Shadowed boughs of twilight - Revision history

Dre at 20:21, 8 September 2026

2026-09-08T20:21:36Z

Twiggy: /* Shut it Down */

2026-09-08T20:11:47Z

Shut it Down

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:11, 8 September 2026
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	Alternatively, of course, the Senate could just abrogate the title and leave the palace to fall into ruin. This would still require a senate motion, but would not have any other costs. It might be seen as throwing the baby out with the bathwater, but it will resolve the situation.		Alternatively, of course, the Senate could just abrogate the title and leave the palace to fall into ruin. This would still require a senate motion, but would not have any other costs. It might be seen as throwing the baby out with the bathwater, but it will resolve the situation.
	<div style="float:right; width: 275px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=AgramantArt.jpg\|caption=""More of this kind of thing please!."\|align=right\|width=275}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 275px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=AgramantArt.jpg\|caption=""More of this kind of thing please!"\|align=right\|width=275}}</div>

	===Blood on the Snow===		===Blood on the Snow===

Thespaceinvader: /* Not Father of Bats */

2026-09-08T18:48:51Z

Not Father of Bats

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:48, 8 September 2026
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	===''Not'' Father of Bats===		===''Not'' Father of Bats===
	* '''The Towers of Zulgan ~~Task~~ are labouring under the effects of a curse of some kind'''		* '''The Towers of Zulgan Tash are labouring under the effects of a curse of some kind'''
	* '''The soldiers of the garrison appear to have forgotten they work there'''		* '''The soldiers of the garrison appear to have forgotten they work there'''
	The [[Ossium#Towers_of_Zulgan_Tash\|Towers of Zulgan Tash]] were drawn from the Night realm in an act of consummate magic performed by the eponymous coven of Varushkan cabalists. As many magicians know, they "stole" the fortification from the realm of the [[Sadogua\|Brother of Wizards]], binding them to the marshes of the Drownbark Forest using a great stake of pure star metal (and anchoring it with the star metal found in the waters of the old marsh). The towers are [[fortification#garrison\|garrisoned]] by Varushkan soldiers, who keep a [[vigilance\|vigilant]] eye on both the borders with the Mallum and with the Thule-claimed forests to the north.		The [[Ossium#Towers_of_Zulgan_Tash\|Towers of Zulgan Tash]] were drawn from the Night realm in an act of consummate magic performed by the eponymous coven of Varushkan cabalists. As many magicians know, they "stole" the fortification from the realm of the [[Sadogua\|Brother of Wizards]], binding them to the marshes of the Drownbark Forest using a great stake of pure star metal (and anchoring it with the star metal found in the waters of the old marsh). The towers are [[fortification#garrison\|garrisoned]] by Varushkan soldiers, who keep a [[vigilance\|vigilant]] eye on both the borders with the Mallum and with the Thule-claimed forests to the north.

