379YE Winter Solstice winds of war - Revision history

Twiggy at 14:13, 19 March 2026

2026-03-19T14:13:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:13, 19 March 2026
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	Not everything goes the Imperial way. Despite the rain, the camp overseer seals herself behind the barricades where the season's harvest of weirwood is stored. Once it is clear the battle is lost, she immolates herself and her inner circle ... and the bounty of weirwood that has been gathered. Despite the rain the fire spreads quickly. Some alchemical essence has clearly been employed that tinges each licking tongue with a sickly green taint and makes it burn hotter in the face of water rather than being quenched by it. It takes all the effort of the tired Navarr and the exhausted slaves to prevent the flames spreading into the forest itself, growing into a conflagration that might devour a vast tract of the ancient forest. Yet they do stop it - not least in part due to the timely arrival of cadres of Dawnish nobles and yeomen send north to support the Navarr advance. This time at least the Druj efforts to poison the well, to stab back at the Empire from the bring of the Howling Abyss, are thwarted.		Not everything goes the Imperial way. Despite the rain, the camp overseer seals herself behind the barricades where the season's harvest of weirwood is stored. Once it is clear the battle is lost, she immolates herself and her inner circle ... and the bounty of weirwood that has been gathered. Despite the rain the fire spreads quickly. Some alchemical essence has clearly been employed that tinges each licking tongue with a sickly green taint and makes it burn hotter in the face of water rather than being quenched by it. It takes all the effort of the tired Navarr and the exhausted slaves to prevent the flames spreading into the forest itself, growing into a conflagration that might devour a vast tract of the ancient forest. Yet they do stop it - not least in part due to the timely arrival of cadres of Dawnish nobles and yeomen send north to support the Navarr advance. This time at least the Druj efforts to poison the well, to stab back at the Empire from the bring of the Howling Abyss, are thwarted.

	With Longshire swept clean of orcs, with the Great Forest at Reikos liberated, the two forces converge on Exile. The site of the first atrocity of the Druj invasion when their armies somehow overcame generations of superstition to pass from the Barrens, down through the haunted depths of Peytaht. Exile itself is a twisted parody of what it once was. Once a place of learning, of meditation, it is now an abominable temple dedicated to fear and suffering. The Druj miasma is stronger here. It clings to the wet soil beneath the trees in the form of a physical, rolling mist. There are hints of shapes in the fog. Ghosts. Dead spirits of Highborn soldiers and civilians and oh! so many priests. There are no signs of any bodies, however. The Spring magic that pulses in the rain and the soil allows for no corpses, not this season at least..		With Longshire swept clean of orcs, with the Great Forest at Reikos liberated, the two forces converge on Exile. The site of the first atrocity of the Druj invasion when their armies somehow overcame generations of superstition to pass from the Barrens, down through the haunted depths of Peytaht. Exile itself is a twisted parody of what it once was. Once a place of learning, of meditation, it is now an abominable temple dedicated to fear and suffering. The Druj miasma is stronger here. It clings to the wet soil beneath the trees in the form of a physical, rolling mist. There are hints of shapes in the fog. Ghosts. Dead spirits of Highborn soldiers and civilians and oh! so many priests. There are no signs of any bodies, however. The Spring magic that pulses in the rain and the soil allows for no corpses, not this season at least...

	The Druj warriors that defend the temple are unfamiliar. They wear dark hoods, wield curved blades, fight in almost total silence - fight like cornered rats. To their credit they stand and fight to the death. They rely on the aura of fear and the darkness beneath the trees ... but it avails them naught in before the might of Dawn, and the keen eyes of the Navarr. Examination of the fallen orcs reveals eerie tattoos, unsettling piercings, lips sewn together with old cord.		The Druj warriors that defend the temple are unfamiliar. They wear dark hoods, wield curved blades, fight in almost total silence - fight like cornered rats. To their credit they stand and fight to the death. They rely on the aura of fear and the darkness beneath the trees ... but it avails them naught in before the might of Dawn, and the keen eyes of the Navarr. Examination of the fallen orcs reveals eerie tattoos, unsettling piercings, lips sewn together with old cord.

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

2026-01-16T09:43:53Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:43, 16 January 2026
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	In the end though, the campaign is proof that any while strategy is important, it helps to have your plan backed by superior numbers. Slowly but with growing confidence the Empire pushes north-east, and the Grendel fall back. That said, the Imperial forces never see the {{Black Plateau}} (except perhaps in their dreams). None save perhaps the [[Army_qualities#Scouting\|scouts]] of the Quiet Step get to see the Legacy in distant [[Spiral#Ossuary\|Ossuary]]. The fighting is bitter, but it is largely constrained to the western foothills.		In the end though, the campaign is proof that any while strategy is important, it helps to have your plan backed by superior numbers. Slowly but with growing confidence the Empire pushes north-east, and the Grendel fall back. That said, the Imperial forces never see the {{Black Plateau}} (except perhaps in their dreams). None save perhaps the [[Army_qualities#Scouting\|scouts]] of the Quiet Step get to see the Legacy in distant [[Spiral#Ossuary\|Ossuary]]. The fighting is bitter, but it is largely constrained to the western foothills.

