Under eastern skies - Revision history

Twiggy at 17:47, 6 August 2025

2025-08-06T17:47:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:47, 6 August 2025
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	<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Alderei the Fair, General of the Iron Helms">These are times of great change cousins. Even in death we will finish the work in Therunin, with cold flesh quickened we eradicate the Druj on Imperial soil. This shall mark our rebirth. The dark of winter holds no terror over us. Onwards through the snow.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Alderei the Fair, General of the Iron Helms">These are times of great change cousins. Even in death we will finish the work in Therunin, with cold flesh quickened we eradicate the Druj on Imperial soil. This shall mark our rebirth. The dark of winter holds no terror over us. Onwards through the snow.</quote></div>
	<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Zoran De Orzel, General of the Golden Sun">Glorious knights of the Golden Sun, we continue our grinding advance through Therunin. We avoid the poisonous lower tarn valley. We continue to defend the Navarr territory from the onslaught of the Druj. Dawn have lost much of late, All stories must end, keep your love and loyalty for them in your hearts. In the name of their glory.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Zoran De Orzel, General of the Golden Sun">Glorious knights of the Golden Sun, we continue our grinding advance through Therunin. We avoid the poisonous lower tarn valley. We continue to defend the Navarr territory from the onslaught of the Druj. Dawn have lost much of late, All stories must end, keep your love and loyalty for them in your hearts. In the name of their glory.</quote></div>
	<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Rhisiart Dancewalker, General of the Black Thorns">Blackthorns, we fight for our homes, our people, our land. Fight for the future and one step closer to destroying the Druj, to the ~~Vallorn~~. I call the pines and our kin of the Great Forest Orcs. Bring fury to the Druj and burn them to Ashes</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Rhisiart Dancewalker, General of the Black Thorns">Blackthorns, we fight for our homes, our people, our land. Fight for the future and one step closer to destroying the Druj, to the vallorn. I call the pines and our kin of the Great Forest Orcs. Bring fury to the Druj and burn them to Ashes</quote></div>

	==Burn Them To Ashes==		==Burn Them To Ashes==
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	The thousands of Navarr who gave their lives fighting the Druj in Therunin made the ultimate [[Navarr_hearth_magic#Self-Sacrifice\|sacrifice]] to serve the nation. They did not die alone. The alliance with the Great Forest Orcs is still young, but the Spears of the Pines fought and died together as brothers and sisters, giving everything to defend the homeland the Navarr had [[Navarr_hearth_magic#Sharing_a_Meal\|shared with them]].		The thousands of Navarr who gave their lives fighting the Druj in Therunin made the ultimate [[Navarr_hearth_magic#Self-Sacrifice\|sacrifice]] to serve the nation. They did not die alone. The alliance with the Great Forest Orcs is still young, but the Spears of the Pines fought and died together as brothers and sisters, giving everything to defend the homeland the Navarr had [[Navarr_hearth_magic#Sharing_a_Meal\|shared with them]].

	The vates know there is [[Navarr_hearth_magic\|power in these acts]] that is not defined by the limitations of [[Ritual_theory\|ritual magic]]. They want to draw on that power to create a corpse-glade at ''Isaella's Fall'' to protect the bodies of the fallen from scavengers. The warriors of the Navarr and the Great Forest Orcs sacrificed their lives, creating [[Navarr_hearth_magic#Braiding\|the chance to braid their souls together]] in this life and the next. What is needed is a rite, neither ritual nor ceremony but something that reminds every Navarr, living and dead, of [[Navarr_culture_and_customs#Tattoos_and_Vows\|the vows they swore]] to fight together against the ~~Vallorn~~.		The vates know there is [[Navarr_hearth_magic\|power in these acts]] that is not defined by the limitations of [[Ritual_theory\|ritual magic]]. They want to draw on that power to create a corpse-glade at ''Isaella's Fall'' to protect the bodies of the fallen from scavengers. The warriors of the Navarr and the Great Forest Orcs sacrificed their lives, creating [[Navarr_hearth_magic#Braiding\|the chance to braid their souls together]] in this life and the next. What is needed is a rite, neither ritual nor ceremony but something that reminds every Navarr, living and dead, of [[Navarr_culture_and_customs#Tattoos_and_Vows\|the vows they swore]] to fight together against the vallorn.

	The solemnity can be performed by anyone who is skilled at invoking Navarr hearth magic, but it will help representatives from every part of the nation. By employing the deep magic of braiding, they can build on the shared sacrifice of the Navarr and their allies to bind them together in life and in death. The ceremony can also include marking with [[Navarr_hearth_magic#Tattoos\|a tattoo]], the [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Oaths\|swearing of new oaths]], or the [[Navarr_hearth_magic#Sharing_a_Meal\|simple exchange of food]], all powerful ways to bind people together with a shared fate. If the rite is enacted, then the entire area at ''Isaella's Fall'' would become a vast corpse-glade, allowing the forest to reclaim the bodies of the dead in peace.		The solemnity can be performed by anyone who is skilled at invoking Navarr hearth magic, but it will help representatives from every part of the nation. By employing the deep magic of braiding, they can build on the shared sacrifice of the Navarr and their allies to bind them together in life and in death. The ceremony can also include marking with [[Navarr_hearth_magic#Tattoos\|a tattoo]], the [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Oaths\|swearing of new oaths]], or the [[Navarr_hearth_magic#Sharing_a_Meal\|simple exchange of food]], all powerful ways to bind people together with a shared fate. If the rite is enacted, then the entire area at ''Isaella's Fall'' would become a vast corpse-glade, allowing the forest to reclaim the bodies of the dead in peace.

