Journal Entry for 09/03/1104 . . .
A collection of reports from Northern Lyonesse
“Young men forced into legion by threats of sibling death or family death. Those resisting have watched younger siblings or parents butchered. This explains the rapid legion formation that has occurred over winter.”
“Food stuffs are forced to be handed over from farms in the area. Livestock taken and food supplied robbed. Any farmer not handing over food stuffs and livestock are butchered and their lands torched. This has forced a recent shortage and possible famine for the recent winter.
Stolen food stuffs are taken and given to legion and Empire troops. It is reported that townships along the North Eastern coast are wracked by famine and a disease through the cold winter months and no supplies of food to keep them through.”
“Black Orcs have been sighted amongst the dead of captured town ships feasting on the fallen. The prize for victory is one of feasting on the dead. It is well known amongst the township survivors that not all fallen were dead when the Black orcs began feasting.”
“All Elves and Fey that are captured whether at war or peacefully in townships that surrendered are taken away towards naval docks. The ships are said to be “Undead hulks” that are seen heading south towards the spine of Tebron. Nothing is heard of them or seen of them again.
A guard at the local docks in Lyon was overheard jokingly call them “Test subjects.” The only Elves left and not taken are those Elves belonging to the Legion of Taureanna and the Elven Alliance. These Elves are killed outright as warriors of the Enemy.”
“Anyone caught acting as resistance within towns are considered spies and are hung when alive by their arms on the outer walls of the towns, tongues removed to silence them. This is said to act as a warning to others that might raise a hand against Imperial forces. These people are left to starve and are left to die. Lyon is said to be surrounded by such bodies as a sign of victory for the Empire. And of the popular and constant dissent that occurred after the Empire’s occupation. It appears the Empire is not as well secured in it’s holdings as first believed.”
“Anyone caught whispering / talking openly or meeting in secret to plot against the empire are taken to public places and flogged until dead. Again as a way of stopping dissent.
The Empire shows great distinction between talking of dissent and raising a hand in dissent. Though both carry the same penalty. The level of pain inflicted marks the stark contrast between crimes. It seems some sick notion of honour is carried out by Imperial troops.”
“It seems that upon capturing towns, all ranks above that of sergeant are granted their choice of the local women. Though unclear what happens it seems not all women are left alive at the end of the time. Black orc chieftains of the Ghost legion have been noted as eating them for breakfast or if they were unwilling the previous night.”
“The Death knights that are leading the Ghost legion are linked by ritual to the Emperor. However the link requires sacrifice to continue over such a distance. Babies and younger children below the age of four have been collected in towns that still hold out against the Empire. These children are used to feed the power of the Death knights through Ritual. It is not known what happens, whether the children are killed or drained / corrupted of life in some way.”
“Elven scouts report that the township recently taken North of Lyon was taken after all the people of a neighbouring town were lined up outside the wall of the township and then beheaded as means to spread panic and fear amongst the township. The town surrendered very quickly afterwards. It is not known how many townsfolk were beheaded, only that the bodies were left to be cleaned away by those that had surrendered, in many cases family members and cousins were amongst those killed.”
“A stolen report from the head quarters of an Imperial outpost that was recently raided as part of the Legion of Taureanna’s attack against supply depots. Highlight the Empire’s plan to attack Lyonesse, then Estragales and through to Teutonia. These lands which include Lantia and Aegyptus have been dubbed the Shield lands and will form his barrier against the “Barbarian Outlands” as he calls them. These lands are those of Albion, Caledonia, Norsca and Erin/Cymria. The map didn’t go into detail of his decisions regarding those lands. The Vale of Avalon was marked as a particular target and the various known ritual circles were marked and lettered. Though at this time the letters used are not helpful in understanding his intentions.”
Journal Entry for 26/02/1104 . . .
