Karsk - Revision history

Wrenna: /* Branoc */

2026-06-03T16:38:03Z

Branoc

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:38, 3 June 2026
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	==Regions==		==Regions==
	===Branoc===		===Branoc===
	*'''Quality:''' Hills		*'''Quality:''' Hills, Foreigners (Orcs of the Broken Barrow)
	The raven-haunted hills of Branoc are the site of the sinister [[#broken barrow\|broken barrow]]. The entire region has a poor reputation, as do several of the vales established here. During the war to liberate Karsk from the Thule, the introverted Varushkan [[Charnel_Lord#Charnel_Lord_in_play\|folk of these vales]] fought under a single banner - and not always on the side of the Empire. Today they have largely reintegrated with the rest of Varushka - a number of them helped to form the core of the Iron Helms - but they are still said to have odd customs related to the Charnel Lord of the Broken Barrow. There are said to be one or two vales high in the hills that have little time for Imperial visitors, and cling to pre-Imperial attitudes. Branoc is also the site of a small settlement of independent orcs who engage in low-key trade with their human neighbors, despite having a nebulously defined legal status.		The raven-haunted hills of Branoc are the site of the sinister [[#broken barrow\|broken barrow]]. The entire region has a poor reputation, as do several of the vales established here. During the war to liberate Karsk from the Thule, the introverted Varushkan [[Charnel_Lord#Charnel_Lord_in_play\|folk of these vales]] fought under a single banner - and not always on the side of the Empire. Today they have largely reintegrated with the rest of Varushka - a number of them helped to form the core of the Iron Helms - but they are still said to have odd customs related to the Charnel Lord of the Broken Barrow. There are said to be one or two vales high in the hills that have little time for Imperial visitors, and cling to pre-Imperial attitudes. Branoc is also the site of a small settlement of independent orcs who engage in low-key trade with their human neighbors, despite having a nebulously defined legal status.

Twiggy at 13:37, 25 May 2026

2026-05-25T13:37:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:37, 25 May 2026
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	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Karskregions.png\|caption=A war-torn land\|title=Regions of Karsk\|align=left\|width=500}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Karskregions.png\|caption=A war-torn land\|title=Regions of Karsk\|align=left\|width=500}}
	== Overview ==		== Overview ==
	Karsk has always been a war-torn land. The scene of many vicious battles against the barbarians since before Varushka joined the Empire, it is scattered with fortresses, battlefields and ruins. It has an accursed reputation, and many stories refer to the "''bloated crows of Karsk, grown fat from human flesh and suffering.''" At one time this territory was home to numerous merchant boyars who became rich capturing and enslaving orcs to work in the mines of Volodmartz. When the Imperial ~~orcs~~ joined the Empire and it became illegal to keep orcish slaves, the senator for Karsk was brutally murdered during a meeting with a dozen now-ruined Karsk boyars including the last scion of the [[Karsk_spoils_of_war#Zeleny_Zheleza\|Zeleny]] mining family.		Karsk has always been a war-torn land. The scene of many vicious battles against the barbarians since before Varushka joined the Empire, it is scattered with fortresses, battlefields and ruins. It has an accursed reputation, and many stories refer to the "''bloated crows of Karsk, grown fat from human flesh and suffering.''" At one time this territory was home to numerous merchant boyars who became rich capturing and enslaving orcs to work in the mines of Volodmartz. When the Imperial Orcs joined the Empire and it became illegal to keep orcish slaves, the senator for Karsk was brutally murdered during a meeting with a dozen now-ruined Karsk boyars including the last scion of the [[Karsk_spoils_of_war#Zeleny_Zheleza\|Zeleny]] mining family.