Twiggy at 17:25, 6 August 2025

2025-08-06T17:25:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:25, 6 August 2025
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	* '''If successful, the undead horrors in Eastring can be commanded to attack the Sarangrave '''		* '''If successful, the undead horrors in Eastring can be commanded to attack the Sarangrave '''

	There is a chance for ~~Varuhska~~ to exert a level of control over the hordes of shambling corpses terrorising the marshes of Eastring. It is perhaps not the most palatable avenue to tread, but the people of the dark vales are used to making hard choices.		There is a chance for Varushka to exert a level of control over the hordes of shambling corpses terrorising the marshes of Eastring. It is perhaps not the most palatable avenue to tread, but the people of the dark vales are used to making hard choices.

	In life the Iron Helms swore oaths to serve their nation, to defend its interests and slaughter its enemies. Such [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Oaths\|oaths]] have power, even in death, especially if those they swore to serve refuse to release them from their geas. If the people of Varushka return to the site of the massacre then they could perform a dark rite, drawing on the power of the oaths, binding the spirits with wards and compelling them to serve the nation even in death.		In life the Iron Helms swore oaths to serve their nation, to defend its interests and slaughter its enemies. Such [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Oaths\|oaths]] have power, even in death, especially if those they swore to serve refuse to release them from their geas. If the people of Varushka return to the site of the massacre then they could perform a dark rite, drawing on the power of the oaths, binding the spirits with wards and compelling them to serve the nation even in death.

Twiggy at 23:32, 1 August 2025

2025-08-01T23:32:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:32, 1 August 2025
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	This is not a ritual for the magicians nor a ceremony for priests to conduct, though the rites might well resemble either or both these things. Hearth magic must be used to invoke the oaths sworn by the Helms, to force them to submit to the iron will of the rulers of Varushka. Few know how to [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Wards\|create wards]] as powerful as the Varushkans, they know how to use [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Hospitality\|hospitality]] to force even the most evil creatures to submit to their iron will. The soldiers of the Iron Helms may be slain, but even the dead may long for [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Home\|home]].		This is not a ritual for the magicians nor a ceremony for priests to conduct, though the rites might well resemble either or both these things. Hearth magic must be used to invoke the oaths sworn by the Helms, to force them to submit to the iron will of the rulers of Varushka. Few know how to [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Wards\|create wards]] as powerful as the Varushkans, they know how to use [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Hospitality\|hospitality]] to force even the most evil creatures to submit to their iron will. The soldiers of the Iron Helms may be slain, but even the dead may long for [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Home\|home]].

	The ritual rite must be performed at the Stained Rock, an ancient stone cut from the [[Granites of Veltsgorsk]] decades ago and gifted to strengthen the Navarri forests. The original gift has long since faded in purpose and power, but the grey stone still retains a symbolic link to the Varushkan home lands. The ritual could be led by anyone skilled at invoking Varushkan hearth magic, but the rite will be most powerful if the general of the Iron Helms and those who supported the army during their last stand are included. The army may be broken, but many things in Varushka continue to serve long after they are dead. [[Alderei the Fair]] had [[~~Ritual_theory~~#The_Law_of_Dominion\|dominion]] over the soldiers of the Helms in life, and may yet be able to command them in death.		The ritual rite must be performed at the Stained Rock, an ancient stone cut from the [[Granites of Veltsgorsk]] decades ago and gifted to strengthen the Navarri forests. The original gift has long since faded in purpose and power, but the grey stone still retains a symbolic link to the Varushkan home lands. The ritual could be led by anyone skilled at invoking Varushkan hearth magic, but the rite will be most powerful if the general of the Iron Helms and those who supported the army during their last stand are included. The army may be broken, but many things in Varushka continue to serve long after they are dead. [[Alderei the Fair]] had [[Laws_of_magic#The_Law_of_Dominion\|dominion]] over the soldiers of the Helms in life, and may yet be able to command them in death.

	If the Varushkans can wrest back control of the undead horrors plaguing Eastring, they could command them to attack the Druj in Sarangrave. That would ensure people across the territory are safe from attack by these ravenous winter spirits. The problems would be for the Druj and their people living in Sarangrave, making natural resupply there impossible until the horrors are dealt with or the magic of the ritual finally ends.		If the Varushkans can wrest back control of the undead horrors plaguing Eastring, they could command them to attack the Druj in Sarangrave. That would ensure people across the territory are safe from attack by these ravenous winter spirits. The problems would be for the Druj and their people living in Sarangrave, making natural resupply there impossible until the horrors are dealt with or the magic of the ritual finally ends.