Noserenda: /* Participation : Dreams of Wisdom */

2026-09-08T18:45:06Z

Participation : Dreams of Wisdom

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:45, 8 September 2026
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	Part of the power of the [[Guardian of the Maze of Zoria]] is to empower [[Mime_each_lonely_word#The_Naming_of_the_Beasts\|The Naming of the Beasts]] and that is what has happened here. Anyone dedicated to Wisdom who has visited the Maze of Zoria may have experienced the revelatory dreams mentioned here, whether they are in Varushka or not.		Part of the power of the [[Guardian of the Maze of Zoria]] is to empower [[Mime_each_lonely_word#The_Naming_of_the_Beasts\|The Naming of the Beasts]] and that is what has happened here. Anyone dedicated to Wisdom who has visited the Maze of Zoria may have experienced the revelatory dreams mentioned here, whether they are in Varushka or not.
	<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box>'''Counting the Sovereigns'''		<div style="float:right; width: 500px; clear: right;"><box>'''Counting the Sovereigns'''
	<p>For the last [[Mime_each_lonely_word#OOC_Note_on_Sovereigns\|few years]] we have been slowly adding more information about the primary sovereigns of Varushka to the wiki. [[Night Below]], [[Dho'uala]], and the [[Charnel Lord]] have their own pages and there is also information about the [[Tales_of_the_Howling_Queen\|Howling Queen]] and the [[Rat King of Temeschwar]]. With the information here about ''the Dubik'', and ''the Stranger'' that list is largely complete (unless something awful lurks in the [{Forest of Ulnak]] which is by no means impossible). We intend to add full pages for the last four as soon as we can. </p>		<p>For the last [[Mime_each_lonely_word#OOC_Note_on_Sovereigns\|few years]] we have been slowly adding more information about the primary sovereigns of Varushka to the wiki. [[Night Below]], [[Dho'uala]], and the [[Charnel Lord]] have their own pages and there is also information about the [[Tales_of_the_Howling_Queen\|Howling Queen]] and the [[Rat King of Temeschwar]]. With the information here about ''the Dubik'', and ''the Stranger'' that list is largely complete (unless something awful lurks in the [[Forest of Ulnak]] which is by no means impossible). We intend to add full pages for the last four as soon as we can. </p>

	<p>There is one other being that is listed alongside the sovereigns of Varushka - the eternal [[Agramant]]. While he is not a creature ''of'' Varushka he is known to have a particular interest in the place, but also to operate there in a much more clandestine and subtle fashion than he does elsewhere. Why this is the case, and what it means for Varushkans in general, is not clear.</p></box></div>		<p>There is one other being that is listed alongside the sovereigns of Varushka - the eternal [[Agramant]]. While he is not a creature ''of'' Varushka he is known to have a particular interest in the place, but also to operate there in a much more clandestine and subtle fashion than he does elsewhere. Why this is the case, and what it means for Varushkans in general, is not clear.</p></box></div>

Matt: /* The Dark Power Problem */

2026-09-08T18:14:30Z

The Dark Power Problem

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:14, 8 September 2026
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	Before anyone asks, it isn't possible to make an arcane projection that targets a territory but circumvents this problem. The only way to avoid or mitigate the problem is to create the arcane projection ''carefully'' and give thought to what its effects, and especially roleplaying effects, might do to a monster.		Before anyone asks, it isn't possible to make an arcane projection that targets a territory but circumvents this problem. The only way to avoid or mitigate the problem is to create the arcane projection ''carefully'' and give thought to what its effects, and especially roleplaying effects, might do to a monster.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=thulebanner1.jpeg\|title=Thule banner iconography~~\|align=right~~\|width=300}}		<div style="clear:right; float: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=thulebanner1.jpeg\|title=Thule banner iconography\|width=300}}</div>
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Kindra Surefoot.jpg\|caption='''Kindra Surefoot''', Ambassador to Otkodov\|align=left\|width=250}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Kindra Surefoot.jpg\|caption='''Kindra Surefoot''', Ambassador to Otkodov\|align=left\|width=250}}

GuiltyConscience: /* The Dark Power Problem */

2026-09-08T17:44:50Z

The Dark Power Problem

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:44, 8 September 2026
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	==The Dark Power Problem==		==The Dark Power Problem==
	* '''Large scale magic used in Varushka will invariably ~~effect~~ the monsters that live there as well as the mortals'''		* '''Large scale magic used in Varushka will invariably affect the monsters that live there as well as the mortals'''
	Rituals that create territory-wide effects - enchantments and curses alike - always do certain things. They might also do additional things depending on the circumstances in the territory where they are cast, but the effects are unpredictable. There are [[Varushkan Monster\|monsters]] in Varushka, and while they are not an omnipresent threat by any means they are certainly not tamed. Any large-scale magic that targets a Varushkan territory will impact not only the Thule - who can at least be reasoned with - but also the wolves, sovereigns and other entities that lurk in those territories, who cannot.		Rituals that create territory-wide effects - enchantments and curses alike - always do certain things. They might also do additional things depending on the circumstances in the territory where they are cast, but the effects are unpredictable. There are [[Varushkan Monster\|monsters]] in Varushka, and while they are not an omnipresent threat by any means they are certainly not tamed. Any large-scale magic that targets a Varushkan territory will impact not only the Thule - who can at least be reasoned with - but also the wolves, sovereigns and other entities that lurk in those territories, who cannot.