	==Recent History==		==Recent History==
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	===Crowslook===		===Crowslook===
	*'''Quality:''' Hills		*'''Quality:''' Hills
	A desolate hilly region, the site of many [[mine\|mines]], and also the site of vicious fighting with the [[Imperial ~~orcs~~]] during [[the Orc Rebellion]]. Indeed the rebellion began here, at the ''Krahsniy Moy'' mines. The region is the site of a powerful Winter [[regio]] raised by the Thule during the Winter of 376YE, and of the cursed [[Karsk_spoils_of_war#Moye_Mucheniye\|Moye Mucheniye]]. The vales here tend to be insular and quite fortified - there are stories of horrible unliving [[Varushkan_Monster#Wolves\|wolves]] who dwell in tunnels and caves beneath the hills and emerge on nights of the new moon to hunt. These creatures are said to be the remnants of orcs who died of starvation during the cold Winters - not only during the Rebellion but in the centuries of slavery that preceded it.		A desolate hilly region, the site of many [[mine\|mines]], and also the site of vicious fighting with the [[Imperial Orcs]] during [[the Orc Rebellion]]. Indeed the rebellion began here, at the ''Krahsniy Moy'' mines. The region is the site of a powerful Winter [[regio]] raised by the Thule during the Winter of 376YE, and of the cursed [[Karsk_spoils_of_war#Moye_Mucheniye\|Moye Mucheniye]]. The vales here tend to be insular and quite fortified - there are stories of horrible unliving [[Varushkan_Monster#Wolves\|wolves]] who dwell in tunnels and caves beneath the hills and emerge on nights of the new moon to hunt. These creatures are said to be the remnants of orcs who died of starvation during the cold Winters - not only during the Rebellion but in the centuries of slavery that preceded it.

	When Karsk was conquered during the reign of [[Empress Richilde]], a hidden temple dedicated to the eternal [[Agramant]] was discovered high in the hills of Crowslook The temple was destroyed and the worshippers scattered. During the reign of [[Empress Varkula]] the region was again revealed to be the heart of a conspiracy dedicated to the ''Hunter in the Wastes'', a subtle "cult" that sought to place its members in positions of authority in the Empire but was exposed when they made an ill-considered overture to the [[Cardinal]] of [[Vigilance]]. A third such cult came to light shortly before [[Empress Deanne]] took the throne, seeking to take advantage of the Imperial focus on the southern coast to unleash a horde of hungry dead to ravage Karsk. The cult was exposed and ultimately defeated by Varushkan wardens, although stories suggest they had the aid of dark spirits of their own. Whenever there is trouble with Agramant in Varushka, it seems to invariably be traced back to the hills of Crowslook.		When Karsk was conquered during the reign of [[Empress Richilde]], a hidden temple dedicated to the eternal [[Agramant]] was discovered high in the hills of Crowslook The temple was destroyed and the worshippers scattered. During the reign of [[Empress Varkula]] the region was again revealed to be the heart of a conspiracy dedicated to the ''Hunter in the Wastes'', a subtle "cult" that sought to place its members in positions of authority in the Empire but was exposed when they made an ill-considered overture to the [[Cardinal]] of [[Vigilance]]. A third such cult came to light shortly before [[Empress Deanne]] took the throne, seeking to take advantage of the Imperial focus on the southern coast to unleash a horde of hungry dead to ravage Karsk. The cult was exposed and ultimately defeated by Varushkan wardens, although stories suggest they had the aid of dark spirits of their own. Whenever there is trouble with Agramant in Varushka, it seems to invariably be traced back to the hills of Crowslook.

Twiggy at 01:46, 22 January 2026

2026-01-22T01:46:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:46, 22 January 2026
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	During the Summer Solstice 379YE, the Empire [[Accept_Thule_peace_treaty\|signed a peace treaty]] with the Thule that ended hostilities along the northern borders. The Thule withdrew their forces from Karsk - apart from the region of [[#Krevsaty\|Krevsaty]] which was [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence\|conceded]] to the orcs of [[Otkodov]] as part of the treaty.		During the Summer Solstice 379YE, the Empire [[Accept_Thule_peace_treaty\|signed a peace treaty]] with the Thule that ended hostilities along the northern borders. The Thule withdrew their forces from Karsk - apart from the region of [[#Krevsaty\|Krevsaty]] which was [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence\|conceded]] to the orcs of [[Otkodov]] as part of the treaty.

