379YE Summer Solstice winds of war - Revision history

Twiggy at 14:13, 19 March 2026

2026-03-19T14:13:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:13, 19 March 2026
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	... but after a few more minutes, the blood-rain ceases. The torrential downpour continues but soon washes away the crimson taint.		... but after a few more minutes, the blood-rain ceases. The torrential downpour continues but soon washes away the crimson taint.

	The magisters and the vates mutter and grumble. Rituals are performed, divinations sought. The rain continues, day and night, with barely a few hours irregular respite during which the air is filled with midges and flies. Those who have fought in Holberg recognise the sickening taste in the air - the taste of water infested with corrupted Spring magic. The unliving husks accompanying the Valiant Pegasus - their orc bodies and human corpses increasingly indistinguishable - begin to rot .. but the magic of Winter that infuses them means the rot does not progress far. Instead, they just begin to stink.		The magisters and the vates mutter and grumble. Rituals are performed, divinations sought. The rain continues, day and night, with barely a few hours irregular respite during which the air is filled with midges and flies. Those who have fought in Holberg recognise the sickening taste in the air - the taste of water infested with corrupted Spring magic. The unliving husks accompanying the Valiant Pegasus - their orc bodies and human corpses increasingly indistinguishable - begin to rot ... but the magic of Winter that infuses them means the rot does not progress far. Instead, they just begin to stink.

	The rivers are running red, with defilement. And, everywhere, they begin to rise as the rain continues.		The rivers are running red, with defilement. And, everywhere, they begin to rise as the rain continues.

Twiggy at 15:22, 16 March 2026

2026-03-16T15:22:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:22, 16 March 2026
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	So much death!		So much death!

	But life, also. This is Spring under the influence of the magic that sings in every drop of dew. The Thule thought to poison the waters, but the Varushkan magicians not only turned aside their curse, they turned it back on itself. Carpets of spring flowers turn the mountains and the cold plains alike into a rainbow of ocean blue, and milk white, and delicate lilac. The beasts feel the magic moving in their blood, and the trees in their sap. The fish in the great lakes teem so densely that a hunter could walk from one side of the ~~Atkonartoq~~ to the other without getting one's boots wet. If it were not for the barbarian orcs, it would be a good time to be a hunter, or a fisher, or a herder, or a farmer in Sermersuaq. It is certainly a good time to be a healer - a cup of water, with or without herbs infused, will cure almost any physical ailment.		But life, also. This is Spring under the influence of the magic that sings in every drop of dew. The Thule thought to poison the waters, but the Varushkan magicians not only turned aside their curse, they turned it back on itself. Carpets of spring flowers turn the mountains and the cold plains alike into a rainbow of ocean blue, and milk white, and delicate lilac. The beasts feel the magic moving in their blood, and the trees in their sap. The fish in the great lakes teem so densely that a hunter could walk from one side of the Atkonaroq to the other without getting one's boots wet. If it were not for the barbarian orcs, it would be a good time to be a hunter, or a fisher, or a herder, or a farmer in Sermersuaq. It is certainly a good time to be a healer - a cup of water, with or without herbs infused, will cure almost any physical ailment.

	So much blood!		So much blood!

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

2026-01-16T09:42:15Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial navy" to "[[navy"

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:42, 16 January 2026
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	A significant force of elite Imperial troops remain engaged in campaigns outside the borders of the Empire; some fifty companies fight the Druj in distant [[Axos]], seeking to end the siege of Ipotavo. It remains to be seen what effect this will have.		A significant force of elite Imperial troops remain engaged in campaigns outside the borders of the Empire; some fifty companies fight the Druj in distant [[Axos]], seeking to end the siege of Ipotavo. It remains to be seen what effect this will have.

