Thorn and bone - Revision history

Vsabo: /* Fang and Feather */

2026-07-14T19:18:29Z

Fang and Feather

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:18, 14 July 2026
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	As well as Winter spirits, the Hidden Snake is accompanied by a cohort of the creatures known as [[Druj_lore#Tortured_souls\|tortured souls]]. Former Imperial heroes and champions, captured by the Druj and transformed through torment and vile ceremonies into relentless warriors of death who harbour an unending hatred for those they see as having abandoned them. The general of the Hidden Snake, [[Druj_champion#Het\|Het]] Trakaa, is known to have an obsession with creating these things and it seems he has brought his entire "collection" with him in this last-ditch, desperate attack.		As well as Winter spirits, the Hidden Snake is accompanied by a cohort of the creatures known as [[Druj_lore#Tortured_souls\|tortured souls]]. Former Imperial heroes and champions, captured by the Druj and transformed through torment and vile ceremonies into relentless warriors of death who harbour an unending hatred for those they see as having abandoned them. The general of the Hidden Snake, [[Druj_champion#Het\|Het]] Trakaa, is known to have an obsession with creating these things and it seems he has brought his entire "collection" with him in this last-ditch, desperate attack.

	Perhaps they believe that the Empire's attention is focused elsewhere, fighting the vallorn, and they will have the opportunity to claim the [[Sarangrave#Turan Flats\|Turan Flats]]. Perhaps they are just desperate. Either way, the two armies erupt across the border, launching an [[Army_orders#Overwhelming_Assault\|overwhelming assault]] against what were once the holdings of the Banded Snakes in ~~Turaan~~. They must be hoping to claim the region before the Empire realises they are there, and seize another season from the jaws of death.		Perhaps they believe that the Empire's attention is focused elsewhere, fighting the vallorn, and they will have the opportunity to claim the [[Sarangrave#Turan Flats\|Turan Flats]]. Perhaps they are just desperate. Either way, the two armies erupt across the border, launching an [[Army_orders#Overwhelming_Assault\|overwhelming assault]] against what were once the holdings of the Banded Snakes in Turan. They must be hoping to claim the region before the Empire realises they are there, and seize another season from the jaws of death.
	<div {{float}}>		<div {{float}}>
	<quote by="Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was, General of the Citadel Guard">Sentinels, Consider the Drowned Man. There were three Druj armies that Tyranised the people of the Sarangrave. As I write this, there are two. Under my command, the Basilisk was Broken by the Heroes of Anvil. Now the Snake and Crane will break on your discipline. We are their end.</quote>		<quote by="Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was, General of the Citadel Guard">Sentinels, Consider the Drowned Man. There were three Druj armies that Tyranised the people of the Sarangrave. As I write this, there are two. Under my command, the Basilisk was Broken by the Heroes of Anvil. Now the Snake and Crane will break on your discipline. We are their end.</quote>

Vsabo: /* The Wooden Fastness */

2026-07-14T19:14:22Z

The Wooden Fastness

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:14, 14 July 2026
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	However... this very ward that protects so many proves to be a two-edged sword. The vallorn is drawn to [[Spring magic]], and the Wooden Fastness is a powerful expression of that realm's arts. At first the ward is only beneficial, helping the defenders hold back the vallorn. Unfortunately, the further the vallornspawn press, the deeper its tendrils penetrate, the wilder they become. The mechanism is unclear but they ''glut'' themselves somehow on the magic flowing around them. The vallorn itself seems to batten onto the magic, feeding on it, drawing strength from it. The husks drive forward, pressing further ahead of the tendrils of the vallorn itself. The abominations often seem driven into a frenzy when they come into contact with elements of the ward, attacking with berserk fury. Worse, the power of the ward serves to invigorate and revitalise the vallornspawn; where the ward is most potent they seem to heal almost immediately from all save the most terrible wounds. While they cannot endure [[venom]], the vallornspawn husks seem almost impossible to destroy except by literally rending them limb from limb.		However... this very ward that protects so many proves to be a two-edged sword. The vallorn is drawn to [[Spring magic]], and the Wooden Fastness is a powerful expression of that realm's arts. At first the ward is only beneficial, helping the defenders hold back the vallorn. Unfortunately, the further the vallornspawn press, the deeper its tendrils penetrate, the wilder they become. The mechanism is unclear but they ''glut'' themselves somehow on the magic flowing around them. The vallorn itself seems to batten onto the magic, feeding on it, drawing strength from it. The husks drive forward, pressing further ahead of the tendrils of the vallorn itself. The abominations often seem driven into a frenzy when they come into contact with elements of the ward, attacking with berserk fury. Worse, the power of the ward serves to invigorate and revitalise the vallornspawn; where the ward is most potent they seem to heal almost immediately from all save the most terrible wounds. While they cannot endure [[venom]], the vallornspawn husks seem almost impossible to destroy except by literally rending them limb from limb.

