A greater darkness - Revision history

GuiltyConscience: /* Opportunity: Seize the Tepel's Nightmare */

2026-09-08T13:56:15Z

Opportunity: Seize the Tepel's Nightmare

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	===Opportunity: Seize the Tepel's Nightmare===		===Opportunity: Seize the Tepel's Nightmare===
	* '''Sung has let the Empire know that the Amber Scorpions posses a nightmare secured in a dream tether'''		* '''Sung has let the Empire know that the Amber Scorpions posses a nightmare secured in a dream tether'''
	* '''If recovered ~~and~~ passed to the Map to the City Below to give to Sung		* '''If recovered, it can be passed to the Map to the City Below to give to Sung
	* '''Sung will then enable the Empire to access the nightmare'''		* '''Sung will then enable the Empire to access the nightmare'''

	Zylath Bilequill, a Druj loremaster or ghulai of sorts, is moving with the Amber Scorpions. Heralds of [[Sung]] have contacted the Empire to let them know that Zylath Bilequill possess a rare "Dream Tether". This is apparently a memory or a dream, or in this case a nightmare, trapped in a physical object known as the tether. Exactly how the Druj created the tether is unclear, but Night magic has the ability to manipulate and even steal memories, so it is theoretically possible. The nightmare contained in the tether must be important for the Druj to have gone to the effort of securing and preserving it in a physical form.		Zylath Bilequill, a Druj loremaster or ghulai of sorts, is moving with the Amber Scorpions. Heralds of [[Sung]] have contacted the Empire to let them know that Zylath Bilequill possess a rare "Dream Tether". This is apparently a memory or a dream, or in this case a nightmare, trapped in a physical object known as the tether. Exactly how the Druj created the tether is unclear, but Night magic has the ability to manipulate and even steal memories, so it is theoretically possible. The nightmare contained in the tether must be important for the Druj to have gone to the effort of securing and preserving it in a physical form.

	According to the ''Night Singer'', the nightmare pertains to the mystery of Deathsgate and the fortress of Cassad Ûln in the Forest of Ulnak. If the Empire can located Zylath and seize the tether from him it can be passed to Leaguer responsible for the [[Map to the City Below]]. The title holder can then send it to the ''Everflowing River'' who will enable a small group of citizens to experience the nightmare, should they wish to. If the Druj thought the nightmare was useful, then any information it holds could yield valuable knowledge of what lies beyond the foreboding mountain range.		According to the ''Night Singer'', the nightmare pertains to the mystery of Deathsgate and the fortress of Cassad Ûln in the Forest of Ulnak. If the Empire can located Zylath and seize the tether from him it can be passed to the Leaguer responsible for the [[Map to the City Below]]. The title holder can then send it to the ''Everflowing River'' who will enable a small group of citizens to experience the nightmare, should they wish to. If the Druj thought the nightmare was useful, then any information it holds could yield valuable knowledge of what lies beyond the foreboding mountain range.

	===Environment: Miasma of despair===		===Environment: Miasma of despair===

GuiltyConscience: /* Opportunity: Free the Lost Researcher */

2026-09-08T13:52:36Z

Opportunity: Free the Lost Researcher

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:52, 8 September 2026
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	===Opportunity: Free the Lost Researcher===		===Opportunity: Free the Lost Researcher===
	* '''Jovana Stradh von Temeschwar a surviving member of the Silent Bell is held by the Druj'''		* '''Jovana Stradh von Temeschwar, a surviving member of the Silent Bell, is held by the Druj'''
	* '''The mage is detained and subject to a powerful experimental poison'''		* '''The mage is detained and subject to a powerful experimental poison'''