	Finally... the [[Grendel]] have finally made their move. A major [[~~Imperial~~ navy\|naval]] assault accompanied by lightning raids against [[Spiral#Ossuary\|Ossuary]] has cost the [[Urizen]] control of [[Bourse#The_Legacy\|the Legacy]]. It appears that the southern barbarians are intent on capturing the entire territory.		Finally... the [[Grendel]] have finally made their move. A major [[navy\|naval]] assault accompanied by lightning raids against [[Spiral#Ossuary\|Ossuary]] has cost the [[Urizen]] control of [[Bourse#The_Legacy\|the Legacy]]. It appears that the southern barbarians are intent on capturing the entire territory.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=JanoshVaskovichKovar.jpg\|title=Karsk slumbers, but her defenders are vigilant.\|caption=Serious, and suspicious, business\|align=right\|width=500}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=JanoshVaskovichKovar.jpg\|title=Karsk slumbers, but her defenders are vigilant.\|caption=Serious, and suspicious, business\|align=right\|width=500}}
	==Uneasy Peace==		==Uneasy Peace==

Twiggy at 13:28, 16 July 2025

2025-07-16T13:28:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:28, 16 July 2025
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	The Grendel troops plunder the Legacy, and then part of their force takes up a defensible position while the rest marches south and west towards Fort Mezudan. They overrun most of the spires they encounter, joining up with Grendel scouts as they travel. They re-establish uncontested control over Ankra and Cinion. They establish a base at Damakan's Forge, quickly turning the ruined spire into an armed camp.		The Grendel troops plunder the Legacy, and then part of their force takes up a defensible position while the rest marches south and west towards Fort Mezudan. They overrun most of the spires they encounter, joining up with Grendel scouts as they travel. They re-establish uncontested control over Ankra and Cinion. They establish a base at Damakan's Forge, quickly turning the ruined spire into an armed camp.

	Meanwhile, the newly arrived army crushes all resistance in Apulus and Apstrus, then turns their attention to Screed and the Black Plateau. They strike in force, rounding up many straggling Urizen magicians seeking to help those freed from the Plateau's fading influence. They leave well-defended positions behind them as they march.		Meanwhile, the newly arrived army crushes all resistance in Apulus and Apstrus, then turns their attention to Screed and the {{Black Plateau}}. They strike in force, rounding up many straggling Urizen magicians seeking to help those freed from the Plateau's fading influence. They leave well-defended positions behind them as they march.

	Wherever they go, the Grendel give the Urizen a choice - surrender or die. Those who refuse to surrender are offered no mercy, and the offer is not made a second time. Those who surrender are divested of their magical resources and sent north to the Legacy or south to Apulus where they are set to work constructing siege engines.		Wherever they go, the Grendel give the Urizen a choice - surrender or die. Those who refuse to surrender are offered no mercy, and the offer is not made a second time. Those who surrender are divested of their magical resources and sent north to the Legacy or south to Apulus where they are set to work constructing siege engines.

Twiggy at 17:07, 14 July 2025

2025-07-14T17:07:42Z

Emmanovi: inclusive language

2023-05-26T22:34:55Z

inclusive language

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:34, 26 May 2023
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	Wagons of mithril, escorted by warriors from the Malinov, Sloev and Pravin families of Moresvah wend north to deliver military supplies and more volunteers to the Northern Eagle. This will be the final such delivery - a year has passed since the Imperial heroes resolved the issue with the Three Sisters and the Thule invaders. They are grateful, but it is time to focus on their own concerns again. Now that Karsk is liberated - or at least the parts of Karsk that the three families care about.		Wagons of mithril, escorted by warriors from the Malinov, Sloev and Pravin families of Moresvah wend north to deliver military supplies and more volunteers to the Northern Eagle. This will be the final such delivery - a year has passed since the Imperial heroes resolved the issue with the Three Sisters and the Thule invaders. They are grateful, but it is time to focus on their own concerns again. Now that Karsk is liberated - or at least the parts of Karsk that the three families care about.

	Another caravan wends north and west, this time from the Imperial warehouses at Vorota. It is laden with wains of mithril, a gift from the Varushkan people to their allies in Karsk. A contingent of fur-and-leather clad ~~men and women~~ meet it at the eastern "border" of the northern hills. There is a guarded welcome, a temporary camp with a rough wooden palisade is set up and sealed against the night. The hillsfolk of Branoc and the hillsfolk of Nitrost share an evening of hospitality before the people of the Broken Hill take the wagons the rest of the way, back to their secluded vales.		Another caravan wends north and west, this time from the Imperial warehouses at Vorota. It is laden with wains of mithril, a gift from the Varushkan people to their allies in Karsk. A contingent of fur-and-leather clad folk meet it at the eastern "border" of the northern hills. There is a guarded welcome, a temporary camp with a rough wooden palisade is set up and sealed against the night. The hillsfolk of Branoc and the hillsfolk of Nitrost share an evening of hospitality before the people of the Broken Hill take the wagons the rest of the way, back to their secluded vales.

