Unspoken words - Revision history

Twiggy at 01:37, 19 March 2026

2026-03-19T01:37:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:37, 19 March 2026
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	* '''Members of the Lone Path Striding and a Karass orc named Canta are coming to Anvil and expect to arrive 18:00 Saturday'''		* '''Members of the Lone Path Striding and a Karass orc named Canta are coming to Anvil and expect to arrive 18:00 Saturday'''
	* '''They are keen to talk with the Barrens senator or their proxy as well as members of the Navarr'''		* '''They are keen to talk with the Barrens senator or their proxy as well as members of the Navarr'''
	The Lone Path Striding are a striding of Navarr who focus on walking the trods in the furthest reaches of the Empire - the far corners of Ossium, the deep reaches of the Barrens, the far north of Sermersuaq, and so forth. In light of the Navarr's recent decision to commit to the final fight against the ~~Vallorn~~, the striding collectively decided to return where their journey began, long ago, in Miaren, anticipating that the long walk is finally coming to an end. Before that, however, they took the trods through the Barrens, as is their charge, and the route they took took them through the groves. The trods do not form in accordance with the paths made by mortal hands, but track their own wending way through the world. Here they go straight through the heart of the Untrod Groves.		The Lone Path Striding are a striding of Navarr who focus on walking the trods in the furthest reaches of the Empire - the far corners of Ossium, the deep reaches of the Barrens, the far north of Sermersuaq, and so forth. In light of the Navarr's recent decision to commit to the final fight against the vallorn, the striding collectively decided to return where their journey began, long ago, in Miaren, anticipating that the long walk is finally coming to an end. Before that, however, they took the trods through the Barrens, as is their charge, and the route they took took them through the groves. The trods do not form in accordance with the paths made by mortal hands, but track their own wending way through the world. Here they go straight through the heart of the Untrod Groves.

	What happened next is unclear, but it seems that Emyri Lonepath ~~disappered~~ during their journey, and was only found a day later wandering the woods in a daze, in a fairly bad state. The Lone Path Striding say that they were assisted in their search for Emyri by one Canta of the Karass, a Karassi scout who had seen them in the woods clearly in some distress and offered to help.		What happened next is unclear, but it seems that Emyri Lonepath disappeared during their journey, and was only found a day later wandering the woods in a daze, in a fairly bad state. The Lone Path Striding say that they were assisted in their search for Emyri by one Canta of the Karass, a Karassi scout who had seen them in the woods clearly in some distress and offered to help.

	Members of the Lone Path Striding - including Emyri - as well as Canta herself are now making their way to Anvil, and have sent word ahead that they expect to arrive on the Saturday of the summit. They would like to speak to the Senator for the Barrens, currently '''Aramis du Froste''' or their proxy, as well as suitable voices from their own nation - perhaps anyone interested in the new trods that now go through the Untrod Groves and other parts of the Barrens. Canta has asked to accompany them: the grim-faced orc has indicated that she has warnings from her own people to share with the Senator on the matter of the Groves. Both Canta and the Lone Path Striding will arrive at around six of the clock on the Saturday evening.		Members of the Lone Path Striding - including Emyri - as well as Canta herself are now making their way to Anvil, and have sent word ahead that they expect to arrive on the Saturday of the summit. They would like to speak to the Senator for the Barrens, currently '''Aramis du Froste''' or their proxy, as well as suitable voices from their own nation - perhaps anyone interested in the new trods that now go through the Untrod Groves and other parts of the Barrens. Canta has asked to accompany them: the grim-faced orc has indicated that she has warnings from her own people to share with the Senator on the matter of the Groves. Both Canta and the Lone Path Striding will arrive at around six of the clock on the Saturday evening.

