Briar - Revision history

Twiggy at 18:25, 30 April 2026

2026-04-30T18:25:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:25, 30 April 2026
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	Briars are most comfortable in military roles, although their primal nature can make them powerful in the [[Conclave]]. Some prosper in the [[Synod]] where their direct approach to the Imperial Faith often gives them spiritual insight. They often find the [[Bourse]] confusing and become easily frustrated by the complexities of the [[Senate]].		Briars are most comfortable in military roles, although their primal nature can make them powerful in the [[Conclave]]. Some prosper in the [[Synod]] where their direct approach to the Imperial Faith often gives them spiritual insight. They often find the [[Bourse]] confusing and become easily frustrated by the complexities of the [[Senate]].

	The briar lineage is intended to appeal to players who want to play something primal or visceral, with a strong urge to straightforwardness and physicality. They also offer opportunities to play characters who are highly critical of the complexities and shortcomings of civilised society. ~~Briars will allow characters to play with some themes of discrimination as well; this lineage is presented as suspect by many groups within the setting.~~		The briar lineage is intended to appeal to players who want to play something primal or visceral, with a strong urge to straightforwardness and physicality. They also offer opportunities to play characters who are highly critical of the complexities and shortcomings of civilised society.

	===Sobriquets===		===Sobriquets===
	Other terms for briar, both within the Empire and in other parts of the world, include: Leshy, Barkbleeder (derogatory), Spriggan, Cicatrix, Greenscar, the twisted.		Other terms for briar, both within the Empire and in other parts of the world, include: Leshy, Barkbleeder (derogatory), Spriggan, Cicatrix, Greenscar, the twisted.

Hailmur: /* Briar Images */

2026-04-15T11:47:20Z

Briar Images

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:47, 15 April 2026
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	==Briar Images==		==Briar Images==
	<fourpicture>		<fourpicture>
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Briar Pathfinder.jpg~~\|title=Navarr briars face a particular low-key prejudice from their fellows.~~\|width=2000}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Briar Pathfinder.jpg\|width=2000}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Regal Briar.jpg\|width=2000}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Regal Briar.jpg\|width=2000}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Pensive Briar.jpg\|width=2000}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Pensive Briar.jpg\|width=2000}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Colourful Briar.jpg\|width=2000}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Colourful Briar.jpg\|width=2000}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=SadBriar.jpg\|width=2000}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=SadBriar.jpg\|width=2000}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Winterfolk Briar.jpg~~\|title=The people of Wintermark are more accepting than many nations, valuing the bold, straightforward nature of the briar. Briar are often outsiders in Imperial society.~~\|align=right\|width=2000}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Winterfolk Briar.jpg\|align=right\|width=2000}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=BriarVeins.jpg\|title=Prominent veins beneath the skin are common\|width=2000}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=BriarVeins.jpg\|title=Prominent veins beneath the skin are common\|width=2000}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Briar Attitude.jpg\|title=Briars possess an uncanny reserve of resilience and energy.\|width=2000}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Briar Attitude.jpg\|title=Briars possess an uncanny reserve of resilience and energy.\|width=2000}}

Twiggy: /* Boundless Vitality */

2026-03-28T18:14:15Z

Boundless Vitality

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:14, 28 March 2026
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	==Boundless Vitality==		==Boundless Vitality==
	The briar [[Lineage#~~Boons~~\|boon]] taps into their limitless reserves of energy. Briars that are exposed to any [[Roleplaying effects\|roleplay effect]] that causes them to feel tired, weary, or weak can respond by becoming energetic and alert. For example, a briar who makes use of the [[Timeless Hammer Rhythm]] ritual can choose to start the next morning full of energy and enthusiasm rather than being tired and drained. They are not exhausted by their night of supernaturally enhanced work; rather, they are renewed and exhilarated by it. Likewise, a briar experiencing the effects of a poison, sickness, or [[curse]] that causes them to feel enervated or weak can instead roleplay being enthused and overflowing with good health.		The briar [[Lineage#Playing a lineaged character\|boon]] taps into their limitless reserves of energy. Briars that are exposed to any [[Roleplaying effects\|roleplay effect]] that causes them to feel tired, weary, or weak can respond by becoming energetic and alert. For example, a briar who makes use of the [[Timeless Hammer Rhythm]] ritual can choose to start the next morning full of energy and enthusiasm rather than being tired and drained. They are not exhausted by their night of supernaturally enhanced work; rather, they are renewed and exhilarated by it. Likewise, a briar experiencing the effects of a poison, sickness, or [[curse]] that causes them to feel enervated or weak can instead roleplay being enthused and overflowing with good health.