Twiggy at 23:40, 12 July 2025

2025-07-12T23:40:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:40, 12 July 2025
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	<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Alderei the Fair, General of the Iron Helms">These are times of great change cousins. Even in death we will finish the work in Therunin, with cold flesh quickened we eradicate the Druj on Imperial soil. This shall mark our rebirth. The dark of winter holds no terror over us. Onwards through the snow.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Alderei the Fair, General of the Iron Helms">These are times of great change cousins. Even in death we will finish the work in Therunin, with cold flesh quickened we eradicate the Druj on Imperial soil. This shall mark our rebirth. The dark of winter holds no terror over us. Onwards through the snow.</quote></div>
	<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Zoran De Orzel, General of the Golden Sun">Glorious knights of the Golden Sun, we continue our grinding advance through Therunin. We avoid the poisonous lower tarn valley. We continue to defend the Navarr territory from the onslaught of the Druj. Dawn have lost much of late, All stories must end, keep your love and loyalty for them in your hearts. In the name of their glory.</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Zoran De Orzel, General of the Golden Sun">Glorious knights of the Golden Sun, we continue our grinding advance through Therunin. We avoid the poisonous lower tarn valley. We continue to defend the Navarr territory from the onslaught of the Druj. Dawn have lost much of late, All stories must end, keep your love and loyalty for them in your hearts. In the name of their glory.</quote></div>
	<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Rhisiart Dancewalker, General of the Black Thorns">Blackthorns, we fight for our homes, our people, our land. Fight for the future and one step closer to destroying the Druj, ~~the~~ the Vallorn. I call the pines and our kin of the Great Forest Orcs. Bring fury to the Druj and burn them to Ashes</quote></div>		<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><quote by="Rhisiart Dancewalker, General of the Black Thorns">Blackthorns, we fight for our homes, our people, our land. Fight for the future and one step closer to destroying the Druj, to the Vallorn. I call the pines and our kin of the Great Forest Orcs. Bring fury to the Druj and burn them to Ashes</quote></div>

	==Burn Them To Ashes==		==Burn Them To Ashes==

Twiggy at 22:39, 10 July 2025

2025-07-10T22:39:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:39, 10 July 2025
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	==Now We Are Ready==		==Now We Are Ready==
	It's clear that if something is not done, the Imperial presence in Therunin will end with a massacre. The magic that frustrates their efforts to fall back from the Druj, to answer their relentless attack, is drawn from the Spring realm and Isaella's Dance are well versed in the lore of healing and venom. Even as the war drums thunder, the magicians of the 'Dance consult, work swift divinations, and begin to unravel the nature of the wards that make the Imperial forces easy prey for the orcs of the Mallum. It is not that dissimilar to the Wooden Fastness that Irra ~~Harrah~~ taught their ancestors to weave, but where that ward deals with protection and evasion, this one is built to snap shut around the enemies of the Druj.		It's clear that if something is not done, the Imperial presence in Therunin will end with a massacre. The magic that frustrates their efforts to fall back from the Druj, to answer their relentless attack, is drawn from the Spring realm and Isaella's Dance are well versed in the lore of healing and venom. Even as the war drums thunder, the magicians of the 'Dance consult, work swift divinations, and begin to unravel the nature of the wards that make the Imperial forces easy prey for the orcs of the Mallum. It is not that dissimilar to the Wooden Fastness that Irra Harah taught their ancestors to weave, but where that ward deals with protection and evasion, this one is built to snap shut around the enemies of the Druj.

	The commanders meet and reach an agreement. If nothing is done, the Empire's armies in Therunin will be torn to pieces, crucified on poisoned thorns, strangled by creeping roots, smashed by flailing branches, devoured by the beasts of the marshy woods made feral by the enchantment that drips and flows through the water, the ground, the wind itself. There is a way to break free, but there will be a price, paid in blood. A sacrifice.		The commanders meet and reach an agreement. If nothing is done, the Empire's armies in Therunin will be torn to pieces, crucified on poisoned thorns, strangled by creeping roots, smashed by flailing branches, devoured by the beasts of the marshy woods made feral by the enchantment that drips and flows through the water, the ground, the wind itself. There is a way to break free, but there will be a price, paid in blood. A sacrifice.

Twiggy at 22:38, 10 July 2025

2025-07-10T22:38:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:38, 10 July 2025
Line 59:		Line 59:

	==Now We Are Ready==		==Now We Are Ready==
	It's clear that if something is not done, the Imperial presence in Therunin will end with a massacre. The magic that frustrates their efforts to fall back from the Druj, to answer their relentless attack, is drawn from the Spring realm and Isaella's Dance are well versed in the lore of healing and venom. Even as the war drums thunder, the magicians of the 'Dance consult, work swift divinations, and begin to unravel the nature of the wards that make the Imperial forces easy prey for the orcs of the Mallum. It is not that dissimilar to the Wooden Fastness that ~~Ira~~ Harrah taught their ancestors to weave, but where that ward deals with protection and evasion, this one is built to snap shut around the enemies of the Druj.		It's clear that if something is not done, the Imperial presence in Therunin will end with a massacre. The magic that frustrates their efforts to fall back from the Druj, to answer their relentless attack, is drawn from the Spring realm and Isaella's Dance are well versed in the lore of healing and venom. Even as the war drums thunder, the magicians of the 'Dance consult, work swift divinations, and begin to unravel the nature of the wards that make the Imperial forces easy prey for the orcs of the Mallum. It is not that dissimilar to the Wooden Fastness that Irra Harrah taught their ancestors to weave, but where that ward deals with protection and evasion, this one is built to snap shut around the enemies of the Druj.