	The daughter of a prominent miller of the famous ''Vargat Bianch'' flour, Jovana eschewed the family business to dedicate her life to hunting down the Empire's ~~enemys~~. An adept mage and ardent member of the [[Silent Bell]], she leapt at the [[On_the_nature_of_fear\|opportunity to find out more about the Druj's use of fear]]. While her fellow ~~bells~~ devoted their time to studying the miasma pillars and their creation, Jovana got a lead on something different - an eternal "ally" of some kind that even the Druj were reluctant to employ - an eternal possibly unknown to the Empire. Sadly Jovana was captured and nothing more was heard - she was assumed dead - one of the many ~~bells~~ [[On_the_nature_of_fear\|who died to locate vital information]].		The daughter of a prominent miller of the famous ''Vargat Bianch'' flour, Jovana eschewed the family business to dedicate her life to hunting down the Empire's enemies. An adept mage and ardent member of the [[Silent Bell]], she leapt at the [[On_the_nature_of_fear\|opportunity to find out more about the Druj's use of fear]]. While her fellow Bells devoted their time to studying the miasma pillars and their creation, Jovana got a lead on something different - an eternal "ally" of some kind that even the Druj were reluctant to employ - an eternal possibly unknown to the Empire. Sadly Jovana was captured and nothing more was heard - she was assumed dead - one of the many Bells [[On_the_nature_of_fear\|who died to locate vital information]].

	Fortunately it appears that the magician has somehow survived. If Stradh can be rescued and recovers from her injuries, then she may have some fresh insights into this eternal of fear that the Druj ghulai ~~are~~ truck with. At the very least her return will help to strengthen the ranks of the Silent Bell, which are grievously depleted [[link to Bell deaths\|at this time]].		Fortunately it appears that the magician has somehow survived. If Stradh can be rescued and recovers from her injuries, then she may have some fresh insights into this eternal of fear that the Druj ghulai truck with. At the very least, her return will help to strengthen the ranks of the Silent Bell, which are grievously depleted [[link to Bell deaths\|at this time]].

	===Opportunity: Seize the Tepel's Nightmare===		===Opportunity: Seize the Tepel's Nightmare===

GuiltyConscience: /* Objective: Delay the Druj */

2026-09-08T13:50:51Z

Objective: Delay the Druj

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	There are two ancient menhirs that stand on the open ground at ''Reeth Plain'', right in the path that the Druj must take to flee the Thule. If the Empire were to send heroes to Ulnak, then this location represents a strategic place to hold ground and focus the barbarians' attention. Any appreciable delay will slow the the retreat of the Druj forces, letting the Great Forest Orcs slip by before the Amber Scorpion sept realise they were even in the area.		There are two ancient menhirs that stand on the open ground at ''Reeth Plain'', right in the path that the Druj must take to flee the Thule. If the Empire were to send heroes to Ulnak, then this location represents a strategic place to hold ground and focus the barbarians' attention. Any appreciable delay will slow the the retreat of the Druj forces, letting the Great Forest Orcs slip by before the Amber Scorpion sept realise they were even in the area.

	Imperial forces will need to take the field and secure the ground in the area surrounding the two menhirs. Once there they can prepare for battle and then await the arrival of the Druj forces. The Empire will need to hold the field against the ~~barbarian~~ until midday. Once the Amber Scorpions are aware of the Imperial presence they will focus on engaging the Empire and bring more of their numbers to bear. They will try to push the Empire off the field, so that their army can continue to withdraw from the advancing Thule.		Imperial forces will need to take the field and secure the ground in the area surrounding the two menhirs. Once there they can prepare for battle and then await the arrival of the Druj forces. The Empire will need to hold the field against the barbarians until midday. Once the Amber Scorpions are aware of the Imperial presence they will focus on engaging the Empire and bring more of their numbers to bear. They will try to push the Empire off the field, so that their army can continue to withdraw from the advancing Thule.

	A single hour is all the time the Great Forest Orcs need to slip across the distant reaches of ''Reeth Plain'' and make good their escape out of Ulnak. The [[Field Marshal]] should aim to withdraw from the menhirs after this time and have their forces return to Anvil in good order.		A single hour is all the time the Great Forest Orcs need to slip across the distant reaches of ''Reeth Plain'' and make good their escape out of Ulnak. The [[Field Marshal]] should aim to withdraw from the menhirs after this time and have their forces return to Anvil in good order.