			Note that this boon applies ''only'' to roleplaying effects; it does not allow one to ignore supernatural [[Calls#WEAKNESS\|effects]] such as that inflicted by the [[weakness]] spell.

	~~Note that this boon applies ''only'' to roleplaying effects; it does not allow one to ignore supernatural [[Calls#WEAKNESS\|effects]] such as that inflicted by the [[weakness]] spell.~~
	==Briar Life==		==Briar Life==
	{{Anchor\|The Blood}}		{{Anchor\|The Blood}}

Twiggy at 18:10, 28 March 2026

2026-03-28T18:10:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:10, 28 March 2026
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	==Iconic Trapping==		==Iconic Trapping==
	Each lineage has an iconic [[Lineage#Creating a Lineaged Character\|trapping]]; in the case of the briar it is patches of bark on the skin. Bark is the most common physical mark for lineaged characters but they are not a required element. If you do not have the iconic trapping, however, you ''must'' have at least one of the [[#Other ~~trappings~~\|other physical trappings]] associated with the briar lineage.		Each lineage has an iconic [[Lineage#Creating a Lineaged Character\|trapping]]; in the case of the briar it is patches of bark on the skin. Bark is the most common physical mark for lineaged characters but they are not a required element. If you do not have the iconic trapping, however, you ''must'' have at least one of the [[#Other Trappings\|other physical trappings]] associated with the briar lineage.
	===Patches of bark===		===Patches of bark===
	Briars have patches of bark that grows in place of skin. The bark can grow anywhere on the body, but must cover areas of skin, it does not extend out away from the body. The effect is best created using latex prosthetics, as make-up by itself will not give the right raised profile. It is better to try and cover a few iconic areas of the body; we do not recommend trying to cover all visible skin. Briar's bark-skin can spread across the body in response to wounds suffered. The bark-skin is as sensitive as normal skin covered in a thick layer of latex would be. While tree bark can come in a variety of colours and textures, briar bark is rough, and predominantly brown.		Briars have patches of bark that grows in place of skin. The bark can grow anywhere on the body, but must cover areas of skin, it does not extend out away from the body. The effect is best created using latex prosthetics, as make-up by itself will not give the right raised profile. It is better to try and cover a few iconic areas of the body; we do not recommend trying to cover all visible skin. Briar's bark-skin can spread across the body in response to wounds suffered. The bark-skin is as sensitive as normal skin covered in a thick layer of latex would be. While tree bark can come in a variety of colours and textures, briar bark is rough, and predominantly brown.

	==Other ~~trappings~~==		==Other Trappings==
	In addition to [[#Patches of bark\|patches of bark]] there are a number of physical trappings that mark someone as being of the briar lineage. If you want to phys-rep one of the trappings with a slightly different technique or style to the ideas suggested here then that is absolutely fine. If you want to use different trappings to the ones listed then you should [mailto:matt@profounddecisions.co.uk email us].		In addition to [[#Patches of bark\|patches of bark]] there are a number of physical trappings that mark someone as being of the briar lineage. If you want to phys-rep one of the trappings with a slightly different technique or style to the ideas suggested here then that is absolutely fine. If you want to use different trappings to the ones listed then you should [mailto:matt@profounddecisions.co.uk email us].
	===Green eyes===		===Green eyes===

Twiggy: /* Iconic trapping */

2026-03-28T18:05:54Z

Iconic trapping

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:05, 28 March 2026
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	<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Obviously A Story Here.jpg\|align=right\|caption=The iconic trapping for a briar is patches of bark on the skin.\|width=500}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Obviously A Story Here.jpg\|align=right\|caption=The iconic trapping for a briar is patches of bark on the skin.\|width=500}}</div>

