T20:58:48Z

Final Notes

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:58, 3 November 2019
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	Much of the road showed signs of having been recently excavated however - it looked as if there had been a significant collapse of avalanche that had shattered much of the approach and buried the road in hundreds of tons of stone at some point in the distant past - before the recent storms had caused further collapse serendipitously revealing parts of the road again and allowing the orcs to begin clearing the rest.		Much of the road showed signs of having been recently excavated however - it looked as if there had been a significant collapse of avalanche that had shattered much of the approach and buried the road in hundreds of tons of stone at some point in the distant past - before the recent storms had caused further collapse serendipitously revealing parts of the road again and allowing the orcs to begin clearing the rest.
	===Final Notes===		===Final Notes===
	Henk finished his report with some further speculation. It is his opinion that someone – probably the Terunael but possibly the Thule - was mining the orichalcum and the mithril up in Sungold pass, then taking it down the mountain on the northern side. Given the presence of the unique designs clearly used to heat the tunnels, Henk speculates that the mine workings must have been especially rich - if only to justify the obvious expenditure of both orichalcum and ~~mithil~~ used to keep them habitable. There's no sign, incidentally, that the Terunael were moving anything either into the mountains or down to modern-day Volodmartz - the approach on the Varushkan side looks to have always been perilous and difficult.		Henk finished his report with some further speculation. It is his opinion that someone – probably the Terunael but possibly the Thule - was mining the orichalcum and the mithril up in Sungold pass, then taking it down the mountain on the northern side. Given the presence of the unique designs clearly used to heat the tunnels, Henk speculates that the mine workings must have been especially rich - if only to justify the obvious expenditure of both orichalcum and mithril used to keep them habitable. There's no sign, incidentally, that the Terunael were moving anything either into the mountains or down to modern-day Volodmartz - the approach on the Varushkan side looks to have always been perilous and difficult.

	The Thule themselves were aware of the ruins, but unable to reach them (or unwilling to spend the resources needed to reach them) until the great storm caused some of the previous stone blocking access to the ruins to be cleared. Indeed, Henk reported, the Thule were ''very'' interested in the ruins - to the degree that while the warlocks were interrogating the captured orcs there was often one of the Thule [[Thule#Warriors_of_the_Thule\|hollow]] present - the eyes and ears of one of the Dragons themselves.		The Thule themselves were aware of the ruins, but unable to reach them (or unwilling to spend the resources needed to reach them) until the great storm caused some of the previous stone blocking access to the ruins to be cleared. Indeed, Henk reported, the Thule were ''very'' interested in the ruins - to the degree that while the warlocks were interrogating the captured orcs there was often one of the Thule [[Thule#Warriors_of_the_Thule\|hollow]] present - the eyes and ears of one of the Dragons themselves.

Noserenda at 20:57, 3 November 2019

2019-11-03T20:57:55Z

Rafferty: /* The Sungold Treaty */

2019-11-03T11:53:28Z

The Sungold Treaty

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:53, 3 November 2019
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	<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Senate Motion, Summer 383YE">To ratify a Thule treaty in which we cede the Sungold Pass and pay 300 Thrones in order to have 2900 Imperial Citizens returned, as well as all Navarri citizens freed, and assured Ossium defence for the next season.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Senate Motion, Summer 383YE">To ratify a Thule treaty in which we cede the Sungold Pass and pay 300 Thrones in order to have 2900 Imperial Citizens returned, as well as all Navarri citizens freed, and assured Ossium defence for the next season.</quote></div>
	===The Sungold Treaty===		===The Sungold Treaty===
	Finally, in Summer 383YE, Yegeni Katzev ~~presented~~ a [[Ambassador#Treaty\|treaty]] for ratification by the Senate, part of which concerned the disposition of Sungold Pass. Along with provisions for the return of Imperial slaves held in Otkodov, the [[Ratify_Sungold_Treaty\|Sungold Treaty]] formally [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence\|conceded]] the Pass to the orcs. The Thule queried the exact language used, claiming that their ~~undestanding~~ was that the treaty would recognise that Sungold Pass was in Otkodov rather than in the Empire, but they did not challenge the treaty.		Finally, in Summer 383YE, Yegeni Katzev prepared a [[Ambassador#Treaty\|treaty]] for ratification by the Senate, part of which concerned the disposition of Sungold Pass. Along with provisions for the return of Imperial slaves held in Otkodov, the [[Ratify_Sungold_Treaty\|Sungold Treaty]] formally [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence\|conceded]] the Pass to the orcs. It was again proposed by the Senator for Karsk - Vuk The Wolfeater - and approved by the Senate. The Thule queried the exact language used, claiming that their understanding was that the treaty would recognise that Sungold Pass was in Otkodov rather than in the Empire, but they did not challenge the treaty.