Kirkbride: /* Battle Opportunity - A Greater Darkness */

2026-09-08T11:39:21Z

Battle Opportunity - A Greater Darkness

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:39, 8 September 2026
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	Things are a little more complicated in the north, as the narrative lays out. The Karass deserted the venture after it had freed the Great Forest Orcs, and headed off under their own command, allegedly to create a diversion. Their disappearance did not stop the sept from providing very considerable support to the raid - they effectively contributed 10,000 effective strength toward the overall success of the mission. Without their aid, there would be no opportunity to rescue the orcs of the Sacred Grove who would have been killed by the servants of ''Nimon Rue''. The Karass abandoned the raid at the point where stealth was of no further value - ''after'' they had contributed everything they were asked to do.		Things are a little more complicated in the north, as the narrative lays out. The Karass deserted the venture after it had freed the Great Forest Orcs, and headed off under their own command, allegedly to create a diversion. Their disappearance did not stop the sept from providing very considerable support to the raid - they effectively contributed 10,000 effective strength toward the overall success of the mission. Without their aid, there would be no opportunity to rescue the orcs of the Sacred Grove who would have been killed by the servants of ''Nimon Rue''. The Karass abandoned the raid at the point where stealth was of no further value - ''after'' they had contributed everything they were asked to do.

	==Battle Opportunity - A Greater Darkness==		==Battle Opportunity : A Greater Darkness==
	* '''There is a major conjunction of the Sentinel Gate to Grimfen Mire during the Autumn Equinox'''		* '''There is a major conjunction of the Sentinel Gate to Grimfen Mire during the Autumn Equinox'''
	The heroic efforts of the Imperial Orcs and the Navarr has seen four hundred Great Forest Orcs freed from the torments of the Druj from the Sacred Grove in Deathsgate. They have endured the trials of that tainted land, evaded Druj patrols, slipped past watchtowers and overcome patrols. Despite all this, the carefully planned rescue is about to be undone. Time has grown short, far too short, and only days before the Autumn Equinox it has become clear that a retreating Druj army is pulling back right into the path of the Great Forest Orcs trying to flee Ulnak...		The heroic efforts of the Imperial Orcs and the Navarr has seen four hundred Great Forest Orcs freed from the torments of the Druj from the Sacred Grove in Deathsgate. They have endured the trials of that tainted land, evaded Druj patrols, slipped past watchtowers and overcome patrols. Despite all this, the carefully planned rescue is about to be undone. Time has grown short, far too short, and only days before the Autumn Equinox it has become clear that a retreating Druj army is pulling back right into the path of the Great Forest Orcs trying to flee Ulnak...

Kirkbride: /* Battle Opportunity */

2026-09-08T11:37:38Z

Battle Opportunity

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:37, 8 September 2026
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	Things are a little more complicated in the north, as the narrative lays out. The Karass deserted the venture after it had freed the Great Forest Orcs, and headed off under their own command, allegedly to create a diversion. Their disappearance did not stop the sept from providing very considerable support to the raid - they effectively contributed 10,000 effective strength toward the overall success of the mission. Without their aid, there would be no opportunity to rescue the orcs of the Sacred Grove who would have been killed by the servants of ''Nimon Rue''. The Karass abandoned the raid at the point where stealth was of no further value - ''after'' they had contributed everything they were asked to do.		Things are a little more complicated in the north, as the narrative lays out. The Karass deserted the venture after it had freed the Great Forest Orcs, and headed off under their own command, allegedly to create a diversion. Their disappearance did not stop the sept from providing very considerable support to the raid - they effectively contributed 10,000 effective strength toward the overall success of the mission. Without their aid, there would be no opportunity to rescue the orcs of the Sacred Grove who would have been killed by the servants of ''Nimon Rue''. The Karass abandoned the raid at the point where stealth was of no further value - ''after'' they had contributed everything they were asked to do.

