Blood-red blooms - Revision history

Twiggy at 21:26, 14 March 2026

2026-03-14T21:26:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:26, 14 March 2026
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	<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;">		<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;">
	<quote by="Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer, General of the Argent Sword">Heralds of the Autumn realm, now is our time! The virtue and loyalty of the Blackthorns and the Pilgrims patience will bolster our numbers, but that is not where we shine… The Grendel have taken our land and taken our riches - but we are the true masters of greed! Make Callidus proud! Let the Grendel fear us like the farmer fears a plague of locusts. Rob them, starve them. Root out their supply lines, find their caches of riches - Leave nothing behind. Take back our land and take everything the Grendel have. The Grendel think war is business - How Quaint! Let us show them that war is industry.</quote>		<quote by="Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer, General of the Argent Sword">Heralds of the Autumn realm, now is our time! The virtue and loyalty of the Blackthorns and the Pilgrims patience will bolster our numbers, but that is not where we shine… The Grendel have taken our land and taken our riches - but we are the true masters of greed! Make Callidus proud! Let the Grendel fear us like the farmer fears a plague of locusts. Rob them, starve them. Root out their supply lines, find their caches of riches - Leave nothing behind. Take back our land and take everything the Grendel have. The Grendel think war is business - How Quaint! Let us show them that war is industry.</quote>
	<quote by="Cadwell Waystone, General of the Black Thorns">Blackthorns, I know your pain. To see our home in Therunin fall to the sway of the ~~Vallorn~~. However, we have fought this war for 1000 years. We need allies. The people of Urizen call for aid and their calls will not fall on deaf ears, not while I still draw breath. We move to redoubt, to fight for Elos, Redoubt and the Empire. We remember the sacrifice of the fist of the mountain. A Hero has a name, and his name is Umarth. Eilian Sweetwater hides in the light house that was. I will not abandon our kin, find them.</quote>		<quote by="Cadwell Waystone, General of the Black Thorns">Blackthorns, I know your pain. To see our home in Therunin fall to the sway of the vallorn. However, we have fought this war for 1000 years. We need allies. The people of Urizen call for aid and their calls will not fall on deaf ears, not while I still draw breath. We move to redoubt, to fight for Elos, Redoubt and the Empire. We remember the sacrifice of the fist of the mountain. A Hero has a name, and his name is Umarth. Eilian Sweetwater hides in the light house that was. I will not abandon our kin, find them.</quote>
	<quote by="Nathaniel of the Woodwych harts, General of the Pilgrim's Defiance">We strive forth in Loyalty and solidarity with our siblings from Navarr and Urizen. Not to fight the ~~Vallorn~~, but to lend our strength and virtue to the Urizen of Redoubt. We shall be the Bulwark that defies any Grendel advance. We shall inspire and lead with our courage and vigilance. Our virtue will stand, redoubt will stand.</quote>		<quote by="Nathaniel of the Woodwych harts, General of the Pilgrim's Defiance">We strive forth in Loyalty and solidarity with our siblings from Navarr and Urizen. Not to fight the vallorn, but to lend our strength and virtue to the Urizen of Redoubt. We shall be the Bulwark that defies any Grendel advance. We shall inspire and lead with our courage and vigilance. Our virtue will stand, redoubt will stand.</quote>
	</div>		</div>
	<div style="float:left; width: 200px; clear: left;">[[File:FistoftheMountains_Colour.png\|link=Fist of the Mountains]]</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 200px; clear: left;">[[File:FistoftheMountains_Colour.png\|link=Fist of the Mountains]]</div>

Twiggy at 14:35, 3 March 2026

2026-03-03T14:35:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:35, 3 March 2026
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	<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Red water lily flower.jpg\|caption=In Urizen, red flowers represent Courage.\|align=left\|width=500}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Red water lily flower.jpg\|caption=In Urizen, red flowers represent Courage.\|align=left\|width=500}}</div>
	==In the Footsteps of the Dead==		==In the Footsteps of the Dead==
			{{#ev:youtube\|link={{{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRaU3_pShVA}}}\|300\|right}}
	The [[Fist of the Mountains]] broke themselves to preserve the spires of Elos. Denying the Grendel a ruinous weapon of the Spring realm looted from the fallen Temple of Tempest Jade, the orcs of the Broken Shore must adjust their strategy. Perhaps they initially intended a hit-and-run, looting Elos and leaving the port shattered to demonstrate again their arrogant belief that they are the masters of the Bay of Catazar. Perhaps they always intended to seize the coast of Redoubt; perhaps their hungry gaze is turned inland to where the [[Brilliant Star]] lies in the foothills of [[Redoubt#Tomari\|Tomari]]. The [[Fake_empire#The_Salt_Lords_Council\|Salt Lords]] of the Grendel have an insatiable lust for [[mithril]], after all.		The [[Fist of the Mountains]] broke themselves to preserve the spires of Elos. Denying the Grendel a ruinous weapon of the Spring realm looted from the fallen Temple of Tempest Jade, the orcs of the Broken Shore must adjust their strategy. Perhaps they initially intended a hit-and-run, looting Elos and leaving the port shattered to demonstrate again their arrogant belief that they are the masters of the Bay of Catazar. Perhaps they always intended to seize the coast of Redoubt; perhaps their hungry gaze is turned inland to where the [[Brilliant Star]] lies in the foothills of [[Redoubt#Tomari\|Tomari]]. The [[Fake_empire#The_Salt_Lords_Council\|Salt Lords]] of the Grendel have an insatiable lust for [[mithril]], after all.

Twiggy at 22:17, 1 March 2026

2026-03-01T22:17:02Z

Dre at 10:07, 13 February 2026

2026-02-13T10:07:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:07, 13 February 2026
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	Imperial troops and their magical allies march south, to engage the invaders bent on claiming Siluri. The Grendel are already well on their way to seizing the region, and its wealth. There are spires aplenty on the slopes of the mountain that gives the region its name, and along the Couros to the east; rich mines of [[tempest jade]] and [[weltsilver]]; the pilgrim's way that leads to the [[Adelmar_the_Lion#The_Shrine_of_the_Armsmaster\|Shrine of the Armsmaster]]; and perhaps most relevantly the central [[heliopticon]] tower for the Redoubt network. If that is captured, it has significant implications for the people of Redoubt, especially the [[Doyen of the Spires]]. And, of course, from Siluri it is barely a stone's throw to the rich city of Cargo...		Imperial troops and their magical allies march south, to engage the invaders bent on claiming Siluri. The Grendel are already well on their way to seizing the region, and its wealth. There are spires aplenty on the slopes of the mountain that gives the region its name, and along the Couros to the east; rich mines of [[tempest jade]] and [[weltsilver]]; the pilgrim's way that leads to the [[Adelmar_the_Lion#The_Shrine_of_the_Armsmaster\|Shrine of the Armsmaster]]; and perhaps most relevantly the central [[heliopticon]] tower for the Redoubt network. If that is captured, it has significant implications for the people of Redoubt, especially the [[Doyen of the Spires]]. And, of course, from Siluri it is barely a stone's throw to the rich city of Cargo...

	The Grendel armies are clearly expecting some response from the Empire. Scouts from both sides quickly begin assessing the other sides' strength and position, and begin to manoeuvre their forces to seek advantage. On the second night after the Imperial forces enter Siluri along the road from Cargo, there is a rumbling thunderstorm during which no rain falls. The next morning, the sun rises over a [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|grand citadel of ice and blue stone]] perched on the side of Mount Siluri. From ~~it's~~ gates issue a cohort of one-eyed giants armed with vicious hooked polearms. Their castellan is a stout giantess in a cloak of [[Legendary_beasts#Mandowla\|mandowla]] feathers who offers the hospitality of the keep to the Pilgrim's Defiance. At the same time, a bastion of white stone with high fluted towers rises in the hills near Tabulous in [[Redoubt#Tomari\|Tomari]]. Warbands of squat, bandy-legged goblin-kind armoured in silver metal and pale fur with whitewood shortbows come to fight alongside the Black Thorns. The heralds of Autumn, then, are joined by the warriors of Summer. Both sides studiously ignore one another as much as possible.		The Grendel armies are clearly expecting some response from the Empire. Scouts from both sides quickly begin assessing the other sides' strength and position, and begin to manoeuvre their forces to seek advantage. On the second night after the Imperial forces enter Siluri along the road from Cargo, there is a rumbling thunderstorm during which no rain falls. The next morning, the sun rises over a [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|grand citadel of ice and blue stone]] perched on the side of Mount Siluri. From its gates issue a cohort of one-eyed giants armed with vicious hooked polearms. Their castellan is a stout giantess in a cloak of [[Legendary_beasts#Mandowla\|mandowla]] feathers who offers the hospitality of the keep to the Pilgrim's Defiance. At the same time, a bastion of white stone with high fluted towers rises in the hills near Tabulous in [[Redoubt#Tomari\|Tomari]]. Warbands of squat, bandy-legged goblin-kind armoured in silver metal and pale fur with whitewood shortbows come to fight alongside the Black Thorns. The heralds of Autumn, then, are joined by the warriors of Summer. Both sides studiously ignore one another as much as possible.

	More powerful defensive magic; enough to give the Grendel pause indeed. But what do they expect? They are invading ''Urizen'', after all, and the pre-eminent magicians in the Empire and perhaps even the Known World do not sit at home lamenting when they can wield the power of the First Pillar to shape the world to their will.		More powerful defensive magic; enough to give the Grendel pause indeed. But what do they expect? They are invading ''Urizen'', after all, and the pre-eminent magicians in the Empire and perhaps even the Known World do not sit at home lamenting when they can wield the power of the First Pillar to shape the world to their will.

