The cry of gulls - Revision history

Twiggy: /* Objective: Prevent the Cult Releasing Their Kraken */

2025-07-14T07:48:46Z

Objective: Prevent the Cult Releasing Their Kraken

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:48, 14 July 2025
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	The Cult of Siakha plans to isolate Free Landing from Madruga by making the coastal straits impassable to inshore craft. Information shared by Sea-Wraith reveals that the cult plans to release a number of [[Mundane_beasts#Kraken\|kraken's eggs]] into the straits between Freelanding and Lightsea. Not native to the Bay of Catazar, kraken can grow to be fearsome ocean predators capable of killing whales and sinking ships. It is understood that kraken young normally grow slowly in the cold ocean, but can rapidly reach maturity in warmer, shallow seas where food is plentiful. If the kraken were released, Imperial, (or Grendel), armies attempting to storm Free Landing would be set upon by the voracious juveniles, a problem that would only compound as the kraken grew in size and became capable of snatching soldiers right off the deck of a boat.		The Cult of Siakha plans to isolate Free Landing from Madruga by making the coastal straits impassable to inshore craft. Information shared by Sea-Wraith reveals that the cult plans to release a number of [[Mundane_beasts#Kraken\|kraken's eggs]] into the straits between Freelanding and Lightsea. Not native to the Bay of Catazar, kraken can grow to be fearsome ocean predators capable of killing whales and sinking ships. It is understood that kraken young normally grow slowly in the cold ocean, but can rapidly reach maturity in warmer, shallow seas where food is plentiful. If the kraken were released, Imperial, (or Grendel), armies attempting to storm Free Landing would be set upon by the voracious juveniles, a problem that would only compound as the kraken grew in size and became capable of snatching soldiers right off the deck of a boat.

	Without access to a navy, it would not be possible to move an army across the narrow waters to the region's many islands. Small fishing boats, costal traders, and ferries - all of which commonly travelled to Free Landing under the watchful light of the Shining Pillar - would be be easily picked off and sunk by the predatory beasts. Young kraken would be no match for the kind of fighting vessels that make up a navy, but that wouldn't help the Empire.		Without access to a navy, it would not be possible to move an army across the narrow waters to the region's many islands. Small fishing boats, costal traders, and ferries - all of which commonly travelled to Free Landing under the watchful light of the Shining Pillar - would be easily picked off and sunk by the predatory beasts. Young kraken would be no match for the kind of fighting vessels that make up a navy, but that wouldn't help the Empire.

	The Empire must destroy 13 - more than half - of Shivaarn's eggs being moved across the island during the conjunction. The kraken spawn are large rubbery sacs containing small gestating kraken. Easily destroyed, the eggs will be under guard and moved by skilled handlers drawn from former Kraken's Jaw moridun forces. Sources indicate that the cult will be wary in how they transport the creatures, using distractions to avoid detection, and avoiding gathering them all together in a single place. Imperial heroes will need to scour the entire area to seek out any hidden egg caches or track down orcs attempting to conceal one. A battlefield is a large place, so any attempt to locate the eggs will need to be thorough and it will be essential to communicate how many have been destroyed, lest a withdrawal is made before the objective is complete.		The Empire must destroy 13 - more than half - of Shivaarn's eggs being moved across the island during the conjunction. The kraken spawn are large rubbery sacs containing small gestating kraken. Easily destroyed, the eggs will be under guard and moved by skilled handlers drawn from former Kraken's Jaw moridun forces. Sources indicate that the cult will be wary in how they transport the creatures, using distractions to avoid detection, and avoiding gathering them all together in a single place. Imperial heroes will need to scour the entire area to seek out any hidden egg caches or track down orcs attempting to conceal one. A battlefield is a large place, so any attempt to locate the eggs will need to be thorough and it will be essential to communicate how many have been destroyed, lest a withdrawal is made before the objective is complete.

