Skull beneath the skin - Revision history

Kirkbride: /* Conjunctions */

2026-09-08T22:01:08Z

Conjunctions

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:01, 8 September 2026
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	==Conjunctions==		==Conjunctions==
			<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">
			{{CaptionedImage\|file=KaelaArt.jpg\|align=left\|width=250}}
			</div>
	{{KaelaGift}}		{{KaelaGift}}

Kirkbride: /* Conjunctions */

2026-09-08T21:47:06Z

Conjunctions

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	==Conjunctions==		==Conjunctions==
			{{KaelaGift}}

	===Older, More Weathered===		===Older, More Weathered===
	* '''Something is drawing husks near to an Urizeni outpost'''		* '''Something is drawing husks near to an Urizeni outpost'''

GuiltyConscience: /* Older, More Weathered */

2026-09-08T21:34:51Z

Older, More Weathered

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:34, 8 September 2026
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	* '''Druj remnants have been spotted in the area'''		* '''Druj remnants have been spotted in the area'''
	* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely\|combat highly likely]] encounter'''		* '''This skirmish is a [[Accessibility#Combat_Highly_Likely\|combat highly likely]] encounter'''
	* '''The ''Senator for Sarangrave'', is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication\|responsible]] for destroying the column'''		* '''The ''Senator for Sarangrave'' is [[Sentinel_Gate#Prognostication\|responsible]] for destroying the column'''
	* '''Any combatant that falls in battle, either Druj or Imperial, will rise again as a shambling husk'''		* '''Any combatant that falls in battle, either Druj or Imperial, will rise again as a shambling husk'''
	* '''This <u>does not</u> apply if you reach the end of your death count whilst in Anvil'''		* '''This <u>does not</u> apply if you reach the end of your death count whilst in Anvil'''

Kirkbride: /* Conjunctions */

2026-09-08T21:23:10Z

Conjunctions

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:23, 8 September 2026
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	==Conjunctions==		==Conjunctions==
	===Older, More Weathered ~~(Turan Flats)~~===		===Older, More Weathered===
	* '''Something is drawing husks near to an Urizeni outpost'''		* '''Something is drawing husks near to an Urizeni outpost'''
	* '''Druj remnants have been spotted in the area'''		* '''Druj remnants have been spotted in the area'''
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	The only way to prevent this occurring is if the individual is executed before they reach the end of their death count.</box>		The only way to prevent this occurring is if the individual is executed before they reach the end of their death count.</box>

	===A Practised Grin ~~(Nesustak Forest)~~===		===A Practised Grin===
	* '''Former subjects of the Druj have been captured by a warband, they were trying to reach Nesustak Forest to join the septs there'''		* '''Former subjects of the Druj have been captured by a warband, they were trying to reach Nesustak Forest to join the septs there'''
	* '''One of them may be a Druj Tepel in disguise. They would wreak havoc on the septs if allowed to reach them'''		* '''One of them may be a Druj Tepel in disguise. They would wreak havoc on the septs if allowed to reach them'''

Kirkbride: /* Conjunctions */

2026-09-08T21:22:55Z

Conjunctions

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:22, 8 September 2026
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	==Conjunctions==		==Conjunctions==
	===Older, More Weathered (~~Sarangrave~~)===		===Older, More Weathered (Turan Flats)===
	* '''Something is drawing husks near to an Urizeni outpost'''		* '''Something is drawing husks near to an Urizeni outpost'''
	* '''Druj remnants have been spotted in the area'''		* '''Druj remnants have been spotted in the area'''
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	The only way to prevent this occurring is if the individual is executed before they reach the end of their death count.</box>		The only way to prevent this occurring is if the individual is executed before they reach the end of their death count.</box>

	===A Practised Grin (~~Sarangrave~~)===		===A Practised Grin (Nesustak Forest)===
	* '''Former subjects of the Druj have been captured by a warband, they were trying to reach Nesustak Forest to join the septs there'''		* '''Former subjects of the Druj have been captured by a warband, they were trying to reach Nesustak Forest to join the septs there'''
	* '''One of them may be a Druj Tepel in disguise. They would wreak havoc on the septs if allowed to reach them'''		* '''One of them may be a Druj Tepel in disguise. They would wreak havoc on the septs if allowed to reach them'''

Kirkbride: /* Older, More Weathered (Sarangrave) */

2026-09-08T21:22:34Z

Older, More Weathered (Sarangrave)