	Later that year, the Empire began work on [[#The Crow Roads\|roads]] lining the vales of Karsk with each other and with the rest of Varushka. This large-scale construction project aided in the [[~~Imperial_army~~#Recruitment\|recruitment]] of a third [[Army]], and saw the [[Varushka_military_concerns#The_Army_of_the_Iron_Helms\|Iron Helms]].		Later that year, the Empire began work on [[#The Crow Roads\|roads]] lining the vales of Karsk with each other and with the rest of Varushka. This large-scale construction project aided in the [[Army#Recruitment\|recruitment]] of a third [[Army]], and saw the [[Varushka_military_concerns#The_Army_of_the_Iron_Helms\|Iron Helms]].

	==Major Features==		==Major Features==
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	===The Crow Roads===		===The Crow Roads===
	In Autumn 379YE, a [[Rebuild_the_roads_of_Karsk\|major public works project]] was [[commission\|commissioned]] to restore the devastated [[Varushkan Road\|roads]] of Karsk. As a consequence, the roads are in excellent repair and almost every major settlement in Karsk is now connected to them, and through them to the rest of the Empire. A great deal of white granite was invested in the project, and every seventh stone was carefully prepared to reinforce the warding [[Varushka hearth magic\|hearth magic]]. This [[great work]] not only increases the [[prosperity]] of every [[mine]] and [[forest]] in Karsk, but also speeded the recovery of the war-torn land. As a consequence, the Varushkan nation was [[Crow_on_the_cradle#Supply\|able]] to begin [[Raise_Varushkan_army\|restoring]] the [[Crow_on_the_cradle#Armies\|Iron Helms]] army - and to [[~~Imperial_army~~#Maximum numbers of Imperial Forces\|support]] a third army - much earlier than might otherwise have been possible. Since their completion, more local Varushkans have been referring to the roads as the "''Crow Roads''" - perhaps a reference to their connection to the Iron Helms. They are, however, considered part of the [[Varushkan_Road#The Iron Roads\|Iron Roads]] that cover the entire nation.		In Autumn 379YE, a [[Rebuild_the_roads_of_Karsk\|major public works project]] was [[commission\|commissioned]] to restore the devastated [[Varushkan Road\|roads]] of Karsk. As a consequence, the roads are in excellent repair and almost every major settlement in Karsk is now connected to them, and through them to the rest of the Empire. A great deal of white granite was invested in the project, and every seventh stone was carefully prepared to reinforce the warding [[Varushka hearth magic\|hearth magic]]. This [[great work]] not only increases the [[prosperity]] of every [[mine]] and [[forest]] in Karsk, but also speeded the recovery of the war-torn land. As a consequence, the Varushkan nation was [[Crow_on_the_cradle#Supply\|able]] to begin [[Raise_Varushkan_army\|restoring]] the [[Crow_on_the_cradle#Armies\|Iron Helms]] army - and to [[Army#Maximum numbers of Imperial Forces\|support]] a third army - much earlier than might otherwise have been possible. Since their completion, more local Varushkans have been referring to the roads as the "''Crow Roads''" - perhaps a reference to their connection to the Iron Helms. They are, however, considered part of the [[Varushkan_Road#The Iron Roads\|Iron Roads]] that cover the entire nation.

	===Ivarsgard===		===Ivarsgard===

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial army" to "[[Army"

2026-01-16T09:43:13Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial army" to "[[Army"

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:43, 16 January 2026
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	During the Summer Solstice 379YE, the Empire [[Accept_Thule_peace_treaty\|signed a peace treaty]] with the Thule that ended hostilities along the northern borders. The Thule withdrew their forces from Karsk - apart from the region of [[#Krevsaty\|Krevsaty]] which was [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence\|conceded]] to the orcs of [[Otkodov]] as part of the treaty.		During the Summer Solstice 379YE, the Empire [[Accept_Thule_peace_treaty\|signed a peace treaty]] with the Thule that ended hostilities along the northern borders. The Thule withdrew their forces from Karsk - apart from the region of [[#Krevsaty\|Krevsaty]] which was [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence\|conceded]] to the orcs of [[Otkodov]] as part of the treaty.