	The commanders meet and reach an agreement. If nothing is done, the Empire's armies in Therunin will be torn to pieces, crucified on poisoned thorns, strangled by creeping roots, smashed by flailing branches, devoured by the beasts of the marshy woods made feral by the enchantment that drips and flows through the water, the ground, the wind itself. There is a way to break free, but there will be a price, paid in blood. A sacrifice.		The commanders meet and reach an agreement. If nothing is done, the Empire's armies in Therunin will be torn to pieces, crucified on poisoned thorns, strangled by creeping roots, smashed by flailing branches, devoured by the beasts of the marshy woods made feral by the enchantment that drips and flows through the water, the ground, the wind itself. There is a way to break free, but there will be a price, paid in blood. A sacrifice.

Rafferty at 15:31, 20 May 2025

2025-05-20T15:31:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:31, 20 May 2025
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	The twisted ghulai and malicious magicians have twined sickening threads of [[Spring magic]] around the marshes and the forests. Their vile curse [[Rivers Run Red\|taints the land itself]], causing wounds to fester, making water unsafe to drink unless it is boiled, bloating vermin and leeches and venomous beasts, and even corrupts the trees and plants. Its malignant touch is even worse in the Lower Tarn Valley, where it further strengthens the residue of Sephal's Cauldron.		The twisted ghulai and malicious magicians have twined sickening threads of [[Spring magic]] around the marshes and the forests. Their vile curse [[Rivers Run Red\|taints the land itself]], causing wounds to fester, making water unsafe to drink unless it is boiled, bloating vermin and leeches and venomous beasts, and even corrupts the trees and plants. Its malignant touch is even worse in the Lower Tarn Valley, where it further strengthens the residue of Sephal's Cauldron.
	~~___TOC__~~		__TOC__
	[[Forge the Wooden Fastness\|Woven wooden wards]] curl around Eastring and East Ashes, drawing power from the Druj's [[eternal]] patrons to turn the woodlands themselves against the Empire. Unnatural brambles and thorns coil around the boles of the trees, beasts turn murderously savage, and dark spirits lurk among the roots and branches of the dogwood and marsh cedar. Unnatural fecundity causes familiar trails to become overgrown, or provides living barricades for the Druj to hide behind. The forest itself acts to protect the orcs of the Mallum, to help hide their presence giving ample opportunity for stealth and ambush.		[[Forge the Wooden Fastness\|Woven wooden wards]] curl around Eastring and East Ashes, drawing power from the Druj's [[eternal]] patrons to turn the woodlands themselves against the Empire. Unnatural brambles and thorns coil around the boles of the trees, beasts turn murderously savage, and dark spirits lurk among the roots and branches of the dogwood and marsh cedar. Unnatural fecundity causes familiar trails to become overgrown, or provides living barricades for the Druj to hide behind. The forest itself acts to protect the orcs of the Mallum, to help hide their presence giving ample opportunity for stealth and ambush.

Hailmur: /* Objective: Bind the dead in Eastring */

2025-05-17T17:19:21Z

Objective: Bind the dead in Eastring

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:19, 17 May 2025
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	* '''Seize a chance to bind the restless dead of the Iron Helms'''		* '''Seize a chance to bind the restless dead of the Iron Helms'''
	* '''Conduct a Varushkan hearth magic rite at the Stained Rock'''		* '''Conduct a Varushkan hearth magic rite at the Stained Rock'''
	* '''If successful, the undead horrors in ~~Easting~~ can be commanded to attack the Sarangrave '''		* '''If successful, the undead horrors in Eastring can be commanded to attack the Sarangrave '''

	There is a chance for Varuhska to exert a level of control over the hordes of shambling corpses terrorising the marshes of Eastring. It is perhaps not the most palatable avenue to tread, but the people of the dark vales are used to making hard choices.		There is a chance for Varuhska to exert a level of control over the hordes of shambling corpses terrorising the marshes of Eastring. It is perhaps not the most palatable avenue to tread, but the people of the dark vales are used to making hard choices.