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	{{CaptionedImage\|file=thulebanner1.jpeg\|title=Thule banner iconography\|align=right\|width=300}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=thulebanner1.jpeg\|title=Thule banner iconography\|align=right\|width=300}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Kindra Surefoot.jpg\|caption='''Kindra Surefoot''', Ambassador to Otkodov\|align=left\|width=250}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Kindra Surefoot.jpg\|caption='''Kindra Surefoot''', Ambassador to Otkodov\|align=left\|width=250}}

	==Ten Shadows==		==Ten Shadows==
	* '''The Thule are not happy'''		* '''The Thule are not happy'''

GuiltyConscience: /* Stranger on the Road */

2026-09-08T17:44:01Z

Stranger on the Road

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	* '''It corrodes bonds of trust and corrupts people into performing terrible deeds'''		* '''It corrodes bonds of trust and corrupts people into performing terrible deeds'''
	* '''Unlike the vast majority of monsters it can travel along the roads of Varushka - albeit with certain caveats'''		* '''Unlike the vast majority of monsters it can travel along the roads of Varushka - albeit with certain caveats'''
	At the Spring Equinox, the Guardian of the Maze of Zoria '''Illya Nikovitch Volkov''', proposed an odd [[statement of principle]] to the Wisdom assembly. It was supported with a [[greater majority]]. At first there was a lot of discussion and very little happened, but following the Summer Solstice something blossoms in the hearts of the Wise and not just in Varushka. ~~Sedicate~~ of Wisdom who have ever made a pilgrimage to the Maze of Zoria dream of hounds with red eyebrows and of imperious geese - and sometimes these dreams come when they are wide awake. Both the dogs and the birds bear a warning to anyone prepared to listen.		At the Spring Equinox, the Guardian of the Maze of Zoria '''Illya Nikovitch Volkov''', proposed an odd [[statement of principle]] to the Wisdom assembly. It was supported with a [[greater majority]]. At first there was a lot of discussion and very little happened, but following the Summer Solstice something blossoms in the hearts of the Wise and not just in Varushka. Dedicates of Wisdom who have ever made a pilgrimage to the Maze of Zoria dream of hounds with red eyebrows and of imperious geese - and sometimes these dreams come when they are wide awake. Both the dogs and the birds bear a warning to anyone prepared to listen.