Twiggy: /* The Lone Path */

2026-02-06T01:01:54Z

The Lone Path

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:01, 6 February 2026
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	The Lone Path Striding are a striding of Navarr who focus on walking the trods in the furthest reaches of the Empire - the far corners of Ossium, the deep reaches of the Barrens, the far north of Sermersuaq, and so forth. In light of the Navarr's recent decision to commit to the final fight against the Vallorn, the striding collectively decided to return where their journey began, long ago, in Miaren, anticipating that the long walk is finally coming to an end. Before that, however, they took the trods through the Barrens, as is their charge, and the route they took took them through the groves. The trods do not form in accordance with the paths made by mortal hands, but track their own wending way through the world. Here they go straight through the heart of the Untrod Groves.		The Lone Path Striding are a striding of Navarr who focus on walking the trods in the furthest reaches of the Empire - the far corners of Ossium, the deep reaches of the Barrens, the far north of Sermersuaq, and so forth. In light of the Navarr's recent decision to commit to the final fight against the Vallorn, the striding collectively decided to return where their journey began, long ago, in Miaren, anticipating that the long walk is finally coming to an end. Before that, however, they took the trods through the Barrens, as is their charge, and the route they took took them through the groves. The trods do not form in accordance with the paths made by mortal hands, but track their own wending way through the world. Here they go straight through the heart of the Untrod Groves.

	What happened next is unclear, but it seems that Emyri Lonepath disappered during their journey, and was only found a day later wandering the woods in a daze, in a fairly bad state. The ~~Long~~ Path Striding say that they were assisted in their search for Emyri by one Canta of the Karass, a Karassi scout who had seen them in the woods clearly in some distress and offered to help.		What happened next is unclear, but it seems that Emyri Lonepath disappered during their journey, and was only found a day later wandering the woods in a daze, in a fairly bad state. The Lone Path Striding say that they were assisted in their search for Emyri by one Canta of the Karass, a Karassi scout who had seen them in the woods clearly in some distress and offered to help.

	Members of the Lone Path Striding - including Emyri - as well as Canta herself are now making their way to Anvil, and have sent word ahead that they expect to arrive on the Saturday of the summit. They would like to speak to the Senator for the Barrens, currently '''Aramis du Froste''' or their proxy, as well as suitable voices from their own nation - perhaps anyone interested in the new trods that now go through the Untrod Groves and other parts of the Barrens. Canta has asked to accompany them: the grim-faced orc has indicated that she has warnings from her own people to share with the Senator on the matter of the Groves. Both Canta and the Lone Path Striding will arrive at around six of the clock on the Saturday evening.		Members of the Lone Path Striding - including Emyri - as well as Canta herself are now making their way to Anvil, and have sent word ahead that they expect to arrive on the Saturday of the summit. They would like to speak to the Senator for the Barrens, currently '''Aramis du Froste''' or their proxy, as well as suitable voices from their own nation - perhaps anyone interested in the new trods that now go through the Untrod Groves and other parts of the Barrens. Canta has asked to accompany them: the grim-faced orc has indicated that she has warnings from her own people to share with the Senator on the matter of the Groves. Both Canta and the Lone Path Striding will arrive at around six of the clock on the Saturday evening.

	Does any of this have anything to do with the legendary Earl of the Groves of story and song? Well, many who play the entertainment trade in Dawn think so, and as news of the ~~Long~~ Path's misadventure spreads, so too are the old tales seeing new popularity in their wake: so even if the Earl doesn't really exist like the legends say, that absolutely isn't stopping anyone from telling stories about them.		Does any of this have anything to do with the legendary Earl of the Groves of story and song? Well, many who play the entertainment trade in Dawn think so, and as news of the Lone Path's misadventure spreads, so too are the old tales seeing new popularity in their wake: so even if the Earl doesn't really exist like the legends say, that absolutely isn't stopping anyone from telling stories about them.

	===Untrod Riches===		===Untrod Riches===

Hailmur: /* Untrod Riches */

2025-03-29T00:04:24Z

Untrod Riches

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:04, 29 March 2025
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	The Untrod Groves are rich in natural resources, largely unoccupied apart from the Karass scouts who guard them, and apparently filled with dangers of some kind. The Dawnish Assembly have asked the nation to hold back from settling the Groves and other places, but surely that doesn't apply to ''exploring'' them? The Karass are very protective of the Groves, but what if the notoriously secretive orcs have something to hide? Perhaps it might be good for a few knight-errants to poke around the forest.		The Untrod Groves are rich in natural resources, largely unoccupied apart from the Karass scouts who guard them, and apparently filled with dangers of some kind. The Dawnish Assembly have asked the nation to hold back from settling the Groves and other places, but surely that doesn't apply to ''exploring'' them? The Karass are very protective of the Groves, but what if the notoriously secretive orcs have something to hide? Perhaps it might be good for a few knight-errants to poke around the forest.