Hailmur at 00:20, 11 April 2025

2025-04-11T00:20:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:20, 11 April 2025
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	Notable by their absence are the servants of [[Siakha]]. While they may have been gathered at the Shining Pillar, while they may be eager for slaughter and mayhem, it appears they have no stomach for the back-and-forth of strategic battle.		Notable by their absence are the servants of [[Siakha]]. While they may have been gathered at the Shining Pillar, while they may be eager for slaughter and mayhem, it appears they have no stomach for the back-and-forth of strategic battle.
	<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;"><quote by="Uilean Cungaele, ~~General~~ of the Tempest">Calvos is a jewel on a ring of Brass. It will be ours, but as each jewel has its worth so we will weigh the cost carefully. The Empire has been sleeping, but now it awakens, and we must be vigilant - not only against Imperial reprisals. We must keep a weather eye on our allies, and ensure that their thirst for Retribution is not slaked at the cost of our Prosperity!</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;"><quote by="Uilean Cungaele, Storm Lord of the Tempest">Calvos is a jewel on a ring of Brass. It will be ours, but as each jewel has its worth so we will weigh the cost carefully. The Empire has been sleeping, but now it awakens, and we must be vigilant - not only against Imperial reprisals. We must keep a weather eye on our allies, and ensure that their thirst for Retribution is not slaked at the cost of our Prosperity!</quote></div>
	<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;"><quote by="Mahri Lawrey, ~~General~~ of the Golden Winds">The Freeborn are rich, but do not forget that they are also as cunning and furious as the winds of Shayeel. We will take Calvos Sound, and we will conquer Torres, but remember that whoever we fight beside we are not ruiners, but conquerors. The wise fisher knows that they cannot fill their nets in empty seas.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;"><quote by="Mahri Lawrey, Storm Lord of the Golden Winds">The Freeborn are rich, but do not forget that they are also as cunning and furious as the winds of Shayeel. We will take Calvos Sound, and we will conquer Torres, but remember that whoever we fight beside we are not ruiners, but conquerors. The wise fisher knows that they cannot fill their nets in empty seas.</quote></div>
	<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;"><quote by="Beagh Seosam, General of the Black Eels">Take it. Take it ''all''.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: right;"><quote by="Beagh Seosam, General of the Black Eels">Take it. Take it ''all''.</quote></div>

	==Calvos==		==Calvos==
	The first big battle of the campaign to regain Madruga takes place at Calvos. The Grendel armada and the bulk of their forces attack along the coast to take the prosperous town. It's notable that even as the first Grendel ships disgorge their cargo of marines onto the Calvos docks, they give the [[Zemress#The_Seminary_of_Zemress\|Seminary of Zemress]] a wide berth. No siege weapons are employed against the docks near the ''Kraken's Bane'' and the [[Hand_of_Guerra#House_of_Guerra\|House of Guerra]], and there is no suggestion the orcs are here to burn. They are here to ''conquer''.		The first big battle of the campaign to regain Madruga takes place at Calvos. The Grendel armada and the bulk of their forces attack along the coast to take the prosperous town. It's notable that even as the first Grendel ships disgorge their cargo of marines onto the Calvos docks, they give the [[Zemress#The_Seminary_of_Zemress\|Seminary of Zemress]] a wide berth. No siege weapons are employed against the docks near the ''Kraken's Bane'' and the [[Hand_of_Guerra#House_of_Guerra\|House of Guerra]], and there is no suggestion the orcs are here to burn. They are here to ''conquer''.

Hailmur: /* Objective: Prevent the Cult Releasing Their Kraken */

2024-06-11T12:44:34Z

Objective: Prevent the Cult Releasing Their Kraken

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:44, 11 June 2024
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	* '''Destroying at least 13 eggs would stop the threat to the crossing'''		* '''Destroying at least 13 eggs would stop the threat to the crossing'''
	* '''If 12 or more eggs survive it will prevent army movements between Free Landing and the rest of Madruga'''		* '''If 12 or more eggs survive it will prevent army movements between Free Landing and the rest of Madruga'''
			* '''The eggs are considered to be animals and it is not possible to bring them through the Sentinel Gate'''
	The Cult of Siakha plans to isolate Free Landing from Madruga by making the coastal straits impassable to inshore craft. Information shared by Sea-Wraith reveals that the cult plans to release a number of [[Mundane_beasts#Kraken\|kraken's eggs]] into the straits between Freelanding and Lightsea. Not native to the Bay of Catazar, kraken can grow to be fearsome ocean predators capable of killing whales and sinking ships. It is understood that kraken young normally grow slowly in the cold ocean, but can rapidly reach maturity in warmer, shallow seas where food is plentiful. If the kraken were released, Imperial, (or Grendel), armies attempting to storm Free Landing would be set upon by the voracious juveniles, a problem that would only compound as the kraken grew in size and became capable of snatching soldiers right off the deck of a boat.		The Cult of Siakha plans to isolate Free Landing from Madruga by making the coastal straits impassable to inshore craft. Information shared by Sea-Wraith reveals that the cult plans to release a number of [[Mundane_beasts#Kraken\|kraken's eggs]] into the straits between Freelanding and Lightsea. Not native to the Bay of Catazar, kraken can grow to be fearsome ocean predators capable of killing whales and sinking ships. It is understood that kraken young normally grow slowly in the cold ocean, but can rapidly reach maturity in warmer, shallow seas where food is plentiful. If the kraken were released, Imperial, (or Grendel), armies attempting to storm Free Landing would be set upon by the voracious juveniles, a problem that would only compound as the kraken grew in size and became capable of snatching soldiers right off the deck of a boat.