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:22, 8 September 2026
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	* '''This <u>does not</u> apply if you reach the end of your death count whilst in Anvil'''		* '''This <u>does not</u> apply if you reach the end of your death count whilst in Anvil'''
	{{AgainstBarbarians}}		{{AgainstBarbarians}}
	The few Urizeni settlers in the ~~Terun~~ Flats have reported large numbers of Winter husks gathering in nearby Tercia's Bluff. They seem to be being drawn there by a magical stone column, suggested by some to be a partially complete miasma pillar. A Druj warband, remnants of the Hidden Snake, has been spotted moving toward the area. It seems likely they intend to corral and direct the husks to inflict damage on the nearby spires.		The few Urizeni settlers in the Turan Flats have reported large numbers of Winter husks gathering in nearby Tercia's Bluff. They seem to be being drawn there by a magical stone column, suggested by some to be a partially complete miasma pillar. A Druj warband, remnants of the Hidden Snake, has been spotted moving toward the area. It seems likely they intend to corral and direct the husks to inflict damage on the nearby spires.

	In addition to the bodies of Druj and Imperial soldiers, several of the husks have been identified by scouts as fallen heroes from the Battle of the Fens of Varreth last season, which lies only a few miles from Tercia's Bluff. There is no possibility of saving these people; they are dead bodies being animated by the spirits of Winter, but their friends and family may appreciate the opportunity to execute the creature and allow their body to rest.		In addition to the bodies of Druj and Imperial soldiers, several of the husks have been identified by scouts as fallen heroes from the Battle of the Fens of Varreth last season, which lies only a few miles from Tercia's Bluff. There is no possibility of saving these people; they are dead bodies being animated by the spirits of Winter, but their friends and family may appreciate the opportunity to execute the creature and allow their body to rest.

	The stone will continue to draw more husks to it if left intact. Even if the Druj are driven off, such a mass of husks represents a major risk to the nearby spires. The [[Sarangrave#Recent Senate elections\|Senator for Sarangrave]], '''Bartimaeus''', is responsible for destroying the column. It may be destroyed by a casting of [[Words of Ending]] at magnitude 16, or else by the methods normally used to remove miasma pillars ([[Dreadful Ending]], [[Chimes of Annulment]] or a consecration performed with the strength of eight priests). If the column is not destroyed, then ~~Terun~~ Flats will gain the Underpopulated quality as a force of husks destroys the burgeoning spires.		The stone will continue to draw more husks to it if left intact. Even if the Druj are driven off, such a mass of husks represents a major risk to the nearby spires. The [[Sarangrave#Recent Senate elections\|Senator for Sarangrave]], '''Bartimaeus''', is responsible for destroying the column. It may be destroyed by a casting of [[Words of Ending]] at magnitude 16, or else by the methods normally used to remove miasma pillars ([[Dreadful Ending]], [[Chimes of Annulment]] or a consecration performed with the strength of eight priests). If the column is not destroyed, then Turan Flats will gain the Underpopulated quality as a force of husks destroys the burgeoning spires.

	<box>'''Echoes of the Abominable One'''		<box>'''Echoes of the Abominable One'''

Kirkbride: /* Game Information */

2026-09-08T21:21:53Z

Game Information

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 The Empire has limited ability to move through the Nesustak Forest. At the moment, the rebels there are not minded to prevent Imperial forces doing so given the protection the Empire's armies have provided over the last six months. Again, this could change at any moment, should the Nesustak rebels choose to do so.
 ==Further Reading==
 * [[Sarangrave]]