	The Thule ... are silent. There is rumour of delegation coming down out of the peaks, but there is no sign that their forces here are any less alert than they were last season.		The Thule ... are silent. There is rumour of delegation coming down out of the peaks, but there is no sign that their forces here are any less alert than they were last season.
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	So much blood!		So much blood!

	Even with the enchantments of life singing in the streams, the death toll continues to be terrible. Over a thousand Imperial troops are lost - aye, even in victory there are over a thousand ~~men and women~~ who will not fight again. The Thule death toll is reckoned to be at least half again as much, perhaps even higher.		Even with the enchantments of life singing in the streams, the death toll continues to be terrible. Over a thousand Imperial troops are lost - aye, even in victory there are over a thousand soldiers who will not fight again. The Thule death toll is reckoned to be at least half again as much, perhaps even higher.

	For now the tide of battle has shifted in the Empire's a favour ... but the Thule still hold the upper passes and most of the Stonefields. Their curses still rain misfortune across the plains and lakes of Sermersuaq. The Empire has won a small victory here, but the campaign is not the war.		For now the tide of battle has shifted in the Empire's a favour ... but the Thule still hold the upper passes and most of the Stonefields. Their curses still rain misfortune across the plains and lakes of Sermersuaq. The Empire has won a small victory here, but the campaign is not the war.

Noserenda at 02:28, 21 August 2020

2020-08-21T02:28:47Z

Show changes

Rafferty at 12:25, 24 October 2019

2019-10-24T12:25:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:25, 24 October 2019
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	A winged messenger received by Illuminate Nissea in Fort Mezudan reassures her that the Grendel will not harm the captured children, but it would be a shame if their lives were to be placed in peril by the Urizen. The commander of the Grendel forces in Spiral, who identifies himself as Garaigh the Gentle at Apulus, includes a politely worded request for the Imperial garrison at Fort Mezudan to either surrender themselves, or retreat westward to Redoubt. They have been given until the end of the Summer Solstice to give the Grendel their decision. He closes by stressing that, unlike the Empire, the Grendel can be trusted to keep their word - but their magnanimous offer will not be repeated.		A winged messenger received by Illuminate Nissea in Fort Mezudan reassures her that the Grendel will not harm the captured children, but it would be a shame if their lives were to be placed in peril by the Urizen. The commander of the Grendel forces in Spiral, who identifies himself as Garaigh the Gentle at Apulus, includes a politely worded request for the Imperial garrison at Fort Mezudan to either surrender themselves, or retreat westward to Redoubt. They have been given until the end of the Summer Solstice to give the Grendel their decision. He closes by stressing that, unlike the Empire, the Grendel can be trusted to keep their word - but their magnanimous offer will not be repeated.
	[[Category:Recent History]]		[[Category:Recent History]]
	[[Category:379YE]]		[[Category:379YE Summer]]
	[[Category:Military Council]]		[[Category:Military Council]]

Rafferty at 11:49, 1 November 2018

2018-11-01T11:49:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:49, 1 November 2018
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	A winged messenger received by Illuminate Nissea in Fort Mezudan reassures her that the Grendel will not harm the captured children, but it would be a shame if their lives were to be placed in peril by the Urizen. The commander of the Grendel forces in Spiral, who identifies himself as Garaigh the Gentle at Apulus, includes a politely worded request for the Imperial garrison at Fort Mezudan to either surrender themselves, or retreat westward to Redoubt. They have been given until the end of the Summer Solstice to give the Grendel their decision. He closes by stressing that, unlike the Empire, the Grendel can be trusted to keep their word - but their magnanimous offer will not be repeated.		A winged messenger received by Illuminate Nissea in Fort Mezudan reassures her that the Grendel will not harm the captured children, but it would be a shame if their lives were to be placed in peril by the Urizen. The commander of the Grendel forces in Spiral, who identifies himself as Garaigh the Gentle at Apulus, includes a politely worded request for the Imperial garrison at Fort Mezudan to either surrender themselves, or retreat westward to Redoubt. They have been given until the end of the Summer Solstice to give the Grendel their decision. He closes by stressing that, unlike the Empire, the Grendel can be trusted to keep their word - but their magnanimous offer will not be repeated.
	~~[[Category:History]]~~
	[[Category:Recent History]]		[[Category:Recent History]]
	[[Category:379YE]]		[[Category:379YE]]
	[[Category:Military Council]]		[[Category:Military Council]]