	The Grendel cannot hold back the Imperial advance - over the course of three months they are slowly, slowly pushed back out of Ateri. The majority retreat toward [[Spiral#Apulus\|Apulus]] (no doubt the take advantage of the [[Navy_orders#Naval_Support\|supplies offered]] by their [[~~Imperial~~ navy\|naval forces]]), but perhaps a third of the force retreats north-east, to defensive positions scattered around the outskirts of Screed.		The Grendel cannot hold back the Imperial advance - over the course of three months they are slowly, slowly pushed back out of Ateri. The majority retreat toward [[Spiral#Apulus\|Apulus]] (no doubt the take advantage of the [[Navy_orders#Naval_Support\|supplies offered]] by their [[navy\|naval forces]]), but perhaps a third of the force retreats north-east, to defensive positions scattered around the outskirts of Screed.

	During the Imperial advance, the soldiers of the Empire account for as many as three thousand Grendel orcs, while suffering barely half that many casualties themselves. Yet the Grendel show no signs of being routed - quite the contrary. Even in retreat the core of their barbarian forces remain disciplined. They do not flee, they withdraw in good order - all the while gathering up as much mana as they can find, and as much metal as they can claim from the mines on the mountain slopes.		During the Imperial advance, the soldiers of the Empire account for as many as three thousand Grendel orcs, while suffering barely half that many casualties themselves. Yet the Grendel show no signs of being routed - quite the contrary. Even in retreat the core of their barbarian forces remain disciplined. They do not flee, they withdraw in good order - all the while gathering up as much mana as they can find, and as much metal as they can claim from the mines on the mountain slopes.

Matt: Text replacement - "Senate" to "Senate"

2026-01-15T22:28:25Z

Text replacement - "Senate" to "Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:28, 15 January 2026
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	After their initial attempt to bring down the [[The_Barrens#Towers_of_the_Dawn\|Towers of the Dawn]] before the Autumn Equinox failed, the orcs of [[the Barrens]] retreated in disarray.		After their initial attempt to bring down the [[The_Barrens#Towers_of_the_Dawn\|Towers of the Dawn]] before the Autumn Equinox failed, the orcs of [[the Barrens]] retreated in disarray.

	They return in force a little less than a month later. This time, there is no talk of [[Accept_Barrens_peace_treaty\|peace treaties]], or of agreements with the [[~~Senate\|~~Senate]]. A single demand for the surrender of the Towers is made, a single command issued to the people of [[Dawn]] to either leave [[The Barrens#Dawnguard\|Dawnguard]], or acknowledge the dominance of the Rahvin and the Peytaht. Needless to say, the Dawnish pay little heed to these demands. Still, [[military unit\|captains]] under the horned lion of House Aureillius and the dagger and sceptr'd key of House Vexille join the garrison at the Towers. The [[noble house\|noble houses]] of Drycastle and the outlying manors gather their knights and their yeomen to their estates. They prepare to fight...		They return in force a little less than a month later. This time, there is no talk of [[Accept_Barrens_peace_treaty\|peace treaties]], or of agreements with the [[Senate]]. A single demand for the surrender of the Towers is made, a single command issued to the people of [[Dawn]] to either leave [[The Barrens#Dawnguard\|Dawnguard]], or acknowledge the dominance of the Rahvin and the Peytaht. Needless to say, the Dawnish pay little heed to these demands. Still, [[military unit\|captains]] under the horned lion of House Aureillius and the dagger and sceptr'd key of House Vexille join the garrison at the Towers. The [[noble house\|noble houses]] of Drycastle and the outlying manors gather their knights and their yeomen to their estates. They prepare to fight...

	No more demands are issued. Three days later the first attack against the Towers of the Dawn begins. They are still cautious, still testing the Dawnish defences - for the most part. The main thrust of the assault against the Towers of the Dawn is led by the battle-hardened army of the Rahvin. They fight beneath tattered banners made of sewn-together scraps taken as trophies from their hated Druj enemies ... and more than a few tatters that might once have been the banners of questing knights lost in the Barrens. They are well armed, well armoured, and possess a grim determination at odds with their barbaric appearance. Their attacks are focused, sustained, relentless ... and while they pay for their advance with blood, they extract a serious toll from both the castle walls and the human defenders.		No more demands are issued. Three days later the first attack against the Towers of the Dawn begins. They are still cautious, still testing the Dawnish defences - for the most part. The main thrust of the assault against the Towers of the Dawn is led by the battle-hardened army of the Rahvin. They fight beneath tattered banners made of sewn-together scraps taken as trophies from their hated Druj enemies ... and more than a few tatters that might once have been the banners of questing knights lost in the Barrens. They are well armed, well armoured, and possess a grim determination at odds with their barbaric appearance. Their attacks are focused, sustained, relentless ... and while they pay for their advance with blood, they extract a serious toll from both the castle walls and the human defenders.