	While the ward slows the attackers, while it protects the weak and the strong, it does so by making the vallornspawn more vicious, and blood ~~beings~~ to flow in rivers through the forests of Nesustak.		While the ward slows the attackers, while it protects the weak and the strong, it does so by making the vallornspawn more vicious, and blood begins to flow in rivers through the forests of Nesustak.

	It is of course at this exact moment that the Druj choose to return to Sarangrave.		It is of course at this exact moment that the Druj choose to return to Sarangrave.
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Druj1.jpg\|align=right\|width=350}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Druj1.jpg\|align=right\|width=350}}

	==Fang and Feather==		==Fang and Feather==
	The Tainted Basilisk are no more, but there are two other armies that still call Sarangrave home. The [[Druj_armies#Poison_Crane\|Poison Crane]] are the warriors of the Marshlizard who once dominated [[Sarangrave#Thornfen\|Thornfen]] and [[Sarangrave#Kroll\|Kroll]]. Likewise, the [[Druj_armies#Hidden_Snake\|Hidden Snake]] are drawn from the Banded Snake sept who ruled over Nesustak Forest and the Turan Flats. Their homelands have been conquered by the Empire. Those Druj who ruled the septs have been forced to flee, either north into the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] or into the wild places of Sarangrave. Either way they are in no position to support their warriors any more. It comes as no surprise then that a couple of weeks after the Spring Equinox, these two armies launch an attack against Sarangrave. It is perhaps more of a surprise that there are no ''other'' Druj armies with them. They do not come alone, however, when they pour across the border from [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Lower_Saarnath\|Lower Saarnath]] into Turan Flats.		The Tainted Basilisk are no more, but there are two other armies that still call Sarangrave home. The [[Druj_armies#Poison_Crane\|Poison Crane]] are the warriors of the Marshlizard who once dominated [[Sarangrave#Thornfen\|Thornfen]] and [[Sarangrave#Kroll\|Kroll]]. Likewise, the [[Druj_armies#Hidden_Snake\|Hidden Snake]] are drawn from the Banded Snake sept who ruled over Nesustak Forest and the Turan Flats. Their homelands have been conquered by the Empire. Those Druj who ruled the septs have been forced to flee, either north into the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] or into the wild places of Sarangrave. Either way they are in no position to support their warriors any more. It comes as no surprise then that a couple of weeks after the Spring Equinox, these two armies launch an attack against Sarangrave. It is perhaps more of a surprise that there are no ''other'' Druj armies with them. They do not come alone, however, when they pour across the border from [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Lower_Saarnath\|Lower Saarnath]] into Turan Flats.

Hailmur: /* Sarangrave */

2026-07-14T12:55:47Z

Sarangrave

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:55, 14 July 2026
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	* '''It has returned to (relative) quiesence by the start of the Summer Solstice		* '''It has returned to (relative) quiesence by the start of the Summer Solstice
	* '''The Druj armies that invaded Sarangrave have been defeated but escaped Imperial pursuit		* '''The Druj armies that invaded Sarangrave have been defeated but escaped Imperial pursuit
	* '''They have been prevented from leaving the territory by Druj forces in ~~Sarangrave~~		* '''They have been prevented from leaving the territory by Druj forces in the Salt Flats of Sanath
	The vallorn of Bendol has been beaten back from Nesustak Forest. The [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] enchantment both served to protect the region, and imperil its defenders. Its strength both served to increase the defence of the Imperial armies, and inflict casualties on the vallorn (inasmuch as that is irrelevant with an empowered vallorn but it still happened). Unfortunately, in line with warnings given about the danger of Spring magic and the vallorn, the vallornspawn who encountered the enchantment were ultimately empowered by it. They did not gain strength to conquer the region - which would have been counterproductive - but instead the number of casualties they inflicted on the defenders was significantly increased. For now though, the immediate threat of the vallorn is over. It is no longer contained by the warding stones of Terunael - their power has been expended protecting the rest of the territory - and it is still a very powerful example of a vallorn. But it is quiescent, at least for the moment.		The vallorn of Bendol has been beaten back from Nesustak Forest. The [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] enchantment both served to protect the region, and imperil its defenders. Its strength both served to increase the defence of the Imperial armies, and inflict casualties on the vallorn (inasmuch as that is irrelevant with an empowered vallorn but it still happened). Unfortunately, in line with warnings given about the danger of Spring magic and the vallorn, the vallornspawn who encountered the enchantment were ultimately empowered by it. They did not gain strength to conquer the region - which would have been counterproductive - but instead the number of casualties they inflicted on the defenders was significantly increased. For now though, the immediate threat of the vallorn is over. It is no longer contained by the warding stones of Terunael - their power has been expended protecting the rest of the territory - and it is still a very powerful example of a vallorn. But it is quiescent, at least for the moment.