Twiggy at 17:06, 12 February 2026

2026-02-12T17:06:28Z

Twiggy at 17:04, 12 February 2026

2026-02-12T17:04:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:04, 12 February 2026
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	The [[Fist of the Mountains]] broke themselves to preserve the spires of Elos. Denying the Grendel a ruinous weapon of the Spring Realm looted from the fallen Temple of Tempest Jade, the orcs of the Broken Shore must adjust their strategy. Perhaps they initially intended a hit-and-run, looting Elos and leaving the port shattered to demonstrate again their arrogant belief that they are the masters of the Bay of Catazar. Perhaps they always intended to seize the coast of Redoubt; perhaps their hungry gaze is turned inland to where the [[Brilliant Star]] lies in the foothills of [[Redoubt#Tomari\|Tomari]]. The [[Fake_empire#The_Salt_Lords_Council\|Salt Lords]] of the Grendel have an insatiable lust for [[mithril]], after all.		The [[Fist of the Mountains]] broke themselves to preserve the spires of Elos. Denying the Grendel a ruinous weapon of the Spring Realm looted from the fallen Temple of Tempest Jade, the orcs of the Broken Shore must adjust their strategy. Perhaps they initially intended a hit-and-run, looting Elos and leaving the port shattered to demonstrate again their arrogant belief that they are the masters of the Bay of Catazar. Perhaps they always intended to seize the coast of Redoubt; perhaps their hungry gaze is turned inland to where the [[Brilliant Star]] lies in the foothills of [[Redoubt#Tomari\|Tomari]]. The [[Fake_empire#The_Salt_Lords_Council\|Salt Lords]] of the Grendel have an insatiable lust for [[mithril]], after all.

	There are three armies here - the Black Eels, the Bone ~~Nautilius~~, and the Hamsin. The Black Eels, as is their wont, take every opportunity to strip the valuables from the people of Urizen whose spires they breach. The other two armies are more interested in land and conquest for all that they come [[Army orders#Cautious Advance\|cautiously]], carefully. Perhaps they do not wish to risk the kind of unexpected confrontation that wrecked their plans last season.		There are three armies here - the Black Eels, the Bone Nautilus, and the Hamsin. The Black Eels, as is their wont, take every opportunity to strip the valuables from the people of Urizen whose spires they breach. The other two armies are more interested in land and conquest for all that they come [[Army orders#Cautious Advance\|cautiously]], carefully. Perhaps they do not wish to risk the kind of unexpected confrontation that wrecked their plans last season.

	They are [[Navy_orders#Naval_Support\|supported]] by an armada of [[navy\|swift-moving warships]] with red, and green, and blue, and yellow sails. The Shamal, the Simoon, the Tempest, and the Golden Winds These three armies are surely some of the best provisioned and well supported armies anywhere along the Bay of Catazar. Valuable as that support is, however, it can only do so much. It is the armies of the Broken Shore that must face the anger of the Empire, not the Grendel secure at sea on their fine warships.		They are [[Navy_orders#Naval_Support\|supported]] by an armada of [[navy\|swift-moving warships]] with red, and green, and blue, and yellow sails. The Shamal, the Simoon, the Tempest, and the Golden Winds These three armies are surely some of the best provisioned and well supported armies anywhere along the Bay of Catazar. Valuable as that support is, however, it can only do so much. It is the armies of the Broken Shore that must face the anger of the Empire, not the Grendel secure at sea on their fine warships.

Hailmur at 16:57, 12 February 2026

2026-02-12T16:57:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:57, 12 February 2026
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	The Grendel armies are clearly expecting some response from the Empire. Scouts from both sides quickly begin assessing the other sides' strength and position, and begin to manoeuvre their forces to seek advantage. On the second night after the Imperial forces enter Siluri along the road from Cargo, there is a rumbling thunderstorm during which no rain falls. The next morning, the sun rises over a [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|grand citadel of ice and blue stone]] perched on the side of Mount Siluri. From it's gates issue a cohort of one-eyed giants armed with vicious hooked polearms. Their castellan is a stout giantess in a cloak of [[Legendary_beasts#Mandowla\|mandowla]] feathers who offers the hospitality of the keep to the Pilgrim's Defiance. At the same time, a bastion of white stone with high fluted towers rises in the hills near Tabulous in [[Redoubt#Tomari\|Tomari]]. Warbands of squat, bandy-legged goblin-kind armoured in silver metal and pale fur with whitewood shortbows come to fight alongside the Black Thorns. The heralds of Autumn, then, are joined by the warriors of Summer. Both sides studiously ignore one another as much as possible.		The Grendel armies are clearly expecting some response from the Empire. Scouts from both sides quickly begin assessing the other sides' strength and position, and begin to manoeuvre their forces to seek advantage. On the second night after the Imperial forces enter Siluri along the road from Cargo, there is a rumbling thunderstorm during which no rain falls. The next morning, the sun rises over a [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|grand citadel of ice and blue stone]] perched on the side of Mount Siluri. From it's gates issue a cohort of one-eyed giants armed with vicious hooked polearms. Their castellan is a stout giantess in a cloak of [[Legendary_beasts#Mandowla\|mandowla]] feathers who offers the hospitality of the keep to the Pilgrim's Defiance. At the same time, a bastion of white stone with high fluted towers rises in the hills near Tabulous in [[Redoubt#Tomari\|Tomari]]. Warbands of squat, bandy-legged goblin-kind armoured in silver metal and pale fur with whitewood shortbows come to fight alongside the Black Thorns. The heralds of Autumn, then, are joined by the warriors of Summer. Both sides studiously ignore one another as much as possible.

	More powerful defensive magic; enough to give the Grendel pause indeed. But what do they expect? They are invading ''Urizen'', after all, and the pre-eminent magicians in the Empire and perhaps even the Known World do not sit at home lamenting when they can wield the power of the ~~Fist~~ Pillar to shape the world to their will.		More powerful defensive magic; enough to give the Grendel pause indeed. But what do they expect? They are invading ''Urizen'', after all, and the pre-eminent magicians in the Empire and perhaps even the Known World do not sit at home lamenting when they can wield the power of the First Pillar to shape the world to their will.
	<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;">		<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;">
	<quote by="Beagh Seosam, General of the Black Eels">Weltsilver and tempest jade and mithril and ilium are fine and all, but there are richer prizes yet to be found in the libraries of Siluri and Tomari. Take it all, and let the buyers decide where the value lies.</quote>		<quote by="Beagh Seosam, General of the Black Eels">Weltsilver and tempest jade and mithril and ilium are fine and all, but there are richer prizes yet to be found in the libraries of Siluri and Tomari. Take it all, and let the buyers decide where the value lies.</quote>

Hailmur at 16:08, 12 February 2026

2026-02-12T16:08:54Z

Show changes

Noserenda at 15:57, 12 February 2026

2026-02-12T15:57:48Z

Hailmur at 14:58, 12 February 2026

2026-02-12T14:58:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:58, 12 February 2026
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	==In the Footsteps of the Dead==		==In the Footsteps of the Dead==
	The [[Fist of the Mountains]] broke themselves to preserve the spires of Elos. Denying the Grendel a ruinous weapon of the Spring Realm looted from the fallen Temple of Tempest Jade, the orcs of the Broken Shore must adjust their strategy. Perhaps they initially intended a hit-and-run, looting Elos and leaving the port shattered to demonstrate again their arrogant belief that they are the masters of the Bay of Catazar. Perhaps they always intended to seize the coast of Redoubt; perhaps their hungry gaze is turned inland to where the [[Brilliant Star]] lies in the foothills of [[Redoubt#Tomari\|Tomari]]. The [[Fake_empire#The_Salt_Lords_Council\|Salt Lords]] of the Grendel have an insatiable lust for [[mithril]], after all.		The [[Fist of the Mountains]] broke themselves to preserve the spires of Elos. Denying the Grendel a ruinous weapon of the Spring Realm looted from the fallen Temple of Tempest Jade, the orcs of the Broken Shore must adjust their strategy. Perhaps they initially intended a hit-and-run, looting Elos and leaving the port shattered to demonstrate again their arrogant belief that they are the masters of the Bay of Catazar. Perhaps they always intended to seize the coast of Redoubt; perhaps their hungry gaze is turned inland to where the [[Brilliant Star]] lies in the foothills of [[Redoubt#Tomari\|Tomari]]. The [[Fake_empire#The_Salt_Lords_Council\|Salt Lords]] of the Grendel have an insatiable lust for [[mithril]], after all.
	~~<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=FistoftheMountains_Colour.png\|align=right\|width=200}}</div>~~
	There are three armies here - the Black Eels, the Bone Nautilius, and the Hamsin. The Black Eels, as is their wont, take every opportunity to strip the valuables from the people of Urizen whose spires they breach. The other two armies are more interested in land and conquest for all that they come [[Army orders#Cautious Advance\|cautiously]], carefully. Perhaps they do not wish to risk the kind of unexpected confrontation that wrecked their plans last season.		There are three armies here - the Black Eels, the Bone Nautilius, and the Hamsin. The Black Eels, as is their wont, take every opportunity to strip the valuables from the people of Urizen whose spires they breach. The other two armies are more interested in land and conquest for all that they come [[Army orders#Cautious Advance\|cautiously]], carefully. Perhaps they do not wish to risk the kind of unexpected confrontation that wrecked their plans last season.