	==Iconic ~~trapping~~==		==Iconic Trapping==
	Each lineage has an iconic [[Lineage#~~Trappings~~\|trapping]]; in the case of the briar it is patches of bark on the skin. Bark is the most common physical mark for lineaged characters but they are not a required element. If you do not have the iconic trapping, however, you ''must'' have at least one of the [[#Other ~~physical~~ trappings\|other physical trappings]] associated with the briar lineage.		Each lineage has an iconic [[Lineage#Creating a Lineaged Character\|trapping]]; in the case of the briar it is patches of bark on the skin. Bark is the most common physical mark for lineaged characters but they are not a required element. If you do not have the iconic trapping, however, you ''must'' have at least one of the [[#Other trappings\|other physical trappings]] associated with the briar lineage.
	===Patches of bark===		===Patches of bark===
	Briars have patches of bark that grows in place of skin. The bark can grow anywhere on the body, but must cover areas of skin, it does not extend out away from the body. The effect is best created using latex prosthetics, as make-up by itself will not give the right raised profile. It is better to try and cover a few iconic areas of the body; we do not recommend trying to cover all visible skin. Briar's bark-skin can spread across the body in response to wounds suffered. The bark-skin is as sensitive as normal skin covered in a thick layer of latex would be. While tree bark can come in a variety of colours and textures, briar bark is rough, and predominantly brown.		Briars have patches of bark that grows in place of skin. The bark can grow anywhere on the body, but must cover areas of skin, it does not extend out away from the body. The effect is best created using latex prosthetics, as make-up by itself will not give the right raised profile. It is better to try and cover a few iconic areas of the body; we do not recommend trying to cover all visible skin. Briar's bark-skin can spread across the body in response to wounds suffered. The bark-skin is as sensitive as normal skin covered in a thick layer of latex would be. While tree bark can come in a variety of colours and textures, briar bark is rough, and predominantly brown.

Twiggy at 18:28, 15 January 2026

2026-01-15T18:28:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:28, 15 January 2026
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	Briars are warm blooded mammals. They reproduce like any other human, they have hair, and they give birth to live offspring.		Briars are warm blooded mammals. They reproduce like any other human, they have hair, and they give birth to live offspring.

	Briars are almost never born expressing their lineage. Their lineage appears when they sustain a serious injury, with the site of the injury quickly covered in a thick scab with the texture and appearance of bark. In almost all cases, magical healing is involved. It is believed that magical healing catalyses the Spring lineage, causing it to express itself openly. However, magical healing does not always trigger the lineage – some individuals are healed several times before their briar lineage manifests. It is also believed by the scholars of [[Urizen]] that any Spring ~~Realm~~ magic has the potential to trigger the expression of the briar lineage lurking in the blood; it is just that the most commonly encountered form of Spring ~~Realm~~ magic is healing magic.		Briars are almost never born expressing their lineage. Their lineage appears when they sustain a serious injury, with the site of the injury quickly covered in a thick scab with the texture and appearance of bark. In almost all cases, magical healing is involved. It is believed that magical healing catalyses the Spring lineage, causing it to express itself openly. However, magical healing does not always trigger the lineage – some individuals are healed several times before their briar lineage manifests. It is also believed by the scholars of [[Urizen]] that any Spring realm magic has the potential to trigger the expression of the briar lineage lurking in the blood; it is just that the most commonly encountered form of Spring realm magic is healing magic.

	Many people show no signs at all of being a briar before the bark appears. Once that happens, changes tend to happen quickly, thorns may appear growing through the skin and the eyes may turn green. The psychological effects of lineage appear at the same time. If a briar is wounded and healed with Spring magic this can strengthen a briar's lineage; the physical and mental trappings become more evident. This is unpredictable however: some briars are healed many times with no apparent effect.		Many people show no signs at all of being a briar before the bark appears. Once that happens, changes tend to happen quickly, thorns may appear growing through the skin and the eyes may turn green. The psychological effects of lineage appear at the same time. If a briar is wounded and healed with Spring magic this can strengthen a briar's lineage; the physical and mental trappings become more evident. This is unpredictable however: some briars are healed many times with no apparent effect.