Hailmur at 12:06, 30 August 2026

2026-08-30T12:06:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:06, 30 August 2026
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	As the Autumn Equinox approaches, it is apparent to Imperial observers that the Shield intends to fall back toward the Tower of the Skink. Their tactics mean that they have significantly reduced their potential losses to the ghouls of Turan, but every one who fell is a potential pawn for the cruel spirits that still swarm and seethe in the northern marshes.		As the Autumn Equinox approaches, it is apparent to Imperial observers that the Shield intends to fall back toward the Tower of the Skink. Their tactics mean that they have significantly reduced their potential losses to the ghouls of Turan, but every one who fell is a potential pawn for the cruel spirits that still swarm and seethe in the northern marshes.
			{{CaptionedImage\|file=IrrahHurrah002a.png\|align=right\|width=250}}
	==Shadow of Hunger==		==Shadow of Hunger==
	~~{{CaptionedImage\|file=IrrahHurrah002a.png\|align=right\|width=300}}~~
	While there is fighting in the north, the rest of Sarangrave is no more peaceful. There are significant numbers of refugees in [[Sarangrave#Whisperwood\|Whisperwood]] - the former inhabitants of Thornfen exiled by the Axou. The number of former slaves here has swollen to unmanageable proportions. The [[statement of principle]] of the Urizen assembly urging the few spires in Sarangrave to [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_97\|welcome]] the orcs has done nothing to reduce the scale of this problem. The former slaves do their best to avoid the Imperials entirely, and there are many more of them in Whisperwood than there are Urizen in the entire territory. These displaced folk have joined with the mass who were once the thralls of the Thornwasp sept in '''Uklead''' and the eastern forest-farms. Winter is approaching, and those in a position to see the scale of the problem first-hand predict that the coming months will not be kind to these folk. Cold will likely not be a major factor; a bigger issue is going to be food and shelter from the winter rains. If nothing is done it is likely hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of deaths will take place and leaving aside questions of empathy or sympathy, it is rarely a good idea to leave fresh bodies lying around when there are Winter spirits looking for new hosts.		While there is fighting in the north, the rest of Sarangrave is no more peaceful. There are significant numbers of refugees in [[Sarangrave#Whisperwood\|Whisperwood]] - the former inhabitants of Thornfen exiled by the Axou. The number of former slaves here has swollen to unmanageable proportions. The [[statement of principle]] of the Urizen assembly urging the few spires in Sarangrave to [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Synod_judgements#Judgement_97\|welcome]] the orcs has done nothing to reduce the scale of this problem. The former slaves do their best to avoid the Imperials entirely, and there are many more of them in Whisperwood than there are Urizen in the entire territory. These displaced folk have joined with the mass who were once the thralls of the Thornwasp sept in '''Uklead''' and the eastern forest-farms. Winter is approaching, and those in a position to see the scale of the problem first-hand predict that the coming months will not be kind to these folk. Cold will likely not be a major factor; a bigger issue is going to be food and shelter from the winter rains. If nothing is done it is likely hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of deaths will take place and leaving aside questions of empathy or sympathy, it is rarely a good idea to leave fresh bodies lying around when there are Winter spirits looking for new hosts.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Druj6.jpg\|align=right\|width=200}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Druj6.jpg\|align=right\|width=200}}

Hailmur: /* Shield and Scale */

2026-08-23T18:41:24Z

Shield and Scale

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:41, 23 August 2026
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	The Axou soldiers stationed at the Tower of the Skink have been ordered to remain behind the walls. There are less than three hundred of them, now they have had an [[opportunity]] to assess the threats in the north it is clear they will be slaughtered with nothing show for it. Discretion appears to be the better part of valour, for now at least. The [[Fortification#Bastion\|bastion]] can defend the Axou within its walls, although a message goes out to the small number of Urizen establishing spires in the territory offering them sanctuary within the walls of the citadel if they desire it. The Tower, mighty as it is, can do nothing to face down the Druj insurgents gathering in the corners of the territory, to contain the Winter ghouls rippling slowly outward from the Fens of Varreth, or to deal with the tormented spirits unleashed by Het Trakaa. Instead, the defence of the northern Sarangrave falls to the Shield of Ipotavo.		The Axou soldiers stationed at the Tower of the Skink have been ordered to remain behind the walls. There are less than three hundred of them, now they have had an [[opportunity]] to assess the threats in the north it is clear they will be slaughtered with nothing show for it. Discretion appears to be the better part of valour, for now at least. The [[Fortification#Bastion\|bastion]] can defend the Axou within its walls, although a message goes out to the small number of Urizen establishing spires in the territory offering them sanctuary within the walls of the citadel if they desire it. The Tower, mighty as it is, can do nothing to face down the Druj insurgents gathering in the corners of the territory, to contain the Winter ghouls rippling slowly outward from the Fens of Varreth, or to deal with the tormented spirits unleashed by Het Trakaa. Instead, the defence of the northern Sarangrave falls to the Shield of Ipotavo.

	The [[Senate]] has chosen to accede to the [[Seeds_of_discord#Armies_of_the_Dead\|request]] that the Axou military be granted [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Permit_Axos_Movement_in_Sarangrave\|freedom of movement and engagement]] within the borders of the Sarangrave. There is some uncertainty as to whether this applies to [[army\|armies]] or only to the garrison of the Skink, however. When the Shield of Ipotavo ~~mobilize~~ and begin to move north they claim the [[Ambassador to Axos]] has given them leave to do so and there is little interest amongst Imperial citizens in the Turan Flats or in [[Sarangrave#Kroll\|Kroll]] in challenging them on this matter.		The [[Senate]] has chosen to accede to the [[Seeds_of_discord#Armies_of_the_Dead\|request]] that the Axou military be granted [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Permit_Axos_Movement_in_Sarangrave\|freedom of movement and engagement]] within the borders of the Sarangrave. There is some uncertainty as to whether this applies to [[army\|armies]] or only to the garrison of the Skink, however. When the Shield of Ipotavo mobilises and begin to move north they claim the [[Ambassador to Axos]] has given them leave to do so and there is little interest amongst Imperial citizens in the Turan Flats or in [[Sarangrave#Kroll\|Kroll]] in challenging them on this matter.