	They are [[Navy_orders#Naval_Support\|supported]] by an armada of [[navy\|swift-moving warships]] with red, and green, and blue, and yellow sails. The Shamal, the Simoon, the Tempest, and the Golden Winds These three armies are surely some of the best provisioned and well supported armies anywhere along the Bay of Catazar. Valuable as that support is, however, it can only do so much. It is the armies of the Broken Shore that must face the anger of the Empire, not the Grendel secure at sea on their fine warships.		They are [[Navy_orders#Naval_Support\|supported]] by an armada of [[navy\|swift-moving warships]] with red, and green, and blue, and yellow sails. The Shamal, the Simoon, the Tempest, and the Golden Winds These three armies are surely some of the best provisioned and well supported armies anywhere along the Bay of Catazar. Valuable as that support is, however, it can only do so much. It is the armies of the Broken Shore that must face the anger of the Empire, not the Grendel secure at sea on their fine warships.
	<div style="~~float:right;~~ width: ~~600px; clear: left;~~"><quote by="Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer, General of the Argent Sword">Heralds of the Autumn Realm, now is our time! The virtue and loyalty of the Blackthorns and the Pilgrims patiance will bolster our numbers, but that is not where we shine… The grendel have taken our land and taken our riches - but we are the true masters of greed! Make callidus proud! Let the Grendel fear us like the farmer fears a plague of locusts. Rob them, starve them. Root out their supply lines, find their caches of riches - Leave nothing behind. Take back our land and take everything the Grendel have. The Grendel think war is business - How Quaint! Let us show them that war is industry.</quote~~></div~~>		<div style="width: 100%">
	~~<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;">~~<quote by="Cadwell Waystone, General of the Black Thorns">Blackthorns, I know your pain. To see our home in Therunin fall to the sway of the Vallorn. However, we have fought this war for 1000 years. We need allies. The people of Urizen call for aid and their calls will not fall on deaf ears, not while I still draw breath. We move to redoubt, to fight for Elos, Redoubt and the Empire. We remember the sacrifice of the fist of the mountain. A Hero has a name, and his name is Umarth. Eillian Sweetwater hides in the light house that was. I will not abandon our kin, find them.</quote~~></div~~>		{{div col\|colwidth=25em}}
	~~<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;">~~<quote by="Nathaniel of the Woodwych harts, General of the Pilgrim's Defiance">We strive forth in Loyalty and solidarity with our siblings from Navarr and Urizen. Not to fight the Vallorn, but to lend our strength and virtue to the Urizen of Redoubt. We shall be the Bulwark that defies any Grendel advance. We shall inspire and lead with our courage and vigilance. Our virtue will stand, redoubt will stand.</quote></div>		<quote by="Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer, General of the Argent Sword">Heralds of the Autumn Realm, now is our time! The virtue and loyalty of the Blackthorns and the Pilgrims patiance will bolster our numbers, but that is not where we shine… The grendel have taken our land and taken our riches - but we are the true masters of greed! Make callidus proud! Let the Grendel fear us like the farmer fears a plague of locusts. Rob them, starve them. Root out their supply lines, find their caches of riches - Leave nothing behind. Take back our land and take everything the Grendel have. The Grendel think war is business - How Quaint! Let us show them that war is industry.</quote>
			<quote by="Cadwell Waystone, General of the Black Thorns">Blackthorns, I know your pain. To see our home in Therunin fall to the sway of the Vallorn. However, we have fought this war for 1000 years. We need allies. The people of Urizen call for aid and their calls will not fall on deaf ears, not while I still draw breath. We move to redoubt, to fight for Elos, Redoubt and the Empire. We remember the sacrifice of the fist of the mountain. A Hero has a name, and his name is Umarth. Eillian Sweetwater hides in the light house that was. I will not abandon our kin, find them.</quote>
			<quote by="Nathaniel of the Woodwych harts, General of the Pilgrim's Defiance">We strive forth in Loyalty and solidarity with our siblings from Navarr and Urizen. Not to fight the Vallorn, but to lend our strength and virtue to the Urizen of Redoubt. We shall be the Bulwark that defies any Grendel advance. We shall inspire and lead with our courage and vigilance. Our virtue will stand, redoubt will stand.</quote>
			</div></div>
			<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">[[File:FistoftheMountains_Colour.png\|link=Fist of the Mountains]]</div>
	==Sword, Spear, Staff==		==Sword, Spear, Staff==
	The Fist of the Mountains faced the entire Grendel onslaught alone. The shadow of their heroism hangs over Redoubt, over the Imperial armies who come now to fight the barbarians. The [[Black Thorns]] out of [[Astolat]] march to join up with two new armies; the [[Argent Sword]] fresh from their part in securing [[Even darkness must pass\|victory]] against the [[Druj]] in [[Zenith]], and the untested [[Pilgrim's Defiance]] only recently mustered in Casinea. Untested - but filled with zeal and virtue as only the [[Highguard\|Highborn]] are. An army of [[Grey pilgrim\|Grey pilgrims]] raised to fight the [[vallorn]], eager to temper their virtue in the tempest of war.		The Fist of the Mountains faced the entire Grendel onslaught alone. The shadow of their heroism hangs over Redoubt, over the Imperial armies who come now to fight the barbarians. The [[Black Thorns]] out of [[Astolat]] march to join up with two new armies; the [[Argent Sword]] fresh from their part in securing [[Even darkness must pass\|victory]] against the [[Druj]] in [[Zenith]], and the untested [[Pilgrim's Defiance]] only recently mustered in Casinea. Untested - but filled with zeal and virtue as only the [[Highguard\|Highborn]] are. An army of [[Grey pilgrim\|Grey pilgrims]] raised to fight the [[vallorn]], eager to temper their virtue in the tempest of war.
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	The Thorns and the Pilgrims move steadily, cautiously, careful to avoid whatever trap the Grendel are preparing. The Argent Sword are less concerned about the danger, focused as they are on claiming the valuables the Grendel have seized, and the [[Magic_items#Weapons\|forged weapons]], and [[Magic_items#Armour\|fine armour]], and [[Magic_items#Talisman\|practical talismans]] they have brought with them. They are creatures of Autumn, after all, and there are no brokers of the [[Ephisis\|City of Gold and Lead]] to gainsay their raiding.		The Thorns and the Pilgrims move steadily, cautiously, careful to avoid whatever trap the Grendel are preparing. The Argent Sword are less concerned about the danger, focused as they are on claiming the valuables the Grendel have seized, and the [[Magic_items#Weapons\|forged weapons]], and [[Magic_items#Armour\|fine armour]], and [[Magic_items#Talisman\|practical talismans]] they have brought with them. They are creatures of Autumn, after all, and there are no brokers of the [[Ephisis\|City of Gold and Lead]] to gainsay their raiding.
	<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">~~{{CaptionedImage\|file=~~ArgentSword_Colour.png\|~~align~~=~~right\|width=200}}~~		<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">
	~~{{CaptionedImage\|file=~~BlackThorns_Colour.png\|~~align~~=~~right~~\|~~width=200}}~~</div>		[[File:ArgentSword_Colour.png\|link=387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Argent Sword]]
			[[File:BlackThorns_Colour.png\|link=387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Black Thorns\|]]
			</div>
	As the armies begin to move, the magic of [[Spring magic\|Spring]] floods through Rebout. It sparkles in the streams and pools, and in the rain that falls. It nestles in every water-bottle and skin. The [[Rivers of Life]] flow through the hills, mountains, and valleys. Only fatal injuries will not be healed by this potent magic; those who survive a battle no matter how greivious their wounds will rise again refreshed the next morning. Most of the Empire's soldiers welcome the healing power but the heralds of Autumn mutter and grumble about it among themselves. They cast suspicious glances towards the clouds, and complain that the waters spread rust and verdigris and the taint of uncreation. If there is a real downside to the magic, it is that as with all such magic it is indiscriminate; healing the virtuous and the unvirtous alike.		As the armies begin to move, the magic of [[Spring magic\|Spring]] floods through Rebout. It sparkles in the streams and pools, and in the rain that falls. It nestles in every water-bottle and skin. The [[Rivers of Life]] flow through the hills, mountains, and valleys. Only fatal injuries will not be healed by this potent magic; those who survive a battle no matter how greivious their wounds will rise again refreshed the next morning. Most of the Empire's soldiers welcome the healing power but the heralds of Autumn mutter and grumble about it among themselves. They cast suspicious glances towards the clouds, and complain that the waters spread rust and verdigris and the taint of uncreation. If there is a real downside to the magic, it is that as with all such magic it is indiscriminate; healing the virtuous and the unvirtous alike.

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	It is clear however that as well as more traditional wealth, the Black Eels are targeting the magical libraries of Urizen. Bands of thieves and raiders follow in the wake of the more disciplined armies, and fall on those spires that the Grendel capture. They are eager to clear the shelves - they seem to have little appreciation of what they are stealing knowing only that the magicians and scholars of Attar will pay well for these tomes and scrolls. Some are captured back by the Argent Sword; many more disappear south toward the waiting ships. There are rumours that ''Faireoir, Seer of the Sky and Diviner of Ophis'', the well-connected Grendel magician who helped lead the attempted looting of the Lyceum, has been "advising" some of the Black Eels thieves.		It is clear however that as well as more traditional wealth, the Black Eels are targeting the magical libraries of Urizen. Bands of thieves and raiders follow in the wake of the more disciplined armies, and fall on those spires that the Grendel capture. They are eager to clear the shelves - they seem to have little appreciation of what they are stealing knowing only that the magicians and scholars of Attar will pay well for these tomes and scrolls. Some are captured back by the Argent Sword; many more disappear south toward the waiting ships. There are rumours that ''Faireoir, Seer of the Sky and Diviner of Ophis'', the well-connected Grendel magician who helped lead the attempted looting of the Lyceum, has been "advising" some of the Black Eels thieves.
	<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Clytemnestra.jpg\|align=left\|caption=Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer, General of the Argent Sword\|width=200}}		<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Clytemnestra.jpg\|align=left\|caption='''Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer''', General of the Argent Sword\|width=200}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Nathaniel of the Woodwych Harts.jpg\|caption='''Nathaniel of the Woodwych Harts''', General of the Pilgrim's Defiance\|align=left\|width=200}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Nathaniel of the Woodwych Harts.jpg\|caption='''Nathaniel of the Woodwych Harts''', General of the Pilgrim's Defiance\|align=left\|width=200}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Cadwell Waystone.png\|caption='''Cadwell Waystone''', General of the Black Thorns\|align=right\|width=200}}</div>		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Cadwell Waystone.png\|caption='''Cadwell Waystone''', General of the Black Thorns\|align=right\|width=200}}</div>

