387YE Spring Equinox Military Council orders
Overview
The Military Council is the gathering of Imperial generals and admirals. Individually, the generals have responsibility for the orders given to the Imperial army under their command, while the admirals provide the orders for the navies. A general commands a single Imperial army, drawn from volunteers from their nation. Once a general is given their command, they have sole authority to order the army to move or attack as they choose. After each summit, the Civil Service quickly circulate the orders each general has given among Imperial citizens, allowing military unit captains to decide if they wish to commit their own force to support an army, and if so which army to support.
After the Spring Equinox, there are several flashpoints where the Empire is engaged or where barbarians threaten Imperial citizens, summarised in an in-character way in the mini-wind of war Throw of the dice. It's important to note that it only takes into account the orders of Imperial generals, and the situation at the end of the Spring Equinox. It doesn't predict what the barbarian armies will do, it's simply a summary intended to help lend context to the orders submitted by the generals.
Following that, there is a list of the orders that were submitted by Imperial generals, as well as where they are deployed, and whether the Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies has decided that military units supporting them will receive the guerdon or not.
Throw of the Dice
As the Spring Equinox began, the Jotun barbarians had conquered almost all of Bregasland. Thanks to the Strong Reeds the town of Ottery, the Otterway into Mitwold, and the southbound Sallow Way remained Imperial, but the orc were eager to finish what they had started. Warbands picked their way east out of the North Fens, and a massive force moved north up the Sallow Way. Without intervention, this mass of elite kirkja warriors would overwhelm Ottery by the end of the equinox. Imperial heroes intervened through the Sentinel Gate, fighting desperately to hold the Jotun back. By the time they returned through the gate, they had held the Way, captured the banners of the Corazón, and best of all beaten the Bounds at Sal-Ott meet and roused the spirits of the Marcher army. The Jotun were denied their prize - but only for a time. If their armies continue to advance, Ottery will fall, even as the Reeds keep faith with the Bregasfolk.
Likewise, across the border to the south, the Tusks continue to fight the warbands of the Jotun, seeking to quell the invaders who still hold parts of the territory. Farstrider's Watch still serves as the hall of the Jotun champions who seek to carry on Jarl Haakon's legacy. If the Jotun return in force... it surely cannot help but go badly for the Marcher army.
In the hills further south still, the Empire's armies have made inroads into the Lasambrian Hills, into Reinos. Reports from the Bounders and the Autumn Hammers provided an opportunity to capture Grismont Township, striking against the town's defenders before they could fortify the settlement, breaking Lasambrian control of Bastasor. While Imperial heroes were able to captire a prominent Lasambrian priest, while they fought with Courage and Pride, the orcs' Vigilance saw them fight with uncanny zeal and they held the township. The captured Faraden trader perished in the confusion, but several captains took the opportunity to sign up with heralds of Callidus for the chance to gain wealth in the coming season. Some warbands may remain, but the Imperial armies have withdrawn from the hills.
Withdrawn, but not gone far. Three of the armies that invaded the hills have shifted attention north to the conquered Jotun territory of Liathaven, and met with four more armies from out of the Marches. They march on the forests that were once Liathaven, once part of the Navarr nation, to break the barbarian hold on the territory. It has been some years since the Empire knew for sure what waited beneath the trees in the land the Jotun had reforged, transforming it into Ashvale, a place of industry and martial might. Who can say for sure how this bold attack will go, despite seven entire armies committing to the conquest?
In the furthest south, the Grendel remain in command of Mora's Rock, the Children of Wrecks remain an unpredictable threat, and two Imperial armies seek to tame the transfigured Madruga - the Burning Falcon roaring with fire, the Fist of the Mountains taking a more measured approach. Much will depend on where the Grendel armada is, of course. This season the Empire trusts to the fortifications built to watch the sea... hopefully they will be sufficient.