Dre at 12:47, 14 July 2026

2026-07-14T12:47:22Z

Show changes

Hailmur at 12:44, 14 July 2026

2026-07-14T12:44:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:44, 14 July 2026
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	A tall order.		A tall order.
	<div style="float:~~right~~; width: 250px; clear: left;">		<div style="float:left; width: 250px; clear: left;">
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Cadwell Waystone.png\|caption='''Cadwell Waystone''', General of the Black Thorns\|align=right\|width=250}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Cadwell Waystone.png\|caption='''Cadwell Waystone''', General of the Black Thorns\|align=right\|width=250}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Serafina Semenov.jpg\|caption='''Serafina Semenov''', General of the Boyar's Hasta\|align=right\|width=250}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Serafina Semenov.jpg\|caption='''Serafina Semenov''', General of the Boyar's Hasta\|align=right\|width=250}}
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	The Snake and the Crane are bent on reaching Turan but they do not come close. The battle of Turan Flats takes place miles from Trakaa's capital, from the Banded Snake's old centre of power. Indeed, the Druj have barely crossed the border before the Citadel Guard and the Golden Axe are upon them. At first, the armies fall back a little, giving the impression perhaps that they are overwhelmed and ready to give ground. But they are merely testing the forces that have come against them, wisely waiting to see if this is just the advance guard and if a more potent force follows behind. As soon as it becomes clear that the two armies are by themselves, the trap snaps shut around them.		The Snake and the Crane are bent on reaching Turan but they do not come close. The battle of Turan Flats takes place miles from Trakaa's capital, from the Banded Snake's old centre of power. Indeed, the Druj have barely crossed the border before the Citadel Guard and the Golden Axe are upon them. At first, the armies fall back a little, giving the impression perhaps that they are overwhelmed and ready to give ground. But they are merely testing the forces that have come against them, wisely waiting to see if this is just the advance guard and if a more potent force follows behind. As soon as it becomes clear that the two armies are by themselves, the trap snaps shut around them.

			Thrusting forward towards Turan means that they are far enough from the border for the plentiful forces of the Golden Axe to flank them on either side while the Citadel Guard plant their standards in the soft marsh soil and simply refuse to fall back any further. The fighting is vicious, bloody, savage as only a war against the Druj can be. Stripped of their tricks they have only their martial force to rely on, and even with their unliving auxiliaries it is just... not enough.
	<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">		<div style="float:right; width: 250px; clear: left;">
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was.jpg\|caption='''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''', General of the Citadel Guard\|align=left\|width=250}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was.jpg\|caption='''Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was''', General of the Citadel Guard\|align=left\|width=250}}
	{{CaptionedImage\|file=GeneralGoldenAxe.jpg\|caption='''Vojsuli Cherenkov''' (right), General of the Golden Axe\|align=left\|width=250}}		{{CaptionedImage\|file=GeneralGoldenAxe.jpg\|caption='''Vojsuli Cherenkov''' (right), General of the Golden Axe\|align=left\|width=250}}
	</div>		</div>
	Thrusting forward towards Turan means that they are far enough from the border for the plentiful forces of the Golden Axe to flank them on either side while the Citadel Guard plant their standards in the soft marsh soil and simply refuse to fall back any further. The fighting is vicious, bloody, savage as only a war against the Druj can be. Stripped of their tricks they have only their martial force to rely on, and even with their unliving auxiliaries it is just... not enough.

	Oh, the Empire does not emerge unscathed. Some five hundred Imperial soldiers fall to the Druj, to their howling Winter war-dogs, to the tortured spirits of champions taken by the enemy and twisted into something unspeakable. At the same time, however, the Druj lose nearly twice that many of their own troops - losses they cannot hope to recover from while the Empire holds Sarangrave and their septs are broken and scattered.		Oh, the Empire does not emerge unscathed. Some five hundred Imperial soldiers fall to the Druj, to their howling Winter war-dogs, to the tortured spirits of champions taken by the enemy and twisted into something unspeakable. At the same time, however, the Druj lose nearly twice that many of their own troops - losses they cannot hope to recover from while the Empire holds Sarangrave and their septs are broken and scattered.