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:04, 12 February 2026
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	The [[Fist of the Mountains]] broke themselves to preserve the spires of Elos. Denying the Grendel a ruinous weapon of the Spring Realm looted from the fallen Temple of Tempest Jade, the orcs of the Broken Shore must adjust their strategy. Perhaps they initially intended a hit-and-run, looting Elos and leaving the port shattered to demonstrate again their arrogant belief that they are the masters of the Bay of Catazar. Perhaps they always intended to seize the coast of Redoubt; perhaps their hungry gaze is turned inland to where the [[Brilliant Star]] lies in the foothills of [[Redoubt#Tomari\|Tomari]]. The [[Fake_empire#The_Salt_Lords_Council\|Salt Lords]] of the Grendel have an insatiable lust for [[mithril]], after all.		The [[Fist of the Mountains]] broke themselves to preserve the spires of Elos. Denying the Grendel a ruinous weapon of the Spring Realm looted from the fallen Temple of Tempest Jade, the orcs of the Broken Shore must adjust their strategy. Perhaps they initially intended a hit-and-run, looting Elos and leaving the port shattered to demonstrate again their arrogant belief that they are the masters of the Bay of Catazar. Perhaps they always intended to seize the coast of Redoubt; perhaps their hungry gaze is turned inland to where the [[Brilliant Star]] lies in the foothills of [[Redoubt#Tomari\|Tomari]]. The [[Fake_empire#The_Salt_Lords_Council\|Salt Lords]] of the Grendel have an insatiable lust for [[mithril]], after all.

	There are three armies here - the Black Eels, the Bone ~~Nautilius~~, and the Hamsin. The Black Eels, as is their wont, take every opportunity to strip the valuables from the people of Urizen whose spires they breach. The other two armies are more interested in land and conquest for all that they come [[Army orders#Cautious Advance\|cautiously]], carefully. Perhaps they do not wish to risk the kind of unexpected confrontation that wrecked their plans last season.		There are three armies here - the Black Eels, the Bone Nautilus, and the Hamsin. The Black Eels, as is their wont, take every opportunity to strip the valuables from the people of Urizen whose spires they breach. The other two armies are more interested in land and conquest for all that they come [[Army orders#Cautious Advance\|cautiously]], carefully. Perhaps they do not wish to risk the kind of unexpected confrontation that wrecked their plans last season.

	They are [[Navy_orders#Naval_Support\|supported]] by an armada of [[navy\|swift-moving warships]] with red, and green, and blue, and yellow sails. The Shamal, the Simoon, the Tempest, and the Golden Winds These three armies are surely some of the best provisioned and well supported armies anywhere along the Bay of Catazar. Valuable as that support is, however, it can only do so much. It is the armies of the Broken Shore that must face the anger of the Empire, not the Grendel secure at sea on their fine warships.		They are [[Navy_orders#Naval_Support\|supported]] by an armada of [[navy\|swift-moving warships]] with red, and green, and blue, and yellow sails. The Shamal, the Simoon, the Tempest, and the Golden Winds These three armies are surely some of the best provisioned and well supported armies anywhere along the Bay of Catazar. Valuable as that support is, however, it can only do so much. It is the armies of the Broken Shore that must face the anger of the Empire, not the Grendel secure at sea on their fine warships.

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:58, 12 February 2026
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	==In the Footsteps of the Dead==		==In the Footsteps of the Dead==
	The [[Fist of the Mountains]] broke themselves to preserve the spires of Elos. Denying the Grendel a ruinous weapon of the Spring Realm looted from the fallen Temple of Tempest Jade, the orcs of the Broken Shore must adjust their strategy. Perhaps they initially intended a hit-and-run, looting Elos and leaving the port shattered to demonstrate again their arrogant belief that they are the masters of the Bay of Catazar. Perhaps they always intended to seize the coast of Redoubt; perhaps their hungry gaze is turned inland to where the [[Brilliant Star]] lies in the foothills of [[Redoubt#Tomari\|Tomari]]. The [[Fake_empire#The_Salt_Lords_Council\|Salt Lords]] of the Grendel have an insatiable lust for [[mithril]], after all.		The [[Fist of the Mountains]] broke themselves to preserve the spires of Elos. Denying the Grendel a ruinous weapon of the Spring Realm looted from the fallen Temple of Tempest Jade, the orcs of the Broken Shore must adjust their strategy. Perhaps they initially intended a hit-and-run, looting Elos and leaving the port shattered to demonstrate again their arrogant belief that they are the masters of the Bay of Catazar. Perhaps they always intended to seize the coast of Redoubt; perhaps their hungry gaze is turned inland to where the [[Brilliant Star]] lies in the foothills of [[Redoubt#Tomari\|Tomari]]. The [[Fake_empire#The_Salt_Lords_Council\|Salt Lords]] of the Grendel have an insatiable lust for [[mithril]], after all.
	~~<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=FistoftheMountains_Colour.png\|align=right\|width=200}}</div>~~
	There are three armies here - the Black Eels, the Bone Nautilius, and the Hamsin. The Black Eels, as is their wont, take every opportunity to strip the valuables from the people of Urizen whose spires they breach. The other two armies are more interested in land and conquest for all that they come [[Army orders#Cautious Advance\|cautiously]], carefully. Perhaps they do not wish to risk the kind of unexpected confrontation that wrecked their plans last season.		There are three armies here - the Black Eels, the Bone Nautilius, and the Hamsin. The Black Eels, as is their wont, take every opportunity to strip the valuables from the people of Urizen whose spires they breach. The other two armies are more interested in land and conquest for all that they come [[Army orders#Cautious Advance\|cautiously]], carefully. Perhaps they do not wish to risk the kind of unexpected confrontation that wrecked their plans last season.

	They are [[Navy_orders#Naval_Support\|supported]] by an armada of [[navy\|swift-moving warships]] with red, and green, and blue, and yellow sails. The Shamal, the Simoon, the Tempest, and the Golden Winds These three armies are surely some of the best provisioned and well supported armies anywhere along the Bay of Catazar. Valuable as that support is, however, it can only do so much. It is the armies of the Broken Shore that must face the anger of the Empire, not the Grendel secure at sea on their fine warships.		They are [[Navy_orders#Naval_Support\|supported]] by an armada of [[navy\|swift-moving warships]] with red, and green, and blue, and yellow sails. The Shamal, the Simoon, the Tempest, and the Golden Winds These three armies are surely some of the best provisioned and well supported armies anywhere along the Bay of Catazar. Valuable as that support is, however, it can only do so much. It is the armies of the Broken Shore that must face the anger of the Empire, not the Grendel secure at sea on their fine warships.
	<div style="~~float:right;~~ width: ~~600px; clear: left;~~"><quote by="Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer, General of the Argent Sword">Heralds of the Autumn Realm, now is our time! The virtue and loyalty of the Blackthorns and the Pilgrims patiance will bolster our numbers, but that is not where we shine… The grendel have taken our land and taken our riches - but we are the true masters of greed! Make callidus proud! Let the Grendel fear us like the farmer fears a plague of locusts. Rob them, starve them. Root out their supply lines, find their caches of riches - Leave nothing behind. Take back our land and take everything the Grendel have. The Grendel think war is business - How Quaint! Let us show them that war is industry.</quote~~></div~~>		<div style="width: 100%">
	~~<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;">~~<quote by="Cadwell Waystone, General of the Black Thorns">Blackthorns, I know your pain. To see our home in Therunin fall to the sway of the Vallorn. However, we have fought this war for 1000 years. We need allies. The people of Urizen call for aid and their calls will not fall on deaf ears, not while I still draw breath. We move to redoubt, to fight for Elos, Redoubt and the Empire. We remember the sacrifice of the fist of the mountain. A Hero has a name, and his name is Umarth. Eillian Sweetwater hides in the light house that was. I will not abandon our kin, find them.</quote~~></div~~>		{{div col\|colwidth=25em}}
	~~<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;">~~<quote by="Nathaniel of the Woodwych harts, General of the Pilgrim's Defiance">We strive forth in Loyalty and solidarity with our siblings from Navarr and Urizen. Not to fight the Vallorn, but to lend our strength and virtue to the Urizen of Redoubt. We shall be the Bulwark that defies any Grendel advance. We shall inspire and lead with our courage and vigilance. Our virtue will stand, redoubt will stand.</quote></div>		<quote by="Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer, General of the Argent Sword">Heralds of the Autumn Realm, now is our time! The virtue and loyalty of the Blackthorns and the Pilgrims patiance will bolster our numbers, but that is not where we shine… The grendel have taken our land and taken our riches - but we are the true masters of greed! Make callidus proud! Let the Grendel fear us like the farmer fears a plague of locusts. Rob them, starve them. Root out their supply lines, find their caches of riches - Leave nothing behind. Take back our land and take everything the Grendel have. The Grendel think war is business - How Quaint! Let us show them that war is industry.</quote>
			<quote by="Cadwell Waystone, General of the Black Thorns">Blackthorns, I know your pain. To see our home in Therunin fall to the sway of the Vallorn. However, we have fought this war for 1000 years. We need allies. The people of Urizen call for aid and their calls will not fall on deaf ears, not while I still draw breath. We move to redoubt, to fight for Elos, Redoubt and the Empire. We remember the sacrifice of the fist of the mountain. A Hero has a name, and his name is Umarth. Eillian Sweetwater hides in the light house that was. I will not abandon our kin, find them.</quote>
			<quote by="Nathaniel of the Woodwych harts, General of the Pilgrim's Defiance">We strive forth in Loyalty and solidarity with our siblings from Navarr and Urizen. Not to fight the Vallorn, but to lend our strength and virtue to the Urizen of Redoubt. We shall be the Bulwark that defies any Grendel advance. We shall inspire and lead with our courage and vigilance. Our virtue will stand, redoubt will stand.</quote>
			</div></div>
			<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">[[File:FistoftheMountains_Colour.png\|link=Fist of the Mountains]]</div>
	==Sword, Spear, Staff==		==Sword, Spear, Staff==
	The Fist of the Mountains faced the entire Grendel onslaught alone. The shadow of their heroism hangs over Redoubt, over the Imperial armies who come now to fight the barbarians. The [[Black Thorns]] out of [[Astolat]] march to join up with two new armies; the [[Argent Sword]] fresh from their part in securing [[Even darkness must pass\|victory]] against the [[Druj]] in [[Zenith]], and the untested [[Pilgrim's Defiance]] only recently mustered in Casinea. Untested - but filled with zeal and virtue as only the [[Highguard\|Highborn]] are. An army of [[Grey pilgrim\|Grey pilgrims]] raised to fight the [[vallorn]], eager to temper their virtue in the tempest of war.		The Fist of the Mountains faced the entire Grendel onslaught alone. The shadow of their heroism hangs over Redoubt, over the Imperial armies who come now to fight the barbarians. The [[Black Thorns]] out of [[Astolat]] march to join up with two new armies; the [[Argent Sword]] fresh from their part in securing [[Even darkness must pass\|victory]] against the [[Druj]] in [[Zenith]], and the untested [[Pilgrim's Defiance]] only recently mustered in Casinea. Untested - but filled with zeal and virtue as only the [[Highguard\|Highborn]] are. An army of [[Grey pilgrim\|Grey pilgrims]] raised to fight the [[vallorn]], eager to temper their virtue in the tempest of war.
Line 19:		Line 22:

	The Thorns and the Pilgrims move steadily, cautiously, careful to avoid whatever trap the Grendel are preparing. The Argent Sword are less concerned about the danger, focused as they are on claiming the valuables the Grendel have seized, and the [[Magic_items#Weapons\|forged weapons]], and [[Magic_items#Armour\|fine armour]], and [[Magic_items#Talisman\|practical talismans]] they have brought with them. They are creatures of Autumn, after all, and there are no brokers of the [[Ephisis\|City of Gold and Lead]] to gainsay their raiding.		The Thorns and the Pilgrims move steadily, cautiously, careful to avoid whatever trap the Grendel are preparing. The Argent Sword are less concerned about the danger, focused as they are on claiming the valuables the Grendel have seized, and the [[Magic_items#Weapons\|forged weapons]], and [[Magic_items#Armour\|fine armour]], and [[Magic_items#Talisman\|practical talismans]] they have brought with them. They are creatures of Autumn, after all, and there are no brokers of the [[Ephisis\|City of Gold and Lead]] to gainsay their raiding.
	<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">~~{{CaptionedImage\|file=~~ArgentSword_Colour.png\|~~align~~=~~right\|width=200}}~~		<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">
	~~{{CaptionedImage\|file=~~BlackThorns_Colour.png\|~~align~~=~~right~~\|~~width=200}}~~</div>		[[File:ArgentSword_Colour.png\|link=387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Argent Sword]]
			[[File:BlackThorns_Colour.png\|link=387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Black Thorns\|]]
			</div>
	As the armies begin to move, the magic of [[Spring magic\|Spring]] floods through Rebout. It sparkles in the streams and pools, and in the rain that falls. It nestles in every water-bottle and skin. The [[Rivers of Life]] flow through the hills, mountains, and valleys. Only fatal injuries will not be healed by this potent magic; those who survive a battle no matter how greivious their wounds will rise again refreshed the next morning. Most of the Empire's soldiers welcome the healing power but the heralds of Autumn mutter and grumble about it among themselves. They cast suspicious glances towards the clouds, and complain that the waters spread rust and verdigris and the taint of uncreation. If there is a real downside to the magic, it is that as with all such magic it is indiscriminate; healing the virtuous and the unvirtous alike.		As the armies begin to move, the magic of [[Spring magic\|Spring]] floods through Rebout. It sparkles in the streams and pools, and in the rain that falls. It nestles in every water-bottle and skin. The [[Rivers of Life]] flow through the hills, mountains, and valleys. Only fatal injuries will not be healed by this potent magic; those who survive a battle no matter how greivious their wounds will rise again refreshed the next morning. Most of the Empire's soldiers welcome the healing power but the heralds of Autumn mutter and grumble about it among themselves. They cast suspicious glances towards the clouds, and complain that the waters spread rust and verdigris and the taint of uncreation. If there is a real downside to the magic, it is that as with all such magic it is indiscriminate; healing the virtuous and the unvirtous alike.

Line 35:		Line 40:

	It is clear however that as well as more traditional wealth, the Black Eels are targeting the magical libraries of Urizen. Bands of thieves and raiders follow in the wake of the more disciplined armies, and fall on those spires that the Grendel capture. They are eager to clear the shelves - they seem to have little appreciation of what they are stealing knowing only that the magicians and scholars of Attar will pay well for these tomes and scrolls. Some are captured back by the Argent Sword; many more disappear south toward the waiting ships. There are rumours that ''Faireoir, Seer of the Sky and Diviner of Ophis'', the well-connected Grendel magician who helped lead the attempted looting of the Lyceum, has been "advising" some of the Black Eels thieves.		It is clear however that as well as more traditional wealth, the Black Eels are targeting the magical libraries of Urizen. Bands of thieves and raiders follow in the wake of the more disciplined armies, and fall on those spires that the Grendel capture. They are eager to clear the shelves - they seem to have little appreciation of what they are stealing knowing only that the magicians and scholars of Attar will pay well for these tomes and scrolls. Some are captured back by the Argent Sword; many more disappear south toward the waiting ships. There are rumours that ''Faireoir, Seer of the Sky and Diviner of Ophis'', the well-connected Grendel magician who helped lead the attempted looting of the Lyceum, has been "advising" some of the Black Eels thieves.
	<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Clytemnestra.jpg\|align=left\|caption=Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer, General of the Argent Sword\|width=200}}		<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Clytemnestra.jpg\|align=left\|caption='''Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer''', General of the Argent Sword\|width=200}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Nathaniel of the Woodwych Harts.jpg\|caption='''Nathaniel of the Woodwych Harts''', General of the Pilgrim's Defiance\|align=left\|width=200}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Nathaniel of the Woodwych Harts.jpg\|caption='''Nathaniel of the Woodwych Harts''', General of the Pilgrim's Defiance\|align=left\|width=200}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Cadwell Waystone.png\|caption='''Cadwell Waystone''', General of the Black Thorns\|align=right\|width=200}}</div>		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Cadwell Waystone.png\|caption='''Cadwell Waystone''', General of the Black Thorns\|align=right\|width=200}}</div>

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:17, 1 March 2026
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	<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Red water lily flower.jpg\|caption=In Urizen, red flowers represent Courage.\|align=left\|width=500}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Red water lily flower.jpg\|caption=In Urizen, red flowers represent Courage.\|align=left\|width=500}}</div>
	==In the Footsteps of the Dead==		==In the Footsteps of the Dead==
	The [[Fist of the Mountains]] broke themselves to preserve the spires of Elos. Denying the Grendel a ruinous weapon of the Spring ~~Realm~~ looted from the fallen Temple of Tempest Jade, the orcs of the Broken Shore must adjust their strategy. Perhaps they initially intended a hit-and-run, looting Elos and leaving the port shattered to demonstrate again their arrogant belief that they are the masters of the Bay of Catazar. Perhaps they always intended to seize the coast of Redoubt; perhaps their hungry gaze is turned inland to where the [[Brilliant Star]] lies in the foothills of [[Redoubt#Tomari\|Tomari]]. The [[Fake_empire#The_Salt_Lords_Council\|Salt Lords]] of the Grendel have an insatiable lust for [[mithril]], after all.		The [[Fist of the Mountains]] broke themselves to preserve the spires of Elos. Denying the Grendel a ruinous weapon of the Spring realm looted from the fallen Temple of Tempest Jade, the orcs of the Broken Shore must adjust their strategy. Perhaps they initially intended a hit-and-run, looting Elos and leaving the port shattered to demonstrate again their arrogant belief that they are the masters of the Bay of Catazar. Perhaps they always intended to seize the coast of Redoubt; perhaps their hungry gaze is turned inland to where the [[Brilliant Star]] lies in the foothills of [[Redoubt#Tomari\|Tomari]]. The [[Fake_empire#The_Salt_Lords_Council\|Salt Lords]] of the Grendel have an insatiable lust for [[mithril]], after all.