	The Imperial civil service have indicated that they could easily provide the simple logistical support needed to enable those knight-errants and questing-knights who have military units to explore the Groves if the senator authorises it. Normally they would just get on with something like this, but given the sensitives involved, they have asked the senator to let them know if they wish to permit exploration of the Groves.		The Imperial civil service have indicated that they could easily provide the simple logistical support needed to enable those knight-errants and questing-knights who have military units to explore the Groves if the senator authorises it. Normally, they would just get on with something like this, but given the sensitives involved, they have asked the senator to let them know if they wish to permit exploration of the Groves.

	If the senator decides to permit it, then '''Explore the Untrod Groves''' will be a military unit option available to knight-errants and questing knights in the coming season. The financial rewards are uncertain at this time, they will depend on how much help and guidance the senator chooses to accept from the Karass. The more help the knights receive, the more iridescent gloaming, beggarwood and dragonbone they will receive. This will be determined by the agreements made between the Karass and the senator or their representatives at the summit.		If the senator decides to permit it, then '''Explore the Untrod Groves''' will be a military unit option available to knight-errants and questing knights in the coming season. The financial rewards are uncertain at this time, they will depend on how much help and guidance the senator chooses to accept from the Karass. The more help the knights receive, the more iridescent gloaming, beggarwood and dragonbone they will receive. This will be determined by the agreements made between the Karass and the senator or their representatives at the summit.

	It is impossible to say what the outcome might be - who knows what adventure lurks in the Untrod Groves? But if the Empire manages to send a force with a military strength of at least a thousand then that would be enough to get a short report of something there, and if it was double that then it would have a more meaningful impact.		It is impossible to say what the outcome might be - who knows what adventure lurks in the Untrod Groves? But if the Empire manages to send a force with a military strength of at least a thousand then that would be enough to get a short report of something there, and if it was double that then it would have a more meaningful impact.

			==Resolution==
			Following negotiations between '''Aramis du Froste''' and the Karass, the knights of Dawn were able to venture into the Untrod Groves to uncover wealth.

	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==
	* [[The Barrens]]		* [[The Barrens]]

Dre at 17:04, 13 January 2025

2025-01-13T17:04:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:04, 13 January 2025
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	* '''The Dawnish Assembly convincingly rejected a judgement calling on the Dawnish people to settle the Barrens'''		* '''The Dawnish Assembly convincingly rejected a judgement calling on the Dawnish people to settle the Barrens'''
	* '''The Assembly passed a judgement calling on Dawn to extend the defence of the Barrens to the foreigners who live there'''		* '''The Assembly passed a judgement calling on Dawn to extend the defence of the Barrens to the foreigners who live there'''
	{{SOP\|statement=Pride exalts and uplifts those who have been laid low by the wicked. The Great Forest Orcs have reclaimed their home. The Karass seek to trade and grow together. The Rahvin wish to find a path away from the yoke of the Druj. Earls' council has raised its voice, it calls for the wait asked by Ser Dindrane's Mandate to be over! It calls for Dawn to venture forward and settle the lands of the Barrens! Should we answer this call, and let The Barrens bask in the light of our glorious nation?\|vote=126-220 '''Not Upheld'''\|by=Aramis du Froste, Dawnish Assembly\|when=Summer ~~Solstive~~ 386YE}}		{{SOP\|statement=Pride exalts and uplifts those who have been laid low by the wicked. The Great Forest Orcs have reclaimed their home. The Karass seek to trade and grow together. The Rahvin wish to find a path away from the yoke of the Druj. Earls' council has raised its voice, it calls for the wait asked by Ser Dindrane's Mandate to be over! It calls for Dawn to venture forward and settle the lands of the Barrens! Should we answer this call, and let The Barrens bask in the light of our glorious nation?\|vote=126-220 '''Not Upheld'''\|by=Aramis du Froste, Dawnish Assembly\|when=Summer Solstice 386YE}}
	Despite completing the conquest of the Barrens more than a year ago, the Dawnish have been cautious and made little efforts to settle the lands. This is a matter of frustration to many Dawnish earls - the Barrens is a rich in natural resources, with great wealth to be found in the forests, marshes and mountains of this wild and untamed land. A convincing effort to settle the Barrens would provide Dawn with a suite of [[opportunity\|opportunities]] to benefit from these riches. But mindful of the sensitivities of the people they aimed to liberate the Dawnish Assembly have successfully urged their people to hold back.		Despite completing the conquest of the Barrens more than a year ago, the Dawnish have been cautious and made little efforts to settle the lands. This is a matter of frustration to many Dawnish earls - the Barrens is a rich in natural resources, with great wealth to be found in the forests, marshes and mountains of this wild and untamed land. A convincing effort to settle the Barrens would provide Dawn with a suite of [[opportunity\|opportunities]] to benefit from these riches. But mindful of the sensitivities of the people they aimed to liberate the Dawnish Assembly have successfully urged their people to hold back.