	Ipotavo's forces move cautiously. The [[Axos#Axou_Military_Concerns\|Agema]] are at the forefront, clad in their traditional neatly-cut leathers, armed with crescent shield and the long, thin sword favoured by these heavy skirmishers. Behind them comes a solid corps of sable-robed ''necromantia'', magicians versed in realm lore and battlefield magic alike. There is a noticeable absence of any of [[Axos#Axou_Military_Concerns\|Tavos Ageli]] - the porcelain masked immortal warriors that reek of death - choosing to leave them behind in the Tower of the Skink. If they bear any enchantment, it is subtle enough that it is not apparent to the Urizen in a position to mark the army's passage.		Ipotavo's forces move cautiously. The [[Axos#Axou_Military_Concerns\|Agema]] are at the forefront, clad in their traditional neatly-cut leathers, armed with crescent shield and the long, thin sword favoured by these heavy skirmishers. Behind them comes a solid corps of sable-robed ''necromantia'', magicians versed in realm lore and battlefield magic alike. There is a noticeable absence of any of [[Axos#Axou_Military_Concerns\|Tavos Ageli]] - the porcelain masked immortal warriors that reek of death - choosing to leave them behind in the Tower of the Skink. If they bear any enchantment, it is subtle enough that it is not apparent to the Urizen in a position to mark the army's passage.
	<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Agramant.jpg\|caption=The husks in Sarangrave are inhabited by Winter spirits drawn to the mortal realm with the aid of the ''King of the Feast''.\|align=right\|width=200}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Agramant.jpg\|caption=The husks in Sarangrave are inhabited by Winter spirits drawn to the mortal realm with the aid of the ''King of the Feast''.\|align=right\|width=200}}</div>
	As they reach the Turan Flats, the husks are already feasting. When they are not encased in dead flesh, the spirits are all but invisible. As such it is very hard to get a feel for exact numbers, but the ''necromantia'' will later estimate their number at some two thousand ravenous beasts of the Winter realm. All of them have found hosts, not least due to the glut of bodies left behind on the Fens of Varreth. Human or orc, Druj or Imperial, soldier or ~~slave~~, it matters nothing to these anthropophagous ghouls what remains they ~~don to~~ allow them to touch the mortal world. The husks that have been inhabited the longest ~~bare~~ little resemblance to the person they once were; their mouths jut with fangs, their fingers end in razor-sharp talons. In some cases their stolen bodies have become stretched and warped by the influence of the spirit within them and some are clearly as comfortable running on all fours like beasts as they are on two		As they reach the Turan Flats, the husks are already feasting. When they are not encased in dead flesh, the spirits are all but invisible. As such it is very hard to get a feel for exact numbers, but the ''necromantia'' will later estimate their number at some two thousand ravenous beasts of the Winter realm. All of them have found hosts, not least due to the glut of bodies left behind on the Fens of Varreth. Human or orc, Druj or Imperial, soldier or support, it matters nothing to these anthropophagous ghouls what remains; they allow them to touch the mortal world. The husks that have been inhabited the longest bear little resemblance to the person they once were; their mouths jut with fangs, their fingers end in razor-sharp talons. In some cases, their stolen bodies have become stretched and warped by the influence of the spirit within them, and some are clearly as comfortable running on all fours like beasts as they are on two

	At first the Shield face only small bands of husks, easily dispatched, but each day their numbers grow greater. The ''necromantia'' can weaken the spirits, and if they can trap a husk they can try to bind its spirit and force it back whence it came, but the odds are against them. Taking one of these horrors "alive" is no easy matter, given they must often be chopped limb-from-limb to stop them trying to kill anyone who comes near them. The magicians of Axos establish a small number of [[Hold Back Frozen Hunger\|warded]] camps, marked with smooth posts of polished weirwood topped with the brooding face of the legendary sorcerer-king Ipotavo themselves. The predatory corpses avoid these encampments, but prowl around their outskirts at night looking for anyone foolish enough to step beyond their bounds.		At first the Shield face only small bands of husks, easily dispatched, but each day their numbers grow greater. The ''necromantia'' can weaken the spirits, and if they can trap a husk, they can try to bind its spirit and force it back whence it came, but the odds are against them. Taking one of these horrors "alive" is no easy matter, given they must often be chopped limb-from-limb to stop them trying to kill anyone who comes near them. The magicians of Axos establish a small number of [[Hold Back Frozen Hunger\|warded]] camps, marked with smooth posts of polished weirwood topped with the brooding face of the legendary sorcerer-king Ipotavo themselves. The predatory corpses avoid these encampments, but prowl around their outskirts at night looking for anyone foolish enough to step beyond their bounds.