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

2026-01-15T12:31:05Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:31, 15 January 2026
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	===Game Information===		===Game Information===
	Reikos has been recaptured by the Empire! A [[Senator]] can raise a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Assignment\|motion of Assignment]] during the Winter Solstice and determine which nation the [[territory]] will be assigned to. If Reikos is assigned in a timely fashion, it may be possible to elect a senator to represent it (''ideally'' if the assignment passes before the afternoon session of the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]] on Sunday we should be able to arrange an election).		Reikos has been recaptured by the Empire! A [[Senator]] can raise a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Assignment\|motion of Assignment]] during the Winter Solstice and determine which nation the [[territory]] will be assigned to. If Reikos is assigned in a timely fashion, it may be possible to elect a senator to represent it (''ideally'' if the assignment passes before the afternoon session of the [[Senate]] on Sunday we should be able to arrange an election).

	Regardless, even though two regions (Tamarbode and Grey Charge) are still technically under orc control, Reikos is now an Imperial territory again (which is relevant for use of the [[Regio#The Imperial Regio\|Imperial regio]] at Anvil. The orcs there are scattered and weak. They are unlikely to be able to launch any sort of campaign to reclaim any part of Reikos. Unless a new force enters the frame, perhaps through the Great Forest of Peytaht or out of Brocéliande, it is unlikely the Empire will lose Reikos again any time soon.		Regardless, even though two regions (Tamarbode and Grey Charge) are still technically under orc control, Reikos is now an Imperial territory again (which is relevant for use of the [[Regio#The Imperial Regio\|Imperial regio]] at Anvil. The orcs there are scattered and weak. They are unlikely to be able to launch any sort of campaign to reclaim any part of Reikos. Unless a new force enters the frame, perhaps through the Great Forest of Peytaht or out of Brocéliande, it is unlikely the Empire will lose Reikos again any time soon.
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	After their initial attempt to bring down the [[The_Barrens#Towers_of_the_Dawn\|Towers of the Dawn]] before the Autumn Equinox failed, the orcs of [[the Barrens]] retreated in disarray.		After their initial attempt to bring down the [[The_Barrens#Towers_of_the_Dawn\|Towers of the Dawn]] before the Autumn Equinox failed, the orcs of [[the Barrens]] retreated in disarray.

	They return in force a little less than a month later. This time, there is no talk of [[Accept_Barrens_peace_treaty\|peace treaties]], or of agreements with the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate\|Senate]]. A single demand for the surrender of the Towers is made, a single command issued to the people of [[Dawn]] to either leave [[The Barrens#Dawnguard\|Dawnguard]], or acknowledge the dominance of the Rahvin and the Peytaht. Needless to say, the Dawnish pay little heed to these demands. Still, [[military unit\|captains]] under the horned lion of House Aureillius and the dagger and sceptr'd key of House Vexille join the garrison at the Towers. The [[noble house\|noble houses]] of Drycastle and the outlying manors gather their knights and their yeomen to their estates. They prepare to fight...		They return in force a little less than a month later. This time, there is no talk of [[Accept_Barrens_peace_treaty\|peace treaties]], or of agreements with the [[Senate\|Senate]]. A single demand for the surrender of the Towers is made, a single command issued to the people of [[Dawn]] to either leave [[The Barrens#Dawnguard\|Dawnguard]], or acknowledge the dominance of the Rahvin and the Peytaht. Needless to say, the Dawnish pay little heed to these demands. Still, [[military unit\|captains]] under the horned lion of House Aureillius and the dagger and sceptr'd key of House Vexille join the garrison at the Towers. The [[noble house\|noble houses]] of Drycastle and the outlying manors gather their knights and their yeomen to their estates. They prepare to fight...

	No more demands are issued. Three days later the first attack against the Towers of the Dawn begins. They are still cautious, still testing the Dawnish defences - for the most part. The main thrust of the assault against the Towers of the Dawn is led by the battle-hardened army of the Rahvin. They fight beneath tattered banners made of sewn-together scraps taken as trophies from their hated Druj enemies ... and more than a few tatters that might once have been the banners of questing knights lost in the Barrens. They are well armed, well armoured, and possess a grim determination at odds with their barbaric appearance. Their attacks are focused, sustained, relentless ... and while they pay for their advance with blood, they extract a serious toll from both the castle walls and the human defenders.		No more demands are issued. Three days later the first attack against the Towers of the Dawn begins. They are still cautious, still testing the Dawnish defences - for the most part. The main thrust of the assault against the Towers of the Dawn is led by the battle-hardened army of the Rahvin. They fight beneath tattered banners made of sewn-together scraps taken as trophies from their hated Druj enemies ... and more than a few tatters that might once have been the banners of questing knights lost in the Barrens. They are well armed, well armoured, and possess a grim determination at odds with their barbaric appearance. Their attacks are focused, sustained, relentless ... and while they pay for their advance with blood, they extract a serious toll from both the castle walls and the human defenders.