Hailmur at 11:31, 11 September 2024

2024-09-11T11:31:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:31, 11 September 2024
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	She turned on the balls of her feet and began to run. It was two days walk back to the settlement, but she could make it in one if she ran the whole way. She pushed her fears down, forcing herself to slow down. She was desperate to return to the sept and let the elders, but a sprint would only exhaust her. </ic>		She turned on the balls of her feet and began to run. It was two days walk back to the settlement, but she could make it in one if she ran the whole way. She pushed her fears down, forcing herself to slow down. She was desperate to return to the sept and let the elders, but a sprint would only exhaust her. </ic>
	<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=RegionsofTheBarrens.png\|caption=Even conquered by the Empire, the Barrens is wild and unknown.\|align=left\|width=500}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=RegionsofTheBarrens.png\|caption=Even conquered by the Empire, the Barrens is wild and unknown.\|align=left\|width=500}}</div>
			{{PDFLink\|align=right\|link=File:Unspoken words.pdf\|caption=Click for pdf version}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Despite the apparent peace, the situation in [[the Barrens]] remains febrile beneath the surface. Like the calm before the storm, there is a nervous energy in the air, a sense of unfinished business that is yet to be resolved. Torn between the rival directions of the [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] Assembly and the Dawnish [[senator\|senators]], the fate of the Barrens twists in the wind.		Despite the apparent peace, the situation in [[the Barrens]] remains febrile beneath the surface. Like the calm before the storm, there is a nervous energy in the air, a sense of unfinished business that is yet to be resolved. Torn between the rival directions of the [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] Assembly and the Dawnish [[senator\|senators]], the fate of the Barrens twists in the wind.