	==Battle Opportunity==		==Battle Opportunity - A Greater Darkness==
	* '''There is a major conjunction of the Sentinel Gate to ~~western Deathsgate~~ during the Autumn Equinox'''		* '''There is a major conjunction of the Sentinel Gate to Grimfen Mire during the Autumn Equinox'''
	The heroic efforts of the Imperial Orcs and the Navarr has seen four hundred Great Forest Orcs freed from the torments of the Druj from the Sacred Grove in Deathsgate. They have endured the trials of that tainted land, evaded Druj patrols, slipped past watchtowers and overcome patrols. Despite all this, the carefully planned rescue is about to be undone. Time has grown short, far too short, and only days before the Autumn Equinox it has become clear that a retreating Druj army is pulling back right into the path of the Great Forest Orcs trying to flee Ulnak...		The heroic efforts of the Imperial Orcs and the Navarr has seen four hundred Great Forest Orcs freed from the torments of the Druj from the Sacred Grove in Deathsgate. They have endured the trials of that tainted land, evaded Druj patrols, slipped past watchtowers and overcome patrols. Despite all this, the carefully planned rescue is about to be undone. Time has grown short, far too short, and only days before the Autumn Equinox it has become clear that a retreating Druj army is pulling back right into the path of the Great Forest Orcs trying to flee Ulnak...

Matt: /* Battle Opportunity */

2026-09-08T11:32:38Z

Battle Opportunity

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 ==Battle Opportunity==
 * '''There is a major conjunction of the Sentinel Gate to western Deathsgate during the Autumn Equinox'''
-Even before news of the desperate situation in the Forest of Ulnak, the civil service prognosticators had identified a [[Sentinel_Gate#Major_Conjunctions|major conjunction]] of the Sentinel Gate leading to the western forests of Deathsgate. As news of the problems encountered by the raiders, and the need to adjust the plan, reached Anvil it became clear that this conjunction represents an opportunity to intervene and ensure the slaves freed from the Sacred Grove make it back to Imperial lands. Exactly how remains to be seen.
+The heroic efforts of the Imperial Orcs and the Navarr has seen four hundred Great Forest Orcs freed from the torments of the Druj from the Sacred Grove in Deathsgate. They have endured the trials of that tainted land, evaded Druj patrols, slipped past watchtowers and overcome patrols. Despite all this, the carefully planned rescue is about to be undone. Time has grown short, far too short, and only days before the Autumn Equinox it has become clear that a retreating Druj army is pulling back right into the path of the Great Forest Orcs trying to flee Ulnak...

Vsabo: /* Participation : Forest of Ulnak */

2026-09-07T11:44:04Z

Participation : Forest of Ulnak

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	Anyone who can't take this opportunity for whatever reason is free to roleplay that they were there but obviously nobody saw them, or that they had run ahead of the raiders once it was clear that everything was going wrong to bring news to Anvil - the kind of news that might have uncovered the battle opportunity.		Anyone who can't take this opportunity for whatever reason is free to roleplay that they were there but obviously nobody saw them, or that they had run ahead of the raiders once it was clear that everything was going wrong to bring news to Anvil - the kind of news that might have uncovered the battle opportunity.

	Obviously anyone coming through he gate in this way is free to have wounds sustained in the battle so far, or to be suffering the lingering effects of exposure to the [[Druj miasma]] ([[Calls#Weakness\|weakness]] and heightened sense of fear). We'll strive to have referees on hand who can provide some lingering [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds\|traumatic wounds]] where appropriate, but availability will depend on how many people there are.		Obviously anyone coming through the gate in this way is free to have wounds sustained in the battle so far, or to be suffering the lingering effects of exposure to the [[Druj miasma]] ([[Calls#Weakness\|weakness]] and heightened sense of fear). We'll strive to have referees on hand who can provide some lingering [[Combat#Traumatic_Wounds\|traumatic wounds]] where appropriate, but availability will depend on how many people there are.

	In-character, the rescued Great Forest Orcs know what is happening - they aren't being deserted but rather the Imperial heroes are going to try and round up the cavalry to help them. Our assumption is that members of military units, and the heralds of Irra Harah, are remaining behind to do their best to get the freed slaves to safety while player characters look for aid at Anvil.		In-character, the rescued Great Forest Orcs know what is happening - they aren't being deserted but rather the Imperial heroes are going to try and round up the cavalry to help them. Our assumption is that members of military units, and the heralds of Irra Harah, are remaining behind to do their best to get the freed slaves to safety while player characters look for aid at Anvil.