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

2026-01-15T12:28:41Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Bourse" to "[[Bourse"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:28, 15 January 2026
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	Regardless, even though two regions (Tamarbode and Grey Charge) are still technically under orc control, Reikos is now an Imperial territory again (which is relevant for use of the [[Regio#The Imperial Regio\|Imperial regio]] at Anvil. The orcs there are scattered and weak. They are unlikely to be able to launch any sort of campaign to reclaim any part of Reikos. Unless a new force enters the frame, perhaps through the Great Forest of Peytaht or out of Brocéliande, it is unlikely the Empire will lose Reikos again any time soon.		Regardless, even though two regions (Tamarbode and Grey Charge) are still technically under orc control, Reikos is now an Imperial territory again (which is relevant for use of the [[Regio#The Imperial Regio\|Imperial regio]] at Anvil. The orcs there are scattered and weak. They are unlikely to be able to launch any sort of campaign to reclaim any part of Reikos. Unless a new force enters the frame, perhaps through the Great Forest of Peytaht or out of Brocéliande, it is unlikely the Empire will lose Reikos again any time soon.

	Both the [[Vigilant Swan]] and the [[Great Forest at Reikos]] are once again in Imperial hands. Any senator can raise a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Allocation\|motion of allocation]] for one of these two [[~~Imperial~~ Bourse]] seats. The motion can declare that the seat should be ''either'' Imperial (auctioned openly on the Bourse, any Imperial citizen may take the seat), ''or'' National (appointed by decision of those members of the nation who have [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse\|appropriate personal resources]], on a citizen of that nation can hold the seat).		Both the [[Vigilant Swan]] and the [[Great Forest at Reikos]] are once again in Imperial hands. Any senator can raise a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Allocation\|motion of allocation]] for one of these two [[Bourse]] seats. The motion can declare that the seat should be ''either'' Imperial (auctioned openly on the Bourse, any Imperial citizen may take the seat), ''or'' National (appointed by decision of those members of the nation who have [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse\|appropriate personal resources]], on a citizen of that nation can hold the seat).

	Now that the territory is Imperial once again, which nation controls the seat if it is made national depends entirely on which nation the territory is assigned to. It is important to note that regardless of whether the Bourse seat was national or Imperial before it was lost to the Druj, the senate has complete freedom to declare either or both of them to be either national or Imperial going forward.		Now that the territory is Imperial once again, which nation controls the seat if it is made national depends entirely on which nation the territory is assigned to. It is important to note that regardless of whether the Bourse seat was national or Imperial before it was lost to the Druj, the senate has complete freedom to declare either or both of them to be either national or Imperial going forward.

Twiggy at 17:46, 6 August 2025

2025-08-06T17:46:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:46, 6 August 2025
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	The Jotun fall back but, grudgingly. They may not like fighting beneath the trees, but they put up a spirited defence. Without the support of a full Jotun army, however, they can do little but slow the Imperial advance. Regardless of their small numbers, however, the need to establish and protect supply lines as the Freeborn push into Liathaven means that at the end of three months campaigning, the two armies are perhaps halfway through claiming the region of [[Liathaven#Liath's Ring\|Liath's Ring]].		The Jotun fall back but, grudgingly. They may not like fighting beneath the trees, but they put up a spirited defence. Without the support of a full Jotun army, however, they can do little but slow the Imperial advance. Regardless of their small numbers, however, the need to establish and protect supply lines as the Freeborn push into Liathaven means that at the end of three months campaigning, the two armies are perhaps halfway through claiming the region of [[Liathaven#Liath's Ring\|Liath's Ring]].

	The unliving, shambling horrors that have accompanied the Red Wind Corsairs over the last month finally give up the ghost as the Winter Solstice approaches. At first in handfuls, then in greater numbers, the husks suddenly stop what they are doing, shake and shudder for a moment, and then fall over. A couple, especially ones that have seen the most action, collapse into pieces as past injuries overwhelm their corpus. One or two allegedly explode, showering the Freeborn near them in rot and putrid gore. There have been rumours that Bad Things have accompanied the release of the Winter Spirits when the husks accompanying other armies have failed ... but the Red Wind Corsairs experience no uncanny events. Perhaps the presence of the ~~Vallorn~~ has weakened the spirits bound into the husks? The Navarr resistance fighters think it unlikely, but their superstitious dread of the ~~Vallorn~~ is legendary. A bigger question than the winter spirits is what to do about the sudden problem of a thousand human and orc bodies ...		The unliving, shambling horrors that have accompanied the Red Wind Corsairs over the last month finally give up the ghost as the Winter Solstice approaches. At first in handfuls, then in greater numbers, the husks suddenly stop what they are doing, shake and shudder for a moment, and then fall over. A couple, especially ones that have seen the most action, collapse into pieces as past injuries overwhelm their corpus. One or two allegedly explode, showering the Freeborn near them in rot and putrid gore. There have been rumours that Bad Things have accompanied the release of the Winter Spirits when the husks accompanying other armies have failed ... but the Red Wind Corsairs experience no uncanny events. Perhaps the presence of the vallorn has weakened the spirits bound into the husks? The Navarr resistance fighters think it unlikely, but their superstitious dread of the vallorn is legendary. A bigger question than the winter spirits is what to do about the sudden problem of a thousand human and orc bodies ...