Responsible1: /* Spoken Words */

2024-09-10T22:44:54Z

Spoken Words

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:44, 10 September 2024
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	* '''The Dawnish Assembly have called on their nation to negotiate with the Rahvin'''		* '''The Dawnish Assembly have called on their nation to negotiate with the Rahvin'''
	* '''Jannik, one of the leaders of the Rahvin will come to Anvil at 19:00 on Saturday'''		* '''Jannik, one of the leaders of the Rahvin will come to Anvil at 19:00 on Saturday'''
	{{SOP\|statement=Mithril can not fill empty stomachs, armour will not warm cold bones, and swords do not light up dark mines. With winter fast approaching, the Rahvin sept stands to face it once again without heart and home - as they did nearly a year ago. Three seasons ago, the Imperial Orcs saved the Rahvin from the unyielding brutality of winter. This season we invite the Rahvin back once more so that we can find a solution to your survival.\|vote=Greater Majority 44-0\|by=Bloodcrow Knott, Imperial Orc Assembly\|when=Summer ~~Solstive~~ 386YE}}		{{SOP\|statement=Mithril can not fill empty stomachs, armour will not warm cold bones, and swords do not light up dark mines. With winter fast approaching, the Rahvin sept stands to face it once again without heart and home - as they did nearly a year ago. Three seasons ago, the Imperial Orcs saved the Rahvin from the unyielding brutality of winter. This season we invite the Rahvin back once more so that we can find a solution to your survival.\|vote=Greater Majority 44-0\|by=Bloodcrow Knott, Imperial Orc Assembly\|when=Summer Solstice 386YE}}
	A year ago, the Imperial Orcs reached to provide the desperate [[Not_to_conquer#Rahvin\|Rahvin]] with [[All_those_moments\|food, blankets, and winter clothing]] to get them through the winter. It was a gracious act that saved the lives of the sept - without it there would have been few survivors - and it fundamentally changed the Rahvin's perception of their benefactors. A representative of the tribe, ''Jannik'', came to Anvil in secret to talk with the Imperial Orcs.		A year ago, the Imperial Orcs reached to provide the desperate [[Not_to_conquer#Rahvin\|Rahvin]] with [[All_those_moments\|food, blankets, and winter clothing]] to get them through the winter. It was a gracious act that saved the lives of the sept - without it there would have been few survivors - and it fundamentally changed the Rahvin's perception of their benefactors. A representative of the tribe, ''Jannik'', came to Anvil in secret to talk with the Imperial Orcs.
	{{SOP\|statement=Dawnish senators knelt and begged for the Emperor to veto the treaty with the Rahvin, after Senate had approved the treaty and Military Council had voted wholeheartedly in its support. The Emperor vetoed the treaty because it would have given the Rahvin land where the Dawnish make their homes - in the Carmine Fields, in Bitter Strand. There are no Dawnish homes in the Fangs mithril mine. The Rahvin were kept there as Druj slaves. They worked the mine - they slept, ate, and lived their lives there. Then they seized the mine from their slavers, and now they hold it. Where we toil, where we sleep, where we eat, where we live, where we hold - that is our hearth and homestead. Our Empress and Dawn's Senators tell us to value our homestead. So any decision about the future of the Fangs must take into account the claim of the Rahvin. We must reach out to them, negotiate, and demonstrate our Virtue. We must not force them out of their home. We must not force them out of their home.\|size=small\|vote=424-74 '''Greater Majority'''\|by=Claude Deeds, Dawnish Assembly\|when=Summer ~~Solstive~~ 386YE}}		{{SOP\|statement=Dawnish senators knelt and begged for the Emperor to veto the treaty with the Rahvin, after Senate had approved the treaty and Military Council had voted wholeheartedly in its support. The Emperor vetoed the treaty because it would have given the Rahvin land where the Dawnish make their homes - in the Carmine Fields, in Bitter Strand. There are no Dawnish homes in the Fangs mithril mine. The Rahvin were kept there as Druj slaves. They worked the mine - they slept, ate, and lived their lives there. Then they seized the mine from their slavers, and now they hold it. Where we toil, where we sleep, where we eat, where we live, where we hold - that is our hearth and homestead. Our Empress and Dawn's Senators tell us to value our homestead. So any decision about the future of the Fangs must take into account the claim of the Rahvin. We must reach out to them, negotiate, and demonstrate our Virtue. We must not force them out of their home. We must not force them out of their home.\|size=small\|vote=424-74 '''Greater Majority'''\|by=Claude Deeds, Dawnish Assembly\|when=Summer Solstice 386YE}}
	After the Rahvin were declared foreigners, [[Little_mercy\|Jannik returned to Anvil]] to try to find a way to negotiate a peace treaty with the Empire that would split the [[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind\|Back Wind]] from the [[Druj]] and give them leave to stay in the Barrens. That treaty failed in dramatic fashion, when Dawnish senators pleaded with the throne to veto it. Without a treaty, the Black Wind gathered ~~there~~ people and fled the Barrens, taking what refuge there was to be had in the lands of the Druj.		After the Rahvin were declared foreigners, [[Little_mercy\|Jannik returned to Anvil]] to try to find a way to negotiate a peace treaty with the Empire that would split the [[Not_to_conquer#The_Black_Wind\|Back Wind]] from the [[Druj]] and give them leave to stay in the Barrens. That treaty failed in dramatic fashion, when Dawnish senators pleaded with the throne to veto it. Without a treaty, the Black Wind gathered their people and fled the Barrens, taking what refuge there was to be had in the lands of the Druj.

	Now, almost a year later, the cold touch of Winter is creeping back into the Barrens. The nights spread their black arms to encircle the day and a grim chill seeps into the bones from the hard earth. The Rahvin have made no plea for help, but they are a Proud people, it was the assessment of the civil service that identified the urgent need last winter, not any entreaty from the orcs. They are not helpless, they have traded mithril for weirwood and food with the Great Forest Orcs, but their needs have only grown since then. Not all the Black Wind fled into the East, may preferred to rejoin the Rahvin than submit to the Druj, swelling their numbers further. How will so many survive the cold months without help?		Now, almost a year later, the cold touch of Winter is creeping back into the Barrens. The nights spread their black arms to encircle the day and a grim chill seeps into the bones from the hard earth. The Rahvin have made no plea for help, but they are a Proud people, it was the assessment of the civil service that identified the urgent need last winter, not any entreaty from the orcs. They are not helpless, they have traded mithril for weirwood and food with the Great Forest Orcs, but their needs have only grown since then. Not all the Black Wind fled into the East, may preferred to rejoin the Rahvin than submit to the Druj, swelling their numbers further. How will so many survive the cold months without help?