Beeswax at 17:48, 22 May 2018

2018-05-22T17:48:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:48, 22 May 2018
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	The forces already in Spiral strike north without warning through to Ossuary. They hit the Legacy hard and fast, taking the defenders by surprise. They quickly overwhelm the token Urizen force, and by the time reinforcements from Fort Mezudan reach them, it is already too late. The sentinels are able to retreat, rescuing a few survivors and escorting them north into Zenith.		The forces already in Spiral strike north without warning through to Ossuary. They hit the Legacy hard and fast, taking the defenders by surprise. They quickly overwhelm the token Urizen force, and by the time reinforcements from Fort Mezudan reach them, it is already too late. The sentinels are able to retreat, rescuing a few survivors and escorting them north into Zenith.

	The Grendel troops plunder the Legacy, and then part of their force takes up a defensible position while the rest marches south and west towards Fort Mezudan. They overrun most of the spires they encounter, joining up with Grendel scouts as they travel. They re-establish uncontested control over Ankra and ~~Cinon~~. They establish a base at Damakan's Forge, quickly turning the ruined spire into an armed camp.		The Grendel troops plunder the Legacy, and then part of their force takes up a defensible position while the rest marches south and west towards Fort Mezudan. They overrun most of the spires they encounter, joining up with Grendel scouts as they travel. They re-establish uncontested control over Ankra and Cinion. They establish a base at Damakan's Forge, quickly turning the ruined spire into an armed camp.

	Meanwhile, the newly arrived army crushes all resistance in Apulus and Apstrus, then turns their attention to Screed and the Black Plateau. They strike in force, rounding up many straggling Urizen magicians seeking to help those freed from the Plateau's fading influence. They leave well-defended positions behind them as they march.		Meanwhile, the newly arrived army crushes all resistance in Apulus and Apstrus, then turns their attention to Screed and the Black Plateau. They strike in force, rounding up many straggling Urizen magicians seeking to help those freed from the Plateau's fading influence. They leave well-defended positions behind them as they march.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:07, 14 July 2025
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	{{CaptionedImage\|file=CouncilOfWar.jpg \|title=Triumph against the barbarians will not be secured solely by generals and senators.\|caption=Not all strategies are hatched around a giant map.\|align=left\|width=550}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=CouncilOfWar.jpg \|title=Triumph against the barbarians will not be secured solely by generals and senators.\|caption=Not all strategies are hatched around a giant map.\|align=left\|width=550}}
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	The Imperial military campaigns seem - with one obvious exception - to be going well. [[Karsk]] remains an Imperial territory; the [[Thule]] and the Imperial forces continue watch each other carefully but there are no significant engagements.		The Imperial military campaigns seem - with one obvious exception - to be going well. [[Karsk]] remains an Imperial territory; the [[Thule]] and the Imperial forces continue to watch each other carefully but there are no significant engagements.