	There are three armies here - the Black Eels, the Bone Nautilus, and the Hamsin. The Black Eels, as is their wont, take every opportunity to strip the valuables from the people of Urizen whose spires they breach. The other two armies are more interested in land and conquest for all that they come [[Army orders#Cautious Advance\|cautiously]], carefully. Perhaps they do not wish to risk the kind of unexpected confrontation that wrecked their plans last season.		There are three armies here - the Black Eels, the Bone Nautilus, and the Hamsin. The Black Eels, as is their wont, take every opportunity to strip the valuables from the people of Urizen whose spires they breach. The other two armies are more interested in land and conquest for all that they come [[Army orders#Cautious Advance\|cautiously]], carefully. Perhaps they do not wish to risk the kind of unexpected confrontation that wrecked their plans last season.
Line 8:		Line 8:
	They are [[Navy_orders#Naval_Support\|supported]] by an armada of [[navy\|swift-moving warships]] with red, and green, and blue, and yellow sails. The Shamal, the Simoon, the Tempest, and the Golden Winds These three armies are surely some of the best provisioned and well supported armies anywhere along the Bay of Catazar. Valuable as that support is, however, it can only do so much. It is the armies of the Broken Shore that must face the anger of the Empire, not the Grendel secure at sea on their fine warships.		They are [[Navy_orders#Naval_Support\|supported]] by an armada of [[navy\|swift-moving warships]] with red, and green, and blue, and yellow sails. The Shamal, the Simoon, the Tempest, and the Golden Winds These three armies are surely some of the best provisioned and well supported armies anywhere along the Bay of Catazar. Valuable as that support is, however, it can only do so much. It is the armies of the Broken Shore that must face the anger of the Empire, not the Grendel secure at sea on their fine warships.
	<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;">		<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;">
	<quote by="Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer, General of the Argent Sword">Heralds of the Autumn ~~Realm~~, now is our time! The virtue and loyalty of the Blackthorns and the Pilgrims patience will bolster our numbers, but that is not where we shine… The Grendel have taken our land and taken our riches - but we are the true masters of greed! Make Callidus proud! Let the Grendel fear us like the farmer fears a plague of locusts. Rob them, starve them. Root out their supply lines, find their caches of riches - Leave nothing behind. Take back our land and take everything the Grendel have. The Grendel think war is business - How Quaint! Let us show them that war is industry.</quote>		<quote by="Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer, General of the Argent Sword">Heralds of the Autumn realm, now is our time! The virtue and loyalty of the Blackthorns and the Pilgrims patience will bolster our numbers, but that is not where we shine… The Grendel have taken our land and taken our riches - but we are the true masters of greed! Make Callidus proud! Let the Grendel fear us like the farmer fears a plague of locusts. Rob them, starve them. Root out their supply lines, find their caches of riches - Leave nothing behind. Take back our land and take everything the Grendel have. The Grendel think war is business - How Quaint! Let us show them that war is industry.</quote>
	<quote by="Cadwell Waystone, General of the Black Thorns">Blackthorns, I know your pain. To see our home in Therunin fall to the sway of the Vallorn. However, we have fought this war for 1000 years. We need allies. The people of Urizen call for aid and their calls will not fall on deaf ears, not while I still draw breath. We move to redoubt, to fight for Elos, Redoubt and the Empire. We remember the sacrifice of the fist of the mountain. A Hero has a name, and his name is Umarth. Eilian Sweetwater hides in the light house that was. I will not abandon our kin, find them.</quote>		<quote by="Cadwell Waystone, General of the Black Thorns">Blackthorns, I know your pain. To see our home in Therunin fall to the sway of the Vallorn. However, we have fought this war for 1000 years. We need allies. The people of Urizen call for aid and their calls will not fall on deaf ears, not while I still draw breath. We move to redoubt, to fight for Elos, Redoubt and the Empire. We remember the sacrifice of the fist of the mountain. A Hero has a name, and his name is Umarth. Eilian Sweetwater hides in the light house that was. I will not abandon our kin, find them.</quote>
	<quote by="Nathaniel of the Woodwych harts, General of the Pilgrim's Defiance">We strive forth in Loyalty and solidarity with our siblings from Navarr and Urizen. Not to fight the Vallorn, but to lend our strength and virtue to the Urizen of Redoubt. We shall be the Bulwark that defies any Grendel advance. We shall inspire and lead with our courage and vigilance. Our virtue will stand, redoubt will stand.</quote>		<quote by="Nathaniel of the Woodwych harts, General of the Pilgrim's Defiance">We strive forth in Loyalty and solidarity with our siblings from Navarr and Urizen. Not to fight the Vallorn, but to lend our strength and virtue to the Urizen of Redoubt. We shall be the Bulwark that defies any Grendel advance. We shall inspire and lead with our courage and vigilance. Our virtue will stand, redoubt will stand.</quote>
Line 37:		Line 37:
	<quote by="Neeve, General of the Hamsin">The foothills of Mount Siluri represent opportunity for those audacious enough to seize it! Fight alongside our western allies, and show them what the scions of Rucraic do to the wizards of the north!</quote></div>		<quote by="Neeve, General of the Hamsin">The foothills of Mount Siluri represent opportunity for those audacious enough to seize it! Fight alongside our western allies, and show them what the scions of Rucraic do to the wizards of the north!</quote></div>
	==An Argument of Blades==		==An Argument of Blades==
	The majority of both Grendel and Imperial forces have adopted more defensive strategies even as one strives to conquer Redoubt and the other works to drive them out. The Black Eels and the Argent Sword have very different plans. Both are focused on [[Army qualities#Foraging#plunder\|plunder]] first and foremost. For the invaders, it is theft pure and simple, as they seek to divest the spires of Urizen of as much wealth as possible. The heralds of the Autumn ~~Realm~~ are more interested in recovering what has already been stolen (although they are not shy about keeping a portion of that recovered wealth; a finder's fee if you will).		The majority of both Grendel and Imperial forces have adopted more defensive strategies even as one strives to conquer Redoubt and the other works to drive them out. The Black Eels and the Argent Sword have very different plans. Both are focused on [[Army qualities#Foraging#plunder\|plunder]] first and foremost. For the invaders, it is theft pure and simple, as they seek to divest the spires of Urizen of as much wealth as possible. The heralds of the Autumn realm are more interested in recovering what has already been stolen (although they are not shy about keeping a portion of that recovered wealth; a finder's fee if you will).

	It is clear however that as well as more traditional wealth, the Black Eels are targeting the magical libraries of Urizen. Bands of thieves and raiders follow in the wake of the more disciplined armies, and fall on those spires that the Grendel capture. They are eager to clear the shelves - they seem to have little appreciation of what they are stealing knowing only that the magicians and scholars of Attar will pay well for these tomes and scrolls. Some are captured back by the Argent Sword; many more disappear south toward the waiting ships. There are rumours that ''Faireoir, Seer of the Sky and Diviner of Ophis'', the well-connected Grendel magician who helped lead the attempted looting of the Lyceum, has been "advising" some of the Black Eels thieves.		It is clear however that as well as more traditional wealth, the Black Eels are targeting the magical libraries of Urizen. Bands of thieves and raiders follow in the wake of the more disciplined armies, and fall on those spires that the Grendel capture. They are eager to clear the shelves - they seem to have little appreciation of what they are stealing knowing only that the magicians and scholars of Attar will pay well for these tomes and scrolls. Some are captured back by the Argent Sword; many more disappear south toward the waiting ships. There are rumours that ''Faireoir, Seer of the Sky and Diviner of Ophis'', the well-connected Grendel magician who helped lead the attempted looting of the Lyceum, has been "advising" some of the Black Eels thieves.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:06, 12 February 2026
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	They are [[Navy_orders#Naval_Support\|supported]] by an armada of [[navy\|swift-moving warships]] with red, and green, and blue, and yellow sails. The Shamal, the Simoon, the Tempest, and the Golden Winds These three armies are surely some of the best provisioned and well supported armies anywhere along the Bay of Catazar. Valuable as that support is, however, it can only do so much. It is the armies of the Broken Shore that must face the anger of the Empire, not the Grendel secure at sea on their fine warships.		They are [[Navy_orders#Naval_Support\|supported]] by an armada of [[navy\|swift-moving warships]] with red, and green, and blue, and yellow sails. The Shamal, the Simoon, the Tempest, and the Golden Winds These three armies are surely some of the best provisioned and well supported armies anywhere along the Bay of Catazar. Valuable as that support is, however, it can only do so much. It is the armies of the Broken Shore that must face the anger of the Empire, not the Grendel secure at sea on their fine warships.
	<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;">		<div style="float:right; width: 600px; clear: left;">
	<quote by="Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer, General of the Argent Sword">Heralds of the Autumn Realm, now is our time! The virtue and loyalty of the Blackthorns and the Pilgrims ~~patiance~~ will bolster our numbers, but that is not where we shine… The ~~grendel~~ have taken our land and taken our riches - but we are the true masters of greed! Make ~~callidus~~ proud! Let the Grendel fear us like the farmer fears a plague of locusts. Rob them, starve them. Root out their supply lines, find their caches of riches - Leave nothing behind. Take back our land and take everything the Grendel have. The Grendel think war is business - How Quaint! Let us show them that war is industry.</quote>		<quote by="Clytemnestra of the House of the Wanderer, General of the Argent Sword">Heralds of the Autumn Realm, now is our time! The virtue and loyalty of the Blackthorns and the Pilgrims patience will bolster our numbers, but that is not where we shine… The Grendel have taken our land and taken our riches - but we are the true masters of greed! Make Callidus proud! Let the Grendel fear us like the farmer fears a plague of locusts. Rob them, starve them. Root out their supply lines, find their caches of riches - Leave nothing behind. Take back our land and take everything the Grendel have. The Grendel think war is business - How Quaint! Let us show them that war is industry.</quote>
	<quote by="Cadwell Waystone, General of the Black Thorns">Blackthorns, I know your pain. To see our home in Therunin fall to the sway of the Vallorn. However, we have fought this war for 1000 years. We need allies. The people of Urizen call for aid and their calls will not fall on deaf ears, not while I still draw breath. We move to redoubt, to fight for Elos, Redoubt and the Empire. We remember the sacrifice of the fist of the mountain. A Hero has a name, and his name is Umarth. ~~Eillian~~ Sweetwater hides in the light house that was. I will not abandon our kin, find them.</quote>		<quote by="Cadwell Waystone, General of the Black Thorns">Blackthorns, I know your pain. To see our home in Therunin fall to the sway of the Vallorn. However, we have fought this war for 1000 years. We need allies. The people of Urizen call for aid and their calls will not fall on deaf ears, not while I still draw breath. We move to redoubt, to fight for Elos, Redoubt and the Empire. We remember the sacrifice of the fist of the mountain. A Hero has a name, and his name is Umarth. Eilian Sweetwater hides in the light house that was. I will not abandon our kin, find them.</quote>
	<quote by="Nathaniel of the Woodwych harts, General of the Pilgrim's Defiance">We strive forth in Loyalty and solidarity with our siblings from Navarr and Urizen. Not to fight the Vallorn, but to lend our strength and virtue to the Urizen of Redoubt. We shall be the Bulwark that defies any Grendel advance. We shall inspire and lead with our courage and vigilance. Our virtue will stand, redoubt will stand.</quote>		<quote by="Nathaniel of the Woodwych harts, General of the Pilgrim's Defiance">We strive forth in Loyalty and solidarity with our siblings from Navarr and Urizen. Not to fight the Vallorn, but to lend our strength and virtue to the Urizen of Redoubt. We shall be the Bulwark that defies any Grendel advance. We shall inspire and lead with our courage and vigilance. Our virtue will stand, redoubt will stand.</quote>
	</div>		</div>
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	The Thorns and the Pilgrims move steadily, cautiously, careful to avoid whatever trap the Grendel are preparing. The Argent Sword are less concerned about the danger, focused as they are on claiming the valuables the Grendel have seized, and the [[Magic_items#Weapons\|forged weapons]], and [[Magic_items#Armour\|fine armour]], and [[Magic_items#Talisman\|practical talismans]] they have brought with them. They are creatures of Autumn, after all, and there are no brokers of the [[Ephisis\|City of Gold and Lead]] to gainsay their raiding.		The Thorns and the Pilgrims move steadily, cautiously, careful to avoid whatever trap the Grendel are preparing. The Argent Sword are less concerned about the danger, focused as they are on claiming the valuables the Grendel have seized, and the [[Magic_items#Weapons\|forged weapons]], and [[Magic_items#Armour\|fine armour]], and [[Magic_items#Talisman\|practical talismans]] they have brought with them. They are creatures of Autumn, after all, and there are no brokers of the [[Ephisis\|City of Gold and Lead]] to gainsay their raiding.