Responsible1: /* Spoken Words */

2024-09-10T22:41:44Z

Spoken Words

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:41, 10 September 2024
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	The Imperial Orcs have extended an invitation to the Rahvin to return to Anvil so that they can discuss their plight and what can be done to ensure their survival. At the same time, the Dawnish Assembly have reiterated their firm determination to treat with the Rahvin - ''"to reach to them, negotiate, and demonstrate our Virtue"''. The outreach appears to have been successful, the Rahvin have sent word that their negotiator, Jannik, will return to Anvil and aims to arrive at 19:00 on Saturday (although the Civil Service caution that the orc has a notoriously poor sense of time-keeping).		The Imperial Orcs have extended an invitation to the Rahvin to return to Anvil so that they can discuss their plight and what can be done to ensure their survival. At the same time, the Dawnish Assembly have reiterated their firm determination to treat with the Rahvin - ''"to reach to them, negotiate, and demonstrate our Virtue"''. The outreach appears to have been successful, the Rahvin have sent word that their negotiator, Jannik, will return to Anvil and aims to arrive at 19:00 on Saturday (although the Civil Service caution that the orc has a notoriously poor sense of time-keeping).

	Jannik has passed on a message that he is eager to talk with his ''friends'' in the Imperial Orcs, but he is open to negotiation with this "Claude ~~Deeeds~~" and their allies in a suitably neutral location if one can be agreed (he is clear that he will not meet with the Dawnish in their camp). This is a notable change of tone for the Rahvin who have thus far publicly refused to meet with the Dawnish.		Jannik has passed on a message that he is eager to talk with his ''friends'' in the Imperial Orcs, but he is open to negotiation with this "Claude Deeds" and their allies in a suitably neutral location if one can be agreed (he is clear that he will not meet with the Dawnish in their camp). This is a notable change of tone for the Rahvin who have thus far publicly refused to meet with the Dawnish.

	Presumably the Rahvin will be looking for a way to raise money to buy supplies to feed his people for the coming winter. Last year they needed 75 thrones to survive and their numbers have more than tripled since then. A few cynics point out that the Rahvin might not have any food, but they are sat on significant stockpiles of very valuable mithril. Rumour has it that Imperial negotiators extracted a promise to trade their mithril with the Dawnish as part of negotiations for a peace treaty last season. Perhaps then, it is time to show the Rahvin the virtue of Prosperity decries the coin that goes unspent and those who take without giving...		Presumably the Rahvin will be looking for a way to raise money to buy supplies to feed his people for the coming winter. Last year they needed 75 thrones to survive and their numbers have more than tripled since then. A few cynics point out that the Rahvin might not have any food, but they are sat on significant stockpiles of very valuable mithril. Rumour has it that Imperial negotiators extracted a promise to trade their mithril with the Dawnish as part of negotiations for a peace treaty last season. Perhaps then, it is time to show the Rahvin the virtue of Prosperity decries the coin that goes unspent and those who take without giving...

Noserenda at 16:48, 10 September 2024

2024-09-10T16:48:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:48, 10 September 2024
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	Now, almost a year later, the cold touch of Winter is creeping back into the Barrens. The nights spread their black arms to encircle the day and a grim chill seeps into the bones from the hard earth. The Rahvin have made no plea for help, but they are a Proud people, it was the assessment of the civil service that identified the urgent need last winter, not any entreaty from the orcs. They are not helpless, they have traded mithril for weirwood and food with the Great Forest Orcs, but their needs have only grown since then. Not all the Black Wind fled into the East, may preferred to rejoin the Rahvin than submit to the Druj, swelling their numbers further. How will so many survive the cold months without help?		Now, almost a year later, the cold touch of Winter is creeping back into the Barrens. The nights spread their black arms to encircle the day and a grim chill seeps into the bones from the hard earth. The Rahvin have made no plea for help, but they are a Proud people, it was the assessment of the civil service that identified the urgent need last winter, not any entreaty from the orcs. They are not helpless, they have traded mithril for weirwood and food with the Great Forest Orcs, but their needs have only grown since then. Not all the Black Wind fled into the East, may preferred to rejoin the Rahvin than submit to the Druj, swelling their numbers further. How will so many survive the cold months without help?