Beeswax: /* Becoming a briar */

2025-09-26T10:04:37Z

Becoming a briar

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:04, 26 September 2025
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	===Becoming a briar===		===Becoming a briar===
	*'''The ~~eternals~~ Yaw'nagrah ~~and Ossegrahn~~ can ~~both~~ offer boons to allow a character to gain the briar lineage'''		*'''The eternal Yaw'nagrah can offer boons to allow a character to gain the briar lineage'''
	<!-- *'''The ritual Fire in the Blood will allow an unlineaged target to choose to gain the briar lineage'''-->		<!-- *'''The ritual Fire in the Blood will allow an unlineaged target to choose to gain the briar lineage'''-->
	*'''The Circle of Salt can provide a tincture over downtime that will allow an unlineaged human to manifest the briar lineage'''		*'''The Circle of Salt can provide a tincture over downtime that will allow an unlineaged human to manifest the briar lineage'''
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	The handmaidens of the eternal [[Yaw'nagrah]] have been known to provide ''fruit of the oak'' to mortals in the past that, when consumed, can grant the eater the briar lineage. Convincing the ''Green Mother'' to grant one of the rare fruits is said to be a difficult task, made all the more difficult by the [[Alignment#Enmity\|Declaration of Enmity]] against the eternal.		The handmaidens of the eternal [[Yaw'nagrah]] have been known to provide ''fruit of the oak'' to mortals in the past that, when consumed, can grant the eater the briar lineage. Convincing the ''Green Mother'' to grant one of the rare fruits is said to be a difficult task, made all the more difficult by the [[Alignment#Enmity\|Declaration of Enmity]] against the eternal.

	A few heralds of [[Ossegrahn]] ~~talk~~ of ''frithbark'' which is commonly ground into a fine, nutty powder that can be added to a hot drink that can grant the drinker the briar lineage. ~~It has been some time since~~ the ''Bogfearthan'' ~~interacted~~ with the Empire, ~~but~~ conversation with his agents ~~suggest~~ that the bark might be offered as reward for furthering the agenda of the eternal in preserving life and encouraging wholesome growth.		A few heralds of [[Ossegrahn]] talked of ''frithbark'' which is commonly ground into a fine, nutty powder that can be added to a hot drink that can grant the drinker the briar lineage. Before the ''Bogfearthan'' withdrew from all contact with the Empire, conversation with his agents suggested that the bark might be offered as reward for furthering the agenda of the eternal in preserving life and encouraging wholesome growth.
	<!-- Unlineaged humans who are the target of the ritual [[Fire in the Blood]] have been known to spontaneously develop the briar lineage overnight in addition to the ritual's effects. The development of lineage in this manner is often painful; new wounds and some old scars are forced open only to scab over with bark. -->		<!-- Unlineaged humans who are the target of the ritual [[Fire in the Blood]] have been known to spontaneously develop the briar lineage overnight in addition to the ritual's effects. The development of lineage in this manner is often painful; new wounds and some old scars are forced open only to scab over with bark. -->
	<br><br><span style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold;">Downtime</span><br>		<br><br><span style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold;">Downtime</span><br>

GuiltyConscience: /* Roleplaying */

2025-08-02T19:11:56Z

Roleplaying

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:11, 2 August 2025
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	{{anchor\|overwhelmed}}		{{anchor\|overwhelmed}}
	<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Briars may be overwhelmed by the Spring realm</p>		<p style="font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0 0 0;">Briars may be overwhelmed by the Spring realm</p>
	Some briars become increasingly short-tempered, until ~~they~~ point where they start to lash out at anything that frustrates them. They insist on having everything their own way and react with anger to anyone who refuses them. They often depart the civilised world completely, withdrawing to wild places (such as mountains and forests) and many turn to banditry. As they withdraw further their contempt for society increases and they begin to despise those that defend it. Ultimately they risk losing touch with their humanity, becoming a danger to anyone who gets in their way, striking out against structures and individuals that represent authority and civilisation.		Some briars become increasingly short-tempered, until the point where they start to lash out at anything that frustrates them. They insist on having everything their own way and react with anger to anyone who refuses them. They often depart the civilised world completely, withdrawing to wild places (such as mountains and forests) and many turn to banditry. As they withdraw further their contempt for society increases and they begin to despise those that defend it. Ultimately they risk losing touch with their humanity, becoming a danger to anyone who gets in their way, striking out against structures and individuals that represent authority and civilisation.