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	==Game Information==		==Game Information==
	<div ~~style="~~float~~:right; width: 600px; clear: left;"~~>{{CaptionedImage\|file=Regions of Sarangrave.png\|caption=Sarangrave is mapped, but parts of the territory remain unknown.\|align=left\|width=600}}</div>		<div {{float}}>{{CaptionedImage\|file=Regions of Sarangrave.png\|caption=Sarangrave is mapped, but parts of the territory remain unknown.\|align=left\|width=600}}</div>
	===Sarangrave===		===Sarangrave===
	* '''The vallorn has been beaten back from Nesustak Forest		* '''The vallorn has been beaten back from Nesustak Forest
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	===Thornfen===		===Thornfen===
	* '''Axos has finished claiming the region of Thornfen'''		* '''Axos has finished claiming the region of Thornfen'''
	Finally, the Axou forces of Ipotavo have finished claiming the region of Thornfen, with the [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Acknowledge_Axou_claim_to_Thornfen\|approval of the Senate]]. The region is now part of Axos. The fortification itself has been assimilated, but has no garrison. At the moment the Axou forces in Sarangrave are allied to the Empire and Imperial armies can move through the region freely. If that were to change, any Imperial army trying to move through Thornfen would be forced to stop and deal with any Axou forces stationed there.		Finally, the Axou forces of Ipotavo have finished claiming the region of Thornfen, with the [[388YE_Spring_Equinox_Senate_sessions#Acknowledge_Axou_claim_to_Thornfen\|approval of the Senate]]. The region is now part of Axos. The fortification itself has been assimilated, but has no garrison. At the moment, the Axou forces in Sarangrave are allied to the Empire and Imperial armies can move through the region freely. If that were to change, any Imperial army trying to move through Thornfen would be forced to stop and deal with any Axou forces stationed there.

			True to their intent, the Axou consolidation of Thornfen has seen the existing population there exiled to [[Sarangrave#Kroll\|Kroll]] and [[Sarangrave#Whisperwood\|Whisperwood]]. Only those former slaves of the Mallum who can demonstrate a clear connection to the citadels of Axos have been permitted to remain in Thornfen. Further details of the situation in Thornfen will be presented in the '''[[Diplomatic]]''' winds of fortune.

	True to their intent, the Axou consolidation of Thornfen has seen the existing population there exiled to [[Sarangrave#Kroll\|Kroll]] and [[Sarangrave#Whisperwood\|Whisperwood]]. Only those former slaves of the Mallum who can demonstrate a clear connection to the citadels of Axos have been permitted to remain in Thornfen. Further details of the sitaution in Thornfen will be presented in the '''[[Diplomatic]]''' winds of fortune.
	===Escape Path===		===Escape Path===
	* '''The arcane projection used in Sarangrave represents an effect that would no longer be allowed with Autumn magic		* '''The arcane projection used in Sarangrave represents an effect that would no longer be allowed with Autumn magic

GuiltyConscience: /* Sarangrave */

2026-07-14T12:30:54Z

Sarangrave

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:30, 14 July 2026
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	The vallorn of Bendol has been beaten back from Nesustak Forest. The [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] enchantment both served to protect the region, and imperil its defenders. It's strength both served to increase the defence of the Imperial armies, and inflict casualties on the vallorn (inasmuch as that is irrelevant with an empowered vallorn but it still happened). Unfortunately, in line with warnings given about the danger of Spring magic and the vallorn, the vallornspawn who encountered the enchantment were ultimately empowered by it. They did not gain strength to conquer the region - which would have been counterproductive - but instead the number of casualties they inflicted on the defenders was significantly increased. For now though, the immediate threat of the vallorn is over. It is no longer contained by the warding stones of Terunael - their power has been expended protecting the rest of the territory - and it is still a very powerful example of a vallorn. But it is quiescent, at least for the moment.		The vallorn of Bendol has been beaten back from Nesustak Forest. The [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]] enchantment both served to protect the region, and imperil its defenders. It's strength both served to increase the defence of the Imperial armies, and inflict casualties on the vallorn (inasmuch as that is irrelevant with an empowered vallorn but it still happened). Unfortunately, in line with warnings given about the danger of Spring magic and the vallorn, the vallornspawn who encountered the enchantment were ultimately empowered by it. They did not gain strength to conquer the region - which would have been counterproductive - but instead the number of casualties they inflicted on the defenders was significantly increased. For now though, the immediate threat of the vallorn is over. It is no longer contained by the warding stones of Terunael - their power has been expended protecting the rest of the territory - and it is still a very powerful example of a vallorn. But it is quiescent, at least for the moment.