	The Stranger is a dark power of Varushka, and it is ''Pleasing Face''. It is ''You Are Not Who You Are'', and the ''Wicked Storyteller'', and ''Do-not-take-my-hand'', the ''False Friend'', the ''Smiling Mask''. It is ''Wolf-on-the-inside'', and ''Fellow Traveller'', and ''Uncanny Companion''. It rarely appears in the stories of Varushka in a recognisable form because it is always, always in disguise. The [[Varushkan Monster#Mora\|mora]] are either its children, or creatures it has twisted to its purpose. The trudnik were its creations - warped and twisted by boons they should not have asked for into the horrors they became, empowered with glamours that let them pass as human. That uncanny child that turned out to be a twisted stump full of spiders that came out of Ossium with the freed slaves all those years ago? A pawn of the Stranger. It is fundamentally the danger that looks like a friend, the false sanctuary, the trap that closes when one feels safe.		The Stranger is a dark power of Varushka, and it is ''Pleasing Face''. It is ''You Are Not Who You Are'', and the ''Wicked Storyteller'', and ''Do-not-take-my-hand'', the ''False Friend'', the ''Smiling Mask''. It is ''Wolf-on-the-inside'', and ''Fellow Traveller'', and ''Uncanny Companion''. It rarely appears in the stories of Varushka in a recognisable form because it is always, always in disguise. The [[Varushkan Monster#Mora\|mora]] are either its children, or creatures it has twisted to its purpose. The trudnik were its creations - warped and twisted by boons they should not have asked for into the horrors they became, empowered with glamours that let them pass as human. That uncanny child that turned out to be a twisted stump full of spiders that came out of Ossium with the freed slaves all those years ago? A pawn of the Stranger. It is fundamentally the danger that looks like a friend, the false sanctuary, the trap that closes when one feels safe.
	{{SOP\|statement=The Guardian of the Maze of Zoria calls for the aid of the wise ones of the Empire. The Maze of Zoria has proven in the past to be a conduit of knowledge regarding magical beings such as the sovereigns of Varushka. Come to the Maze of Zoria, together we shall discern the nature of the creature behind the face-peelers. This creature is known as "The Stranger", "The First One", or less commonly "The Smiling One". Let us learn of this threat to our Empire together.\|by=Illya Nikovitch Volkov\|vote=Greater Majority 328-0\|when=Spring Equinox 388YE\|size=small}}		{{SOP\|statement=The Guardian of the Maze of Zoria calls for the aid of the wise ones of the Empire. The Maze of Zoria has proven in the past to be a conduit of knowledge regarding magical beings such as the sovereigns of Varushka. Come to the Maze of Zoria, together we shall discern the nature of the creature behind the face-peelers. This creature is known as "The Stranger", "The First One", or less commonly "The Smiling One". Let us learn of this threat to our Empire together.\|by=Illya Nikovitch Volkov\|vote=Greater Majority 328-0\|when=Spring Equinox 388YE\|size=small}}

	It is the only dark power of Varushka that can travel by the roads, but when it does so it is bound to harm none and present only a pleasing face. It cannot hurt anyone who travels with it - and they often do not realise the horror that walks alongside them - unless they somehow invite it to do so. It is an echo of this essence that causes the mora to act as if they are simple travellers until someone breaches the bonds of hospitality, that let the ~~trudnii~~ masquerade as innocent draughir until their hosts or guests gave them the opening to attack. What it can do, however, is use words as weapons. It can poison those who listen to it tell its tales or offer its friendly advice, and if they accept its twisted words and act on them, it lures them into its service. The worst of its servitors are those that look to all eyes as if they are just normal folk, but whose spirits and minds are rotten and twisted. The wolves who are "hairy on the inside" - who stab their friends in the back, hack their parents with axes without warning, poison a meal for no reason. Not all random acts of inexplicable cruelty and violence are the doing of the Stranger, but many are.		It is the only dark power of Varushka that can travel by the roads, but when it does so it is bound to harm none and present only a pleasing face. It cannot hurt anyone who travels with it - and they often do not realise the horror that walks alongside them - unless they somehow invite it to do so. It is an echo of this essence that causes the mora to act as if they are simple travellers until someone breaches the bonds of hospitality, that let the trudnik masquerade as innocent draughir until their hosts or guests gave them the opening to attack. What it can do, however, is use words as weapons. It can poison those who listen to it tell its tales or offer its friendly advice, and if they accept its twisted words and act on them, it lures them into its service. The worst of its servitors are those that look to all eyes as if they are just normal folk, but whose spirits and minds are rotten and twisted. The wolves who are "hairy on the inside" - who stab their friends in the back, hack their parents with axes without warning, poison a meal for no reason. Not all random acts of inexplicable cruelty and violence are the doing of the Stranger, but many are.