	==Boundless Vitality==		==Boundless Vitality==

Twiggy at 19:03, 12 July 2025

2025-07-12T19:03:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:03, 12 July 2025
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	==What they are not==		==What they are not==
	* '''Dryads''': Briars are infected by the primal magic of Spring; it tends to make them energetic, physical and wild, but it does not turn them into a tree or ~~instill~~ them with a mystical awe for nature. They feel no more affinity to plants or trees than a normal human being does. While many briars reject the complexities of civilisation they do so because of a difficulty fitting in, not because of an instinctive need to protect nature or be close to it.		* '''Dryads''': Briars are infected by the primal magic of Spring; it tends to make them energetic, physical and wild, but it does not turn them into a tree or instil them with a mystical awe for nature. They feel no more affinity to plants or trees than a normal human being does. While many briars reject the complexities of civilisation they do so because of a difficulty fitting in, not because of an instinctive need to protect nature or be close to it.
	<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Obviously A Story Here.jpg\|align=right\|caption=The iconic trapping for a briar is patches of bark on the skin.\|width=500}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Obviously A Story Here.jpg\|align=right\|caption=The iconic trapping for a briar is patches of bark on the skin.\|width=500}}</div>

Wrenna at 22:24, 4 July 2025

2025-07-04T22:24:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:24, 4 July 2025
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	==What they are not==		==What they are not==
	* '''Dryads''': Briars are infected by the primal magic of Spring; it tends to make them energetic, physical and wild, but it does not turn them into a tree or instill them with a mystical awe for nature. They feel no more affinity to plants or trees than a normal human being does. While many briars reject the complexities of ~~civilization~~ they do so because of a difficulty fitting in, not because of an instinctive need to protect nature or be close to it.		* '''Dryads''': Briars are infected by the primal magic of Spring; it tends to make them energetic, physical and wild, but it does not turn them into a tree or instill them with a mystical awe for nature. They feel no more affinity to plants or trees than a normal human being does. While many briars reject the complexities of civilisation they do so because of a difficulty fitting in, not because of an instinctive need to protect nature or be close to it.
	<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Obviously A Story Here.jpg\|align=right\|caption=The iconic trapping for a briar is patches of bark on the skin.\|width=500}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Obviously A Story Here.jpg\|align=right\|caption=The iconic trapping for a briar is patches of bark on the skin.\|width=500}}</div>

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:47, 15 April 2026
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	==Briar Images==		==Briar Images==
	<fourpicture>		<fourpicture>
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Briar Pathfinder.jpg~~\|title=Navarr briars face a particular low-key prejudice from their fellows.~~\|width=2000}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Briar Pathfinder.jpg\|width=2000}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Regal Briar.jpg\|width=2000}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Regal Briar.jpg\|width=2000}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Pensive Briar.jpg\|width=2000}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Pensive Briar.jpg\|width=2000}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Colourful Briar.jpg\|width=2000}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Colourful Briar.jpg\|width=2000}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=SadBriar.jpg\|width=2000}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=SadBriar.jpg\|width=2000}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Winterfolk Briar.jpg~~\|title=The people of Wintermark are more accepting than many nations, valuing the bold, straightforward nature of the briar. Briar are often outsiders in Imperial society.~~\|align=right\|width=2000}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Winterfolk Briar.jpg\|align=right\|width=2000}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=BriarVeins.jpg\|title=Prominent veins beneath the skin are common\|width=2000}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=BriarVeins.jpg\|title=Prominent veins beneath the skin are common\|width=2000}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Briar Attitude.jpg\|title=Briars possess an uncanny reserve of resilience and energy.\|width=2000}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Briar Attitude.jpg\|title=Briars possess an uncanny reserve of resilience and energy.\|width=2000}}