	As the Winter Solstice begins, however, the Brass Coast armies are almost in position to begin laying siege to Mournstead in the east of Liath's Ring, an important albeit minor fortress along the Jotun supply route. If they continue at the current rate, they will most likely liberate Mournstead - and with it the rest of the region - by the start of Spring, after which it ''should'' just be a matter of mopping up the remaining Jotun forces ... unless the Jotun take steps to prevent that, of course.		As the Winter Solstice begins, however, the Brass Coast armies are almost in position to begin laying siege to Mournstead in the east of Liath's Ring, an important albeit minor fortress along the Jotun supply route. If they continue at the current rate, they will most likely liberate Mournstead - and with it the rest of the region - by the start of Spring, after which it ''should'' just be a matter of mopping up the remaining Jotun forces ... unless the Jotun take steps to prevent that, of course.
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	===The Haven of Liath===		===The Haven of Liath===
	The ~~Vallorn~~ of Liathaven slumbers, wrapped tight around the ruins of Liath Haven.		The vallorn of Liathaven slumbers, wrapped tight around the ruins of Liath Haven.

	For now.		For now.
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	This means that the Jotun now control ''all'' the regions of Liathaven, making it a fully conquered barbarian territory. The immediate effect of this is that all Imperial personal resources based in the territory will [[Resource#Conquered_Territories\|lose a half of their production]] until such time as at least one [[Territory#Regions\|region]] is back in Imperial control. This also means that the territory counts as being in the control of the Jotun, meaning they can move into, out of, and through the entire territory freely. ... up to a point.		This means that the Jotun now control ''all'' the regions of Liathaven, making it a fully conquered barbarian territory. The immediate effect of this is that all Imperial personal resources based in the territory will [[Resource#Conquered_Territories\|lose a half of their production]] until such time as at least one [[Territory#Regions\|region]] is back in Imperial control. This also means that the territory counts as being in the control of the Jotun, meaning they can move into, out of, and through the entire territory freely. ... up to a point.

	It is worth explicitly pointing out that we treated this battle as two separate theatres due to the presence of the ~~Vallorn~~ that neatly bisects the territory. The Jotun forces in the south cannot reach the northern regions without forcing their way through either Liath's Heart or Westwood, which would mean an encounter with the unknown quantity that is the vallorn. The same is true of any Imperial forces on the northern side of the hedge of malignant landscape.		It is worth explicitly pointing out that we treated this battle as two separate theatres due to the presence of the vallorn that neatly bisects the territory. The Jotun forces in the south cannot reach the northern regions without forcing their way through either Liath's Heart or Westwood, which would mean an encounter with the unknown quantity that is the vallorn. The same is true of any Imperial forces on the northern side of the hedge of malignant landscape.

	Any player character steadings based in Liathaven who wish to have had their settlement conquered or destroyed by the Jotun should consider contacting plot@profounddecisions.co.uk to discuss options going forward. Other steadings are considered to have been far enough off the main Jotun invasion routes to avoid destruction for the time being.		Any player character steadings based in Liathaven who wish to have had their settlement conquered or destroyed by the Jotun should consider contacting plot@profounddecisions.co.uk to discuss options going forward. Other steadings are considered to have been far enough off the main Jotun invasion routes to avoid destruction for the time being.

Twiggy at 13:16, 16 July 2025

2025-07-16T13:16:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:16, 16 July 2025
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	===The War for Ateri===		===The War for Ateri===
	Had the storm struck earlier, it might have caught the army of the [[Granite Pillar]] still billeted at [[Spiral#Ruins_of_Fort_Mezudan\|the Fist]], and the death toll would surely have been higher. Yet when the Fist fell, the Highborn army was already marching. With the [[Quiet Step]], they were marching north-east towards [[Spiral#Screed\|Screed]] and the slumbering horror of the [[Spiral#Spiral#The_Black_Plateau\|Black Plateau]]. Had the storms struck a week later, it might have caught the [[Northern Eagle]], the [[Wolves of War]], and the [[Citadel Guard]] marching east from [[Highguard]]. As it was, they arrived several days after the destruction, after the last of the bodies had been recovered from the wreckage, just in time to attend the last of the funerals.		Had the storm struck earlier, it might have caught the army of the [[Granite Pillar]] still billeted at [[Spiral#Ruins_of_Fort_Mezudan\|the Fist]], and the death toll would surely have been higher. Yet when the Fist fell, the Highborn army was already marching. With the [[Quiet Step]], they were marching north-east towards [[Spiral#Screed\|Screed]] and the slumbering horror of the [[Spiral#Spiral#The_Black_Plateau\|{{Black Plateau}}]]. Had the storms struck a week later, it might have caught the [[Northern Eagle]], the [[Wolves of War]], and the [[Citadel Guard]] marching east from [[Highguard]]. As it was, they arrived several days after the destruction, after the last of the bodies had been recovered from the wreckage, just in time to attend the last of the funerals.