	Uncanny Companion can be bargained with, and as long as it is in its fair seeming its boons may be dangerous but they will be true. If it is ''not'' in its fair seeming form, then the boons it offers are curses that will drag those who accept them to their doom. The problem is that it is often not possible to tell simply by looking at it whether it is truly fair or just pretending to be. One of its strangest elements is that it tells the truth. When it is wearing its friendly seeming it never lies, but it allows people to deceive themselves by interpreting its words the way they want to. Always and always, it works to corrode trust. To make people suspicious of strangers who could be their friends, to drive wedges between loyal companions, to sow distrust of honest merchants and virtuous folk.		Uncanny Companion can be bargained with, and as long as it is in its fair seeming its boons may be dangerous but they will be true. If it is ''not'' in its fair seeming form, then the boons it offers are curses that will drag those who accept them to their doom. The problem is that it is often not possible to tell simply by looking at it whether it is truly fair or just pretending to be. One of its strangest elements is that it tells the truth. When it is wearing its friendly seeming it never lies, but it allows people to deceive themselves by interpreting its words the way they want to. Always and always, it works to corrode trust. To make people suspicious of strangers who could be their friends, to drive wedges between loyal companions, to sow distrust of honest merchants and virtuous folk.

GuiltyConscience: /* Blood on the Snow */

2026-09-08T17:34:09Z

Blood on the Snow

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:34, 8 September 2026
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	===Blood on the Snow===		===Blood on the Snow===
	* '''Agramant has registered approval of the enchantment'''		* '''Agramant has registered approval of the enchantment'''
	[[Agramant]] is not an eternal of the Night realm and has no business having any opinion at all on the enchantment settled over Ossium. However, he ''is'' included on some rosters of sovereigns and it seems that makes him feel he can express his enthusiastic support for the magic that has been worked here. The servant (its not clear if its a herald or not) that delivers the message has to shout it at the walls of [[Ossium#Kostjyas_Respite\|Kostjyas Respite]] while cheerfully dodging arrows. The message amounts to "''Voice of the Pines, He-who-calls-the-lost-to-feast, heartily approves of this ritual because people who get lost in the woods of Varushka either gain wisdom or provide a meal for someone stronger than they are.''" The herald goes on to request that the next such casting take place so that it will ~~effect~~ the Winter months when many predators risk going hungry, and if possible use Winter magic so that ''Blood-on-the-Snow'' can have as much fun as his fellow sovereigns.		[[Agramant]] is not an eternal of the Night realm and has no business having any opinion at all on the enchantment settled over Ossium. However, he ''is'' included on some rosters of sovereigns and it seems that makes him feel he can express his enthusiastic support for the magic that has been worked here. The servant (its not clear if its a herald or not) that delivers the message has to shout it at the walls of [[Ossium#Kostjyas_Respite\|Kostjyas Respite]] while cheerfully dodging arrows. The message amounts to "''Voice of the Pines, He-who-calls-the-lost-to-feast, heartily approves of this ritual because people who get lost in the woods of Varushka either gain wisdom or provide a meal for someone stronger than they are.''" The herald goes on to request that the next such casting take place so that it will affect the Winter months when many predators risk going hungry, and if possible use Winter magic so that ''Blood-on-the-Snow'' can have as much fun as his fellow sovereigns.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Varushkan Monsters.jpg\|caption=There are monsters in Varushka, and that includes Ossium.\|align=left\|width=275}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Varushkan Monsters.jpg\|caption=There are monsters in Varushka, and that includes Ossium.\|align=left\|width=275}}
	Message delivered, the messenger disappears into the darkness. There is no way of telling if this was a herald that had defied the Conclave's enmity (very unlikely indeed), a human servant of Agramant (possible), or someone with no connection to Blood-on-the-Snow trying to stir up trouble.		Message delivered, the messenger disappears into the darkness. There is no way of telling if this was a herald that had defied the Conclave's enmity (very unlikely indeed), a human servant of Agramant (possible), or someone with no connection to Blood-on-the-Snow trying to stir up trouble.