	Later that year, the Empire began work on [[#The Crow Roads\|roads]] lining the vales of Karsk with each other and with the rest of Varushka. This large-scale construction project aided in the [[Imperial_army#Recruitment\|recruitment]] of a third [[~~Imperial army~~]], and saw the [[Varushka_military_concerns#The_Army_of_the_Iron_Helms\|Iron Helms]].		Later that year, the Empire began work on [[#The Crow Roads\|roads]] lining the vales of Karsk with each other and with the rest of Varushka. This large-scale construction project aided in the [[Imperial_army#Recruitment\|recruitment]] of a third [[Army]], and saw the [[Varushka_military_concerns#The_Army_of_the_Iron_Helms\|Iron Helms]].

	==Major Features==		==Major Features==

Matt: Text replacement - "Military Council" to "Military Council"

2026-01-16T09:33:26Z

Text replacement - "Military Council" to "Military Council"

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:33, 16 January 2026
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	* [[Mine\|Mines]] in the territory benefit from the [[#The Crow Roads\|Crow Roads]] and produce an extra 2 ingots each season.		* [[Mine\|Mines]] in the territory benefit from the [[#The Crow Roads\|Crow Roads]] and produce an extra 2 ingots each season.
	* [[Forest\|Forests]] in the territory benefit from the [[#The Crow Roads\|Crow Roads]] and produce an extra 2 measures each season.		* [[Forest\|Forests]] in the territory benefit from the [[#The Crow Roads\|Crow Roads]] and produce an extra 2 measures each season.
	* A list of the [[spoils of war]], allocated by the [[~~Military Council\|~~Military Council]] at the Summer Solstice 378YE can be found [[Karsk spoils of war\|here]].		* A list of the [[spoils of war]], allocated by the [[Military Council]] at the Summer Solstice 378YE can be found [[Karsk spoils of war\|here]].

	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==

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

2026-01-15T13:06:55Z

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

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:06, 15 January 2026
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	Following major offensives in [[#Moresvah\|Moresvah]] and [[#Nitrost\|Nitrost]] a strike team assaulted the town of [[Karsk#The Ruins of Isember\|Isember]] in [[#Lestasny\|Lestasny]] during the Spring Equinox 378YE. A focal point for traitors aiding the Thule, victory resulted in the destruction of the town and drove Thule forces back into the eastern regions. Karsk was once again in Imperial hands - but the campaign was far from over. The Thule forces showed no sign of abandoning the territory. As the year lengthened, [[378YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#Amid_Ruined_hills\|the barbarians regrouped]] and in Autumn [[378YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#A_Tale_of_Fog_and_Ravens\|launched a counter-offensive]]. During the Autumn Equinox, Nitrost was lost following a concerted Thule offensive, and with it Imperial control of the territory.		Following major offensives in [[#Moresvah\|Moresvah]] and [[#Nitrost\|Nitrost]] a strike team assaulted the town of [[Karsk#The Ruins of Isember\|Isember]] in [[#Lestasny\|Lestasny]] during the Spring Equinox 378YE. A focal point for traitors aiding the Thule, victory resulted in the destruction of the town and drove Thule forces back into the eastern regions. Karsk was once again in Imperial hands - but the campaign was far from over. The Thule forces showed no sign of abandoning the territory. As the year lengthened, [[378YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#Amid_Ruined_hills\|the barbarians regrouped]] and in Autumn [[378YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#A_Tale_of_Fog_and_Ravens\|launched a counter-offensive]]. During the Autumn Equinox, Nitrost was lost following a concerted Thule offensive, and with it Imperial control of the territory.