	The Druj armies that invaded ~~Turn~~ Flats were defeated by the Urizen and Varushkan armies. They are still in the territory, however, trapped between the Salt Flats of Sanath (who will not allow them to enter) and the Empire's soldiers. Their strength is greatly depleted, and they are on the verge of collapse. Following the Summer Solstice, whatever else happens these two armies will disband. They are hanging on by a thread, partially due to the impact of the Autumn magic enchantment laid on the territory.		The Druj armies that invaded Turan Flats were defeated by the Urizen and Varushkan armies. They are still in the territory, however, trapped between the Salt Flats of Sanath (who will not allow them to enter) and the Empire's soldiers. Their strength is greatly depleted, and they are on the verge of collapse. Following the Summer Solstice, whatever else happens these two armies will disband. They are hanging on by a thread, partially due to the impact of the Autumn magic enchantment laid on the territory.
	<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Alikos Helio.jpg\|align=right\|width=250}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 300px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Alikos Helio.jpg\|align=right\|width=250}}</div>

	===Thornfen===		===Thornfen===
	* '''Axos has finished claiming the region of Thornfen'''		* '''Axos has finished claiming the region of Thornfen'''

GuiltyConscience: /* An End to Waiting */

2026-07-14T12:26:08Z

An End to Waiting

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:26, 14 July 2026
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	While the Citadel Guard and the Golden Axe battle the Druj in Turan Flats, the rest of the Imperial forces fight alongside the Nesustak rebels against a seemingly endless tide of vallornspawn empowered and invigorated by that same Spring magic meant to protect the people of the forest. It is a paradox, almost. Those sites where the enchantment is focused are the best place to hold the vallorn, but the savagery of the spawn means it is also where the most blood is spilled.		While the Citadel Guard and the Golden Axe battle the Druj in Turan Flats, the rest of the Imperial forces fight alongside the Nesustak rebels against a seemingly endless tide of vallornspawn empowered and invigorated by that same Spring magic meant to protect the people of the forest. It is a paradox, almost. Those sites where the enchantment is focused are the best place to hold the vallorn, but the savagery of the spawn means it is also where the most blood is spilled.

	As the vallorn draws power from Spring magic, the defenders are thrown into disarray and it seems clear the vallornspawn are going to overwhelm them. First one step back, then another. The trees of ~~western~~ Nesustak begin to twist, as the tendrils of the vallorn begin to take root, begin to plant the seeds that will begin the final infestation of the forest. A desperate council of war is held; perhaps it is time to accept the inevitable, to save what can be saved and to abandon the rest. The sorrow that hangs over that discussion is palpable; the heralds of Irra Harah prepare to help those rebels and Imperials prepared to flee the woodlands to make their escape if they think the day is lost.		As the vallorn draws power from Spring magic, the defenders are thrown into disarray and it seems clear the vallornspawn are going to overwhelm them. First one step back, then another. The trees of eastern Nesustak begin to twist, as the tendrils of the vallorn begin to take root, begin to plant the seeds that will begin the final infestation of the forest. A desperate council of war is held; perhaps it is time to accept the inevitable, to save what can be saved and to abandon the rest. The sorrow that hangs over that discussion is palpable; the heralds of Irra Harah prepare to help those rebels and Imperials prepared to flee the woodlands to make their escape if they think the day is lost.