	==Dark Powers==		==Dark Powers==
	* '''Eternals of the Night realm are not the only inhuman powers responding to the enchantment on Ossium'''		* '''Eternals of the Night realm are not the only inhuman powers responding to the enchantment on Ossium'''

GuiltyConscience: /* Great Serpent */

2026-09-08T17:32:58Z

Great Serpent

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:32, 8 September 2026
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	</td></tr>		</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Special:''' Azoth has made it a condition that the title "Apothecary of Orieb" ''not'' be abrogated as part of this motion; it claims it will restore the palace after one year</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Special:''' Azoth has made it a condition that the title "Apothecary of Orieb" ''not'' be abrogated as part of this motion; it claims it will restore the palace after one year</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Availability:''' ~~AUtumn~~ Equinox Only</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Availability:''' Autumn Equinox Only</td></tr>
	</table></div>		</table></div>
	* '''Azoth has an interest in the Palace of Orieb'''		* '''Azoth has an interest in the Palace of Orieb'''
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	Alternatively, of course, the Senate could just abrogate the title and leave the palace to fall into ruin. This would still require a senate motion, but would not have any other costs. It might be seen as throwing the baby out with the bathwater, but it will resolve the situation.		Alternatively, of course, the Senate could just abrogate the title and leave the palace to fall into ruin. This would still require a senate motion, but would not have any other costs. It might be seen as throwing the baby out with the bathwater, but it will resolve the situation.
	<div style="float:right; width: 275px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=AgramantArt.jpg\|caption=""More of this kind of thing please!."\|align=right\|width=275}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 275px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=AgramantArt.jpg\|caption=""More of this kind of thing please!."\|align=right\|width=275}}</div>

	===Blood on the Snow===		===Blood on the Snow===
	* '''Agramant has registered approval of the enchantment'''		* '''Agramant has registered approval of the enchantment'''

GuiltyConscience: /* Not Father of Bats */

2026-09-08T17:29:33Z

Not Father of Bats

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:29, 8 September 2026
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	The [[Ossium#Towers_of_Zulgan_Tash\|Towers of Zulgan Tash]] were drawn from the Night realm in an act of consummate magic performed by the eponymous coven of Varushkan cabalists. As many magicians know, they "stole" the fortification from the realm of the [[Sadogua\|Brother of Wizards]], binding them to the marshes of the Drownbark Forest using a great stake of pure star metal (and anchoring it with the star metal found in the waters of the old marsh). The towers are [[fortification#garrison\|garrisoned]] by Varushkan soldiers, who keep a [[vigilance\|vigilant]] eye on both the borders with the Mallum and with the Thule-claimed forests to the north.		The [[Ossium#Towers_of_Zulgan_Tash\|Towers of Zulgan Tash]] were drawn from the Night realm in an act of consummate magic performed by the eponymous coven of Varushkan cabalists. As many magicians know, they "stole" the fortification from the realm of the [[Sadogua\|Brother of Wizards]], binding them to the marshes of the Drownbark Forest using a great stake of pure star metal (and anchoring it with the star metal found in the waters of the old marsh). The towers are [[fortification#garrison\|garrisoned]] by Varushkan soldiers, who keep a [[vigilance\|vigilant]] eye on both the borders with the Mallum and with the Thule-claimed forests to the north.

	About a month after the Summer Solstice, the vales of Ossium realise that it has been some time since anyone saw anyone from the Towers of Zulgan Tash. Given the way the enchantment interferes with travel, which have already become apparent, the assumption is that something like that has happened. But another three weeks pass and people begin to worry. Especially when soldiers known to be part of the garrison start turning up at their homes, often homes they haven't lived in in years, across the territory with no recollection of the Towers of Zulgan Tash or their ~~dutirs~~ there. So a party of schlacta and wardens sets off to the site of the Towers to make sure nothing has gone wrong.		About a month after the Summer Solstice, the vales of Ossium realise that it has been some time since anyone saw anyone from the Towers of Zulgan Tash. Given the way the enchantment interferes with travel, which have already become apparent, the assumption is that something like that has happened. But another three weeks pass and people begin to worry. Especially when soldiers known to be part of the garrison start turning up at their homes, often homes they haven't lived in in years, across the territory with no recollection of the Towers of Zulgan Tash or their duties there. So a party of schlacta and wardens sets off to the site of the Towers to make sure nothing has gone wrong.

	Something has gone wrong.		Something has gone wrong.