	Within three months, however, the tide of war had turned back the other way. A major campaign by Varushkan, Navarr and Urizen forces aided by powerful ritual magic forced the Thule back out of Nitrost, returning the territory to Imperial hands. During the Winter Solstice 378YE, Karsk was once again made part of Varushka - but this time there was a good deal more discussion in the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]], and some talk of granting it to the [[Imperial Orcs]] as their first territory.		Within three months, however, the tide of war had turned back the other way. A major campaign by Varushkan, Navarr and Urizen forces aided by powerful ritual magic forced the Thule back out of Nitrost, returning the territory to Imperial hands. During the Winter Solstice 378YE, Karsk was once again made part of Varushka - but this time there was a good deal more discussion in the [[Senate]], and some talk of granting it to the [[Imperial Orcs]] as their first territory.

	During the Summer Solstice 379YE, the Empire [[Accept_Thule_peace_treaty\|signed a peace treaty]] with the Thule that ended hostilities along the northern borders. The Thule withdrew their forces from Karsk - apart from the region of [[#Krevsaty\|Krevsaty]] which was [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence\|conceded]] to the orcs of [[Otkodov]] as part of the treaty.		During the Summer Solstice 379YE, the Empire [[Accept_Thule_peace_treaty\|signed a peace treaty]] with the Thule that ended hostilities along the northern borders. The Thule withdrew their forces from Karsk - apart from the region of [[#Krevsaty\|Krevsaty]] which was [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Concedence\|conceded]] to the orcs of [[Otkodov]] as part of the treaty.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

2026-01-15T12:23:30Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Military Council" to "[[Military Council"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:23, 15 January 2026
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	Reasonably hilly and has [[the Semmerlak\|a long, rocky coast]]; it was one of the last regions to be taken by the Thule. For many years defenders from the three largest mining families - the Malinov, the Sloev and the Pravin - held out and fought the Thule using the isolated mines and networks of tunnels to avoid capture. Following their liberation by Imperial forces in Winter 377YE the three families broke into their reserves of equipment and materials to offer valuable [[Casualties#Resupply\|resources]] to the armies fighting the Thule here.		Reasonably hilly and has [[the Semmerlak\|a long, rocky coast]]; it was one of the last regions to be taken by the Thule. For many years defenders from the three largest mining families - the Malinov, the Sloev and the Pravin - held out and fought the Thule using the isolated mines and networks of tunnels to avoid capture. Following their liberation by Imperial forces in Winter 377YE the three families broke into their reserves of equipment and materials to offer valuable [[Casualties#Resupply\|resources]] to the armies fighting the Thule here.

	Not every mine in Moresvah was so lucky - the [[Karsk_spoils_of_war#Zeleny_Zheleza\|Zeleny Zheleza]] for example was thoroughly plundered by the barbarians during the occupation. This did not stop the Sloev family attempting to take control of the mine in Spring 378YE, but they abruptly withdrew their petition and the mine ultimately fell under the jurisdiction of the [[~~Imperial~~ Military Council\|military council]] as a [[Spoils of war\|spoil of war]].		Not every mine in Moresvah was so lucky - the [[Karsk_spoils_of_war#Zeleny_Zheleza\|Zeleny Zheleza]] for example was thoroughly plundered by the barbarians during the occupation. This did not stop the Sloev family attempting to take control of the mine in Spring 378YE, but they abruptly withdrew their petition and the mine ultimately fell under the jurisdiction of the [[Military Council\|military council]] as a [[Spoils of war\|spoil of war]].