Vsabo: /* Participation : Forest of Ulnak */

2026-09-07T11:43:11Z

Participation : Forest of Ulnak

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	As with those who took part in the raid into the Salt Flats of Sanath, any character who assigned their military unit or personal resource to the action could choose to be involved personally in the attempt to rescue the Great Forest Orcs from the Sacred Grove in the northern Forest of Ulnak. As can be seen from the narrative, this endeavour has not succeed, but it has not ''yet'' failed. As the Autumn Equinox dawns, four hundred or so former slaves, orcs and humans are caught between pursuing Druj from Cassad Úln and the armies camped along the border with the Bonewall. And in theory, their rescuers are trapped with them!		As with those who took part in the raid into the Salt Flats of Sanath, any character who assigned their military unit or personal resource to the action could choose to be involved personally in the attempt to rescue the Great Forest Orcs from the Sacred Grove in the northern Forest of Ulnak. As can be seen from the narrative, this endeavour has not succeed, but it has not ''yet'' failed. As the Autumn Equinox dawns, four hundred or so former slaves, orcs and humans are caught between pursuing Druj from Cassad Úln and the armies camped along the border with the Bonewall. And in theory, their rescuers are trapped with them!

	Obviously, nobody should have to choose between attending an event and supporting a downtime action! With that in mind we are planning to use the [[Sentinel Gate]] to let people do both. At the start of the event, any player whose character supported the northern prong of the raid into the Mallum can congregate at the Sentinel Gate. Shortly after time in, a rare [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions\|conjunction]] will take place linking the depths of [[Forest of Ulnak#~~Deathgate~~\|~~Deathgate~~]] to [[Anvil]] (rather than the much more traditional other way around). Any player who wants, can emerge through that conjunction onto the field, having come from the beleaguered refugee column to seek desperate support from the rest of the Empire.		Obviously, nobody should have to choose between attending an event and supporting a downtime action! With that in mind we are planning to use the [[Sentinel Gate]] to let people do both. At the start of the event, any player whose character supported the northern prong of the raid into the Mallum can congregate at the Sentinel Gate. Shortly after time in, a rare [[Sentinel_Gate#Conjunctions\|conjunction]] will take place linking the depths of [[Forest of Ulnak#Deathsgate\|Deathsgate]] to [[Anvil]] (rather than the much more traditional other way around). Any player who wants, can emerge through that conjunction onto the field, having come from the beleaguered refugee column to seek desperate support from the rest of the Empire.

	It won't be possible for anyone to use this conjunction to reach Ulnak from Anvil, but see the [[#Battle Opportunity\|Battle Opportunity]] below.		It won't be possible for anyone to use this conjunction to reach Ulnak from Anvil, but see the [[#Battle Opportunity\|Battle Opportunity]] below.

Vsabo: /* The Plan Changes */

2026-09-07T11:34:55Z

The Plan Changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:34, 7 September 2026
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	Terrified, but desperate to survive, the freed orcs are gathered and the exodus begins. In the time it takes to drag them together a decision is reached - there is no way that the Imperial heroes will be able to lead these orcs to safety along the same route they took to get here. The plan will need to change. It is risky but it seems the best of the available bad plans is to run west, into Bonewall, and trust the orcs of Otkodov to hold to their alliance with the Empire. The Karass have a different proposal. The Druj will ''expect'' them to go west, or to retrace their steps. There is another option. It is dangerous - incredibly so - but if it works it will allow them to escape the Mallum. Instead of going for the nearest safety, they head ''south'' through [[Forest of Ulnak#Shifting Basin\|Shifting Basin]] to the river and from there to [[The_Barrens#Saltmarsh\|Saltmarsh]]. Instead of trying to bypass the Mallum forces no doubt regrouping to fight the Thule along the Bonewall, they avoid the fighting by pressing through land the Druj believe uncontested.		Terrified, but desperate to survive, the freed orcs are gathered and the exodus begins. In the time it takes to drag them together a decision is reached - there is no way that the Imperial heroes will be able to lead these orcs to safety along the same route they took to get here. The plan will need to change. It is risky but it seems the best of the available bad plans is to run west, into Bonewall, and trust the orcs of Otkodov to hold to their alliance with the Empire. The Karass have a different proposal. The Druj will ''expect'' them to go west, or to retrace their steps. There is another option. It is dangerous - incredibly so - but if it works it will allow them to escape the Mallum. Instead of going for the nearest safety, they head ''south'' through [[Forest of Ulnak#Shifting Basin\|Shifting Basin]] to the river and from there to [[The_Barrens#Saltmarsh\|Saltmarsh]]. Instead of trying to bypass the Mallum forces no doubt regrouping to fight the Thule along the Bonewall, they avoid the fighting by pressing through land the Druj believe uncontested.