	The Imperial Orcs have extended an invitation to the Rahvin to return to Anvil so that they can discuss their plight and what can be done to ensure their survival. At the same time, the Dawnish Assembly have reiterated their firm determination to treat with the Rahvin - ''"to reach to them, negotiate, and demonstrate our Virtue"''. The outreach appears to have been successful, the Rahvin have sent word that their ~~negotiatior~~, Jannik, will return to Anvil and aims to arrive at 19:00 on Saturday (although the Civil Service caution that the orc has a notoriously poor sense of time-keeping).		The Imperial Orcs have extended an invitation to the Rahvin to return to Anvil so that they can discuss their plight and what can be done to ensure their survival. At the same time, the Dawnish Assembly have reiterated their firm determination to treat with the Rahvin - ''"to reach to them, negotiate, and demonstrate our Virtue"''. The outreach appears to have been successful, the Rahvin have sent word that their negotiator, Jannik, will return to Anvil and aims to arrive at 19:00 on Saturday (although the Civil Service caution that the orc has a notoriously poor sense of time-keeping).

	Jannik has passed on a message that he is eager to talk with his ''friends'' in the Imperial Orcs, but he is open to negotiation with this "Claude Deeeds" and their allies in a suitably neutral location if one can be agreed (he is clear that he will not meet with the Dawnish in their camp). This is a notable change of tone for the Rahvin who have thus far publicly refused to meet with the Dawnish.		Jannik has passed on a message that he is eager to talk with his ''friends'' in the Imperial Orcs, but he is open to negotiation with this "Claude Deeeds" and their allies in a suitably neutral location if one can be agreed (he is clear that he will not meet with the Dawnish in their camp). This is a notable change of tone for the Rahvin who have thus far publicly refused to meet with the Dawnish.
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	The [[Not_to_conquer#Karass\|Karass]] are one of the few people known to walk the Untrod Groves. Other than them, the woods appear largely uninhabited: the only known trails are game trails. The groves are deep indeed, and it is easy to become lost beneath the shadowed trees. There have always been reports of untapped reserves of [[Materials\|iridescent gloaming, beggarwood and dragonbone]] in the forest, and many a [[knight-errant]] and [[questing knight]] has journeyed into the Barrens to seek glory and prove their mettle by stealing these treasures of the Untrod Groves out from under the noses of the Druj. Few ever return.		The [[Not_to_conquer#Karass\|Karass]] are one of the few people known to walk the Untrod Groves. Other than them, the woods appear largely uninhabited: the only known trails are game trails. The groves are deep indeed, and it is easy to become lost beneath the shadowed trees. There have always been reports of untapped reserves of [[Materials\|iridescent gloaming, beggarwood and dragonbone]] in the forest, and many a [[knight-errant]] and [[questing knight]] has journeyed into the Barrens to seek glory and prove their mettle by stealing these treasures of the Untrod Groves out from under the noses of the Druj. Few ever return.

	There is one ~~persistant~~ tale regarding the groves, a curious story that was once the subject of many a guiser's performance or troubadour's ballad, before it fell out of fashion some years ago. The tale speaks of a mysterious [[earl]] who makes their residence deep within the Groves. There, occluded from prying eyes, is said to lie a great glade in which the Earl of the Groves keeps their manor and rules their house. The stories all agree that the Earl is certainly served by many yeofolk, but they are equally clear that the Earl is the only noble of their house - and the name of the house itself varies from story to story, with no common thread. In the stories, a knight-errant comes a-wandering to the Groves, and encounters a stranger on the path who directs them to the Earl's glade. There, they meet with the Earl, and in time they are offered a [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Mettle\|test to join the Earl's house]].		There is one persistent tale regarding the groves, a curious story that was once the subject of many a guiser's performance or troubadour's ballad, before it fell out of fashion some years ago. The tale speaks of a mysterious [[earl]] who makes their residence deep within the Groves. There, occluded from prying eyes, is said to lie a great glade in which the Earl of the Groves keeps their manor and rules their house. The stories all agree that the Earl is certainly served by many yeofolk, but they are equally clear that the Earl is the only noble of their house - and the name of the house itself varies from story to story, with no common thread. In the stories, a knight-errant comes a-wandering to the Groves, and encounters a stranger on the path who directs them to the Earl's glade. There, they meet with the Earl, and in time they are offered a [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Mettle\|test to join the Earl's house]].