Then the east. The vallorn begins to rouse, its tendrils reaching out across the Druj-held forests and marshes of Therunin. The ward of Lord Rain continues to hold, secured by the Archmage of Spring, but there may yet be a terrible price for this additional season of protection. Before the Spring Equinox, there was a great host of Druj orcs in Therunin - will they stay? Or will they move? And if so... where?
Perhaps to Sarangrave, where Imperial armies launch an Ambitious pincer movement to cut the territory into pieces. Three of the four armies that launched the invasion continue to fight in the south, and six more armies accompanied by a host of Summer knights smash into the northern borders through the Barrens. The Druj fight viciously - it's hard to believe they will ignore the threat to their richest farmlands. But they are also unpredictable, and cruel, and right now it is not clear what they intend to do.
Regardless, this coming season sees a gyre of chaos spin around the Empire, in the east, in the west, along the shores of the Bay of Catazar. The dice are in the air, spinning, and it is anyone's guess which faces will be uppermost when they come to rest at last.
The Brass Coast
The Brass Coast have three armies: Burning Falcon, Fire of the South and Red Wind Corsairs. They can support three armies.
Burning Falcon
- General: Aracelis I Erigo Orders: My Freeborn, I return to you heart and mind full. I hear often you cannot compel virtue. You give Loyalty. You nurture Ambition. You Inspire Pride. And it puts me to mind over what inspires my virtue. My Kohan in Anvil? You who fight for the Falcon? Those who hold my heart in their chest as I hold their heart in mine? The answer is all these and more. All of this inspires the burning flame to raise up. To set the example and live up to what is required. In turn inspiring others to greater heights that I know we are all capable of. So I ask you, Falcons, Freeborn, citizens. My pride demands I strive for triumph and I urge you to greatness alongside my army or elsewhere. Together. One Empire. In Pride Action: Triumphant Charge in Madruga Enchantment: Coven of Barabbas enchanted the Burning Falcon with Clarity of the Master Strategist. Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
Fire of the South
- General: Vincente i Zayden i Guerra Orders: We have enjoyed the loyal hospitality of our Dawnish allies for the past season. Now we turn our eyes south towards the League. We march swiftly to desperately reinforce Tassato. We take our final season of rest and recovery before we strike out for Free and Imperial Victory. We are on the precipice of greatness, cousins! Action: Solid Defence of Tassato Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
Red Wind Corsairs
- General: Delora i Sol-Devorador i Erigo Orders: Freeborn! How many ports do we visit in our lives? How many crews do we sail with? Maybe some journeys we set sail on the ship of Courage, racing to Skallahn to join a foray into unknown wilds. Perhaps we sometimes sail on Vigilance, taking watch on Kahraman for the attack that we know is coming. Often our flotilla is Prosperity - our gains have done great things for our nation. I think tonight you continue on the great vessel Wisdom. Just one more season - just the one. Wisdom prepares us for your great voyage. For me? I think my new ship will be Ambition. What comes next when one journey ends? The Corsairs are born anew, embracing their Naval past, and the General sails to new shores. Who knows what awaits us? All I know is that when we all sail in Loyalty together, our future unfurls endlessly in front of us. Fair winds, and following seas. Action: Billet in Mitwold Enchantment: Concordium of Pallas enchanted the Red Wind Corsairs with Brotherhood of Tian. Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
Dawn
Dawn have four armies: Eastern Sky, Golden Sun, Gryphon's Pride and Lions of Adelmar. They can support five armies.