Novemberalice at 08:42, 11 June 2024

2024-06-11T08:42:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:42, 11 June 2024
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	[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:386YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]		[[Category:Recent History]] [[Category:386YE Spring]] [[Category:Military Council]]
	<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Wheeling gulls.jpg\|caption=Over the blood-dimmed sea, over the breaking rocks, over the war-wracked villages and towns of the Brass Coast, the gulls wheel.\|align=left\|width=600}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Wheeling gulls.jpg\|caption=Over the blood-dimmed sea, over the breaking rocks, over the war-wracked villages and towns of the Brass Coast, the gulls wheel.\|align=left\|width=600}}</div>{{audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLpuyMq8ZWc}}
	==In Madruga==		==In Madruga==
	Last season, the Grendel marked the end of the two-year peace treaty by sending overwhelming force against Madruga. They shattered the [[Madruga#The_Salt_Guard_(Ruined)\|Salt Guard]], overran the defences of the prosperous heart of the Brass Coast, and engaged in a day of rampant looting. Then they withdrew and allowed their Nemorian allies to fire the City of Sails. It is a fortunate mercy that there were agents of the [[Irra Harah\|Prince with a Thousand Foes]] in the city, working to ensure that as many people as possible escaped the murderous vengeance of the Asaveans. The city itself was by no means as lucky. The fire burned a wide swathe of destruction through the centre of what was once the most gloriously colourful city in the Empire. Few structures escaped unscathed - even some of the stone buildings are cracked from the heat - or from spitefully aimed catapult-shot from the Asavean warships.		Last season, the Grendel marked the end of the two-year peace treaty by sending overwhelming force against Madruga. They shattered the [[Madruga#The_Salt_Guard_(Ruined)\|Salt Guard]], overran the defences of the prosperous heart of the Brass Coast, and engaged in a day of rampant looting. Then they withdrew and allowed their Nemorian allies to fire the City of Sails. It is a fortunate mercy that there were agents of the [[Irra Harah\|Prince with a Thousand Foes]] in the city, working to ensure that as many people as possible escaped the murderous vengeance of the Asaveans. The city itself was by no means as lucky. The fire burned a wide swathe of destruction through the centre of what was once the most gloriously colourful city in the Empire. Few structures escaped unscathed - even some of the stone buildings are cracked from the heat - or from spitefully aimed catapult-shot from the Asavean warships.

Dre at 18:00, 10 June 2024

2024-06-10T18:00:16Z

Matt: /* Objective: Protect Sea-Wraith's Informant */

2024-06-10T17:23:14Z

Objective: Protect Sea-Wraith's Informant

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:23, 10 June 2024
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	* '''Ensure Sea-Wraith's informant survives the battle'''		* '''Ensure Sea-Wraith's informant survives the battle'''
	* '''If the Empire ensure that Sea-Wraith's informant survives, he will arrange a chance for the Empire to assassinate Governor Rahab'''		* '''If the Empire ensure that Sea-Wraith's informant survives, he will arrange a chance for the Empire to assassinate Governor Rahab'''
	The civil service have carefully checked all of the information provided by the Grendel who calls themselves "Sea-Wraith" and have been able to confirm all the details... bar this one. There is no reason to think the Grendel is lying, and every reason to think they are telling the truth (the Grendel place great store by [[Grendel_religion#Fidelity\|Fidelity]]). But the sheer [[Grendel_religion#Audacity\|]] of the offer and the depths of the betrayal involved, mean that the prognosticators are advising the Military Council to treat this offer with caution.		The civil service have carefully checked all of the information provided by the Grendel who calls themselves "Sea-Wraith" and have been able to confirm all the details... bar this one. There is no reason to think the Grendel is lying, and every reason to think they are telling the truth (the Grendel place great store by [[Grendel_religion#Fidelity\|Fidelity]]). But the sheer [[Grendel_religion#Audacity\|Audacity]] of the offer and the depths of the betrayal involved, mean that the prognosticators are advising the Military Council to treat this offer with caution.

	Sea-Wraith claims to have an informant in Shivarrn's ranks. ''Sea Mage Tuairisc'' is a powerful [[The_League_magical_traditions#Realms\|Sea ritualist]] operating in a unit of Storm Born. They remain loyal to the Salt Lords and are operating under-cover at great risk to themselves to pass information back to Sea-Wraith and the Council. The magician is carefully playing along with the cult's scheming and ritual preparations and his unit is unaware of his true loyalties. He can be easily recognised by his ritual regalia, a headpiece shaped from a shark's jaw bones.		Sea-Wraith claims to have an informant in Shivarrn's ranks. ''Sea Mage Tuairisc'' is a powerful [[The_League_magical_traditions#Realms\|Sea ritualist]] operating in a unit of Storm Born. They remain loyal to the Salt Lords and are operating under-cover at great risk to themselves to pass information back to Sea-Wraith and the Council. The magician is carefully playing along with the cult's scheming and ritual preparations and his unit is unaware of his true loyalties. He can be easily recognised by his ritual regalia, a headpiece shaped from a shark's jaw bones.