	In the end, though, the Black Thorns refuse point blank to accept defeat. "''Let us show the Empire why we are the first line of defence against this foe''", said the General, and those words resonate like never before. Whatever the other Imperial forces may do, the Black Thorns will not retreat before the vallorn. In the face of such commitment, the Granite Pillar and the Boyar's Hasta will not abandon their allies. The rebels of the Nesustak Forest will not abandon their homes, while there is any chance of holding even a portion of the woodlands.		In the end, though, the Black Thorns refuse point blank to accept defeat. "''Let us show the Empire why we are the first line of defence against this foe''", said the General, and those words resonate like never before. Whatever the other Imperial forces may do, the Black Thorns will not retreat before the vallorn. In the face of such commitment, the Granite Pillar and the Boyar's Hasta will not abandon their allies. The rebels of the Nesustak Forest will not abandon their homes, while there is any chance of holding even a portion of the woodlands.
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	In the end, as the Summer Solstice approaches, the last of the vallornspawn are cut down. Vates and magisters and cabalists, versed in the lore of Spring and Winter, work quickly to uproot the seeds of the vallorn before they can take root. Without the relentless attacks of the vallorn, it is relatively easy to work the rituals to deal with the contagion left in their wake. While the vallorn still exists the Nesustak Forest will be in danger - but ultimately no more so than [[Hercynia#Northpines\|Northpines]] or the [[Hercynia#Glen of Shadows\|Glen of Shadows]]. Even the vegetative bridge that stretches across the river, that thick matt of plant matter that allowed abominations to pour into the western woods, begins to decay and fall apart as the vallorn of Béantal Dol slips back into uneasy restfulness. An old story; the vallorn rises and the resolve of humans and orcs drives it back. Inspirational, perhaps.		In the end, as the Summer Solstice approaches, the last of the vallornspawn are cut down. Vates and magisters and cabalists, versed in the lore of Spring and Winter, work quickly to uproot the seeds of the vallorn before they can take root. Without the relentless attacks of the vallorn, it is relatively easy to work the rituals to deal with the contagion left in their wake. While the vallorn still exists the Nesustak Forest will be in danger - but ultimately no more so than [[Hercynia#Northpines\|Northpines]] or the [[Hercynia#Glen of Shadows\|Glen of Shadows]]. Even the vegetative bridge that stretches across the river, that thick matt of plant matter that allowed abominations to pour into the western woods, begins to decay and fall apart as the vallorn of Béantal Dol slips back into uneasy restfulness. An old story; the vallorn rises and the resolve of humans and orcs drives it back. Inspirational, perhaps.

	==An Old Story==		==An Old Story==
	In the north, in the Turan Flats, another old story is unfolding. The Poison Crane and the Hidden Snake have escaped the wrath of the Golden Axe and the Citadel Guard, seeking to flee back over the border into the Salt Flats of Sanath, guided by Autumn magic. Yet, at the last moment, something goes wrong. Perhaps those who remember the Druj retreat from Holberg all those years ago might have guessed what is coming but it seems the armies of the Mallum have short memories.		In the north, in the Turan Flats, another old story is unfolding. The Poison Crane and the Hidden Snake have escaped the wrath of the Golden Axe and the Citadel Guard, seeking to flee back over the border into the Salt Flats of Sanath, guided by Autumn magic. Yet, at the last moment, something goes wrong. Perhaps those who remember the Druj retreat from Holberg all those years ago might have guessed what is coming but it seems the armies of the Mallum have short memories.

GuiltyConscience: /* Battle of the Flats */

2026-07-14T12:25:06Z

Battle of the Flats

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:25, 14 July 2026
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	Oh, the Empire does not emerge unscathed. Some five hundred Imperial soldiers fall to the Druj, to their howling Winter war-dogs, to the tortured spirits of champions taken by the enemy and twisted into something unspeakable. At the same time, however, the Druj lose nearly twice that many of their own troops - losses they cannot hope to recover from while the Empire holds Sarangrave and their septs are broken and scattered.		Oh, the Empire does not emerge unscathed. Some five hundred Imperial soldiers fall to the Druj, to their howling Winter war-dogs, to the tortured spirits of champions taken by the enemy and twisted into something unspeakable. At the same time, however, the Druj lose nearly twice that many of their own troops - losses they cannot hope to recover from while the Empire holds Sarangrave and their septs are broken and scattered.

	The Druj have been driven back, but the encounter is far from decisive. The invaders are left with no option to fall back to the Salt Flats, perhaps to make one last attempt on reclaiming their lands next season. The Citadel Guard and the Golden Axe give chase, but they are unable to catch the fleeing Druj. The same Imperial magic that serves to help the folk of Nesustak Forest escape the vallorn proves an unexpected ally to the orcs of the Mallum. The bulk of their two armies easily escape their pursuers back toward the border with Sanath.		The Druj have been driven back, but the encounter is far from decisive. The invaders are left with no option but to fall back to the Salt Flats, perhaps to make one last attempt on reclaiming their lands next season. The Citadel Guard and the Golden Axe give chase, but they are unable to catch the fleeing Druj. The same Imperial magic that serves to help the folk of Nesustak Forest escape the vallorn proves an unexpected ally to the orcs of the Mallum. The bulk of their two armies easily escape their pursuers back toward the border with Sanath.