Eastern Sky
- General: Dame Aurum De Castellan Orders: O Sky, how ready I know you are to take the Glorious conquest back to the Druj, and, oh, how eager I am to give that to you. To the Sarangrave we charge with knights of Eleonaris by our side - all sixteen thousand of them. I challenge you to show them how knights truly fight. I want you fuelled. Fiery. Passionate. Stars that burn bright in the sky for every flicker of the muse, Janon, to see. I hereby invite the flame of virtue to witness just how hot my stars can shine when we're crushing Druj underfoot. This is the start of their end. You know what that means. Action: Balanced Attack on Sarangrave Enchantment: Voices of the Unbound Storm enchanted the Eastern Sky with Knights of Glory. Among other things this enchantment means that a military unit that supports this army will receive a golden apple, as detailed in the Golden magicians fayre wind of fortune. Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
Golden Sun
- General: Lord Daemon Mortére Orders: Knights of the Golden Sun, we continue a solid defence in Astolat. We will re-supply so that we are ready to join the Pride, the Sky and the Lions in glory. I also order you not to fraternise with this so called "Earl of Groves". Dawnish or not, they are not the General of this army or a part of the military council. If this "Earl" wishes to help, they are welcome to treat with me. Speak to your priests, be vigilant, hold to your loyalty. Action: Solid Defence of Astolat Enchantment: Concordium of Pallas enchanted the Golden Sun with Brotherhood of Tian. Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
Gryphon's Pride
- General: Ser Guy of the Twisted Rose Orders: Last season, I asked you to join with me and be a black wind that would drive the Druj into the sea. Once, those two words struck fear into the hearts of the Druj. Now they are a byword for their cruelty and terror. So in the name of those who refused to bow to their tyranny, those who cannot fight for themselves, those who sacrificed everything to bring us this far, I ask you to join with me again. We will make that storm anew. We cannot undo the strife and loss that made me your general, but Pride demands we embrace our past. Never be ashamed of it. You are Winter Eagles and Lions of Glory. You are the pride of Dawn. You are defenders of the Empire. You shall be forever more! So with Gryphon's strength and unicorns conviction, we go as one through a Barrens starting to heal to cut the poison out of the festering heart of Sarangrave. Listen for the Grynbor, the Water Walkers, and spare them. The Thousand-Foe Prince sends his aid, and the Lion Queen sends her host forth alongside us to honour our ancient friendship. Fight with discipline. Fight with Glory. Fight for a new and brighter Dawn. Action: Balanced Attack on Sarangrave Enchantment: Ashen Flame enchanted the Gryphon's Pride with Knights of Glory. Among other things this enchantment means that a military unit that supports this army will receive a golden apple, as detailed in the Golden magicians fayre wind of fortune. Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
Lions of Adelmar
- General: Dame Katelyn Quinnell De Cordraco Orders: Dawn, in Dawnish way, our army begins with tragedy. The army of heart and it is ripped out as general Elisandre de Rondell was lost. But in the words of her esteemed house, in a time of building Dawnish Strength and unity, where they have sewn fear, we will make flowers grow. Our Lions of Adelmar, the time of Rallying is done. The training and lessons passed from exemplar, to academy, to you. Where they may try to strike Imperial heroes down, let our shields rise up to meet them. May our ambition remain to protect all those who fight alongside us. For we are the army of Heart. Now we use it, as Dawn does best. For love. Action: Steel Roses on Sarangrave Enchantment: The Coven of Golden Wings enchanted the Lions of Adelmar with Knights of Glory. Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
Highguard
Highguard have three armies: Granite Pillar, Seventh Wave and Valiant Pegasus. They can support four armies.
Granite Pillar
- General: Sychar of Ebon's Hall Orders: We march to draw the poison from Therunin's wounds. We fight in Loyalty, that we may force the Druj here, not in our friend's homes. The oppressed subjects of the Druj are not to be harmed. They shall be shown the light of virtue. Should heralds of Janon appear to observe, show them too what true virtue looks like, as we march under our new hallowed banner and step forward in the memory of Asher and Ruth, carying their symbol. Action: Cautious Advance in Sarangrave Enchantment: Voices of the Unbound Storm enchanted the Granite Pillar with Knights of Glory. Among other things this enchantment means that a military unit that supports this army will receive a golden apple, as detailed in the Golden magicians fayre wind of fortune. Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
Seventh Wave
- General: Melkior of Balthazar’s Vineyard Orders: Seventh Wave! Our time for rest is over, our time in the Marches sadly has to end. We thank our siblings for their hospitality. Now we do what we do best, enter Liathaven and begin learning its secrets. You are the vigilant eyes of the Empire. Pave the way. Action: Gather Intelligence in Liathaven Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
Valiant Pegasus
- General: Lucifer Orders: The soldiers of the Valiant Pegasus and physicks are in need of resupply and rest. This season we will rest in Casinea to bring us the strength to support and future endeavours in our battles to come. Siblings it is time to rest and recover. With strength returned next season we march onwards. Action: Solid Defence of Casinea Enchantment: Concordium of Pallas enchanted the Valiant Pegasus with Brotherhood of Tian. Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
Imperial Orcs
Imperial Orcs have three armies: Autumn Hammers, Summer Storm and Winter Sun. They can support three armies.