Matt: /* Objective: Prevent the Cult Releasing Their Kraken */

2024-06-10T17:18:48Z

Objective: Prevent the Cult Releasing Their Kraken

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:18, 10 June 2024
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	Without access to a navy, it would not be possible to move an army across the narrow waters to the region's many islands. Small fishing boats, costal traders, and ferries - all of which commonly travelled to Free Landing under the watchful light of the Shining Pillar - would be be easily picked off and sunk by the predatory beasts. Young kraken would be no match for the kind of fighting vessels that make up a navy, but that wouldn't help the Empire.		Without access to a navy, it would not be possible to move an army across the narrow waters to the region's many islands. Small fishing boats, costal traders, and ferries - all of which commonly travelled to Free Landing under the watchful light of the Shining Pillar - would be be easily picked off and sunk by the predatory beasts. Young kraken would be no match for the kind of fighting vessels that make up a navy, but that wouldn't help the Empire.

	The Empire must destroy 13 - more than half - of Shivarrns eggs being moved across the island during the conjunction. The kraken spawn are large rubbery sacs containing small gestating kraken. Easily destroyed, the eggs will be under guard and moved by skilled handlers drawn from former Kraken's Jaw moridun forces. Sources indicate that the cult will be wary in how they transport the creatures, using distractions to avoid detection, and avoiding gathering them all together in a single place. Imperial heroes will need to scour the entire area to seek out any hidden egg caches or track down orcs attempting to conceal one. A battlefield is a large place, so any attempt to locate the eggs will need to be thorough and it will be essential to communicate how many have been destroyed, less a ~~withdraw~~ is made before the objective is complete.		The Empire must destroy 13 - more than half - of Shivarrns eggs being moved across the island during the conjunction. The kraken spawn are large rubbery sacs containing small gestating kraken. Easily destroyed, the eggs will be under guard and moved by skilled handlers drawn from former Kraken's Jaw moridun forces. Sources indicate that the cult will be wary in how they transport the creatures, using distractions to avoid detection, and avoiding gathering them all together in a single place. Imperial heroes will need to scour the entire area to seek out any hidden egg caches or track down orcs attempting to conceal one. A battlefield is a large place, so any attempt to locate the eggs will need to be thorough and it will be essential to communicate how many have been destroyed, less a withdrawl is made before the objective is complete.

	===Objective: Prevent the Spring Rituals===		===Objective: Prevent the Spring Rituals===

Hailmur: /* What Lies Hidden (Conjunction) */

2024-06-10T11:18:09Z

What Lies Hidden (Conjunction)

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:18, 10 June 2024
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	Whilst in the location any character can make a '''single''' [[Heroic_skills#Cleaving_Strike\|CLEAVE]] call with any melee weapon other than a pike once during the battle. You do not need to expend a hero point or have the [[Heroic_skills#Cleaving_Strike\|Cleaving Strike]] skill to use this ability. This ability is lost if the character resists the roleplaying effect at any point, or upon their return to Anvil.		Whilst in the location any character can make a '''single''' [[Heroic_skills#Cleaving_Strike\|CLEAVE]] call with any melee weapon other than a pike once during the battle. You do not need to expend a hero point or have the [[Heroic_skills#Cleaving_Strike\|Cleaving Strike]] skill to use this ability. This ability is lost if the character resists the roleplaying effect at any point, or upon their return to Anvil.

	==~~What Lies Hidden~~ (~~Conjunction~~)==		==Coursing (Feroz)==
	* '''A ~~force~~ of Grendel ~~mercenaries are attempting to flee Eoradal~~'''		* '''A suspicious Faraden agent has been travelling through the Brass Coast towards Feroz for unknown reasons'''
	* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely\|combat highly likely]] encounter~~'''~~		* '''Imperials should intercept this individual and investigate before they reach the safety of Grendel lines'''
	* '''''~~Vitore van Temeschwar~~'' is responsible for preventing the ~~Grendel from fleeing'''~~		* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely\|combat highly likely]] encounter
	~~Just a~~ week ~~before the Spring Equinox there was a small commotion at the~~ [[~~regio#Imperial regio\|Imperial regio~~]]. ~~The ''Curator''~~, ~~a brash herald of [[Barien\|Lord of~~ the ~~Crossroads]]~~, ~~arrived with a message for '''Vitore Van Temeschwar''', [[Watcher of Ratibor's Torch]]~~. ~~The Curator tells a tale of a group~~ of ~~Grendel who took a contract to journey into~~ the mountains of [[Skoura]] six years ago to steal something extremely valuable. These mercenaries managed to claim this item and fled back to Mareave only to find their employer dead; another victim of Grendel politics. This treasure that they ~~had claimed was too dangerous to try to sell at that point and worth too much to risk carrying around, so mercenaries agreed~~ to ~~form a tontine. They buried the item and made an agreement that it would remain buried in~~ the ~~Grendel lands~~ of ~~[[Mareave#Eoradal\|Eoradal]] until the last of them were alive~~.		* '''The ''Champion of Wisdom'' is responsible for preventing this possible threat to the Empire and discovering the truth
			For the past week Freeborn militia in [[Segura]] have been tracking a suspicious individual dressed in Faraden garb. Having entered Yellow Chase, presumably from across the hills in Faraden, they were clearly avoiding attention and fled when encountered by citizens. While eluding the eyes of the Imperial authority they seem to be heading southeast towards the border of Feroz.