	The best the Shield of Ipotavo can achieve is to stop the Winter husks utterly overwhelming the people of the Turan Flats. They focus their efforts on ensuring the paltry few newborn Urizen [[spire\|spires]] are safe, but there are still large numbers of former Druj slaves here. They have mostly been left to scavenge the war-torn farms as best they can. These folk are almost exclusively orcs and they flee when the Axou approach, terrified that they are here to kill them. They flee the tormented souls that roam the region. They flee the marrow-suckers that would prey on them. They even flee the Urizen who try to reach out to them. The tyrants of the Mallum may be gone, but their legacy lives on in the fear that dominates the lives of so many of these people.		The best the Shield of Ipotavo can achieve is to stop the Winter husks utterly overwhelming the people of the Turan Flats. They focus their efforts on ensuring the paltry few newborn Urizen [[spire\|spires]] are safe, but there are still large numbers of former Druj slaves here. They have mostly been left to scavenge the war-torn farms as best they can. These folk are almost exclusively orcs and they flee when the Axou approach, terrified that they are here to kill them. They flee the tormented souls that roam the region. They flee the marrow-suckers that would prey on them. They even flee the Urizen who try to reach out to them. The tyrants of the Mallum may be gone, but their legacy lives on in the fear that dominates the lives of so many of these people.

Twiggy at 12:59, 20 August 2026

2026-08-20T12:59:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:59, 20 August 2026
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	Just as bad as the Winter spirits are the [[Druj_lore#Tortured_souls\|tormented souls]], created by the blackest [[surgical skills#Apothecary\|apothecary]] arts from Imperial heroes whose spirits have been broken. The [[Thorn_and_bone#Objective:_End_Trakaa's_Tortured_Souls\|many victims]] of the twisted [[Druj lore#Het\|Het Trakaa]] now stalk the [[Sarangrave#Turan Flats\|Turan Flats]], killing and torturing any innocents they find, and striking terror into the hearts of those they encounter.		Just as bad as the Winter spirits are the [[Druj_lore#Tortured_souls\|tormented souls]], created by the blackest [[surgical skills#Apothecary\|apothecary]] arts from Imperial heroes whose spirits have been broken. The [[Thorn_and_bone#Objective:_End_Trakaa's_Tortured_Souls\|many victims]] of the twisted [[Druj lore#Het\|Het Trakaa]] now stalk the [[Sarangrave#Turan Flats\|Turan Flats]], killing and torturing any innocents they find, and striking terror into the hearts of those they encounter.

	The Druj are scattered, their armies broken, but their threat remains. Both Trakaa of the Hidden Snake and Sul Maggotgnaw of the Poison Crane still raise their tattered banners in the Sarangrave, and seek to marshal the ~~guerillas~~ and raiders that still operate here. They may have been betrayed by their own people - there can be little doubt that they hate their fellow Druj - but they hate the Empire more.		The Druj are scattered, their armies broken, but their threat remains. Both Trakaa of the Hidden Snake and Sul Maggotgnaw of the Poison Crane still raise their tattered banners in the Sarangrave, and seek to marshal the guerrillas and raiders that still operate here. They may have been betrayed by their own people - there can be little doubt that they hate their fellow Druj - but they hate the Empire more.

	==Shield and Scale==		==Shield and Scale==
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	The [[Senate]] has chosen to accede to the [[Seeds_of_discord#Armies_of_the_Dead\|request]] that the Axou military be granted [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Permit_Axos_Movement_in_Sarangrave\|freedom of movement and engagement]] within the borders of the Sarangrave. There is some uncertainty as to whether this applies to [[army\|armies]] or only to the garrison of the Skink, however. When the Shield of Ipotavo mobilize and begin to move north they claim the [[Ambassador to Axos]] has given them leave to do so and there is little interest amongst Imperial citizens in the Turan Flats or in [[Sarangrave#Kroll\|Kroll]] in challenging them on this matter.		The [[Senate]] has chosen to accede to the [[Seeds_of_discord#Armies_of_the_Dead\|request]] that the Axou military be granted [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Permit_Axos_Movement_in_Sarangrave\|freedom of movement and engagement]] within the borders of the Sarangrave. There is some uncertainty as to whether this applies to [[army\|armies]] or only to the garrison of the Skink, however. When the Shield of Ipotavo mobilize and begin to move north they claim the [[Ambassador to Axos]] has given them leave to do so and there is little interest amongst Imperial citizens in the Turan Flats or in [[Sarangrave#Kroll\|Kroll]] in challenging them on this matter.