Autumn Hammers
- General: Ashborn Vana Orders: Legionnaires, the Jotun hold a fort in Liath's Glen, it does not belong to them, it belongs to Navarr. Let our legends sing with loyalty as we take it back. We call upon the contracts with Estavus to send heralds and siege equipment to storm the walls with us, claim the fort for the Empire and strike down any Jotun who oppose us! Action: Storm the Walls in Liathaven Enchantment: Coven of Barabbas enchanted the Autumn Hammers with Clarity of the Master Strategist. Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will receive a share of the Guerdon.
Summer Storm
- General: Irontide Skorr Orders: Legionnaires, this season we rest and resupply. With the aid of the Autumn realm, we gather our strength and improve ourselves. Shamans and pitfighters, I want us to focus on the ancestor we discovered in Skallahn. Who are they? Let us find out! Pit Fight, train and feast! Action: Solid Defence of Casinea Enchantment: Concordium of Pallas enchanted the Summer Storm with Brotherhood of Tian. Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
Winter Sun
- General: Skywise Rykana Orders: Heroes of the Winter Sun, last season we carved the first steps into the Sarangrave and this season we commit it to our task and press forwards in a balanced attack. If the septs will not speak with us, then we shall inspire them with deeds as we blaze a virtuous path with the mighty knights of Summer incandescent beside us. Seek out the subjugated peoples and show them the courage to be earned in liberation, seek out the Druj slavers and show them our steel and the might of an Imperial Legion. Action: Balanced Attack on Sarangrave Enchantment: Voices of the Unbound Storm enchanted the Winter Sun with Knights of Glory. Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
The League
The League have two armies: Towerjacks and Wolves of War. They can support three armies.
Towerjacks
- General: Gabriel Barossa Orders: Time to rebuild, Towerjacks, and get our strength up. And nothing builds strength like hard work. Take up your tools and demonstrate the finest engineering skills of the Empire. Help our friends in Peregro build their citadel. Action: Dig In in Morrow Enchantment: Concordium of Pallas enchanted the Towerjacks with Brotherhood of Tian. Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
Wolves of War
- General: Jean d'Apulian Orders: Tack south, supplies are arranged to see us whole. This is not rest, the work now is to make ready to let loose next season. We stand by the Jack's should they call, as the ties that bind demand. Five cities, one Empire. Action: Give Ground in Morrow Enchantment: Concordium of Pallas enchanted the Wolves of War with Brotherhood of Tian. Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
The Marches
The Marches have four armies: Bounders, Drakes, Strong Reeds and Tusks. They can support five armies.