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:21, 8 September 2026
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	At that point a foolish woodcutter appeared, stood just off to one side of the path. "Look out!", he shouted, "she's a mora!"		At that point a foolish woodcutter appeared, stood just off to one side of the path. "Look out!", he shouted, "she's a mora!"

	Thus revealed the wolf fell to the ground screaming and writhing in pain as feathers appeared all over ~~it's~~ body. A moment later it ~~lept~~ into the air, eager to fall on the helpless and devour them. The woodcutter stepped forwards eager to save them, but the monster hurled him aside in a heartbeat...		Thus revealed the wolf fell to the ground screaming and writhing in pain as feathers appeared all over its body. A moment later it leapt into the air, eager to fall on the helpless and devour them. The woodcutter stepped forwards eager to save them, but the monster hurled him aside in a heartbeat...

	...whereupon Grandmother fell on it, and with one quick flick of her axe, she chopped that wicked creature's head clean off ~~it's~~ body.		...whereupon Grandmother fell on it, and with one quick flick of her axe, she chopped that wicked creature's head clean off its body.
	</ic>		</ic>
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Dreamscape.jpg\|caption=Fantastical dreams, and paths lost and tangled, these are the gifts of the Night realm.\|align=left\|width=400}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Dreamscape.jpg\|caption=Fantastical dreams, and paths lost and tangled, these are the gifts of the Night realm.\|align=left\|width=400}}
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	[[Ossium]] has been part of [[Varushka]] for six years now, and what was once a wretched place clenched in the iron fist of the [[Druj]] is rapidly becoming one of the most prosperous territories in the Empire. Years of investment have paid off, with the vales here becoming stronger and richer with each season. Some of the finest Imperial [[forest\|forests]] are found here, and it is also home to places like the [[Ossium#The_Palace_of_Orieb\|Palace of Orieb]], the [[Keeper_of_the_Bonehives#The_Bone_Hives\|Bone Hives]], and [[Cabalist_of_the_Hollow_Stone#Marshstand_Skerry\|Marshstand Skerry]] that show what can be achieved when resources are taken from the masters of [[the Mallum]]. There is even some cautious trade with the [[orc\|orcs]] of [[Otkodov]] who control the northern forests, although there is also a little friction from those who resent the presence of interlopers who are not Imperial in ''their'' territories. Then, a couple of years ago, another "wave of settlement" took place when [[Strategos_of_Navarr#Awstin's_Rest\|Awstin's Rest]] wayhouse was built in [[Ossium#Nearweald\|Nearweald]], bringing with it the families of [[Navarr]] keen to share their own culture and customs with their Varushkan neighbours and learn from them in turn.		[[Ossium]] has been part of [[Varushka]] for six years now, and what was once a wretched place clenched in the iron fist of the [[Druj]] is rapidly becoming one of the most prosperous territories in the Empire. Years of investment have paid off, with the vales here becoming stronger and richer with each season. Some of the finest Imperial [[forest\|forests]] are found here, and it is also home to places like the [[Ossium#The_Palace_of_Orieb\|Palace of Orieb]], the [[Keeper_of_the_Bonehives#The_Bone_Hives\|Bone Hives]], and [[Cabalist_of_the_Hollow_Stone#Marshstand_Skerry\|Marshstand Skerry]] that show what can be achieved when resources are taken from the masters of [[the Mallum]]. There is even some cautious trade with the [[orc\|orcs]] of [[Otkodov]] who control the northern forests, although there is also a little friction from those who resent the presence of interlopers who are not Imperial in ''their'' territories. Then, a couple of years ago, another "wave of settlement" took place when [[Strategos_of_Navarr#Awstin's_Rest\|Awstin's Rest]] wayhouse was built in [[Ossium#Nearweald\|Nearweald]], bringing with it the families of [[Navarr]] keen to share their own culture and customs with their Varushkan neighbours and learn from them in turn.