	~~Then~~ the ~~Empire claimed Eoradal~~, ~~and~~ the ~~agreement was broken~~. So, as the ~~Curator tells it, this group of mercenaries dug up their treasure and are intent on fleeing west into~~ [[~~Mareave#Sinfoyard\|Sinfoyard~~]] ~~and then onto a ship in Beoraidh. The Curator challenges~~ '''~~Vitore Van Temeschwar~~''' to ~~prove themselves as worthy of maintaining Ratibor's torch~~ and ~~stop the rats from fleeing their sinking ship~~. As this ~~represents a direct request from a herald~~ it is the ~~responsibility of '''Vitore Van Temeschwar'''~~ to ~~stop~~ the Grendel ~~mercenaries from fleeing Eoradal~~.		While nobody has managed to talk to this person or ascertain why they are acting the way they are, it seems likely that they are trying to reach the Grendel. Whatever their purpose, it is unlikely to be good for the Empire. It therefore falls to the [[Champion of Wisdom]], '''Valens Leos''', to ensure that any potential threat does not come to pass and uncover any relevant information. As this individual may have crossed the border into Feroz proper by the time of the conjunction it is likely that Grendel patrols will be operating in the area; needless to say, it is imperative to ensure that this individual does not get the opportunity to meet with the Grendel.

Hailmur: /* Battlefield Environment: Blood in the Air */

2024-06-10T10:49:32Z

Battlefield Environment: Blood in the Air

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:49, 10 June 2024
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	Whilst in the location any character can make a '''single''' [[Heroic_skills#Cleaving_Strike\|CLEAVE]] call with any melee weapon other than a pike once during the battle. You do not need to expend a hero point or have the [[Heroic_skills#Cleaving_Strike\|Cleaving Strike]] skill to use this ability. This ability is lost if the character resists the roleplaying effect at any point, or upon their return to Anvil.		Whilst in the location any character can make a '''single''' [[Heroic_skills#Cleaving_Strike\|CLEAVE]] call with any melee weapon other than a pike once during the battle. You do not need to expend a hero point or have the [[Heroic_skills#Cleaving_Strike\|Cleaving Strike]] skill to use this ability. This ability is lost if the character resists the roleplaying effect at any point, or upon their return to Anvil.

			==What Lies Hidden (Conjunction)==
			* '''A force of Grendel mercenaries are attempting to flee Eoradal'''
			* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely\|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
			* '''''Vitore van Temeschwar'' is responsible for preventing the Grendel from fleeing'''
			Just a week before the Spring Equinox there was a small commotion at the [[regio#Imperial regio\|Imperial regio]]. The ''Curator'', a brash herald of [[Barien\|Lord of the Crossroads]], arrived with a message for '''Vitore Van Temeschwar''', [[Watcher of Ratibor's Torch]]. The Curator tells a tale of a group of Grendel who took a contract to journey into the mountains of [[Skoura]] six years ago to steal something extremely valuable. These mercenaries managed to claim this item and fled back to Mareave only to find their employer dead; another victim of Grendel politics. This treasure that they had claimed was too dangerous to try to sell at that point and worth too much to risk carrying around, so mercenaries agreed to form a tontine. They buried the item and made an agreement that it would remain buried in the Grendel lands of [[Mareave#Eoradal\|Eoradal]] until the last of them were alive.

			Then the Empire claimed Eoradal, and the agreement was broken. So, as the Curator tells it, this group of mercenaries dug up their treasure and are intent on fleeing west into [[Mareave#Sinfoyard\|Sinfoyard]] and then onto a ship in Beoraidh. The Curator challenges '''Vitore Van Temeschwar''' to prove themselves as worthy of maintaining Ratibor's torch and stop the rats from fleeing their sinking ship. As this represents a direct request from a herald it is the responsibility of '''Vitore Van Temeschwar''' to stop the Grendel mercenaries from fleeing Eoradal.