	In [[Reikos]], Imperial forces have largely become bogged down in [[Reikos#Haros Water\|Haros]], but they are making some progress. The [[Druj]] for their part have retreated behind the walls of their massive citadel at what was once High Chalcis, and most engagements are with ambushers or wicked curses.		In [[Reikos]], Imperial forces have largely become bogged down in [[Reikos#Haros Water\|Haros]], but they are making some progress. The [[Druj]] for their part have retreated behind the walls of their massive citadel at what was once High Chalcis, and most engagements are with ambushers or wicked curses.
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	Finally... the [[Grendel]] have finally made their move. A major [[Imperial navy\|naval]] assault accompanied by lightning raids against [[Spiral#Ossuary\|Ossuary]] has cost the [[Urizen]] control of [[Bourse#The_Legacy\|the Legacy]]. It appears that the southern barbarians are intent on capturing the entire territory.		Finally... the [[Grendel]] have finally made their move. A major [[Imperial navy\|naval]] assault accompanied by lightning raids against [[Spiral#Ossuary\|Ossuary]] has cost the [[Urizen]] control of [[Bourse#The_Legacy\|the Legacy]]. It appears that the southern barbarians are intent on capturing the entire territory.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=JanoshVaskovichKovar.jpg\|title=Karsk slumbers, but her defenders are vigilant.\|caption=Serious, and suspicious,business\|align=right\|width=500}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=JanoshVaskovichKovar.jpg\|title=Karsk slumbers, but her defenders are vigilant.\|caption=Serious, and suspicious, business\|align=right\|width=500}}
	==Uneasy Peace==		==Uneasy Peace==
	The sun is bright, but the ice is slippery, as they say in Korotny.		The sun is bright, but the ice is slippery, as they say in Korotny.
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	The Thule ... are silent. There is rumour of delegation coming down out of the peaks, but there is no sign that their forces here are any less alert than they were last season.		The Thule ... are silent. There is rumour of delegation coming down out of the peaks, but there is no sign that their forces here are any less alert than they were last season.

	As to the rumours of an army of rampaging husks and disembodied spirits in the woods south-western Lestaznic forests ... they seem to have come to nothing. Nothing more has been heard. It seems that the problem has completely resolved itself without Imperial intervention.		As to the rumours of an army of rampaging husks and disembodied spirits in the woods of the south-western Lestaznic forests ... they seem to have come to nothing. Nothing more has been heard. It seems that the problem has completely resolved itself without Imperial intervention.

	Karsk slumbers.		Karsk slumbers.
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	The slow trudge forward becomes much worse, however, in the final fortnight before the Summer Solstice. Out of nowhere, heavy black clouds race across the whole of Reikos, born in a tumultuous gyre above the walls of Urith ... of High Chalcis. Thunder roars, lightning flashes ... within minutes everyone and everything is soaked to the skin. The thick mud becomes almost liquid underfoot, every ditch and pothole begins to fill with dirty water. The oxen pulling the Imperial baggage trains panic, overturning wagons and breaking wheels, and crushing one poor drover to death in their panic. Visibility drops, speaking to someone further away than arm's length becomes next to impossible.		The slow trudge forward becomes much worse, however, in the final fortnight before the Summer Solstice. Out of nowhere, heavy black clouds race across the whole of Reikos, born in a tumultuous gyre above the walls of Urith ... of High Chalcis. Thunder roars, lightning flashes ... within minutes everyone and everything is soaked to the skin. The thick mud becomes almost liquid underfoot, every ditch and pothole begins to fill with dirty water. The oxen pulling the Imperial baggage trains panic, overturning wagons and breaking wheels, and crushing one poor drover to death in their panic. Visibility drops, speaking to someone further away than arm's length becomes next to impossible.

	Ten minutes after the thunderous deluge begins, it becomes even worse. The clouds lighten, tinged with a sickly sunset crimson. The rain turns the colour of blood - after only a short time, it seems like every soldier is drenched in gore, as if they have waded through a slaughterhouse. Some of the soldiers in the Quiet Step and the Valiant Pegasus begin to panic - the world itself seems to be coming to ~~and~~ end ...		Ten minutes after the thunderous deluge begins, it becomes even worse. The clouds lighten, tinged with a sickly sunset crimson. The rain turns the colour of blood - after only a short time, it seems like every soldier is drenched in gore, as if they have waded through a slaughterhouse. Some of the soldiers in the Quiet Step and the Valiant Pegasus begin to panic - the world itself seems to be coming to an end ...

	... but after a few more minutes, the blood-rain ceases. The torrential downpour continues but soon washes away the crimson taint.		... but after a few more minutes, the blood-rain ceases. The torrential downpour continues but soon washes away the crimson taint.