Bounders
- General: Mary Birchsmith Orders: Loyal Bounders we take steady conquest into Liath's Glen. We have lost people in the Marches who we will fight to remember them. With that and our loyalty to our friends in Navarr who we fought so well with us we march in steady conquest to Liath's Glen, we will see this through together. Action: Steady Conquest in Liathaven Enchantment: Coven of Barabbas enchanted the Bounders with Clarity of the Master Strategist. Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
Drakes
- General: William Guildenstern Orders: Family, we lost Tancred. He lays in Mitwold soil ready to rise up. So I, as the Folk-hero, lead you to a land Marchers have toiled in before. We are to reclaim the homes of our trusted friends - who have long toiled for us. A steady conquest into Liathaven to liberate Liath's Glen - this is a land of Navarr history and Marcher heroes. We are to take those lands owed to our beloved neighbours - Be better than I, be the Drakes, be the first army. Remind the Jotun what happens to those that wrong our kin. Leave the feni be, we have done too much to them. Action: Steady Conquest in Liathaven Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
Strong Reeds
- General: Amberlain P. Black Orders: "The Reward for hard work is more work". We lay low again for one more season. But do you hear amongst the Rushes? All around the Empire, the home of the Strong Reeds is toasted, and on the battlefield our beaters sing your virtue, your pride and loyalty. We who are never bent or broken, we who defeated "Queen" Fisher, we who stood against Jotun Steel. Your Loyalty to our land is met with loyalty from the citizens of the Empire. So cleave to your Loyalty, the loyalty of Tom Drake and Farstrider. Cleave to your pride of Guildenstern and Hooke. So I ask you for one more season, one more grind, then we will stand again stronger than ever. Action: Lay Low in Bregasland Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
Tusks
- General: Jack Ashton Orders: Jacks of the Tusks! We thank Stanley of Chalkdown for his service to the Empire, and to the Mourn. Let us show loyalty to our former General, and reclaim his home and yours. March for steady conquest in the Chalkdowns. Do not advance into Greensward, that is work for the Summer. Take pride in what we have achieved. For the Mourn! PS Janon, come along and watch the scrap. Let us show you the passion of the Marches. Action: Steady Conquest in Mournwold Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
Navarr
Navarr have two armies: Black Thorns and Quiet Step. They can support six armies.
Black Thorns
- General: Cadwell Waystone Orders: My beloved Thorns. The pain and wounds of Therunin run deep. With Wisdom we march to Bastion to resupply and reposition. The Empire marches forward with ambition and courage. We will join these campaigns soon but for now. Remember Therunin. Action: Resupply in Virtue's Rest in Bastion Enchantment: Coven of The Entwined Paths, The Amber Forge and Twilight Forge enchanted the Black Thorns with Brotherhood of Tian. Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
Quiet Step
- General: Vesna Borkovna Prochnost Orders: My cousins of the Quiet Step. The time has come to take our fight to the Druj. As I promised, today we fight together, today we do whatever it takes. We come to strike down those who threatened your home. Those who butcher and enslave. We fight alongside Irra Harah heralds. They are not your foes. We will encounter septs of the Sarangrave. They are not your foes. Use your cunning and show the Druj what it is to fight the Navarr Action: Whatever it Takes in Sarangrave Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
Urizen
Urizen have one army: Citadel Guard. They can support a single army.
Citadel Guard
- General: Andronikos of the Lighthouse-That-Was Orders: Sentinels, consider the Stork. Now is the moment. The Ashen Flame call Fey Knights. We channel the heralds of the horned hare to disrupt the tyrants of the Mallum. Now, as you march, weave Autumn cunning to raise a glass labyrinth around the Druj. Our allies in the north will turn it to a labyrinth of steel that traps the Druj but lets their subjects slip to safety Action: Raise the Glass Labyrinth in Sarangrave Enchantment: Ashen Flame enchanted the Citadel Guard with Knights of Glory. Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
Varushka
Varushka have two armies: Golden Axe and Northern Eagle. They can support four armies.