Rafferty at 11:59, 3 May 2025

2025-05-03T11:59:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:59, 3 May 2025
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	{{PDFLink\|align=right\|link=File:Under eastern skies.pdf\|caption=Click for pdf version}}{{audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sHX4iLHEUw}}		{{PDFLink\|align=right\|link=File:Under eastern skies.pdf\|caption=Click for pdf version}}{{audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sHX4iLHEUw}}
	Therunin has been invaded by the Druj. They hold East Ashes, giving them control of both shores of the Feverwater, and following a successful [[Blood and mire\|Imperial offensive]] last season, they fight to hold Eastring. Even if they are driven from the territory, though, their brutal fingerprints will mark the marshy forests for some time to come. The Lower Tarn Valley has been poisoned by Sephal's Cauldron, and it was only through the terrible sacrifice of Imperial heroes, especially those of Dawn, that the orcs of the Mallum were prevented from [[Blood_and_mire#Objective:_Stop_the_Blood_Drainers_coven\|devastating East Ashes]] and [[Blood_and_mire#Objective:_Stop_Cintra_Blackstaff\|rousing the vallorn]].		Therunin has been invaded by the Druj. They hold East Ashes, giving them control of both shores of the Feverwater, and following a successful [[Blood and mire\|Imperial offensive]] last season, they fight to hold Eastring. Even if they are driven from the territory, though, their brutal fingerprints will mark the marshy forests for some time to come. The Lower Tarn Valley has been poisoned by Sephal's Cauldron, and it was only through the terrible sacrifice of Imperial heroes, especially those of Dawn, that the orcs of the Mallum were prevented from [[Blood_and_mire#Objective:_Stop_the_Blood_Drainers_coven\|devastating East Ashes]] and [[Blood_and_mire#Objective:_Stop_Cintra_Blackstaff\|rousing the vallorn]].
	~~__TOC__~~
	After their comprehensive defeat at [[Blood_and_mire#All_Along_the_Lakeside_(Battle_Opportunity)\|Ashwater]], the magicians of the Tainted Basilisk have all but abandoned the territory, retreating back toward the Mallum. Yet before they left, they wove one last tapestry of misery over Therunin with their wicked sorceries.		After their comprehensive defeat at [[Blood_and_mire#All_Along_the_Lakeside_(Battle_Opportunity)\|Ashwater]], the magicians of the Tainted Basilisk have all but abandoned the territory, retreating back toward the Mallum. Yet before they left, they wove one last tapestry of misery over Therunin with their wicked sorceries.

	The twisted ghulai and malicious magicians have twined sickening threads of [[Spring magic]] around the marshes and the forests. Their vile curse [[Rivers Run Red\|taints the land itself]], causing wounds to fester, making water unsafe to drink unless it is boiled, bloating vermin and leeches and venomous beasts, and even corrupts the trees and plants. Its malignant touch is even worse in the Lower Tarn Valley, where it further strengthens the residue of Sephal's Cauldron.		The twisted ghulai and malicious magicians have twined sickening threads of [[Spring magic]] around the marshes and the forests. Their vile curse [[Rivers Run Red\|taints the land itself]], causing wounds to fester, making water unsafe to drink unless it is boiled, bloating vermin and leeches and venomous beasts, and even corrupts the trees and plants. Its malignant touch is even worse in the Lower Tarn Valley, where it further strengthens the residue of Sephal's Cauldron.
			___TOC__
	[[Forge the Wooden Fastness\|Woven wooden wards]] curl around Eastring and East Ashes, drawing power from the Druj's [[eternal]] patrons to turn the woodlands themselves against the Empire. Unnatural brambles and thorns coil around the boles of the trees, beasts turn murderously savage, and dark spirits lurk among the roots and branches of the dogwood and marsh cedar. Unnatural fecundity causes familiar trails to become overgrown, or provides living barricades for the Druj to hide behind. The forest itself acts to protect the orcs of the Mallum, to help hide their presence giving ample opportunity for stealth and ambush.		[[Forge the Wooden Fastness\|Woven wooden wards]] curl around Eastring and East Ashes, drawing power from the Druj's [[eternal]] patrons to turn the woodlands themselves against the Empire. Unnatural brambles and thorns coil around the boles of the trees, beasts turn murderously savage, and dark spirits lurk among the roots and branches of the dogwood and marsh cedar. Unnatural fecundity causes familiar trails to become overgrown, or provides living barricades for the Druj to hide behind. The forest itself acts to protect the orcs of the Mallum, to help hide their presence giving ample opportunity for stealth and ambush.

Hailmur: /* Black Miracles (Battle Opportunity) */

2025-04-21T13:06:34Z

Black Miracles (Battle Opportunity)

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:06, 21 April 2025
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	==Black Miracles (Battle Opportunity)==		==Black Miracles (Battle Opportunity)==
	The ~~events surrounding~~ the ~~sacrifice~~ of ~~Isaella~~'s ~~Dance~~ and the Iron Helms might ~~present opportunities~~ for the ~~Empire~~. ~~Though~~ the ~~armies~~ have been ~~driven out~~ of Therunin, the ~~prognosticators~~ have ~~identified~~ a ~~major conjunction~~ to the ~~eastern region~~ that ~~may present~~ a ~~chance~~ to ~~take advantage~~ of them.		The children of Mother [[Varushka]], the grim-faced schlacta of the [[Iron Helms]], are gone; brutally slain by the barbs and venoms of [[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind\|the Black Wind]]. The orcs from the Barrens, consumed by hatred, have taken their revenge for [[Ripples_and_shadows#Black_Wind\|past assaults]], running down every Varushkan they could catch and slaughtering them without mercy.

			Thousands of Iron Helms are dead, but the peace of death eludes them. The force marched under [[Quickening Cold Meat\|a cruel winter enchantment]] that respects neither the sanctity of life nor the dignity of death. The army is no more, but the stony grasp of magic is not yet ready to release them from service. Their bodies are forced to rise from the forest to begin a macabre battle against any foe that comes within range of blade or claw.

			For now, they are a problem for the [[Druj]], but should the Empire's enemies leave the territory, then these revenants will immediately turn on whatever threat they can find. They could become a terrible peril to Therunin and the lands around unless some way can be found to bring the magic back under control.