Hailmur: /* Objective: Prevent The Cult Releasing Their Kraken */

2024-06-10T10:24:41Z

Objective: Prevent The Cult Releasing Their Kraken

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:24, 10 June 2024
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	Much of the latest information on Shivaarn has come from a troubling source. A Grendel going under the epithet the ''Sea-Wraith'' has been passing intelligence to Imperial forces. The Sea-Wraith professes to have a shared interest in seeing the Siakha cultists stopped, and claims to be supplying this information because they believe the Empire can act upon it using the Sentinel Gate. This individual is making some fairly extraordinary claims, but the prognosticators have looked into every scrap of information they have received and it all checks out... so far.		Much of the latest information on Shivaarn has come from a troubling source. A Grendel going under the epithet the ''Sea-Wraith'' has been passing intelligence to Imperial forces. The Sea-Wraith professes to have a shared interest in seeing the Siakha cultists stopped, and claims to be supplying this information because they believe the Empire can act upon it using the Sentinel Gate. This individual is making some fairly extraordinary claims, but the prognosticators have looked into every scrap of information they have received and it all checks out... so far.

	===Objective: Prevent ~~The~~ Cult Releasing Their Kraken===		===Objective: Prevent the Cult Releasing Their Kraken===
	* '''Stop cultists from moving their kraken eggs to the coast'''		* '''Stop cultists from moving their kraken eggs to the coast'''
	* '''Destroying at least 13 eggs would stop the threat to the crossing'''		* '''Destroying at least 13 eggs would stop the threat to the crossing'''

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:00, 10 June 2024
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	The fighting continues through most of the day, and by noon it is obvious the Grendel cannot hold the town. Their strategy is too careful, too conservative, too concerned with holding on to what they have conquered. Against the overwhelming fervour of the Empire, they are forced to fall back once again. South, again, toward [[Madruga#Siroc Plains\|Siroc Plains]], toward the ruined City of Sails, toward the border with [[Feroz]].		The fighting continues through most of the day, and by noon it is obvious the Grendel cannot hold the town. Their strategy is too careful, too conservative, too concerned with holding on to what they have conquered. Against the overwhelming fervour of the Empire, they are forced to fall back once again. South, again, toward [[Madruga#Siroc Plains\|Siroc Plains]], toward the ruined City of Sails, toward the border with [[Feroz]].

	Some attempt to escape by sea... and those soldiers who pursued the retreating orc warriors to the docks are witness to a horror sufficient to turn the stomachs of the most hardened warrior. The last three Grendel ships - three yellow-sailed ships of the Golden Winds - overrun with servants of Siakha. ~~Carcharadons~~, both on the decks and in the water, and also less familiar creatures, those entities described by the prognosticators as being "living storms bound within a shroud of skin", whose touch hurls the sailors and soldiers trying to flee the fall of Quzar into the blood-dimmed waters for their fellows to feast. Not just heralds, either but also a number of blood-soaked pirates with a terrible misshapen vessels of their own - tearing into the fleeing Grendel and those Imperial soldiers who stray onto the docks with equal abandon.		Some attempt to escape by sea... and those soldiers who pursued the retreating orc warriors to the docks are witness to a horror sufficient to turn the stomachs of the most hardened warrior. The last three Grendel ships - three yellow-sailed ships of the Golden Winds - overrun with servants of Siakha. Carcharodons, both on the decks and in the water, and also less familiar creatures, those entities described by the prognosticators as being "living storms bound within a shroud of skin", whose touch hurls the sailors and soldiers trying to flee the fall of Quzar into the blood-dimmed waters for their fellows to feast. Not just heralds, either but also a number of blood-soaked pirates with a terrible misshapen vessels of their own - tearing into the fleeing Grendel and those Imperial soldiers who stray onto the docks with equal abandon.

	Something, to put it mildly, is not right.		Something, to put it mildly, is not right.
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	Without access to a navy, it would not be possible to move an army across the narrow waters to the region's many islands. Small fishing boats, costal traders, and ferries - all of which commonly travelled to Free Landing under the watchful light of the Shining Pillar - would be be easily picked off and sunk by the predatory beasts. Young kraken would be no match for the kind of fighting vessels that make up a navy, but that wouldn't help the Empire.		Without access to a navy, it would not be possible to move an army across the narrow waters to the region's many islands. Small fishing boats, costal traders, and ferries - all of which commonly travelled to Free Landing under the watchful light of the Shining Pillar - would be be easily picked off and sunk by the predatory beasts. Young kraken would be no match for the kind of fighting vessels that make up a navy, but that wouldn't help the Empire.