	The flaws are obvious, but the worst is that the refugees would still need to cross the Nameless River at a point where nobody is expecting them to try. The Karass try to argue that messengers could be sent, and boats be waiting, but in the end it simply makes no sense. The Shifting Basin contains one of the largest Druj settlements in the Forest of Ulnak, for a start. The Rivers Run Red bear down on everyone in Ulnak, and the idea of transporting four hundred tired slaves through trackless marshes when any injury might fester and become incapacitating. It isn't said out loud, but these new plan also involves giving the Karass a level of trust nobody is comfortable with.		The flaws are obvious, but the worst is that the refugees would still need to cross the Nameless River at a point where nobody is expecting them to try. The Karass try to argue that messengers could be sent, and boats be waiting, but in the end it simply makes no sense. The Shifting Basin contains one of the largest Druj settlements in the Forest of Ulnak, for a start. The Rivers Run Red bear down on everyone in Ulnak, and the idea of transporting four hundred tired slaves through trackless marshes when any injury might fester and become incapacitating is unpopular. It isn't said out loud, but these new plan also involves giving the Karass a level of trust nobody is comfortable with.

	Westward it is, then. The Karass are clearly unhappy, but they are not in charge here. Nothing is ever simple of course; the Great Forest Orcs are no less traumatised than those rescued from the Grove of Woe. Sickness and infection become a constant threat, and without the medical supplies and expertise of those who risked everything to be here the death toll would surely mount higher and higher. There is nowhere near enough time to collect enough provisions and supplies, with the threat of Cassad Úln literally looming on the horizon.		Westward it is, then. The Karass are clearly unhappy, but they are not in charge here. Nothing is ever simple of course; the Great Forest Orcs are no less traumatised than those rescued from the Grove of Woe. Sickness and infection become a constant threat, and without the medical supplies and expertise of those who risked everything to be here the death toll would surely mount higher and higher. There is nowhere near enough time to collect enough provisions and supplies, with the threat of Cassad Úln literally looming on the horizon.

Vsabo: /* Sacred Grove */

2026-09-07T11:30:14Z

Sacred Grove

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:30, 7 September 2026
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	The commander of the camp - a [[Druj_champion#Het\|het]] in armour of black plate - holds an iron torch, already burning. He is flanked by three witches - three [[Druj lore#Ghulai\|ghulai]] - and as the Imperial heroes break through the stakes surrounding the sprawling encampment he steps closer to the awful pyre. Before he lights it, though, he turns to address the trespassers, to mock them for their failure, to invite them to witness the immolation of -		The commander of the camp - a [[Druj_champion#Het\|het]] in armour of black plate - holds an iron torch, already burning. He is flanked by three witches - three [[Druj lore#Ghulai\|ghulai]] - and as the Imperial heroes break through the stakes surrounding the sprawling encampment he steps closer to the awful pyre. Before he lights it, though, he turns to address the trespassers, to mock them for their failure, to invite them to witness the immolation of -

	It's not clear if the arrow that finds his throat, the chink in his armour, is fired by Unshackled or Navarr, but it does the same job regardless. The Het ~~toppled~~ backward, silenced, the brand falling from his suddenly numb hand. One of the witches stoops to pick it up, but another half-dozen arrows strike him before he can do so, sending him sprawling. Sorcerers are even easier to kill with a hail of arrows than het are.		It's not clear if the arrow that finds his throat, the chink in his armour, is fired by Unshackled or Navarr, but it does the same job regardless. The Het topples backward, silenced, the brand falling from his suddenly numb hand. One of the witches stoops to pick it up, but another half-dozen arrows strike him before he can do so, sending him sprawling. Sorcerers are even easier to kill with a hail of arrows than het are.