	Ipotavo's forces move cautiously. The [[Axos#Axou_Military_Concerns\|Agema]] are at the forefront, clad in their traditional neatly-cut leathers, armed with crescent shield and the long, thin sword favoured by these heavy skirmishers. Behind them comes a solid corps of sable-robed ''necromantia'', magicians versed in realm lore and battlefield magic alike. There is a ~~noticable~~ absence of any of [[Axos#Axou_Military_Concerns\|Tavos Ageli]] - the porcelain masked immortal warriors that reek of death - choosing to leave them behind in the Tower of the Skink. If they bear any enchantment, it is subtle enough that it is not apparent to the Urizen in a position to mark the army's passage.		Ipotavo's forces move cautiously. The [[Axos#Axou_Military_Concerns\|Agema]] are at the forefront, clad in their traditional neatly-cut leathers, armed with crescent shield and the long, thin sword favoured by these heavy skirmishers. Behind them comes a solid corps of sable-robed ''necromantia'', magicians versed in realm lore and battlefield magic alike. There is a noticeable absence of any of [[Axos#Axou_Military_Concerns\|Tavos Ageli]] - the porcelain masked immortal warriors that reek of death - choosing to leave them behind in the Tower of the Skink. If they bear any enchantment, it is subtle enough that it is not apparent to the Urizen in a position to mark the army's passage.
	<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Agramant.jpg\|caption=The husks in Sarangrave are inhabited by Winter spirits drawn to the mortal realm with the aid of the ''King of the Feast''.\|align=right\|width=200}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Agramant.jpg\|caption=The husks in Sarangrave are inhabited by Winter spirits drawn to the mortal realm with the aid of the ''King of the Feast''.\|align=right\|width=200}}</div>
	As they reach the Turan Flats, the husks are already feasting. When they are not encased in dead flesh, the spirits are all but invisible. As such it is very hard to get a feel for exact numbers, but the ''necromantia'' will later estimate their number at some two thousand ravenous beasts of the Winter realm. All of them have found hosts, not least due to the glut of bodies left behind on the Fens of Varreth. Human or orc, Druj or Imperial, soldier or slave, it matters nothing to these anthropophagous ghouls what remains they don to allow them to touch the mortal world. The husks that have been inhabited the longest bare little resemblance to the person they once were; their mouths jut with fangs, their fingers end in razor-sharp talons. In some cases their stolen bodies have become stretched and warped by the influence of the spirit within them and some are clearly as comfortable running on all fours like beasts as they are on two		As they reach the Turan Flats, the husks are already feasting. When they are not encased in dead flesh, the spirits are all but invisible. As such it is very hard to get a feel for exact numbers, but the ''necromantia'' will later estimate their number at some two thousand ravenous beasts of the Winter realm. All of them have found hosts, not least due to the glut of bodies left behind on the Fens of Varreth. Human or orc, Druj or Imperial, soldier or slave, it matters nothing to these anthropophagous ghouls what remains they don to allow them to touch the mortal world. The husks that have been inhabited the longest bare little resemblance to the person they once were; their mouths jut with fangs, their fingers end in razor-sharp talons. In some cases their stolen bodies have become stretched and warped by the influence of the spirit within them and some are clearly as comfortable running on all fours like beasts as they are on two
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	Sarangrave is an Imperial territory, and part of Urizen, but the Nesustak Forest is controlled by the eponymous rebels, Thornfen is under the jurisdiction of Axos, and the central region of Bendol is a vallornheart. If the Empire loses control of any region of Sarangrave, they will lose control of the territory.		Sarangrave is an Imperial territory, and part of Urizen, but the Nesustak Forest is controlled by the eponymous rebels, Thornfen is under the jurisdiction of Axos, and the central region of Bendol is a vallornheart. If the Empire loses control of any region of Sarangrave, they will lose control of the territory.

	Several regions of Sarangrave have gained qualities reflecting the presence of tormented spirits, [[inhabitants of the realms]], and Druj ~~guerillas~~ left from the collapse of the Marshlizard and the Banded Snake septs. The details of these qualities are discussed in more depth in the {{TBC}} wind of fortune.		Several regions of Sarangrave have gained qualities reflecting the presence of tormented spirits, [[inhabitants of the realms]], and Druj guerrillas left from the collapse of the Marshlizard and the Banded Snake septs. The details of these qualities are discussed in more depth in the {{TBC}} wind of fortune.