	The Empire must destroy 13 - more than half - of ~~Shivarrns~~ eggs being moved across the island during the conjunction. The kraken spawn are large rubbery sacs containing small gestating kraken. Easily destroyed, the eggs will be under guard and moved by skilled handlers drawn from former Kraken's Jaw moridun forces. Sources indicate that the cult will be wary in how they transport the creatures, using distractions to avoid detection, and avoiding gathering them all together in a single place. Imperial heroes will need to scour the entire area to seek out any hidden egg caches or track down orcs attempting to conceal one. A battlefield is a large place, so any attempt to locate the eggs will need to be thorough and it will be essential to communicate how many have been destroyed, ~~less~~ a ~~withdrawl~~ is made before the objective is complete.		The Empire must destroy 13 - more than half - of Shivaarn's eggs being moved across the island during the conjunction. The kraken spawn are large rubbery sacs containing small gestating kraken. Easily destroyed, the eggs will be under guard and moved by skilled handlers drawn from former Kraken's Jaw moridun forces. Sources indicate that the cult will be wary in how they transport the creatures, using distractions to avoid detection, and avoiding gathering them all together in a single place. Imperial heroes will need to scour the entire area to seek out any hidden egg caches or track down orcs attempting to conceal one. A battlefield is a large place, so any attempt to locate the eggs will need to be thorough and it will be essential to communicate how many have been destroyed, lest a withdrawal is made before the objective is complete.

	===Objective: Prevent the Spring Rituals===		===Objective: Prevent the Spring Rituals===
	* '''Stop the cultists from casting Thunderous Deluge and Foam and Spittle of the Furious Sea by any means'''		* '''Stop the cultists from casting Thunderous Deluge and Foam and Spittle of the Furious Sea by any means'''
	* '''~~Shivarrn~~'s ritualists can only cast one ritual at each of the two regio'''		* '''Shivaarn's ritualists can only cast one ritual at each of the two regio'''
	It would appear that [[Siakha\|the Empress of Sharks]] has also offered [[Hurricane_party#Unleash_the_Maelstrom\|her destructive boons]] to ~~Shivarrn~~ and her cultists. Unsurprisingly, the priests have ~~lept~~ at the chance to spread chaos and destruction and thereby win the Maelstrom's favour. However they lack the magical strength to create such powerful ritual effects, so Siakha has provided them with a pair of boons that will allow them to boost the power of their ritual, but which will consume the power of the regio for a season once used. That will give the priests enough strength to cast the ritual - but it means they need two regio to perform them both.		It would appear that [[Siakha\|the Empress of Sharks]] has also offered [[Hurricane_party#Unleash_the_Maelstrom\|her destructive boons]] to Shivaarn and her cultists. Unsurprisingly, the priests have leapt at the chance to spread chaos and destruction and thereby win the Maelstrom's favour. However they lack the magical strength to create such powerful ritual effects, so Siakha has provided them with a pair of boons that will allow them to boost the power of their ritual, but which will consume the power of the regio for a season once used. That will give the priests enough strength to cast the ritual - but it means they need two regio to perform them both.

	To solve that problem, the cult have come here to use ''the twins'' - a pair of weak Spring regio, located a short distance apart. Having two regio in close proximity will allow the Siakha worshippers to perform both rituals, provided they can access them. The cult will have to deploy their ritualists carefully as a single regio will no longer function once they complete one of their rituals there so they will need to relocate to the other.		To solve that problem, the cult have come here to use ''the twins'' - a pair of weak Spring regio, located a short distance apart. Having two regio in close proximity will allow the Siakha worshippers to perform both rituals, provided they can access them. The cult will have to deploy their ritualists carefully as a single regio will no longer function once they complete one of their rituals there so they will need to relocate to the other.
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	It seems that the payment to the Red Ibis last season has already born surprise fruit. A missive sent by the scoundrel arrives in Anvil shortly before the equinox, with an unusual request for aid...		It seems that the payment to the Red Ibis last season has already born surprise fruit. A missive sent by the scoundrel arrives in Anvil shortly before the equinox, with an unusual request for aid...

	The Luain family are a rich merchant dynasty in ~~Dubtraigh~~ that has old ties to the Salt Lords, providing equipment, clothing, supplies, and foodstuffs to the Grendel's armies and navies when on campaign. Their lucrative contracts have led to the family living pampered lives, isolated from the gruelling wars they enable. The youngest child of the Luain's has, in an act of rebellion and boredom of a life behind a merchant's desk joined the fighting in Madruga, leading a unit of Stone Born. Inept, ignorant, and excited in trying to prove themselves, the young Mohrain was quickly captured during the upheaval on Free Landing and is now being held by cultists of the ''Mother of Wrecks''.		The Luain family are a rich merchant dynasty in Dubhtraig that has old ties to the Salt Lords, providing equipment, clothing, supplies, and foodstuffs to the Grendel's armies and navies when on campaign. Their lucrative contracts have led to the family living pampered lives, isolated from the gruelling wars they enable. The youngest child of the Luain's has, in an act of rebellion and boredom of a life behind a merchant's desk joined the fighting in Madruga, leading a unit of Stone Born. Inept, ignorant, and excited in trying to prove themselves, the young Mohrain was quickly captured during the upheaval on Free Landing and is now being held by cultists of the ''Mother of Wrecks''.