	The magisters and the vates mutter and grumble. Rituals are ~~preformed. Divinations~~ sought. The rain continues, day and night, with barely a few hours irregular respite during which the air is filled with midges and flies. Those who have fought in Holberg recognise the sickening taste in the air - the taste of water infested with corrupted Spring magic. The unliving husks accompanying the Valiant Pegasus - their orc bodies and human corpses increasingly indistinguishable - begin to rot .. but the magic of Winter that infuses them means the rot does not progress far. Instead, they just begin to stink.		The magisters and the vates mutter and grumble. Rituals are performed, divinations sought. The rain continues, day and night, with barely a few hours irregular respite during which the air is filled with midges and flies. Those who have fought in Holberg recognise the sickening taste in the air - the taste of water infested with corrupted Spring magic. The unliving husks accompanying the Valiant Pegasus - their orc bodies and human corpses increasingly indistinguishable - begin to rot .. but the magic of Winter that infuses them means the rot does not progress far. Instead, they just begin to stink.

	The rivers are running red, with defilement. And, everywhere, they begin to rise as the rain continues.		The rivers are running red, with defilement. And, everywhere, they begin to rise as the rain continues.
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	The barbarian armies are again supported by several thousand knights of the Crimson Queen, Eleonaris. They fight on, raising their crimson banners under the bright sun. Their captains ride sleekly muscled golden beasts larger than an ox which are to cats what a hurricane is to the gentle rains of spring. They relish every chance to strike against the Empire, and especially seek out the Dawnish knights - they mock them, and they mock especially the name of the Eastern Sky fighting in distant Holberg.		The barbarian armies are again supported by several thousand knights of the Crimson Queen, Eleonaris. They fight on, raising their crimson banners under the bright sun. Their captains ride sleekly muscled golden beasts larger than an ox which are to cats what a hurricane is to the gentle rains of spring. They relish every chance to strike against the Empire, and especially seek out the Dawnish knights - they mock them, and they mock especially the name of the Eastern Sky fighting in distant Holberg.

	The Imperial troops are not without their own supernatural allies - the great tower of black iron and glacier ice conjured by Imperial magicians does not melt under the Summer heat. if anything, it becomes more beautiful and terrible, sunlight causing it to glitter and shimmer like a vast jewel. The hulking, fur-wrapped, tattooed creatures - the orc-like giants that garrison the walls - bellow their delight as the Knights of Eleonaris attack the walls, and slaughter Summer knight and barbarian orc with equal gusto. The citadel is a major feature in the defence of Sermersuaq - providing a safe haven for the injured, a central base of operations for the commanders, and a symbol of Imperial defiance overlooking the Stonefield Ice Caves. The [[Winter Sun]] add to the garrison, responding with tireless endurance to news of other Imperial forces under threat. it is they ~~that~~ track and kill the Thule raiding parties that seek to slip down into Suaq Fount and the East Flows, preventing any attempt to circle round the Imperial line.		The Imperial troops are not without their own supernatural allies - the great tower of black iron and glacier ice conjured by Imperial magicians does not melt under the Summer heat. If anything, it becomes more beautiful and terrible, sunlight causing it to glitter and shimmer like a vast jewel. The hulking, fur-wrapped, tattooed creatures - the orc-like giants that garrison the walls - bellow their delight as the Knights of Eleonaris attack the walls, and slaughter Summer knight and barbarian orc with equal gusto. The citadel is a major feature in the defence of Sermersuaq - providing a safe haven for the injured, a central base of operations for the commanders, and a symbol of Imperial defiance overlooking the Stonefield Ice Caves. The [[Winter Sun]] add to the garrison, responding with tireless endurance to news of other Imperial forces under threat. It is they who track and kill the Thule raiding parties that seek to slip down into Suaq Fount and the East Flows, preventing any attempt to circle round the Imperial line.