	===Nitrost===		===Nitrost===
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	* [[Mine\|Mines]] in the territory benefit from the [[#The Crow Roads\|Crow Roads]] and produce an extra 2 ingots each season.		* [[Mine\|Mines]] in the territory benefit from the [[#The Crow Roads\|Crow Roads]] and produce an extra 2 ingots each season.
	* [[Forest\|Forests]] in the territory benefit from the [[#The Crow Roads\|Crow Roads]] and produce an extra 2 measures each season.		* [[Forest\|Forests]] in the territory benefit from the [[#The Crow Roads\|Crow Roads]] and produce an extra 2 measures each season.
	* A list of the [[spoils of war]], allocated by the [[~~Imperial~~ Military Council\|Military Council]] at the Summer Solstice 378YE can be found [[Karsk spoils of war\|here]].		* A list of the [[spoils of war]], allocated by the [[Military Council\|Military Council]] at the Summer Solstice 378YE can be found [[Karsk spoils of war\|here]].

	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==

Twiggy at 15:04, 21 August 2025

2025-08-21T15:04:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:04, 21 August 2025
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	Shortly after the Spring Equinox 380YE, Senator Maarit [[commission\|commissioned]] a project to [[Construct_vale_in_Karsk\|rebuild the vale of Ivarsgard]]. White granite and weirwood were provided, as well as money to cover labour costs, but the materials and funds were supplemented by volunteer labour. A number of displaced citizens of Karsk had taken refuge in the forests here and, following discussions with the exiled Boyar of Ivarsgard, agreed to help rebuild the vale in return for a place within its walls. A call has gone out for survivors of the fall of Ivarsgard to return and lend their strength to restoring the [[prosperity]] of the reborn vale.		Shortly after the Spring Equinox 380YE, Senator Maarit [[commission\|commissioned]] a project to [[Construct_vale_in_Karsk\|rebuild the vale of Ivarsgard]]. White granite and weirwood were provided, as well as money to cover labour costs, but the materials and funds were supplemented by volunteer labour. A number of displaced citizens of Karsk had taken refuge in the forests here and, following discussions with the exiled Boyar of Ivarsgard, agreed to help rebuild the vale in return for a place within its walls. A call has gone out for survivors of the fall of Ivarsgard to return and lend their strength to restoring the [[prosperity]] of the reborn vale.

	It is not just former citizens that have come to Ivarsgard; merchants from the [[Sarcophan Delves]] negotiated a special mooring at the docks here, which was [[Create_title_Custodian_of_Ivarsgard_Docks\|approved by the Senate]] in Summer 382YE. The [[Custodian of Ivarsgard Docks]] is appointed to maintain good relations with the visiting traders and to ensure that Ivarsgard ships and boats have a safe and profitable mooring. Likewise, in response to an [[The_honey_offering#The_Goose_and_the_Spider\|influx of former Druj slaves]] from [[Ossium]], the Imperial Senate ~~authorized~~ the construction of a [[Warden of the Trees and Hills#Warden's Hall\|Warden's Hall]] here, used as the base of operations of the [[Warden of the Trees and Hills]].		It is not just former citizens that have come to Ivarsgard; merchants from the [[Sarcophan Delves]] negotiated a special mooring at the docks here, which was [[Create_title_Custodian_of_Ivarsgard_Docks\|approved by the Senate]] in Summer 382YE. The [[Custodian of Ivarsgard Docks]] is appointed to maintain good relations with the visiting traders and to ensure that Ivarsgard ships and boats have a safe and profitable mooring. Likewise, in response to an [[The_honey_offering#The_Goose_and_the_Spider\|influx of former Druj slaves]] from [[Ossium]], the Imperial Senate authorised the construction of a [[Warden of the Trees and Hills#Warden's Hall\|Warden's Hall]] here, used as the base of operations of the [[Warden of the Trees and Hills]].

	Ivarsgard is connected to [[#The_Roads_of_Karsk\|the roads of Karsk]], and protected both by a sturdy wall and by the brooding presence of [[#Aleksandra's Watch\|Aleksandra's Watch]]. A basic quay has been laid in, as well as a number of buildings - including an armoury. While many of the structures inside the walls are currently tents, they are supplemented by more permanent structures as the prosperity of the area continues to grow.		Ivarsgard is connected to [[#The_Roads_of_Karsk\|the roads of Karsk]], and protected both by a sturdy wall and by the brooding presence of [[#Aleksandra's Watch\|Aleksandra's Watch]]. A basic quay has been laid in, as well as a number of buildings - including an armoury. While many of the structures inside the walls are currently tents, they are supplemented by more permanent structures as the prosperity of the area continues to grow.