	As the armies begin to move, the magic of [[Spring magic\|Spring]] floods through ~~Rebout~~. It sparkles in the streams and pools, and in the rain that falls. It nestles in every water-bottle and skin. The [[Rivers of Life]] flow through the hills, mountains, and valleys. Only fatal injuries will not be healed by this potent magic; those who survive a battle no matter how grievous their wounds will rise again refreshed the next morning. Most of the Empire's soldiers welcome the healing power but the heralds of Autumn mutter and grumble about it among themselves. They cast suspicious glances towards the clouds, and complain that the waters spread rust and verdigris and the taint of uncreation. If there is a real downside to the magic, it is that as with all such magic it is indiscriminate; healing the virtuous and the ~~unvirtous~~ alike.		As the armies begin to move, the magic of [[Spring magic\|Spring]] floods through Redout. It sparkles in the streams and pools, and in the rain that falls. It nestles in every water-bottle and skin. The [[Rivers of Life]] flow through the hills, mountains, and valleys. Only fatal injuries will not be healed by this potent magic; those who survive a battle no matter how grievous their wounds will rise again refreshed the next morning. Most of the Empire's soldiers welcome the healing power but the heralds of Autumn mutter and grumble about it among themselves. They cast suspicious glances towards the clouds, and complain that the waters spread rust and verdigris and the taint of uncreation. If there is a real downside to the magic, it is that as with all such magic it is indiscriminate; healing the virtuous and the unvirtuous alike.

	==Flowers in the Snow==		==Flowers in the Snow==
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	The clash is furious, and the sides reasonably well-matched. What the Grendel lack in magic, they more than make up for with the support of their navies and their Asavean allies. In the end, the Imperial armies slow their advance, but cannot prevent them claiming Mount Siluri, and after that the entire region. The last battle takes place before the walls of the ''Keep of Azure Ice''; the frozen citadel holds for three days but in the end the orcs of the Broken Shore and the mercenaries of the west are able to breach the gate and seize the castle. After that, the writing is on the walls. The Imperial armies are forced to retreat back into Limus, towards Cargo.		The clash is furious, and the sides reasonably well-matched. What the Grendel lack in magic, they more than make up for with the support of their navies and their Asavean allies. In the end, the Imperial armies slow their advance, but cannot prevent them claiming Mount Siluri, and after that the entire region. The last battle takes place before the walls of the ''Keep of Azure Ice''; the frozen citadel holds for three days but in the end the orcs of the Broken Shore and the mercenaries of the west are able to breach the gate and seize the castle. After that, the writing is on the walls. The Imperial armies are forced to retreat back into Limus, towards Cargo.

	The Imperial armies are bruised, but by no means bowed. Their retreat is orderly, controlled, disciplined. They take up positions in the hills around Cargo, bracing for another Grendel assault... which does not come. The invaders harry them as they withdraw, but do little more than probe the defences of the north-western ~~hils~~. They seem content to secure their control of Siluri. They are clearly not prepared to risk beginning a siege of the well-defended walls of Cargo - built by an alliance of four nations - at least not yet. At the same time, there is a Grendel embassy in Cargo. For all that it has only a skeletal staff, it is almost inconceivable that that staff is not engaged in espionage against their hosts. Does the embassy pose a threat to the safety of Redoubt? Is the reason the Grendel are not yet pushing further north that they are waiting for some signal from the merchant-city?		The Imperial armies are bruised, but by no means bowed. Their retreat is orderly, controlled, disciplined. They take up positions in the hills around Cargo, bracing for another Grendel assault... which does not come. The invaders harry them as they withdraw, but do little more than probe the defences of the north-western hills. They seem content to secure their control of Siluri. They are clearly not prepared to risk beginning a siege of the well-defended walls of Cargo - built by an alliance of four nations - at least not yet. At the same time, there is a Grendel embassy in Cargo. For all that it has only a skeletal staff, it is almost inconceivable that that staff is not engaged in espionage against their hosts. Does the embassy pose a threat to the safety of Redoubt? Is the reason the Grendel are not yet pushing further north that they are waiting for some signal from the merchant-city?

	There has been loss of life on both sides but it is a fraction of what it might have been without a combination of Spring magic and the cautious strategies employed. While Imperial and Grendel alike lost roughly the same number of troops, it is notable to the Imperial observers that the armies of the Grendel have been disproportionately weakened. The navies of the Attar offer support, but they are not at risk. The brunt of the fighting is endured by the Bone Nautilus and the Hamsin, while the Grendel admirals remain safely in the south.		There has been loss of life on both sides but it is a fraction of what it might have been without a combination of Spring magic and the cautious strategies employed. While Imperial and Grendel alike lost roughly the same number of troops, it is notable to the Imperial observers that the armies of the Grendel have been disproportionately weakened. The navies of the Attar offer support, but they are not at risk. The brunt of the fighting is endured by the Bone Nautilus and the Hamsin, while the Grendel admirals remain safely in the south.
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	* '''The Tower of Light and Shadow has been seriously damaged'''		* '''The Tower of Light and Shadow has been seriously damaged'''
	* '''The Winter husks unleashed after the fall of the Fist of the Mountain are being contained by the Grendel'''		* '''The Winter husks unleashed after the fall of the Fist of the Mountain are being contained by the Grendel'''
	Grendel forces now control both ~~Silrui~~ and Naris. A combination of cautious tactics on the part of the Grendel, the Empire's armies, and especially Imperial [[enchantment\|enchantments]] prevented them from making even more significant gains. Without the Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae in Tomari, for example, it is entirely possible the Black Eels might have claimed a quarter of Tomari and been well on their way to capturing the [[Brilliant Star]].		Grendel forces now control both Siluri and Naris. A combination of cautious tactics on the part of the Grendel, the Empire's armies, and especially Imperial [[enchantment\|enchantments]] prevented them from making even more significant gains. Without the Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae in Tomari, for example, it is entirely possible the Black Eels might have claimed a quarter of Tomari and been well on their way to capturing the [[Brilliant Star]].

	The Asavean allies of the Grendel ~~amongthe~~ Sempronia have provided white granite and expertise to construct makeshift defences around the port of Elos. These defences function in the same way as those that might be created by a force with the [[Army_qualities#Engineer\|Engineer]] [[Army qualities\|quality]] taking the ''Dig In'' order. They will be in place following the Winter Solstice, increasing the number of victory points needed to capture the Naris region by 10. This temporary fort will last until the start of the Summer Solstice, assuming that further effort is not expended to maintain or improve it... and assuming nobody interferes with the construction.		The Asavean allies of the Grendel among the Sempronia have provided white granite and expertise to construct makeshift defences around the port of Elos. These defences function in the same way as those that might be created by a force with the [[Army_qualities#Engineer\|Engineer]] [[Army qualities\|quality]] taking the ''Dig In'' order. They will be in place following the Winter Solstice, increasing the number of victory points needed to capture the Naris region by 10. This temporary fort will last until the start of the Summer Solstice, assuming that further effort is not expended to maintain or improve it... and assuming nobody interferes with the construction.

	The loss of Siluri means that Redoubt's central [[heliopticon]] tower is in the hands of the Grendel, which has significant implications for the spires of Redoubt. While communication between spires is still possible, until this tower is liberated from the Grendel the ability of the [[Doyen of the Spires]] to [[Doyen_of_the_Spires#A_People_United\|codify ritual texts]] will be reduced by 5 magnitude each season.		The loss of Siluri means that Redoubt's central [[heliopticon]] tower is in the hands of the Grendel, which has significant implications for the spires of Redoubt. While communication between spires is still possible, until this tower is liberated from the Grendel the ability of the [[Doyen of the Spires]] to [[Doyen_of_the_Spires#A_People_United\|codify ritual texts]] will be reduced by 5 magnitude each season.