	This test is challenging, but never impossibly so. It is always cruel, however, and the tales all agree that it is in their test that the Earl reveals malice at their heart. Sometimes the knight accepts the test, and sometimes they refuse, but either way they meet their doom. Sometimes this is at the hand of the Earl ~~themself~~, sometimes it is at the hands of their loyal yeofolk, and sometimes it is at the hand of a great and terrible beast. In the stories, the knights rarely return, and when they do they are a shadow of their former selves, the light extinguished from their eyes.		This test is challenging, but never impossibly so. It is always cruel, however, and the tales all agree that it is in their test that the Earl reveals malice at their heart. Sometimes the knight accepts the test, and sometimes they refuse, but either way they meet their doom. Sometimes this is at the hand of the Earl themselves, sometimes it is at the hands of their loyal yeofolk, and sometimes it is at the hand of a great and terrible beast. In the stories, the knights rarely return, and when they do they are a shadow of their former selves, the light extinguished from their eyes.

	Some scholars, such as the ever-practical Leontes the Scribe, point out that if the knights die or are reduced to a shell, then that does raise the question of where the stories come from. For this, and the simple reason that when the Barrens was in the hands of the Druj this was hardly a matter one could go and investigate, the stories of the Earl of the Groves had little relevance before now. However, as the Autumn Equinox draws near, there is an ~~occurrance~~ which puts things in rather another light.		Some scholars, such as the ever-practical Leontes the Scribe, point out that if the knights die or are reduced to a shell, then that does raise the question of where the stories come from. For this, and the simple reason that when the Barrens was in the hands of the Druj this was hardly a matter one could go and investigate, the stories of the Earl of the Groves had little relevance before now. However, as the Autumn Equinox draws near, there is an occurrence which puts things in rather another light.

	===The Lone Path===		===The Lone Path===

Matt at 16:37, 10 September 2024

2024-09-10T16:37:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:37, 10 September 2024
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	She leapt back as if the path had burned her. Druj magic! Here in the Groves. Someone, something, had used the realm claimed by the Druj, to create this path, to enchant it, and everything that walked on it.		She leapt back as if the path had burned her. Druj magic! Here in the Groves. Someone, something, had used the realm claimed by the Druj, to create this path, to enchant it, and everything that walked on it.

	She turned on the balls of her feet and began to run. It was two days walk back to the ~~sept~~, but she could make it in one if she ran the whole way. She pushed her fears down, forcing herself to slow down. She was desperate to return to the sept and let the elders, but a sprint would only exhaust her. </ic>		She turned on the balls of her feet and began to run. It was two days walk back to the settlement, but she could make it in one if she ran the whole way. She pushed her fears down, forcing herself to slow down. She was desperate to return to the sept and let the elders, but a sprint would only exhaust her. </ic>
	<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=RegionsofTheBarrens.png\|caption=Even conquered by the Empire, the Barrens is wild and unknown.\|align=left\|width=500}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=RegionsofTheBarrens.png\|caption=Even conquered by the Empire, the Barrens is wild and unknown.\|align=left\|width=500}}</div>
	==Overview==		==Overview==

Matt at 16:37, 10 September 2024

2024-09-10T16:37:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:37, 10 September 2024
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	A creeping sense of fear grew inside her, threatening her composure like ice in her bowels. This was dangerous - the elders would need to know of this. First she had to find out everything she could about this path. Where had it come from? Where did it go to? Who had made it? Why? What did they want? And what did they know?		A creeping sense of fear grew inside her, threatening her composure like ice in her bowels. This was dangerous - the elders would need to know of this. First she had to find out everything she could about this path. Where had it come from? Where did it go to? Who had made it? Why? What did they want? And what did they know?

	She ran her hand lightly over the path. Something was different, she could sense it. Cautiously she drew on his training, gathered her senses, marked the twin stars and reached out to ~~sense~~ if there was any trace of the realms here...		She ran her hand lightly over the path. Something was different, she could sense it. Cautiously she drew on his training, gathered her senses, marked the twin stars and reached out to discover if there was any trace of the realms here...

	She leapt back as if the path had burned her. Druj magic! Here in the Groves. Someone, something, had used the realm claimed by the Druj, to create this path, to enchant it, and everything that walked on it.		She leapt back as if the path had burned her. Druj magic! Here in the Groves. Someone, something, had used the realm claimed by the Druj, to create this path, to enchant it, and everything that walked on it.