	There is little time for grief. Imperial strategy is straightforward and ambitious. The Empire's forces intend to push cautiously through [[Spiral#Ateri\|Ateri]], driving the [[Grendel]] out. Then, on to Screed and the looming shadow of the Black Plateau; then onward to liberate the [[Legacy]]. A bold plan.		There is little time for grief. Imperial strategy is straightforward and ambitious. The Empire's forces intend to push cautiously through [[Spiral#Ateri\|Ateri]], driving the [[Grendel]] out. Then, on to Screed and the looming shadow of the {{Black Plateau}}; then onward to liberate the [[Legacy]]. A bold plan.

	The Grendel strategy also appears to be quite straightforward. They launch a major offensive into Ateri the very morning after the ruination of Fort Mezudan. Despite being outnumbered by Imperial forces, they drive a spear-thrust of orcs and beasts into the heart of the Imperial armies. Perhaps a thousand-score barbarians, with siege weapons and unfamiliar warbeasts attempt to consolidate the gains made last season in Ateri.		The Grendel strategy also appears to be quite straightforward. They launch a major offensive into Ateri the very morning after the ruination of Fort Mezudan. Despite being outnumbered by Imperial forces, they drive a spear-thrust of orcs and beasts into the heart of the Imperial armies. Perhaps a thousand-score barbarians, with siege weapons and unfamiliar warbeasts attempt to consolidate the gains made last season in Ateri.
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	The Wolves of War, advised by [[Army_qualities#Mercenary\|mercenary]] [[Urizen\|Urizeni]] strategists and supported by [[Varushka\|Varushkan]] and [[Wintermark]] sellswords with long experience of fighting in hills and mountains ''should'' have easily [[Army_qualities#Skirmishing\|outmanoeuvred]] the Grendel and attacked them from their rear. Unfortunately, the Grendel are already on the move by the time the Wolves of War arrive - they are not taking defensive positions, but pushing forward towards the Fist. They also enjoy the support of the naval vessels anchored on the southern coast; hard-bitten marines support the rear encampments of the Grendel, delivering valuable supplies to help the Grendel against their Imperial enemies.		The Wolves of War, advised by [[Army_qualities#Mercenary\|mercenary]] [[Urizen\|Urizeni]] strategists and supported by [[Varushka\|Varushkan]] and [[Wintermark]] sellswords with long experience of fighting in hills and mountains ''should'' have easily [[Army_qualities#Skirmishing\|outmanoeuvred]] the Grendel and attacked them from their rear. Unfortunately, the Grendel are already on the move by the time the Wolves of War arrive - they are not taking defensive positions, but pushing forward towards the Fist. They also enjoy the support of the naval vessels anchored on the southern coast; hard-bitten marines support the rear encampments of the Grendel, delivering valuable supplies to help the Grendel against their Imperial enemies.

	In the end though, the campaign is proof that any while strategy is important, it helps to have your plan backed by superior numbers. Slowly but with growing confidence the Empire pushes north-east, and the Grendel fall back. That said, the Imperial forces never see the Black Plateau (except perhaps in their dreams). None save perhaps the [[Army_qualities#Scouting\|scouts]] of the Quiet Step get to see the Legacy in distant [[Spiral#Ossuary\|Ossuary]]. The fighting is bitter, but it is largely constrained to the western foothills.		In the end though, the campaign is proof that any while strategy is important, it helps to have your plan backed by superior numbers. Slowly but with growing confidence the Empire pushes north-east, and the Grendel fall back. That said, the Imperial forces never see the {{Black Plateau}} (except perhaps in their dreams). None save perhaps the [[Army_qualities#Scouting\|scouts]] of the Quiet Step get to see the Legacy in distant [[Spiral#Ossuary\|Ossuary]]. The fighting is bitter, but it is largely constrained to the western foothills.