Twiggy at 05:44, 14 July 2025

2025-07-14T05:44:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:44, 14 July 2025
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	==Recent History==		==Recent History==
	After a period of escalating raids, barbarian orcs invaded Karsk from the north in 368YE. In a series of surprise attacks they overwhelmed the border fortresses and pushed deep into the heart of the territory. The ferocity and sheer numbers involved in the assault took the Varushkans by surprise, and before the Empire could ~~organize~~ an effective counter-attack, Karsk had fallen.		After a period of escalating raids, barbarian orcs invaded Karsk from the north in 368YE. In a series of surprise attacks they overwhelmed the border fortresses and pushed deep into the heart of the territory. The ferocity and sheer numbers involved in the assault took the Varushkans by surprise, and before the Empire could organise an effective counter-attack, Karsk had fallen.

	The campaign against the orcs stretched on for several decades. A few vales held out against the barbarians, backed up by some Imperial forces, a [[Varushka Magical Traditions#Cabalists\|cabal]] or two and a few fellowships of [[warden\|wardens]]. Scattered reports revealed that the initial strong invasion quickly stalled. It soon became clear that the invading orcs were fighting among themselves, and with some of the few remaining indigenous orc bandits.		The campaign against the orcs stretched on for several decades. A few vales held out against the barbarians, backed up by some Imperial forces, a [[Varushka Magical Traditions#Cabalists\|cabal]] or two and a few fellowships of [[warden\|wardens]]. Scattered reports revealed that the initial strong invasion quickly stalled. It soon became clear that the invading orcs were fighting among themselves, and with some of the few remaining indigenous orc bandits.

Hailmur: /* Ketsov Mir Mozga */

2025-05-17T23:56:20Z

Ketsov Mir Mozga

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:56, 17 May 2025
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	The [[Karsk_spoils_of_war#Mir_Mozga\|Mir Mozga]] is a stretch of wild pine barrens particularly rich in [[dragonbone]] which were never tamed by the Thule invaders, and barely made use of in the years following the liberation of the territory. Since the death of Pyotr Kresnovich Triosny, master of the Mir Mozga after Karsk was liberated, the forests near Isember had grown wild and chaotic - and there was no longer enough structure there to make gathering the dragonbone a feasible operation for anyone other than wagon raiders. With the arrival of the Ketsov that is no longer the case. They have established a vale, and set about improving the status of the forests - and making friends with their neighbours. They helped [[Delirium\|resolve the Isember problem]], and while the majority of the dragonbone is used to help build up the vale, and a portion sent back to Ossium, they are quite prepared to share part of that bounty with their friends - such as the [[Custodian of Ivarsgard Docks]].		The [[Karsk_spoils_of_war#Mir_Mozga\|Mir Mozga]] is a stretch of wild pine barrens particularly rich in [[dragonbone]] which were never tamed by the Thule invaders, and barely made use of in the years following the liberation of the territory. Since the death of Pyotr Kresnovich Triosny, master of the Mir Mozga after Karsk was liberated, the forests near Isember had grown wild and chaotic - and there was no longer enough structure there to make gathering the dragonbone a feasible operation for anyone other than wagon raiders. With the arrival of the Ketsov that is no longer the case. They have established a vale, and set about improving the status of the forests - and making friends with their neighbours. They helped [[Delirium\|resolve the Isember problem]], and while the majority of the dragonbone is used to help build up the vale, and a portion sent back to Ossium, they are quite prepared to share part of that bounty with their friends - such as the [[Custodian of Ivarsgard Docks]].