	==An End to Waiting==		==An End to Waiting==

GuiltyConscience: /* Battle of the Flats */

2026-07-14T12:23:39Z

Battle of the Flats

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:23, 14 July 2026
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	Fortunately, the Empire is entirely prepared for the attack from the north. The Citadel Guard and the Golden Axe are already in position to meet the onslaught from the Salt Flats, and when the Hidden Snake and the Poison Crane launch their attack they break themselves against a solid wall of Imperial soldiers.		Fortunately, the Empire is entirely prepared for the attack from the north. The Citadel Guard and the Golden Axe are already in position to meet the onslaught from the Salt Flats, and when the Hidden Snake and the Poison Crane launch their attack they break themselves against a solid wall of Imperial soldiers.

	If it were possible to feel pity for the Druj, now might be the time. Even with Winter husks fighting with them they are outnumbered nearly three to one by the Urizen and Varushkan troops. There is no subtlety here, no skirmish and retreat, no traps to lure the unsuspecting into, no opportunities to ~~terrorize~~ the weak. There is only a face-to-face fight between two Druj armies that are on the verge of exhausted collapse, and two fresh, well-rested Imperial armies. Druj desperation is no match for the resolve of those that stand against them.		If it were possible to feel pity for the Druj, now might be the time. Even with Winter husks fighting with them they are outnumbered nearly three to one by the Urizen and Varushkan troops. There is no subtlety here, no skirmish and retreat, no traps to lure the unsuspecting into, no opportunities to terrorise the weak. There is only a face-to-face fight between two Druj armies that are on the verge of exhausted collapse, and two fresh, well-rested Imperial armies. Druj desperation is no match for the resolve of those that stand against them.

	The Snake and the Crane are bent on reaching Turan but they do not come close. The battle of Turan Flats takes place miles from Trakaa's capital, from the Banded Snake's old centre of power. Indeed, the Druj have barely crossed the border before the Citadel Guard and the Golden Axe are upon them. At first, the armies fall back a little, giving the impression perhaps that they are overwhelmed and ready to give ground. But they are merely testing the forces that have come against them, wisely waiting to see if this is just the advance guard and if a more potent force follows behind. As soon as it becomes clear that the two armies are by themselves, the trap snaps shut around them.		The Snake and the Crane are bent on reaching Turan but they do not come close. The battle of Turan Flats takes place miles from Trakaa's capital, from the Banded Snake's old centre of power. Indeed, the Druj have barely crossed the border before the Citadel Guard and the Golden Axe are upon them. At first, the armies fall back a little, giving the impression perhaps that they are overwhelmed and ready to give ground. But they are merely testing the forces that have come against them, wisely waiting to see if this is just the advance guard and if a more potent force follows behind. As soon as it becomes clear that the two armies are by themselves, the trap snaps shut around them.

GuiltyConscience: /* Fang and Feather */

2026-07-14T12:21:45Z

Fang and Feather

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:21, 14 July 2026
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	The Tainted Basilisk are no more, but there are two other armies that still call Sarangrave home. The [[Druj_armies#Poison_Crane\|Poison Crane]] are the warriors of the Marshlizard who once dominated [[Sarangrave#Thornfen\|Thornfen]] and [[Sarangrave#Kroll\|Kroll]]. Likewise, the [[Druj_armies#Hidden_Snake\|Hidden Snake]] are drawn from the Banded Snake sept who ruled over Nesustak Forest and the Turan Flats. Their homelands have been conquered by the Empire. Those Druj who ruled the septs have been forced to flee, either north into the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] or into the wild places of Sarangrave. Either way they are in no position to support their warriors any more. It comes as no surprise then that a couple of weeks after the Spring Equinox, these two armies launch an attack against Sarangrave. It is perhaps more of a surprise that there are no ''other'' Druj armies with them. They do not come alone, however, when they pour across the border from [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Lower_Saarnath\|Lower Saarnath]] into Turan Flats.		The Tainted Basilisk are no more, but there are two other armies that still call Sarangrave home. The [[Druj_armies#Poison_Crane\|Poison Crane]] are the warriors of the Marshlizard who once dominated [[Sarangrave#Thornfen\|Thornfen]] and [[Sarangrave#Kroll\|Kroll]]. Likewise, the [[Druj_armies#Hidden_Snake\|Hidden Snake]] are drawn from the Banded Snake sept who ruled over Nesustak Forest and the Turan Flats. Their homelands have been conquered by the Empire. Those Druj who ruled the septs have been forced to flee, either north into the [[Salt Flats of Sanath]] or into the wild places of Sarangrave. Either way they are in no position to support their warriors any more. It comes as no surprise then that a couple of weeks after the Spring Equinox, these two armies launch an attack against Sarangrave. It is perhaps more of a surprise that there are no ''other'' Druj armies with them. They do not come alone, however, when they pour across the border from [[Salt_Flats_of_Sanath#Lower_Saarnath\|Lower Saarnath]] into Turan Flats.