	The shambling undead that accompany the [[Red Wind Corsairs]] have none of the cold brilliance of the Summer knights, none of the unyielding fortitude of Cathan Canae's guardians, none of the cold discipline of the Imperial orcs. Under the influence of the powerful spring magic infusing Sermersuaq, a number of them have begun to sprout fungus and moss, and even flowers. It is sometimes easy to forget that there are human and orc corpses, driven by flesh-hungry Winter spirits, hidden beneath the garlands of greenery that slowly overtake them.		The shambling undead that accompany the [[Red Wind Corsairs]] have none of the cold brilliance of the Summer knights, none of the unyielding fortitude of Cathan Canae's guardians, none of the cold discipline of the Imperial orcs. Under the influence of the powerful spring magic infusing Sermersuaq, a number of them have begun to sprout fungus and moss, and even flowers. It is sometimes easy to forget that there are human and orc corpses, driven by flesh-hungry Winter spirits, hidden beneath the garlands of greenery that slowly overtake them.
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	Even with the enchantments of life singing in the streams, the death toll continues to be terrible. Over a thousand Imperial troops are lost - aye, even in victory there are over a thousand soldiers who will not fight again. The Thule death toll is reckoned to be at least half again as much, perhaps even higher.		Even with the enchantments of life singing in the streams, the death toll continues to be terrible. Over a thousand Imperial troops are lost - aye, even in victory there are over a thousand soldiers who will not fight again. The Thule death toll is reckoned to be at least half again as much, perhaps even higher.

	For now the tide of battle has shifted in the Empire's a favour ... but the Thule still hold the upper passes and most of the Stonefields. Their curses still rain misfortune across the plains and lakes of Sermersuaq. The Empire has won a small victory here, but the campaign is not the war.		For now the tide of battle has shifted in the Empire's favour ... but the Thule still hold the upper passes and most of the Stonefields. Their curses still rain misfortune across the plains and lakes of Sermersuaq. The Empire has won a small victory here, but the campaign is not the war.

	The Empire receives an unlooked-for reminder that time is running out when Imperial orc patrols capture and destroy two large warbands of Jotun orcs who are reaving down into Stark and the Suaq Wastes. Expeditionary, probing raids but raids nonetheless. If the Jotun join the battle in Sermersuaq then even this small victory over the Thule might prove to be nothing more than a prelude to destruction.		The Empire receives an unlooked-for reminder that time is running out when Imperial orc patrols capture and destroy two large warbands of Jotun orcs who are reaving down into Stark and the Suaq Wastes. Expeditionary, probing raids but raids nonetheless. If the Jotun join the battle in Sermersuaq then even this small victory over the Thule might prove to be nothing more than a prelude to destruction.
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	Towards the mid-point of the campaign, the Imperial forces have pushed the remaining Druj back into Misericorde. The battle turns even more vicious. Here the Druj have a slight advantage, more used to fighting in the tangled paths and claustrophobic forests of the east. In some places, the Imperial forces burn them out - where the Druj cannot be flushed from their bolt holes, they perish in fire.		Towards the mid-point of the campaign, the Imperial forces have pushed the remaining Druj back into Misericorde. The battle turns even more vicious. Here the Druj have a slight advantage, more used to fighting in the tangled paths and claustrophobic forests of the east. In some places, the Imperial forces burn them out - where the Druj cannot be flushed from their bolt holes, they perish in fire.

	In the end ... in the end the Druj break. Caught between the river and the Empire they choose to take their chances with the river. It becomes clear that their rout was not entirely unplanned - ~~that~~ have taken precautions. Many of their troops have already fled on makeshift rafts and crude pontoons, across the river to the north and east.		In the end ... in the end the Druj break. Caught between the river and the Empire they choose to take their chances with the river. It becomes clear that their rout was not entirely unplanned - they have taken precautions. Many of their troops have already fled on makeshift rafts and crude pontoons, across the river to the north and east.

	At the final tally, the Empire estimates another three thousand or so orcs have been killed, or drowned in the river crossing. The Empire in turn has lost perhaps a third of that number - but that is still a thousand soldiers. The Summer Storm bore the brunt of the casualties in their headlong rush to cut the enemy down; but in return, they tore the enemy to ribbons.		At the final tally, the Empire estimates another three thousand or so orcs have been killed, or drowned in the river crossing. The Empire in turn has lost perhaps a third of that number - but that is still a thousand soldiers. The Summer Storm bore the brunt of the casualties in their headlong rush to cut the enemy down; but in return, they tore the enemy to ribbons.