	Almost immediately, according to Varushkan observers, the Thule moved labourers and soldiers into the pass and set about constructing a fortified wall that coincidentally served to conceal the mineworkings from prying eyes. it is believed that the mine has now been reopened, and that metal is once again flowing down the northern slopes of the Traveller into Otkodov.		Almost immediately, according to Varushkan observers, the Thule moved labourers and soldiers into the pass and set about constructing a fortified wall that coincidentally served to conceal the mineworkings from prying eyes. it is believed that the mine has now been reopened, and that metal is once again flowing down the northern slopes of the Traveller into Otkodov.

Rafferty at 11:51, 3 November 2019

2019-11-03T11:51:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:51, 3 November 2019
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	Obviously, there was some interest in these ruins among the [[Navarr]]. Speculation suggested that this ancient Terunael outpost was most likely connected with the city of Emrys in [[Otkodov#Sk.C3.BCld\|Sküld]], the existence of which had only recently been rediscovered by Navarr scholars.		Obviously, there was some interest in these ruins among the [[Navarr]]. Speculation suggested that this ancient Terunael outpost was most likely connected with the city of Emrys in [[Otkodov#Sk.C3.BCld\|Sküld]], the existence of which had only recently been rediscovered by Navarr scholars.
	<div style="float:right; width: ~~450px~~; clear: right;"><quote by="Senate Motion, Summer 382YE, >The Senate reasserts that the Sungold Pass and the mountain known as the Traveller are part of the region of Opascari, in Volodmartz, and that the exploitation of resources in Imperial Land by foreigners without the direct invitation of the Empire is not acceptable.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Senate Motion, Summer 382YE, >The Senate reasserts that the Sungold Pass and the mountain known as the Traveller are part of the region of Opascari, in Volodmartz, and that the exploitation of resources in Imperial Land by foreigners without the direct invitation of the Empire is not acceptable.</quote></div>
	===Escalating Tensions===		===Escalating Tensions===
	In Summer 382YE, Vuk The Wolfeater as [[Senator]] for [[Karov]] raised a [[Senate motion\|motion]] supported by the [[Imperial Senate]] [[Claim_Sungold_Pass\|laying claim]] to Sungold Pass and it's ruined mine. This motion may have been prompted by reports of Thule scouts undertaking their own exploration of the area. In the wake of the Senate decision, several bands of [[military unit\|independent captains]] - mostly [[Varushka\|Varushkan]] in origin- took it upon themselves to keep a watch over the area.		In Summer 382YE, Vuk The Wolfeater as [[Senator]] for [[Karov]] raised a [[Senate motion\|motion]] supported by the [[Imperial Senate]] [[Claim_Sungold_Pass\|laying claim]] to Sungold Pass and it's ruined mine. This motion may have been prompted by reports of Thule scouts undertaking their own exploration of the area. In the wake of the Senate decision, several bands of [[military unit\|independent captains]] - mostly [[Varushka\|Varushkan]] in origin- took it upon themselves to keep a watch over the area.
Line 28:		Line 28:

	The researcher and four of his companions were imprisoned in the Thule camp on the northern slopes of the Traveller. A Navarr magistrate was grudgingly allowed into the camp to see them - and was consequently able to smuggle a short report prepared by Henk back to the Minister of Historical Research. After further negotiation, Yevgeni Katzev (the [[Ambassador to Otkodov]]) issued a formal apology to the Thule on behalf of the Empire, and Henk and his companions were released shortly after although the artefacts they had recovered from the mine workings in the Pass were confiscated by the Thule.		The researcher and four of his companions were imprisoned in the Thule camp on the northern slopes of the Traveller. A Navarr magistrate was grudgingly allowed into the camp to see them - and was consequently able to smuggle a short report prepared by Henk back to the Minister of Historical Research. After further negotiation, Yevgeni Katzev (the [[Ambassador to Otkodov]]) issued a formal apology to the Thule on behalf of the Empire, and Henk and his companions were released shortly after although the artefacts they had recovered from the mine workings in the Pass were confiscated by the Thule.
	<div style="float:right; width: ~~450px~~; clear: right;"><quote by="Senate Motion, Summer 383YE">To ratify a Thule treaty in which we cede the Sungold Pass and pay 300 Thrones in order to have 2900 Imperial Citizens returned, as well as all Navarri citizens freed, and assured Ossium defence for the next season.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Senate Motion, Summer 383YE">To ratify a Thule treaty in which we cede the Sungold Pass and pay 300 Thrones in order to have 2900 Imperial Citizens returned, as well as all Navarri citizens freed, and assured Ossium defence for the next season.</quote></div>
	===The Sungold Treaty===		===The Sungold Treaty===
	Finally, in Summer 383YE, Yegeni Katzev presented a [[Ambassador#Treaty\|treaty]] for ratification by the Senate, part of which concerned the disposition of Sungold Pass. Along with provisions for the return of Imperial slaves held in Otkodov, the [[Ratify_Sungold_Treaty\|Sungold Treaty]] formally [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence\|conceded]] the Pass to the orcs. The Thule queried the exact language used, claiming that their undestanding was that the treaty would recognise that Sungold Pass was in Otkodov rather than in the Empire, but they did not challenge the treaty.		Finally, in Summer 383YE, Yegeni Katzev presented a [[Ambassador#Treaty\|treaty]] for ratification by the Senate, part of which concerned the disposition of Sungold Pass. Along with provisions for the return of Imperial slaves held in Otkodov, the [[Ratify_Sungold_Treaty\|Sungold Treaty]] formally [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence\|conceded]] the Pass to the orcs. The Thule queried the exact language used, claiming that their undestanding was that the treaty would recognise that Sungold Pass was in Otkodov rather than in the Empire, but they did not challenge the treaty.

	Almost immediately, according to Varushkan observers, the Thule moved labourers and soldiers into the pass and set about constructing a fortified wall that coincidentally served to conceal the mineworkings from prying eyes. it is believed that the mine has now been reopened, and that metal is once again flowing down the northern slopes of the Traveller into Otkodov.		Almost immediately, according to Varushkan observers, the Thule moved labourers and soldiers into the pass and set about constructing a fortified wall that coincidentally served to conceal the mineworkings from prying eyes. it is believed that the mine has now been reopened, and that metal is once again flowing down the northern slopes of the Traveller into Otkodov.
	<div style="float:right; width: ~~450px~~; clear: right;"><quote by="Announced by Caleb of the Cenotaph, Minister of Historical Research, Winter 382YE">Historical Research by the Minister of Historical Research: To research the history of the Sungold Pass mine that the Thule are laying claim to on the boundary of Otkodov eastern foothills of Opascari.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 550px; clear: right;"><quote by="Announced by Caleb of the Cenotaph, Minister of Historical Research, Winter 382YE">Historical Research by the Minister of Historical Research: To research the history of the Sungold Pass mine that the Thule are laying claim to on the boundary of Otkodov eastern foothills of Opascari.</quote></div>

	==The Historical Research Report==		==The Historical Research Report==