			===Objective: Bind the dead in Eastring===
			* '''Seize a chance to bind the restless dead of the Iron Helms'''
			* '''Conduct a Varushkan hearth magic rite at the Stained Rock'''
			* '''If successful, the undead horrors in Easting can be commanded to attack the Sarangrave '''

			There is a chance for Varuhska to exert a level of control over the hordes of shambling corpses terrorising the marshes of Eastring. It is perhaps not the most palatable avenue to tread, but the people of the dark vales are used to making hard choices.

			In life the Iron Helms swore oaths to serve their nation, to defend its interests and slaughter its enemies. Such [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Oaths\|oaths]] have power, even in death, especially if those they swore to serve refuse to release them from their geas. If the people of Varushka return to the site of the massacre then they could perform a dark rite, drawing on the power of the oaths, binding the spirits with wards and compelling them to serve the nation even in death.

			This is not a ritual for the magicians nor a ceremony for priests to conduct, though the rites might well resemble either or both these things. Hearth magic must be used to invoke the oaths sworn by the Helms, to force them to submit to the iron will of the rulers of Varushka. Few know how to [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Wards\|create wards]] as powerful as the Varushkans, they know how to use [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Hospitality\|hospitality]] to force even the most evil creatures to submit to their iron will. The soldiers of the Iron Helms may be slain, but even the dead may long for [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Home\|home]].

			The ritual rite must be performed at the Stained Rock, an ancient stone cut from the [[Granites of Veltsgorsk]] decades ago and gifted to strengthen the Navarri forests. The original gift has long since faded in purpose and power, but the grey stone still retains a symbolic link to the Varushkan home lands. The ritual could be led by anyone skilled at invoking Varushkan hearth magic, but the rite will be most powerful if the general of the Iron Helms and those who supported the army during their last stand are included. The army may be broken, but many things in Varushka continue to serve long after they are dead. [[Alderei the Fair]] had [[Ritual_theory#The_Law_of_Dominion\|dominion]] over the soldiers of the Helms in life, and may yet be able to command them in death.

			If the Varushkans can wrest back control of the undead horrors plaguing Eastring, they could command them to attack the Druj in Sarangrave. That would ensure people across the territory are safe from attack by these ravenous winter spirits. The problems would be for the Druj and their people living in Sarangrave, making natural resupply there impossible until the horrors are dealt with or the magic of the ritual finally ends.

			===Objective: Recover the standard of Isaella's Dance===
			* '''The army's banner was lost during their final stand'''
			* '''Recover the symbolic item and return it to the nation'''
			The loss of Isaella's Dance to the Navarr is beyond compare. One further twist of the dagger is the army standard - ''Knife of Thorns'' - fell in battle and now languishes in barbarian hands. It represents those who gave their lives to fight the Druj and ultimately to defeat the vallorn. Even lost it serves as a reminder of them, a symbol of sacrifice, and [[Pride]] for the nation. If it can be recovered then the pale green gonfalon emblazoned with Isaella's blades would offer a glimmer of hope.

			The guides and priests of the Navarr Assembly are best placed to decide what should happen with the banner, where it should be displayed and how. However, the nation will resist any attempt to raise a new army that carries the banner or bears the name ''Isaella's Dance''. One option would be to have the standard become an inspirational symbol of the nation's Pride. The Assembly are not the only ones who might be keen to recover ''Knife of Thorns''.

			Some eternals are known to place great value in such objects and are prepared to offer boons to those who give them up. The ''Queen of Silence'', as [[Kaela]] is known to the Navarr, is obsessed with the ending of all things and she will surely be interested in this symbol of Isaella's final dance. If the Navarr cannot recover the banner, or it falls into the wrong hands, it may still end up traded to Kaela or one of the other great powers of the [[Realm#Winter\|Wasteland]].

			===Battlefield opportunity: Stop the Krollthorned===
			* '''The Druj are accompanied by a coven of human ritualists'''
			* '''In battle the coven will support the orcs with their enchantments'''
			* '''Killing the coven early in the battle will deny the Druj of magical support in the fight'''
			A coven of human winter ritualists from the eastern reaches of Sarangrave has been spotted aiding the Druj. Little is known about them - besides their coven name - but it is likely they serve a ghulai allied to the Palace of the Sleepers in northern Kroll. Targeting them will open up a chance to learn more about who they are, why they serve the Druj, and if they pose a wider threat to the eastern Empire.

			Whilst they have the numbers to cast powerful rituals, individuals are focused on performing rituals to [[enchantment\|enhance]] the prowess of individual orcs in battle. The coven will be continually supplied with mana and resources for their rituals, so eliminating them quickly will deny the Druj important battlefield support.

			==Braided Dreams (Battle Opportunity)==
			The soldiers of the Navarr, the thorns of Isaella's Dance move no longer, their spears no longer weaving a deadly trace in Druj blood. Their weapons are still, their bodies lie where they fell; pierced by arrows, skewered by blade, hewn by axe, or ravaged by toxins and foul ichors. The army rests silently, but not alone. Alongside them lie the dead and mutilated bodies of hundreds of Great Forest Orcs, foreigners first, then friends and allies at the last. They came to make Eastring their home, before the Druj arrived, and they fought shoulder to shoulder alongside the Navarr to defend it when it was threatened.