	All of this preamble sets the scene for what happens after the Summer Solstice. Magic of the [[Realms#Night\|Wondrous Forest]] rises in isolated places across the territory, seeping out from beneath the trees, pooling in their shadows. It spreads quickly across the entire territory - - in ~~both~~ Imperial and Thule lands alike - bringing with it the unmistakable blessings of [[Night magic]] - blessings that have a regrettable tendency to be somewhat ''mixed''.		All of this preamble sets the scene for what happens after the Summer Solstice. Magic of the [[Realms#Night\|Wondrous Forest]] rises in isolated places across the territory, seeping out from beneath the trees, pooling in their shadows. It spreads quickly across the entire territory - in Imperial and Thule lands alike - bringing with it the unmistakable blessings of [[Night magic]] - blessings that have a regrettable tendency to be somewhat ''mixed''.
	<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Henri Rousseau - Le Rêve.jpg\|align=right\|width=400\|caption=The Forests of the Night are wonderful - they contain wonders. They are also terrific - they beget terror.}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Henri Rousseau - Le Rêve.jpg\|align=right\|width=400\|caption=The Forests of the Night are wonderful - they contain wonders. They are also terrific - they beget terror.}}</div>
	==Dark Dreams==		==Dark Dreams==
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	Finding Odech the Wanderer is a daunting task. The sparrows sing that it is ''one tree in a forest'', that there is something in its essential nature that allows it to hide as long as it is surrounded by living plants. Magic will not find it - and the squirrels whisper that [[Zoria]] herself could not find its location with her [[divination\|divinations]], no matter how long she looked. She wondered if perhaps the true secret of ''Thorn-that-thirsts'' is that it is the ghost of a dead [[weirwood]] tree, and that it enjoys all the protections that a living tree might have.		Finding Odech the Wanderer is a daunting task. The sparrows sing that it is ''one tree in a forest'', that there is something in its essential nature that allows it to hide as long as it is surrounded by living plants. Magic will not find it - and the squirrels whisper that [[Zoria]] herself could not find its location with her [[divination\|divinations]], no matter how long she looked. She wondered if perhaps the true secret of ''Thorn-that-thirsts'' is that it is the ghost of a dead [[weirwood]] tree, and that it enjoys all the protections that a living tree might have.

	Even if it is found, like any sovereign it probably cannot be destroyed while Varushka persists. ~~It's~~ body can be destroyed, but that frees it to move as a spirit and find a new host to poison and inhabit, and the only thing one can say with certainty is that host will be far, far away from where the last one died. The only good news is that after it moves as spirit, it inevitably slips into slumber. Indeed, say the little birds and the ivory squirrels in the dreams of the wise, it has slept away the last few years in the [[Tolvoli_Butcher#Tolvoli_Slaughterhouse_and_the_Heart_of_the_Tempest\|Heart of the Tempest]], and called its children around it. Now though, it has awoken again and the enchantment on Ossium has drawn it to that place to take up its new body and begin the new season of its cycle of misery.		Even if it is found, like any sovereign it probably cannot be destroyed while Varushka persists. Its body can be destroyed, but that frees it to move as a spirit and find a new host to poison and inhabit, and the only thing one can say with certainty is that host will be far, far away from where the last one died. The only good news is that after it moves as spirit, it inevitably slips into slumber. Indeed, say the little birds and the ivory squirrels in the dreams of the wise, it has slept away the last few years in the [[Tolvoli_Butcher#Tolvoli_Slaughterhouse_and_the_Heart_of_the_Tempest\|Heart of the Tempest]], and called its children around it. Now though, it has awoken again and the enchantment on Ossium has drawn it to that place to take up its new body and begin the new season of its cycle of misery.

	There is more of course - the Dubik is said to have been the creator of the Crown of the Dark Forest, or at least arranged for it to come into Varushkan hands - but those stories are for another time. For now it is enough to know that the Dubik is awake, and it is somewhere in Ossium.		There is more of course - the Dubik is said to have been the creator of the Crown of the Dark Forest, or at least arranged for it to come into Varushkan hands - but those stories are for another time. For now it is enough to know that the Dubik is awake, and it is somewhere in Ossium.