	The Grendel cannot hold back the Imperial advance - over the course of three months they are slowly, slowly pushed back out of Ateri. The majority retreat toward [[Spiral#Apulus\|Apulus]] (no doubt the take advantage of the [[Navy_orders#Naval_Support\|supplies offered]] by their [[Imperial navy\|naval forces]]), but perhaps a third of the force retreats north-east, to defensive positions scattered around the outskirts of Screed.		The Grendel cannot hold back the Imperial advance - over the course of three months they are slowly, slowly pushed back out of Ateri. The majority retreat toward [[Spiral#Apulus\|Apulus]] (no doubt the take advantage of the [[Navy_orders#Naval_Support\|supplies offered]] by their [[Imperial navy\|naval forces]]), but perhaps a third of the force retreats north-east, to defensive positions scattered around the outskirts of Screed.
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	During the Imperial advance, the soldiers of the Empire account for as many as three thousand Grendel orcs, while suffering barely half that many casualties themselves. Yet the Grendel show no signs of being routed - quite the contrary. Even in retreat the core of their barbarian forces remain disciplined. They do not flee, they withdraw in good order - all the while gathering up as much mana as they can find, and as much metal as they can claim from the mines on the mountain slopes.		During the Imperial advance, the soldiers of the Empire account for as many as three thousand Grendel orcs, while suffering barely half that many casualties themselves. Yet the Grendel show no signs of being routed - quite the contrary. Even in retreat the core of their barbarian forces remain disciplined. They do not flee, they withdraw in good order - all the while gathering up as much mana as they can find, and as much metal as they can claim from the mines on the mountain slopes.

	The Grendel forces are a long way from home ... but they are well supplied and the Empire has seen in Sermersuaq how deadly a committed barbarian force can be if it chooses to make the Empire pay blood for the territory it seeks to reclaim. If the rate of Imperial advance stays constant, Urizen tacticians estimate it may take as long as six months to conquer Screed alone - assuming the Black Plateau remains quiescent in the face of the tide of death and hatred that armed conflict will doubtless stir up around it.		The Grendel forces are a long way from home ... but they are well supplied and the Empire has seen in Sermersuaq how deadly a committed barbarian force can be if it chooses to make the Empire pay blood for the territory it seeks to reclaim. If the rate of Imperial advance stays constant, Urizen tacticians estimate it may take as long as six months to conquer Screed alone - assuming the {{Black Plateau}} remains quiescent in the face of the tide of death and hatred that armed conflict will doubtless stir up around it.

	===Game Information===		===Game Information===

Twiggy at 13:33, 13 July 2025

2025-07-13T13:33:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:33, 13 July 2025
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	===Game Information===		===Game Information===
	To follow on from [[#~~the~~ Mists of Liathaven\|~~the~~ Mists of Liathaven]]...		To follow on from [[#The Mists of Liathaven\|The Mists of Liathaven]]...

	In the south, a massive Jotun invasion force has taken both Western Scout and Beacon Point. In the process, they have destroyed [[Construct_fortified_manor_in_Liathaven\|the fortified steading at Beacon Point]].		In the south, a massive Jotun invasion force has taken both Western Scout and Beacon Point. In the process, they have destroyed [[Construct_fortified_manor_in_Liathaven\|the fortified steading at Beacon Point]].

Hailmur: Text replacement - "Broceliande" to "Brocéliande"

2025-06-26T18:15:39Z

Text replacement - "Broceliande" to "Brocéliande"

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:15, 26 June 2025
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	There is some debate as to whether it might not be wisest to burn the ruins of Exile to the ground, if that might not put an end to the blasphemy that taints the air itself. In the end, an agreement is reached that the question of what to do with the ruins is not for the Dawnish or the Navarr to make.		There is some debate as to whether it might not be wisest to burn the ruins of Exile to the ground, if that might not put an end to the blasphemy that taints the air itself. In the end, an agreement is reached that the question of what to do with the ruins is not for the Dawnish or the Navarr to make.

	With Longshire and Broken Ride liberated, the majority of Reikos is now under Imperial control. There are still orcs in [[Reikos#Tamarbode\|Tamarbode]] and [[Reikos#Grey Charge\|Grey Charge]], but where can they go? West into [[Casinea]] and the waiting arms of the [[Casinea#The_Silent_Sentinel\|Silent Sentinel]]? South into [[Bastion]], the heart of Highguard? North into [[Brocéliande\|~~Broceliande~~]]? There is nowhere for them to hide. There are also some orcs in the Great Forest, and hiding in the ruins of the central plains, but they are scattered and broken - they might continue to plague the people of Reikos as bandits but they are in no position to rise as an organised force.		With Longshire and Broken Ride liberated, the majority of Reikos is now under Imperial control. There are still orcs in [[Reikos#Tamarbode\|Tamarbode]] and [[Reikos#Grey Charge\|Grey Charge]], but where can they go? West into [[Casinea]] and the waiting arms of the [[Casinea#The_Silent_Sentinel\|Silent Sentinel]]? South into [[Bastion]], the heart of Highguard? North into [[Brocéliande\|Brocéliande]]? There is nowhere for them to hide. There are also some orcs in the Great Forest, and hiding in the ruins of the central plains, but they are scattered and broken - they might continue to plague the people of Reikos as bandits but they are in no position to rise as an organised force.