			All that is left of them now is the memories of their deeds in the minds of those who still draw breath. The bodies should be left to moulder in Therunin, but if nothing is done then they will become offal for scavengers or carrion-eaters. The Navarr usually commit bodies to a simple cairn but there is no chance to do that here, with [[Therunin]] under the control of the [[Druj]].

			There is a chance for the nation to create a powerful [[Navarr_culture_and_customs#Funerals\|corpse glade]], one that spreads its calming touch over the whole of Isaella's Fall. Ensuring that Navarr funeral traditions are respected will help to strengthen the spirits of those who survive. A shared ceremony of remembrance and loss might even bind the Navarr and the Great Forest Orcs allies closer together.

			===Objective: Braid the Peoples===
			* '''Create a corpse glade at Isaella's Fall to protect the fallen'''
			* '''The rite should draw on the Navarr hearth magics of braiding'''
			* '''The Black Thorns and the Quiet Step will gain five hundred points of supply'''
			* '''Involving the Great Forest Orcs will entwine them closer to the nation'''

			The thousands of Navarr who gave their lives fighting the Druj in Therunin made the ultimate [[Navarr_hearth_magic#Self-Sacrifice\|sacrifice]] to serve the nation. They did not die alone. The alliance with the Great Forest Orcs is still young, but the Spears of the Pines fought and died together as brothers and sisters, giving everything to defend the homeland the Navarr had [[Navarr_hearth_magic#Sharing_a_Meal\|shared with them]].

			The vates know there is [[Navarr_hearth_magic\|power in these acts]] that is not defined by the limitations of [[Ritual_theory\|ritual magic]]. They want to draw on that power to create a corpse-glade at ''Isaella's Fall'' to protect the bodies of the fallen from scavengers. The warriors of the Navarr and the Great Forest Orcs sacrificed their lives, creating [[Navarr_hearth_magic#Braiding\|the chance to braid their souls together]] in this life and the next. What is needed is a rite, neither ritual nor ceremony but something that reminds every Navarr, living and dead, of [[Navarr_culture_and_customs#Tattoos_and_Vows\|the vows they swore]] to fight together against the Vallorn.

			The solemnity can be performed by anyone who is skilled at invoking Navarr hearth magic, but it will help representatives from every part of the nation. By employing the deep magic of braiding, they can build on the shared sacrifice of the Navarr and their allies to bind them together in life and in death. The ceremony can also include marking with [[Navarr_hearth_magic#Tattoos\|a tattoo]], the [[Varushka_hearth_magic#Oaths\|swearing of new oaths]], or the [[Navarr_hearth_magic#Sharing_a_Meal\|simple exchange of food]], all powerful ways to bind people together with a shared fate. If the rite is enacted, then the entire area at ''Isaella's Fall'' would become a vast corpse-glade, allowing the forest to reclaim the bodies of the dead in peace.

			Knowing the bodies of the fallen have been properly cared for will help those Navarr who survived the battle at Isaella's Fall to regain their spirits. The army is gone, but there are some survivors, and they will flock to the banners of [[Navarr_military_concerns#The_Black_Thorns\|the Black Thorns]] and the [[Navarr_military_concerns#The_Quiet_Step\|Quiet Step]], resupplying each army with five hundred experienced soldiers.

			If the Navarr chose to include the Great Forest Orcs in the observance, then it may also help to bind their allies closer to them. Just as the first dance of Navarr and Thorn formed the nation it is today, this could guide both the descendants of Navarr and the children of the Great Forest down ever-entwining paths. The power it invokes could turn the recent destruction and death, the burning of the Holt, and the flight from the [[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind\|Black Wind]] into a pivotal moment that brings both peoples closer together.

			===Objective: Recover the Barrow Axe===
			* '''The Barrow Axe, the regalia of the champion of the Iron Helms, was lost here when the army was slain'''
			* '''The Axe is somewhere in the area or carried by one of the Druj'''
			* '''The weapon could help Varushka to bargain for aid with one of the sovereigns of the iron north'''

			The Iron Helms enjoyed a dark reputation for bloodshed that might turn the stomach. Stories are told of ''Hunger'', the artefact axe wielded by a champion of the Iron Helms since their founding. The relic weapon is held by the Malinov family of [[Karsk]], who flatly refused to return it when the army was reforged.

			When the army was raised anew, the army's artisans pooled their resources to create a replacement, the ''Barrow Axe'', a new ironic symbol for the Iron Helms. This [[Ironbound Axe]], has been re-enchanted each year and presented to a soldier who had proved themselves in a brutal fight of contenders clad head-to-toe in armour but armed only with steel-shod fists. Asked if this brutal fight could be replaced with a more civilised selection, the answer was always ''"not if you want us to win"''. With each reforging the ''Barrow Axe''' has slowly begun to accumulate a reputation as dark as the artefact it replaced.

			If the weapon can be recovered, it would be a powerful bargaining tool for the nation. Most of the sovereigns of Varushka would be eager to acquire such a brutal weapon. The Iron Helms are gone now and they will not return in this age, but the axe could be used to bargain in exchange for support for a new army. Should the blood-stained hewer be recovered, it will be down to the nation to decide who to petition and what to demand in return for this blood-soaked gift.