	The Shield of Ipotavo prevented the Winter spirits doing any significant damage in Turan Flats this season, but they took significant casualties in the fighting. Their efforts have not depleted the forces terrorising those regions.		The Shield of Ipotavo prevented the Winter spirits doing any significant damage in Turan Flats this season, but they took significant casualties in the fighting. Their efforts have not depleted the forces terrorising those regions.

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:41, 23 August 2026
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	The Axou soldiers stationed at the Tower of the Skink have been ordered to remain behind the walls. There are less than three hundred of them, now they have had an [[opportunity]] to assess the threats in the north it is clear they will be slaughtered with nothing show for it. Discretion appears to be the better part of valour, for now at least. The [[Fortification#Bastion\|bastion]] can defend the Axou within its walls, although a message goes out to the small number of Urizen establishing spires in the territory offering them sanctuary within the walls of the citadel if they desire it. The Tower, mighty as it is, can do nothing to face down the Druj insurgents gathering in the corners of the territory, to contain the Winter ghouls rippling slowly outward from the Fens of Varreth, or to deal with the tormented spirits unleashed by Het Trakaa. Instead, the defence of the northern Sarangrave falls to the Shield of Ipotavo.		The Axou soldiers stationed at the Tower of the Skink have been ordered to remain behind the walls. There are less than three hundred of them, now they have had an [[opportunity]] to assess the threats in the north it is clear they will be slaughtered with nothing show for it. Discretion appears to be the better part of valour, for now at least. The [[Fortification#Bastion\|bastion]] can defend the Axou within its walls, although a message goes out to the small number of Urizen establishing spires in the territory offering them sanctuary within the walls of the citadel if they desire it. The Tower, mighty as it is, can do nothing to face down the Druj insurgents gathering in the corners of the territory, to contain the Winter ghouls rippling slowly outward from the Fens of Varreth, or to deal with the tormented spirits unleashed by Het Trakaa. Instead, the defence of the northern Sarangrave falls to the Shield of Ipotavo.

	The [[Senate]] has chosen to accede to the [[Seeds_of_discord#Armies_of_the_Dead\|request]] that the Axou military be granted [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Permit_Axos_Movement_in_Sarangrave\|freedom of movement and engagement]] within the borders of the Sarangrave. There is some uncertainty as to whether this applies to [[army\|armies]] or only to the garrison of the Skink, however. When the Shield of Ipotavo ~~mobilize~~ and begin to move north they claim the [[Ambassador to Axos]] has given them leave to do so and there is little interest amongst Imperial citizens in the Turan Flats or in [[Sarangrave#Kroll\|Kroll]] in challenging them on this matter.		The [[Senate]] has chosen to accede to the [[Seeds_of_discord#Armies_of_the_Dead\|request]] that the Axou military be granted [[388YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_sessions#Permit_Axos_Movement_in_Sarangrave\|freedom of movement and engagement]] within the borders of the Sarangrave. There is some uncertainty as to whether this applies to [[army\|armies]] or only to the garrison of the Skink, however. When the Shield of Ipotavo mobilises and begin to move north they claim the [[Ambassador to Axos]] has given them leave to do so and there is little interest amongst Imperial citizens in the Turan Flats or in [[Sarangrave#Kroll\|Kroll]] in challenging them on this matter.

