Karsk
Overview
This has always been a war-torn land. The scene of many vicious battles against the barbarians since before Varushka joined the Empire, it is scattered with fortresses, battlefields and ruins. It has an accursed reputation, and many stories refer to the "bloated crows of Karsk, grown fat from human flesh and suffering." At one time this territory was home to numerous merchant boyars who became rich capturing and enslaving orcs to work in the mines of Volodmartz. When the Imperial orcs joined the Empire and it became illegal to keep orcish slaves, the senator for Karsk was brutally murdered during a meeting with a dozen now-ruined Karsk boyars.
Karsk has been overrun by the enemy. After a period of escalating raids, the barbarian orcs invaded in large numbers in 368AE. In a series of surprise attacks they overwhelmed the border fortresses and pushed deep into the heart of the territory. The ferocity and sheer numbers involved in the assault took the Varushkans by surprise, and before the Empire could organize an effective counter-attack, Karsk had fallen.
Disturbing stories have come from Karsk since the barbarian incursion. There are still a few vales holding out against the barbarians, backed up by some Imperial forces, a cabal or two and a few brotherhoods of wardens, and scattered reports reveal that the invasion seems to have stalled. Over the last two years it has become clear that the invading orcs are fighting among themselves, and with some of the few remaining indigenous orcish bandit tribes. This is Varushka, where unexplained events have a habit of turning into dreadful disasters, and many eyes are turned on this territory.
Minor Settlements
Isember
Grew rich off the back of orc slaves, hacking prime timber out of the rich forests overseen by hard-eyed schlacta. When the slaves were freed, and the mercenary spearmen left, the wolves in the forest grew bolder. Isember was in decline long before the orcs came, known as a violent place where anyone could carve out a new living for themselves, with no questions asked as to their background. It is thought that some of the town’s inhabitants may have made bargains with the invaders.
Kosti
A high-walled fortified town still holding for the Empire, in hope that one day Karsk will build a better reputation back in Empire control. Well-shielded wagon-trains barrel down the road from Triosk with supplies.
Oloy
Once a great centre for the making of defensive talismans. Wise Volhov, natural amber and the silence of isolation combined to make great magics. It fell so fast, few survived and those who did tell of great magical treasures hurriedly hidden.
Veresk
The front of the barbarian advance, and a focus of Imperial scouting activity. Wardens watching the area have reported that orcs fight orcs within the barbarian encampments there. Many of the permanent buildings of Veresk have been torn down.
Places of Interest
Broken Barrow
A scattered set of stone structures atop a mound. A great stone slab lies in two pieces on top of the central structures. Legend says that its a barrow, but it’s not clear who lay there - it appears empty. Others believe it might have been a settlement. It is not a place where Varushkans will linger after dark. Interestingly, scouts report that it appears to have been left alone by the barbarian invaders.