Golden Axe
- General: Vojsuli Cherenkov Orders: Warriors of the Axe, we continue our march into the Sarangrave. We march once again with the Crimson Schlacta as the vanguard of the Imperial forces. We are aided in our campaigning by heralds of Irra Harah disrupting the Druj. We focus our blades on the slavers and paymasters as the septs do not pose a threat to us. Stay clear of the tower of the skink as it is not the time to take those walls. Once more into them, for victory, for the Empire! Action: Take their Land in Sarangrave Enchantment: Voices of the Unbound Storm enchanted the Golden Axe with Knights of Glory. Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
Northern Eagle
- General: Jaromir Ostrovyn Kostka Orders: Host of the Eagle, under banners of Pride we are called to the hunt. We march to the Sarangrave to cut a bright and furious path through the foe. Papa Otec stalks the forests but pay the petty beasts of Spring no heed unless their gaze savagely turns upon us. In truth, none here but the Druj need die, so leave the yielding septs in peace and be precise with your blows. We come as Imperial soldiers, disciplined and loyal. Killing is the task at hand; show now the quality of your work. Action: Balanced Attack on Sarangrave Enchantment: Ashen Flame enchanted the Northern Eagle with Knights of Glory. Among other things this enchantment means that a military unit that supports this army will receive a golden apple, as detailed in the Golden magicians fayre wind of fortune. Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will receive a share of the Guerdon.
Wintermark
Wintermark have four armies: Bloodcloaks, Fist of the Mountains, Green Shield and Narwhal's Spear. They can support four armies.
Bloodcloaks
- General: Tager Defender of the Fallen Tyrshalt Orders: Scildran of the Bloodcloaks it is time to muster your healers and head northwards to Liathaven. We go not only to recover the lost of our siblings who stand with us but to recover the homes that have been lost. We march to heal and protect the nations of Navarr and marchers against the foe of the Jotun. Over the next year take the lessons and teachings that Lofyn Bloodcloak has taught you (a hero has a name) keep them in your hearts but it is time for a new era of the cloaks to begin as the guardians of the west that we know we can be. Action: Recover the Lost in Liathaven Enchantment: Coven of Barabbas enchanted the Bloodcloaks with Clarity of the Master Strategist. Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
Fist of the Mountains
- General: Umarth "Winter's Flame" Kannask Orders: Mystics, take pride. We invite Janon, the shadowed flame, to witness our work. As we look for guidance, our eyes are drawn to the Mountain, appropriately. Wintermark heroism shows best when we do what must be done, even if it is hard. We strike into new lands and discovery. Avoid the coastlines when you can. The Freeborn need land, let us make it ready for them. When we come upon the foe, take comfort that even should you fall, your duty is not ended. Do not spend your lives lightly, but when you find the moment, be the thorn in place. Action: Steady Conquest in Madruga Enchantment: Wolves of the Pale Raven enchanted the Fist of the Mountains with Quickening Cold Meat. Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
Green Shield
- General: Iron Osric Orders: The Autumn Hammer’s assail— the Jotuns' strongholds, with shattering siegecraft, as war-play unfolds. The Bloodcloaks will bear back— the brave from the brink, lest heroes be lost, and companion’s heart’s sink. The Narwhal Spear, will navigate near, scouting pathways, dispelling all fear. The Seventh Wave surges, their solemn vows sealed. A Crusade enacted, across conquered clean field. The Bounders will battle, their brave hearts ablaze, their fierce fighting spirit breaks war-fog haze. And the Drakes crafting victory, magnificently made, by drum beat they March, a heroes parade. So forward to Ashvale! And our foes may well fret, for the Green Shield stands firm with fellows well met. With Honour they’ll fight, to keep innocents sound, Beneath unfurled green banners, on hallowed high ground. Action: Fight with Honour in Liathaven Enchantment: Coven of Barabbas enchanted the Green Shield with Clarity of the Master Strategist. Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.
Narwhal's Spear
- General: Determination of Ice Kaisa Orders: One year ago we started our journey and the soul of Apaay Ukiuking is proud. We crossed from the north to south and back to reclaim Imperial Homes. We have rested and now our eyes look to Liathaven. It is time to show the Empire the prowess of Sermersuaq's scouts. Go forth, seek our foes and let us begin to return the Cunning we share with the Navarri to their lost but never forgotten land. United we stand. Action: Seek the Foe in Liathaven Enchantment: Coven of Barabbas enchanted the Narwhal's Spear with Clarity of the Master Strategist. Guerdon: Military units supporting this army will not be rewarded by the Imperial Senate.