	It is common for Druj armies to bear potent [[enchantment\|enchantments]] but usually they draw on the lore of [[Spring magic]]. Sometimes, though, it can be easy to forget that the wicked magicians of the Druj are versed in other realms as well. It has been a long time since the Empire has seen the warriors of the ~~Malum~~ fighting alongside the dead but when the two battered armies come into the Sarangrave, thousands of shambling horrors come with them. If they were Imperial armies, the [[Unfettered Mind]] would say they are subject to [[Quickening Cold Meat]] but this is not any dubious gift of [[Wise Rangara]] it is something altogether worse.		It is common for Druj armies to bear potent [[enchantment\|enchantments]] but usually they draw on the lore of [[Spring magic]]. Sometimes, though, it can be easy to forget that the wicked magicians of the Druj are versed in other realms as well. It has been a long time since the Empire has seen the warriors of the Mallum fighting alongside the dead but when the two battered armies come into the Sarangrave, thousands of shambling horrors come with them. If they were Imperial armies, the [[Unfettered Mind]] would say they are subject to [[Quickening Cold Meat]] but this is not any dubious gift of [[Wise Rangara]] - it is something altogether worse.

	The dead - predominantly but not solely orcs - are absolutely consumed with hunger for living blood and meat. The spirits inside them are not quite the same as those drawn by the Imperial enchantment; they are as cunning as they are savage. While they cannot speak, they display the ability to work together in a way Winter husks rarely evidence. They move quickly, lean and athirst, hunting ahead of the Druj armies in packs that hurl themselves at any who try to fight, and relentlessly chase down anyone who tries to flee like wild dogs. A few seem to be possessed of more potent spirits, that unleash occasional howls of terrifying intensity that can [[Weakness\|drive the strength]] from a warrior and make them easy prey for the pack.		The dead - predominantly but not solely orcs - are absolutely consumed with hunger for living blood and meat. The spirits inside them are not quite the same as those drawn by the Imperial enchantment; they are as cunning as they are savage. While they cannot speak, they display the ability to work together in a way Winter husks rarely evidence. They move quickly, lean and athirst, hunting ahead of the Druj armies in packs that hurl themselves at any who try to fight, and relentlessly chase down anyone who tries to flee like wild dogs. A few seem to be possessed of more potent spirits, that unleash occasional howls of terrifying intensity that can [[Weakness\|drive the strength]] from a warrior and make them easy prey for the pack.
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	<quote by="Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was, General of the Citadel Guard">Sentinels, Consider the Drowned Man. There were three Druj armies that Tyranised the people of the Sarangrave. As I write this, there are two. Under my command, the Basilisk was Broken by the Heroes of Anvil. Now the Snake and Crane will break on your discipline. We are their end.</quote>		<quote by="Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was, General of the Citadel Guard">Sentinels, Consider the Drowned Man. There were three Druj armies that Tyranised the people of the Sarangrave. As I write this, there are two. Under my command, the Basilisk was Broken by the Heroes of Anvil. Now the Snake and Crane will break on your discipline. We are their end.</quote>
	<quote by="Vojsuli Cherenkov, General of the Golden Axe">Axe, we have fought to take Sarangrave. Now we fight to hold it. The Druj seek to take what we have claimed and in vigilance we shall deny them in this. We shall be a shield for our comrades fighting the Vallorn. We shall break the Druj with our axes. We deny them this day and for all days to come. Their empire shall fall, their armies shall break. Axe, with me, we Stand!</quote></div>		<quote by="Vojsuli Cherenkov, General of the Golden Axe">Axe, we have fought to take Sarangrave. Now we fight to hold it. The Druj seek to take what we have claimed and in vigilance we shall deny them in this. We shall be a shield for our comrades fighting the Vallorn. We shall break the Druj with our axes. We deny them this day and for all days to come. Their empire shall fall, their armies shall break. Axe, with me, we Stand!</quote></div>

	==Battle of the Flats==		==Battle of the Flats==
	Fortunately, the Empire is entirely prepared for the attack from the north. The Citadel Guard and the Golden Axe are already in position to meet the onslaught from the Salt Flats, and when the Hidden Snake and the Poison Crane launch their attack they break themselves against a solid wall of Imperial soldiers.		Fortunately, the Empire is entirely prepared for the attack from the north. The Citadel Guard and the Golden Axe are already in position to meet the onslaught from the Salt Flats, and when the Hidden Snake and the Poison Crane launch their attack they break themselves against a solid wall of Imperial soldiers.