			===Battlefield Threat: The Mirk Lizards===
			* '''The Druj are joined by a group of human warriors clothed in scraps of tattered blue fabric'''
			* '''They appear to be excommunicating rather than executing their victims in some circumstances'''
			A band of human warriors march with the Druj into battle. Wearing tattered scraps of blue tunics, they have the demeanour of grim-faced and seasoned mercenaries, well-armoured and carrying an assortment of weapons. Next to nothing is known of them, but there are rumours that these warriors are driven to oppose the Way in some fashion. There are claims that priests among them have excommunicated foes on the battlefield, rather than executing them as the orcs might do. There is no known reason for their actions, or why the Druj allow it; so the war scouts urge caution. Killing them will put an end to their plans and stop their support for the orcs of the Mallum, but if more can be found out, it could prove useful in time to come.

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	{{PDFLink\|align=right\|link=File:Under eastern skies.pdf\|caption=Click for pdf version}}{{audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sHX4iLHEUw}}		{{PDFLink\|align=right\|link=File:Under eastern skies.pdf\|caption=Click for pdf version}}{{audio\|link=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sHX4iLHEUw}}
	Therunin has been invaded by the Druj. They hold East Ashes, giving them control of both shores of the Feverwater, and following a successful [[Blood and mire\|Imperial offensive]] last season, they fight to hold Eastring. Even if they are driven from the territory, though, their brutal fingerprints will mark the marshy forests for some time to come. The Lower Tarn Valley has been poisoned by Sephal's Cauldron, and it was only through the terrible sacrifice of Imperial heroes, especially those of Dawn, that the orcs of the Mallum were prevented from [[Blood_and_mire#Objective:_Stop_the_Blood_Drainers_coven\|devastating East Ashes]] and [[Blood_and_mire#Objective:_Stop_Cintra_Blackstaff\|rousing the vallorn]].		Therunin has been invaded by the Druj. They hold East Ashes, giving them control of both shores of the Feverwater, and following a successful [[Blood and mire\|Imperial offensive]] last season, they fight to hold Eastring. Even if they are driven from the territory, though, their brutal fingerprints will mark the marshy forests for some time to come. The Lower Tarn Valley has been poisoned by Sephal's Cauldron, and it was only through the terrible sacrifice of Imperial heroes, especially those of Dawn, that the orcs of the Mallum were prevented from [[Blood_and_mire#Objective:_Stop_the_Blood_Drainers_coven\|devastating East Ashes]] and [[Blood_and_mire#Objective:_Stop_Cintra_Blackstaff\|rousing the vallorn]].
	~~__TOC__~~
	After their comprehensive defeat at [[Blood_and_mire#All_Along_the_Lakeside_(Battle_Opportunity)\|Ashwater]], the magicians of the Tainted Basilisk have all but abandoned the territory, retreating back toward the Mallum. Yet before they left, they wove one last tapestry of misery over Therunin with their wicked sorceries.		After their comprehensive defeat at [[Blood_and_mire#All_Along_the_Lakeside_(Battle_Opportunity)\|Ashwater]], the magicians of the Tainted Basilisk have all but abandoned the territory, retreating back toward the Mallum. Yet before they left, they wove one last tapestry of misery over Therunin with their wicked sorceries.

	The twisted ghulai and malicious magicians have twined sickening threads of [[Spring magic]] around the marshes and the forests. Their vile curse [[Rivers Run Red\|taints the land itself]], causing wounds to fester, making water unsafe to drink unless it is boiled, bloating vermin and leeches and venomous beasts, and even corrupts the trees and plants. Its malignant touch is even worse in the Lower Tarn Valley, where it further strengthens the residue of Sephal's Cauldron.		The twisted ghulai and malicious magicians have twined sickening threads of [[Spring magic]] around the marshes and the forests. Their vile curse [[Rivers Run Red\|taints the land itself]], causing wounds to fester, making water unsafe to drink unless it is boiled, bloating vermin and leeches and venomous beasts, and even corrupts the trees and plants. Its malignant touch is even worse in the Lower Tarn Valley, where it further strengthens the residue of Sephal's Cauldron.
			___TOC__
	[[Forge the Wooden Fastness\|Woven wooden wards]] curl around Eastring and East Ashes, drawing power from the Druj's [[eternal]] patrons to turn the woodlands themselves against the Empire. Unnatural brambles and thorns coil around the boles of the trees, beasts turn murderously savage, and dark spirits lurk among the roots and branches of the dogwood and marsh cedar. Unnatural fecundity causes familiar trails to become overgrown, or provides living barricades for the Druj to hide behind. The forest itself acts to protect the orcs of the Mallum, to help hide their presence giving ample opportunity for stealth and ambush.		[[Forge the Wooden Fastness\|Woven wooden wards]] curl around Eastring and East Ashes, drawing power from the Druj's [[eternal]] patrons to turn the woodlands themselves against the Empire. Unnatural brambles and thorns coil around the boles of the trees, beasts turn murderously savage, and dark spirits lurk among the roots and branches of the dogwood and marsh cedar. Unnatural fecundity causes familiar trails to become overgrown, or provides living barricades for the Druj to hide behind. The forest itself acts to protect the orcs of the Mallum, to help hide their presence giving ample opportunity for stealth and ambush.