	Ipotavo's forces move cautiously. The [[Axos#Axou_Military_Concerns\|Agema]] are at the forefront, clad in their traditional neatly-cut leathers, armed with crescent shield and the long, thin sword favoured by these heavy skirmishers. Behind them comes a solid corps of sable-robed ''necromantia'', magicians versed in realm lore and battlefield magic alike. There is a noticeable absence of any of [[Axos#Axou_Military_Concerns\|Tavos Ageli]] - the porcelain masked immortal warriors that reek of death - choosing to leave them behind in the Tower of the Skink. If they bear any enchantment, it is subtle enough that it is not apparent to the Urizen in a position to mark the army's passage.		Ipotavo's forces move cautiously. The [[Axos#Axou_Military_Concerns\|Agema]] are at the forefront, clad in their traditional neatly-cut leathers, armed with crescent shield and the long, thin sword favoured by these heavy skirmishers. Behind them comes a solid corps of sable-robed ''necromantia'', magicians versed in realm lore and battlefield magic alike. There is a noticeable absence of any of [[Axos#Axou_Military_Concerns\|Tavos Ageli]] - the porcelain masked immortal warriors that reek of death - choosing to leave them behind in the Tower of the Skink. If they bear any enchantment, it is subtle enough that it is not apparent to the Urizen in a position to mark the army's passage.
	<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Agramant.jpg\|caption=The husks in Sarangrave are inhabited by Winter spirits drawn to the mortal realm with the aid of the ''King of the Feast''.\|align=right\|width=200}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 200px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Agramant.jpg\|caption=The husks in Sarangrave are inhabited by Winter spirits drawn to the mortal realm with the aid of the ''King of the Feast''.\|align=right\|width=200}}</div>
	As they reach the Turan Flats, the husks are already feasting. When they are not encased in dead flesh, the spirits are all but invisible. As such it is very hard to get a feel for exact numbers, but the ''necromantia'' will later estimate their number at some two thousand ravenous beasts of the Winter realm. All of them have found hosts, not least due to the glut of bodies left behind on the Fens of Varreth. Human or orc, Druj or Imperial, soldier or ~~slave~~, it matters nothing to these anthropophagous ghouls what remains they ~~don to~~ allow them to touch the mortal world. The husks that have been inhabited the longest ~~bare~~ little resemblance to the person they once were; their mouths jut with fangs, their fingers end in razor-sharp talons. In some cases their stolen bodies have become stretched and warped by the influence of the spirit within them and some are clearly as comfortable running on all fours like beasts as they are on two		As they reach the Turan Flats, the husks are already feasting. When they are not encased in dead flesh, the spirits are all but invisible. As such it is very hard to get a feel for exact numbers, but the ''necromantia'' will later estimate their number at some two thousand ravenous beasts of the Winter realm. All of them have found hosts, not least due to the glut of bodies left behind on the Fens of Varreth. Human or orc, Druj or Imperial, soldier or support, it matters nothing to these anthropophagous ghouls what remains; they allow them to touch the mortal world. The husks that have been inhabited the longest bear little resemblance to the person they once were; their mouths jut with fangs, their fingers end in razor-sharp talons. In some cases, their stolen bodies have become stretched and warped by the influence of the spirit within them, and some are clearly as comfortable running on all fours like beasts as they are on two

	At first the Shield face only small bands of husks, easily dispatched, but each day their numbers grow greater. The ''necromantia'' can weaken the spirits, and if they can trap a husk they can try to bind its spirit and force it back whence it came, but the odds are against them. Taking one of these horrors "alive" is no easy matter, given they must often be chopped limb-from-limb to stop them trying to kill anyone who comes near them. The magicians of Axos establish a small number of [[Hold Back Frozen Hunger\|warded]] camps, marked with smooth posts of polished weirwood topped with the brooding face of the legendary sorcerer-king Ipotavo themselves. The predatory corpses avoid these encampments, but prowl around their outskirts at night looking for anyone foolish enough to step beyond their bounds.		At first the Shield face only small bands of husks, easily dispatched, but each day their numbers grow greater. The ''necromantia'' can weaken the spirits, and if they can trap a husk, they can try to bind its spirit and force it back whence it came, but the odds are against them. Taking one of these horrors "alive" is no easy matter, given they must often be chopped limb-from-limb to stop them trying to kill anyone who comes near them. The magicians of Axos establish a small number of [[Hold Back Frozen Hunger\|warded]] camps, marked with smooth posts of polished weirwood topped with the brooding face of the legendary sorcerer-king Ipotavo themselves. The predatory corpses avoid these encampments, but prowl around their outskirts at night looking for anyone foolish enough to step beyond their bounds.

	The best the Shield of Ipotavo can achieve is to stop the Winter husks utterly overwhelming the people of the Turan Flats. They focus their efforts on ensuring the paltry few newborn Urizen [[spire\|spires]] are safe, but there are still large numbers of former Druj slaves here. They have mostly been left to scavenge the war-torn farms as best they can. These folk are almost exclusively orcs and they flee when the Axou approach, terrified that they are here to kill them. They flee the tormented souls that roam the region. They flee the marrow-suckers that would prey on them. They even flee the Urizen who try to reach out to them. The tyrants of the Mallum may be gone, but their legacy lives on in the fear that dominates the lives of so many of these people.		The best the Shield of Ipotavo can achieve is to stop the Winter husks utterly overwhelming the people of the Turan Flats. They focus their efforts on ensuring the paltry few newborn Urizen [[spire\|spires]] are safe, but there are still large numbers of former Druj slaves here. They have mostly been left to scavenge the war-torn farms as best they can. These folk are almost exclusively orcs and they flee when the Axou approach, terrified that they are here to kill them. They flee the tormented souls that roam the region. They flee the marrow-suckers that would prey on them. They even flee the Urizen who try to reach out to them. The tyrants of the Mallum may be gone, but their legacy lives on in the fear that dominates the lives of so many of these people.