Battle Report
Submitted on the 22nd day of December 1103 by Jonas Graye of the Scouts Guild
Since the occupation of Lyon I had located myself to the east of the city in a position to observe traffic upon the Sacreville Road. From my vantage point I was able to document a full legion of Black Orcs entering the city over a two day period – battle standards and uniform identified this as the Thirteenth or “Ghost” legion. These troops showed remarkable discipline for goblinoids and all interaction with Lyonessian citizens was civil in nature – supplies etc. paid for by the officers. I managed to speak to a merchant who said that an officer he had just dealt with indicated that the force was ordered to march to the southern city of Obsidia.
On the third day the legion moved south at a standard pace, supporting the theory of an attack on Obsidia. Competent outriders prevented me from shadowing them closely, but I was able to maintain a discrete presence a mile or so back from the rear guard.
Shortly after the junction with the Strasbourg road the left flank outriders withdrew to the main force, closely pursued by a skirmishing group of cloaked figures. These attackers paused to let fly a number of arrow volleys at the column of march before withdrawing to the treeline. The Legion commander called an immediate halt to the advance and reformed into battle lines facing the forest. No immediate followup to the assault was forthcoming and within the hour the Legion had begun construction of a fortified camp to the west of the treeline along standard Imperial lines.
Reasoning that the attacking force must be drawing supplies from nearby I retraced my steps to the closest village. The locals were reticent, but I was able to establish that the attackers were part of the Lyonessian resistance movement. It seems that a figure known as “The General” has marshalled survivors of of the Sun and Lion legions and bolstered these numbers with local volunteers.
Over the next few days the XIIIth sallied forth from their encampment several times to assault the forest, but the heavy infantry were obviously hampered by the forest terrain and retreated with losses on each occasion. In return the resistance force made several night assaults on the camp but were repelled each time.
On the 15th day of December another force appeared from the South. Even observed from a distance it was clear that this comprised of Sylvan elves, although I have personally never heard of such numbers being sighted in recent times. A full legion marched from the direction of Bayeux and entered into an immediate assault upon the XIIIth’s encampment.
Seeing this attack the resistance forces mounted another assault, but they were evidently not suited this daylight action on open ground and a strong flanking unit of orcs were able to see them off without difficulty. On the frontline the Sylvan troops were repulsed in their initial assault and fell back to a battleline outside the encampment.
No further attacks from the Resistance were forthcoming over the next two days, although several groups passed by my observation point and I was able to confirm that and number of Imperial supply wagons travelling from Lyon had been destroyed. The Sylvans engaged a further three times with no notable success.
On the 18th a legion of well disciplined humans who’s colours I did not recognise marched from Lyon in support of the XIIIth. The newly arrived legion, led by a dozen dragon knights, created a centre and the black orcs forming to each flank the Imperial forces smashed into the now outnumbered Sylvan with devastating effect. Despite the ferocity of the attack the main bulk of the Sylvan were able to retreat in good order, leaving a small holding force which allowed the bulk to escape. I observed a number of this rearguard escaping alongside Resistance troops into the forest. Following their victory the Imperial forces re-grouped rather than pursued and began to dismantle the camp.
I traced the retreating Sylvan to the forests around Rouens where I lost track of their progress. There is no evidence to indicate that the troops dispersed or entered the city, but their trail simply vanished and I am sorry to say that I am at a loss as to explain where they went.
Whilst in the vicinity of Rouens I took the opportunity to investigate the state of Gryphon defences there. I found a significant number of Cardinals Guard bolstered by well provisioned and motivated militia. The city seems well defended and the local populace are in a state of high moral – probably due to the high number of ancestral interventions allegedly experienced in the past month in the vicinity of the cathedral. I assume that other intelligence sources will serve to expand upon this information.
Travelling north once more I was in time to witness the Imperial force attack and occupy the town of Bayeux. Unlike Rouens the town was not strongly garrisoned and fell after a short afternoon of brutal street fighting. Once the occupation was complete the Imperial forces once more exhibited exemplary discipline and no further retribution was exacted upon the townsfolk. In fact within a day I heard some locals speaking of the occupation as “for the best”.