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:57, 12 February 2026
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	[[File:BlackThorns_Colour.png\|link=387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Black Thorns\|]]		[[File:BlackThorns_Colour.png\|link=387YE_Autumn_Equinox_Military_Council_orders#Black Thorns\|]]
	</div>		</div>
	As the armies begin to move, the magic of [[Spring magic\|Spring]] floods through Rebout. It sparkles in the streams and pools, and in the rain that falls. It nestles in every water-bottle and skin. The [[Rivers of Life]] flow through the hills, mountains, and valleys. Only fatal injuries will not be healed by this potent magic; those who survive a battle no matter how ~~greivious~~ their wounds will rise again refreshed the next morning. Most of the Empire's soldiers welcome the healing power but the heralds of Autumn mutter and grumble about it among themselves. They cast suspicious glances towards the clouds, and complain that the waters spread rust and verdigris and the taint of uncreation. If there is a real downside to the magic, it is that as with all such magic it is indiscriminate; healing the virtuous and the unvirtous alike.		As the armies begin to move, the magic of [[Spring magic\|Spring]] floods through Rebout. It sparkles in the streams and pools, and in the rain that falls. It nestles in every water-bottle and skin. The [[Rivers of Life]] flow through the hills, mountains, and valleys. Only fatal injuries will not be healed by this potent magic; those who survive a battle no matter how grievous their wounds will rise again refreshed the next morning. Most of the Empire's soldiers welcome the healing power but the heralds of Autumn mutter and grumble about it among themselves. They cast suspicious glances towards the clouds, and complain that the waters spread rust and verdigris and the taint of uncreation. If there is a real downside to the magic, it is that as with all such magic it is indiscriminate; healing the virtuous and the unvirtous alike.

	==Flowers in the Snow==		==Flowers in the Snow==
	Imperial troops and their magical allies march south, to engage the invaders bent on claiming Siluri. The Grendel are already well on their way to seizing the region, and its wealth. There are spires aplenty on the slopes of the mountain that gives the region its name, and along the Couros to the east; rich mines of [[tempest jade]] and [[weltsilver]]; the pilgrim's way that leads to the [[Adelmar_the_Lion#The_Shrine_of_the_Armsmaster\|Shrine of the Armsmaster]]; and perhaps most relevantly the central [[heliopticon]] tower for the Redoubt network. If that is captured, it has significant implications for the people of Redoubt, especially the [[Doyen of the Spires]]. And, of course, from Siluri it is barely a stone's throw to the rich city of Cargo...		Imperial troops and their magical allies march south, to engage the invaders bent on claiming Siluri. The Grendel are already well on their way to seizing the region, and its wealth. There are spires aplenty on the slopes of the mountain that gives the region its name, and along the Couros to the east; rich mines of [[tempest jade]] and [[weltsilver]]; the pilgrim's way that leads to the [[Adelmar_the_Lion#The_Shrine_of_the_Armsmaster\|Shrine of the Armsmaster]]; and perhaps most relevantly the central [[heliopticon]] tower for the Redoubt network. If that is captured, it has significant implications for the people of Redoubt, especially the [[Doyen of the Spires]]. And, of course, from Siluri it is barely a stone's throw to the rich city of Cargo...

	The Grendel armies are clearly expecting some response from the Empire. Scouts from both sides quickly begin assessing the other sides' strength and position, and begin to ~~maneuver~~ their forces to seek advantage. On the second night after the Imperial forces enter Siluri along the road from Cargo, there is a rumbling thunderstorm during which no rain falls. The next morning, the sun rises over a [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|grand citadel of ice and blue stone]] perched on the side of Mount Siluri. From it's gates issue a cohort of one-eyed giants armed with vicious hooked polearms. Their castellan is a stout giantess in a cloak of [[Legendary_beasts#Mandowla\|mandowla]] feathers who offers the hospitality of the keep to the Pilgrim's Defiance. At the same time, a bastion of white stone with high fluted towers rises in the hills near Tabulous in [[Redoubt#Tomari\|Tomari]]. Warbands of squat, bandy-legged goblin-kind armoured in silver metal and pale fur with whitewood shortbows come to fight alongside the Black Thorns. The heralds of Autumn, then, are joined by the warriors of Summer. Both sides studiously ignore one another as much as possible.		The Grendel armies are clearly expecting some response from the Empire. Scouts from both sides quickly begin assessing the other sides' strength and position, and begin to manoeuvre their forces to seek advantage. On the second night after the Imperial forces enter Siluri along the road from Cargo, there is a rumbling thunderstorm during which no rain falls. The next morning, the sun rises over a [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae\|grand citadel of ice and blue stone]] perched on the side of Mount Siluri. From it's gates issue a cohort of one-eyed giants armed with vicious hooked polearms. Their castellan is a stout giantess in a cloak of [[Legendary_beasts#Mandowla\|mandowla]] feathers who offers the hospitality of the keep to the Pilgrim's Defiance. At the same time, a bastion of white stone with high fluted towers rises in the hills near Tabulous in [[Redoubt#Tomari\|Tomari]]. Warbands of squat, bandy-legged goblin-kind armoured in silver metal and pale fur with whitewood shortbows come to fight alongside the Black Thorns. The heralds of Autumn, then, are joined by the warriors of Summer. Both sides studiously ignore one another as much as possible.

	More powerful defensive magic; enough to give the Grendel pause indeed. But what do they expect? They are invading ''Urizen'', after all, and the pre-eminent magicians in the Empire and perhaps even the Known World do not sit at home lamenting when they can wield the power of the Fist Pillar to shape the world to their will.		More powerful defensive magic; enough to give the Grendel pause indeed. But what do they expect? They are invading ''Urizen'', after all, and the pre-eminent magicians in the Empire and perhaps even the Known World do not sit at home lamenting when they can wield the power of the Fist Pillar to shape the world to their will.
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	The delicate balance of [[Night magic]] that supported the [[Penumbral_Watcher#Tower_of_Light_and_Shadow\|Tower of Light and Shadow]] - the Tilphussian Reach - has been wrecked by Grendel [[Day magic]]. The tower itself still stands, and as near as anyone can tell there is still a [[regio]] attuned to the Night realm in the vicinity, but its library has been extensively looted by the Grendel. It is feasible that if the tower is recovered, at least some of the power that once flowed here might be recovered in some form or another although that may require the aid of an [[eternal]]; the exact circumstances under which the Tilphussian Reach was harnessed are not common knowledge. Perhaps the [[Arcane Architect]] knows more?		The delicate balance of [[Night magic]] that supported the [[Penumbral_Watcher#Tower_of_Light_and_Shadow\|Tower of Light and Shadow]] - the Tilphussian Reach - has been wrecked by Grendel [[Day magic]]. The tower itself still stands, and as near as anyone can tell there is still a [[regio]] attuned to the Night realm in the vicinity, but its library has been extensively looted by the Grendel. It is feasible that if the tower is recovered, at least some of the power that once flowed here might be recovered in some form or another although that may require the aid of an [[eternal]]; the exact circumstances under which the Tilphussian Reach was harnessed are not common knowledge. Perhaps the [[Arcane Architect]] knows more?

	The Winter spirits loosed by the fall of the Fist of the Mountains appear to have been contained, but it is not clear how much they have been weakened (if at all). Urizeni agents recount that ''[[Bones_in_the_ocean#Under_Contract\|Saltbinder Grekodh]]'' - a Grendel master of the [[Winter magic\|lore of salt]] - has been ~~brough~~ in to deal with the situation in some capacity.		The Winter spirits loosed by the fall of the Fist of the Mountains appear to have been contained, but it is not clear how much they have been weakened (if at all). Urizeni agents recount that ''[[Bones_in_the_ocean#Under_Contract\|Saltbinder Grekodh]]'' - a Grendel master of the [[Winter magic\|lore of salt]] - has been brought in to deal with the situation in some capacity.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Elos Harbour.png\|align=right\|width=400\|caption=The beautiful harbour of Elos is in the hands of the Grendel and their Asavean allies.}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Elos Harbour.png\|align=right\|width=400\|caption=The beautiful harbour of Elos is in the hands of the Grendel and their Asavean allies.}}
	===Grendel Opportunities===		===Grendel Opportunities===
	* '''The Grendel are looting Urizen libraries in pursuit of magical lore'''		* '''The Grendel are looting Urizen libraries in pursuit of magical lore'''
	* '''The Pinnacle has been claimed by the Salt Lord of Deinath		* '''The Pinnacle has been claimed by the Salt Lord of Deinath
	The Grendel continue to loot Redoubt, particularly that of the Tower of Light and Shadow and the spires of Naris and Siluri. Imperial prognosticators speculate that it is likely the orcs of the Broken Shore have enough stolen arcana to [[opportunity\|feasibly create]] an [[Army_qualities#Magic\|arcane army]], or perhaps attract magicians to one or more of their [[army qualities#Mercenary\|mercenary armies]]. Worse, however, is the grim spectre of a magical [[Imperial navy\|navy]] combining ~~maneuverability~~ with the ability to deliver deadly [[curse\|curses]] or hostile [[enchantment\|enchantments]] anywhere along the coast of the Bay of Catazar.		The Grendel continue to loot Redoubt, particularly that of the Tower of Light and Shadow and the spires of Naris and Siluri. Imperial prognosticators speculate that it is likely the orcs of the Broken Shore have enough stolen arcana to [[opportunity\|feasibly create]] an [[Army_qualities#Magic\|arcane army]], or perhaps attract magicians to one or more of their [[army qualities#Mercenary\|mercenary armies]]. Worse, however, is the grim spectre of a magical [[Imperial navy\|navy]] combining manoeuvrability with the ability to deliver deadly [[curse\|curses]] or hostile [[enchantment\|enchantments]] anywhere along the coast of the Bay of Catazar.

	The Pinnacle, the relic of the Fist of the Mountain claimed by Salt Lord Garbhan of Deinath, is a major prize for the Grendel. This trophy represents an [[opportunity]] for one of the barbarian armies to improve their [[army qualities\|army quality]], or even create a new army with a potent quality much as the Empire has done on numerous occasions.		The Pinnacle, the relic of the Fist of the Mountain claimed by Salt Lord Garbhan of Deinath, is a major prize for the Grendel. This trophy represents an [[opportunity]] for one of the barbarian armies to improve their [[army qualities\|army quality]], or even create a new army with a potent quality much as the Empire has done on numerous occasions.