	The land itself has not fared well under Druj dominance. Signs of their occupation are everywhere. The rain has cleansed the Flux, but Reikos itself is ruined. The eastern barbarians have taken their vile pleasure in defiling, corrupting everything they can. For now, though, there is the hope that peace may once again come to Reikos, that flowers might bloom once again in the Garden of Highguard.		The land itself has not fared well under Druj dominance. Signs of their occupation are everywhere. The rain has cleansed the Flux, but Reikos itself is ruined. The eastern barbarians have taken their vile pleasure in defiling, corrupting everything they can. For now, though, there is the hope that peace may once again come to Reikos, that flowers might bloom once again in the Garden of Highguard.
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	Reikos has been recaptured by the Empire! A [[Senator]] can raise a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Assignment\|motion of Assignment]] during the Winter Solstice and determine which nation the [[territory]] will be assigned to. If Reikos is assigned in a timely fashion, it may be possible to elect a senator to represent it (''ideally'' if the assignment passes before the afternoon session of the [[Imperial Senate]] on Sunday we should be able to arrange an election).		Reikos has been recaptured by the Empire! A [[Senator]] can raise a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Assignment\|motion of Assignment]] during the Winter Solstice and determine which nation the [[territory]] will be assigned to. If Reikos is assigned in a timely fashion, it may be possible to elect a senator to represent it (''ideally'' if the assignment passes before the afternoon session of the [[Imperial Senate]] on Sunday we should be able to arrange an election).

	Regardless, even though two regions (Tamarbode and Grey Charge) are still technically under orc control, Reikos is now an Imperial territory again (which is relevant for use of the [[Regio#The Imperial Regio\|Imperial regio]] at Anvil. The orcs there are scattered and weak. They are unlikely to be able to launch any sort of campaign to reclaim any part of Reikos. Unless a new force enters the frame, perhaps through the Great Forest of Peytaht or out of ~~Broceliande~~, it is unlikely the Empire will lose Reikos again any time soon.		Regardless, even though two regions (Tamarbode and Grey Charge) are still technically under orc control, Reikos is now an Imperial territory again (which is relevant for use of the [[Regio#The Imperial Regio\|Imperial regio]] at Anvil. The orcs there are scattered and weak. They are unlikely to be able to launch any sort of campaign to reclaim any part of Reikos. Unless a new force enters the frame, perhaps through the Great Forest of Peytaht or out of Brocéliande, it is unlikely the Empire will lose Reikos again any time soon.

	Both the [[Vigilant Swan]] and the [[Great Forest at Reikos]] are once again in Imperial hands. Any senator can raise a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Allocation\|motion of allocation]] for one of these two [[Imperial Bourse]] seats. The motion can declare that the seat should be ''either'' Imperial (auctioned openly on the Bourse, any Imperial citizen may take the seat), ''or'' National (appointed by decision of those members of the nation who have [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse\|appropriate personal resources]], on a citizen of that nation can hold the seat).		Both the [[Vigilant Swan]] and the [[Great Forest at Reikos]] are once again in Imperial hands. Any senator can raise a [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Allocation\|motion of allocation]] for one of these two [[Imperial Bourse]] seats. The motion can declare that the seat should be ''either'' Imperial (auctioned openly on the Bourse, any Imperial citizen may take the seat), ''or'' National (appointed by decision of those members of the nation who have [[New_Imperial_titles#The_Imperial_Bourse\|appropriate personal resources]], on a citizen of that nation can hold the seat).

Coolbeans: /* Game Information */

2024-06-21T09:07:55Z

Game Information

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:07, 21 June 2024
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	It is worth explicitly pointing out that we treated this battle as two separate theatres due to the presence of the Vallorn that neatly bisects the territory. The Jotun forces in the south cannot reach the northern regions without forcing their way through either Liath's Heart or Westwood, which would mean an encounter with the unknown quantity that is the vallorn. The same is true of any Imperial forces on the northern side of the hedge of malignant landscape.		It is worth explicitly pointing out that we treated this battle as two separate theatres due to the presence of the Vallorn that neatly bisects the territory. The Jotun forces in the south cannot reach the northern regions without forcing their way through either Liath's Heart or Westwood, which would mean an encounter with the unknown quantity that is the vallorn. The same is true of any Imperial forces on the northern side of the hedge of malignant landscape.

	Any player character steadings based in Liathaven who wish to have had their settlement conquered or destroyed by the Jotun should consider contacting ~~empire.~~plot@profounddecisions.co.uk to discuss options going forward. Other steadings are considered to have been far enough off the main Jotun invasion routes to avoid destruction for the time being.		Any player character steadings based in Liathaven who wish to have had their settlement conquered or destroyed by the Jotun should consider contacting plot@profounddecisions.co.uk to discuss options going forward. Other steadings are considered to have been far enough off the main Jotun invasion routes to avoid destruction for the time being.

	==Audio Files==		==Audio Files==