As I retreat to submit this report I can conclude that the opposing forces are unlikely to take any further action until winter begins to break. The two Imperial Legions in Bayeux have adequate provision from the surrounding area, although lines of supply from Lyon continue to be harried by Resistance forces. Rouens is secure for the time being and work parties continue to strengthen the defences in anticipation of a spring assault. The Resistance appear to enjoy the support of nearby communities and are in all likelyhood sufficiently provisioned, although there is a lack of data concerning their actual numbers and tactical disposition.
Journal Entry for 01/01/1104 . . .
Report from Northern Lyonesse
We warned old man Claude but he wouldn`t listen. His son`s unit had been routed by the Imperials somewhere up north and he managed to get home, looking more like a scarecrow than a man! Claude had seven sons, one daughter, six sister in laws, one son in law, eight grand children and one great grand child. He hid his son as any good father would, fed him and his sisters treated his wounds and winter illness. We warned the old man that there would be a terrible price to pay if the Imperials found his son. And find him they did. Some say he was betrayed, but I don`t believe that, I think they got lucky. They hung the old man and the son side by side from the oak outside their house. They killed the women and children where they found them. The men folk, were marched out of the town chained together, we do not know what became of them to this day.
Journal Entry for 21/12/1103 . . .
Report from Northern Lyonesse
The Emperors troops marched into our town and all seemed well. At first they seized the Granary and the Corn Exchange and stopped the local merchants removing any foodstuffs from their stores. The only people who could withraw grains or corn or vegetables were the Imperial Cohort Commanders. As it was harvest time no one payed too much mind as we all had plenty.
Now it`s the middle of winter and we are all close to starvation. Those that become sick have their symptoms exacerbated due to malnutrition. The slightest maladie becomes increased tenfold.
There are few infants left to treat, as most have died and those that have not yet succombed have their bellies swollen and can but raise a feeble cry. Some of the townsfolk have taken the situation into their own hands, an attack on the granary by a hungry mob was savagely put down. Even if I had medicines (which I do not) I could not have treated the wounded as they were dismembered where they lay.
The ring leader, a local Magistratum named Jean-Batiste was executed in a most terrible fashion. He was fastened, dying, to the doors of the granary for all the town to see by a gladii through each shoulder.
We hope for spring and the few roots and grains it will bring. We dare not hope too much, only that we live to see another day and that our loved ones are spared the wrath of this wretched empire.
Dr (name withheld)
Physician and Apothecry, (town withheld).
Journal Entry for 05/12/1103 . . .
Trees at the Chapel
Listen one and all to my tale!
This is something I`d never thought I`d see, but there`s an alarming number of tress growing, very swiftly, in the grounds of the Cathedral at Rouens.
Tall beautiful trees mind you, but it`s a bit odd, coz up until last week, the grounds had been covered in small stones as in accordance with the Bishop du Rouens explicit gardenning requirements (something to do with a recent visit to lands in the east).
I`ve tried a bit of pruning, but it`s having no effect at all. Odd. Funny, coz this has only happened since the miraculous day where the Chapel du Lumiere shone out such a light.
Antoines Mitterand
Official Gardener to the Bishop du Rouens
Journal Entry for 01/12/1103 . . .
Miracles in Rouens!
Peoples of the Gryphon nation,
it is my great honour to announce to you all of the wonderous miracles that happened in Roeuns.
It was in the afternoon of yesterday when the Chapel du Lumiere shone out with a bright light that encompassed the entire city. For a few moments, all were blinded, but seconds later our vision cleared and all gazed in awe at what they saw around.
The sick and dying were healed of their ills, the old and infirm became invigourated once again with such an energy, a glorious site! Those who were blind can now see! Those who were deaf can now hear! Those who were plagued are now cured!
Soon after, we sent messengers to alwe could to tell of this miracle, surely sent by Charlemagne himself.
This surely is a time of celebration for all Gryphon peoples. A beacon of hope in the current dark times facing us all.
Ever in your service,
The Bishop du Rouens
Journal Entry for 02/09/1103 . . .