			===The Iron Hearth===
			An [[edifice]], this [[Rewarding#Counting_Houses\|counting house]] collects donations for the Virtue fund from citizens of [[#Ivarsgard\|Ivarsgard]] and the rest of Karsk. Delicately woven depictions of [[Varushka_religious_beliefs#The_Virtuous_Animals\|Virtuous Animals]] adorn the walls. The prosperous donations are recorded in massive leather tomes for all to see.

	===The Ruins of Isember ===		===The Ruins of Isember ===

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	Shortly after the Spring Equinox 380YE, Senator Maarit [[commission\|commissioned]] a project to [[Construct_vale_in_Karsk\|rebuild the vale of Ivarsgard]]. White granite and weirwood were provided, as well as money to cover labour costs, but the materials and funds were supplemented by volunteer labour. A number of displaced citizens of Karsk had taken refuge in the forests here and, following discussions with the exiled Boyar of Ivarsgard, agreed to help rebuild the vale in return for a place within its walls. A call has gone out for survivors of the fall of Ivarsgard to return and lend their strength to restoring the [[prosperity]] of the reborn vale.		Shortly after the Spring Equinox 380YE, Senator Maarit [[commission\|commissioned]] a project to [[Construct_vale_in_Karsk\|rebuild the vale of Ivarsgard]]. White granite and weirwood were provided, as well as money to cover labour costs, but the materials and funds were supplemented by volunteer labour. A number of displaced citizens of Karsk had taken refuge in the forests here and, following discussions with the exiled Boyar of Ivarsgard, agreed to help rebuild the vale in return for a place within its walls. A call has gone out for survivors of the fall of Ivarsgard to return and lend their strength to restoring the [[prosperity]] of the reborn vale.

	It is not just former citizens that have come to Ivarsgard; merchants from the [[Sarcophan Delves]] negotiated a special mooring at the docks here, which was [[Create_title_Custodian_of_Ivarsgard_Docks\|approved by the Senate]] in Summer 382YE. The [[Custodian of Ivarsgard Docks]] is appointed to maintain good relations with the visiting traders and to ensure that Ivarsgard ships and boats have a safe and profitable mooring. Likewise, in response to an [[The_honey_offering#The_Goose_and_the_Spider\|influx of former Druj slaves]] from [[Ossium]], the Imperial Senate ~~authorized~~ the construction of a [[Warden of the Trees and Hills#Warden's Hall\|Warden's Hall]] here, used as the base of operations of the [[Warden of the Trees and Hills]].		It is not just former citizens that have come to Ivarsgard; merchants from the [[Sarcophan Delves]] negotiated a special mooring at the docks here, which was [[Create_title_Custodian_of_Ivarsgard_Docks\|approved by the Senate]] in Summer 382YE. The [[Custodian of Ivarsgard Docks]] is appointed to maintain good relations with the visiting traders and to ensure that Ivarsgard ships and boats have a safe and profitable mooring. Likewise, in response to an [[The_honey_offering#The_Goose_and_the_Spider\|influx of former Druj slaves]] from [[Ossium]], the Imperial Senate authorised the construction of a [[Warden of the Trees and Hills#Warden's Hall\|Warden's Hall]] here, used as the base of operations of the [[Warden of the Trees and Hills]].

	Ivarsgard is connected to [[#The_Roads_of_Karsk\|the roads of Karsk]], and protected both by a sturdy wall and by the brooding presence of [[#Aleksandra's Watch\|Aleksandra's Watch]]. A basic quay has been laid in, as well as a number of buildings - including an armoury. While many of the structures inside the walls are currently tents, they are supplemented by more permanent structures as the prosperity of the area continues to grow.		Ivarsgard is connected to [[#The_Roads_of_Karsk\|the roads of Karsk]], and protected both by a sturdy wall and by the brooding presence of [[#Aleksandra's Watch\|Aleksandra's Watch]]. A basic quay has been laid in, as well as a number of buildings - including an armoury. While many of the structures inside the walls are currently tents, they are supplemented by more permanent structures as the prosperity of the area continues to grow.