	The youth's family are understandably shocked at this turn of events, desperate to see their child safe; so much so that they have contracted the Red Ibis to assist. Red Ibis has in turn approached the Empire to see if they are willing to help. Simply, rescue Mohrain and return them to ~~Dubtraigh~~, then payment will be sent as recompense. If Mohrain can be freed from the cultists, then it should be easy to convince them to accept a casting of [[The Cuckoo's Egg]], enabling their extraction back to Anvil.		The youth's family are understandably shocked at this turn of events, desperate to see their child safe; so much so that they have contracted the Red Ibis to assist. Red Ibis has in turn approached the Empire to see if they are willing to help. Simply, rescue Mohrain and return them to Dubhtraig, then payment will be sent as recompense. If Mohrain can be freed from the cultists, then it should be easy to convince them to accept a casting of [[The Cuckoo's Egg]], enabling their extraction back to Anvil.

	Once they are back in Anvil, they will effectively be a prisoner. The Red Ibis says that Mohrain has a necklace with the family crest on it. A reward of 15 thrones will be sent to any Imperial citizen who offers the necklace - and a rune of [[Lann]] in a casting of [[Ephisis' Scale]]. The civil service can then arrange the prisoner's safe return to his family.		Once they are back in Anvil, they will effectively be a prisoner. The Red Ibis says that Mohrain has a necklace with the family crest on it. A reward of 15 thrones will be sent to any Imperial citizen who offers the necklace - and a rune of [[Lann]] in a casting of [[Ephisis' Scale]]. The civil service can then arrange the prisoner's safe return to his family.
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	The civil service have carefully checked all of the information provided by the Grendel who calls themselves "Sea-Wraith" and have been able to confirm all the details... bar this one. There is no reason to think the Grendel is lying, and every reason to think they are telling the truth (the Grendel place great store by [[Grendel_religion#Fidelity\|Fidelity]]). But the sheer [[Grendel_religion#Audacity\|Audacity]] of the offer and the depths of the betrayal involved, mean that the prognosticators are advising the Military Council to treat this offer with caution.		The civil service have carefully checked all of the information provided by the Grendel who calls themselves "Sea-Wraith" and have been able to confirm all the details... bar this one. There is no reason to think the Grendel is lying, and every reason to think they are telling the truth (the Grendel place great store by [[Grendel_religion#Fidelity\|Fidelity]]). But the sheer [[Grendel_religion#Audacity\|Audacity]] of the offer and the depths of the betrayal involved, mean that the prognosticators are advising the Military Council to treat this offer with caution.

	Sea-Wraith claims to have an informant in ~~Shivarrn~~'s ranks. ''Sea Mage Tuairisc'' is a powerful [[The_League_magical_traditions#Realms\|Sea ritualist]] operating in a unit of Storm Born. They remain loyal to the Salt Lords and are operating under-cover at great risk to themselves to pass information back to Sea-Wraith and the Council. The magician is carefully playing along with the cult's scheming and ritual preparations and his unit is unaware of his true loyalties. He can be easily recognised by his ritual regalia, a headpiece shaped from a shark's jaw bones.		Sea-Wraith claims to have an informant in Shivaarn's ranks. ''Sea Mage Tuairisc'' is a powerful [[The_League_magical_traditions#Realms\|Sea ritualist]] operating in a unit of Storm Born. They remain loyal to the Salt Lords and are operating under-cover at great risk to themselves to pass information back to Sea-Wraith and the Council. The magician is carefully playing along with the cult's scheming and ritual preparations and his unit is unaware of his true loyalties. He can be easily recognised by his ritual regalia, a headpiece shaped from a shark's jaw bones.

	Sea-Wraith expresses the hope that the Empire will kill as many of the Siakha cultists as possible, but they are adamant that Tuairisc must survive the battle. If the Empire don't take the battle, then the spy should be fine, but if they do attack the cultists, then Sea-Wraith has asked the Military Council to do everything possible to ensure that the Sea Mage escapes unharmed and is not revealed to the enemy.		Sea-Wraith expresses the hope that the Empire will kill as many of the Siakha cultists as possible, but they are adamant that Tuairisc must survive the battle. If the Empire don't take the battle, then the spy should be fine, but if they do attack the cultists, then Sea-Wraith has asked the Military Council to do everything possible to ensure that the Sea Mage escapes unharmed and is not revealed to the enemy.