	One of the other two ghulai chants a word and raises their staff over their head, and unleashes a terrible spell that causes everyone in front of them - Druj and Imperial alike - to be wrapped in invisible chains that hold them immobile. The chains do nothing to stop the arrows, however, and ultimately simply allow the raiders to kill the het's guards before they can recover from the paralysis.		One of the other two ghulai chants a word and raises their staff over their head, and unleashes a terrible spell that causes everyone in front of them - Druj and Imperial alike - to be wrapped in invisible chains that hold them immobile. The chains do nothing to stop the arrows, however, and ultimately simply allow the raiders to kill the het's guards before they can recover from the paralysis.
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	Chaos, death, blood, fire. As the last of the Druj are mopped up, those free to do so tear into the wooden trees and free those trapped inside. There is no time to waste, none at all. The defenders of Ulnak are coming and the Druj know they are here. The element of surprise is gone, and there is so far a distance to cover it seems impossible. There's little time to spend in explanations - ten minutes to grab provisions and possessions, to raid the Druj supply tents, and then they have to leave.		Chaos, death, blood, fire. As the last of the Druj are mopped up, those free to do so tear into the wooden trees and free those trapped inside. There is no time to waste, none at all. The defenders of Ulnak are coming and the Druj know they are here. The element of surprise is gone, and there is so far a distance to cover it seems impossible. There's little time to spend in explanations - ten minutes to grab provisions and possessions, to raid the Druj supply tents, and then they have to leave.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Gralm.png\|title=Rune: Gralm\|caption=We all come to the crossroads eventually.\|align=right}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Gralm.png\|title=Rune: Gralm\|caption=We all come to the crossroads eventually.\|align=right}}

	==The Plan Changes==		==The Plan Changes==
	Terrified, but desperate to survive, the freed orcs are gathered and the exodus begins. In the time it takes to drag them together a decision is reached - there is no way that the Imperial heroes will be able to lead these orcs to safety along the same route they took to get here. The plan will need to change. It is risky but it seems the best of the available bad plans is to run west, into Bonewall, and trust the orcs of Otkodov to hold to their alliance with the Empire. The Karass have a different proposal. The Druj will ''expect'' them to go west, or to retrace their steps. There is another option. It is dangerous - incredibly so - but if it works it will allow them to escape the Mallum. Instead of going for the nearest safety, they head ''south'' through [[Forest of Ulnak#Shifting Basin\|Shifting Basin]] to the river and from there to [[The_Barrens#Saltmarsh\|Saltmarsh]]. Instead of trying to bypass the Mallum forces no doubt regrouping to fight the Thule along the Bonewall, they avoid the fighting by pressing through land the Druj believe uncontested.		Terrified, but desperate to survive, the freed orcs are gathered and the exodus begins. In the time it takes to drag them together a decision is reached - there is no way that the Imperial heroes will be able to lead these orcs to safety along the same route they took to get here. The plan will need to change. It is risky but it seems the best of the available bad plans is to run west, into Bonewall, and trust the orcs of Otkodov to hold to their alliance with the Empire. The Karass have a different proposal. The Druj will ''expect'' them to go west, or to retrace their steps. There is another option. It is dangerous - incredibly so - but if it works it will allow them to escape the Mallum. Instead of going for the nearest safety, they head ''south'' through [[Forest of Ulnak#Shifting Basin\|Shifting Basin]] to the river and from there to [[The_Barrens#Saltmarsh\|Saltmarsh]]. Instead of trying to bypass the Mallum forces no doubt regrouping to fight the Thule along the Bonewall, they avoid the fighting by pressing through land the Druj believe uncontested.