Northern Lyonesse has fallen
It is my very sad duty to report that all of Northern Lyonesse has fallen to the forces of the empire. All territory between Lyon and Calais, and all land north of this line is now deemed to be under the juristiction of the Empire.
Signs of resistance are being swiftly crushed, but the local populace seem to be allowed to carry on with their normal day to day lives.
Fitzwilliam`s Scorched Earth directive appears to be being ignored by the populace as they seem reluctant to destroy their homeland, many preferring to see how the Imperial Forces will treat them.
However the advance of Imperial troops has stopped, but one wonders how long for?
We have been informed that a defensive wall is to be built from Bayeux to Strasburg, and also Bruxelles to Nyice. We can only hope that our forces are able to protect the rest of Lyonesse.
Although defiant, Queen Joanne de Beaufort has been ordered by members of her court to prepare the evacuation of Narbonnes. The Queen is said to be distressed at the speed of the invasion, and the general level of apathy from certain quarters of the faction with regards to the invasion of her Country.
Journal Entry for 25/08/1103 . . .
Reports from the Gathering
The following is a brief summary as to what happened at the Gathering of Nations:
We are pleased to announce that Morpork was won the competition to see who would become the new Lord General of the Gryphons, and has been officially recognised as our new leader. Unfortuantely events overtook the faction, and the offical ceremony of appointment has yet to take place. We are assured that this will take place at the first conveneient time.
The people of the Gryphon nation decided, against the advice of faction command, to continue the war against the Empire. We will have to see what repurcussions occur as a result of this hasty action.
The evacutation of Lyons and Sacreville was ordered at the Gathering. Lord Chancellor Fitzwilliam gave orders that a "scorched earth" policy was to be implemented wherever the Empire was heading. We will have to see if the people of Lyonesse are willing to give up all that they have worked and strived for.
By the end of the Gathering, we had heard that Medway had fallen.
If anyone has a more detailed report of the Gathering, then please let me know, and I shall be more than happy to post it here.
Journal Entry for 22/08/1103 . . .
Lyonesse Invaded!
Northern Lyonesse is under attack from Imperial Forces!
It appears that two legions have landed on the north coast and are marching with such speed never before seen towards Sacreville.
Already the towns of Dyeppe and Dunkerque have fallen to Imperial Troops.
The Legion of the Lion, on manoeveurs at the time, fell like straw at the hands of the most experienced harvester.
Casualties seem to be few as the Empire`s forces seem intent on capture not wholesale butchery
Journal Entry for 20/08/1103 . . .
Medway under siege
News is coming in that the town of Medway is currently under siege from an army of hideous creatures.
The Army is said to be struggling against these enemies and who knows how long they can old out?
Journal Entry for 18/08/1103 . . .
Gryphon Fleets victorious against Empire
In a bold move, two of the Gryphon fleets succesfully engaged and defeated an imperial force at Glamor, a town in the South of Cymjra.
This move was in retalliation to the Imperial fleets contravening an agreement and sailing an invasion fleet through Gryphon territorial waters.
The fleets were led by our very own Fitzwilliam and Admiral Trian.
Well done to all our brave heroes!
Journal Entry for 03/08/1103 . . .
Imperial Fleet Spotted in Gryphon Waters
News is somewhat sketchy at the moment, but we have been led to believe that a fleet of the Empire has been seen sailing through Gryphon Territorial Waters.
A source within the Gryphon Fleet Command tells us that there is a strong liklihood that this is an invasion fleet heading to the Dragon lands.
If this is the case then the Empire will be openly breaking an agreement made earlier this year.
Journal Entry for 04/1//01/0 . . .
Reports from central Lyonesse
We warned old man Claude but he wouldn`t listen. His son`s unit had been routed by the Imperials somewhere up north and he managed to get home, looking more like a scarecrow than a man! Claude had seven sons, one daughter, six sister in laws, one son in law, eight grand children and one great grand child. He hid his son as any good father would, fed him and his sisters treated his wounds and winter illness. We warned the old man that there would be a terrible price to pay if the Imperials found his son. And find him they did. Some say he was betrayed, but I don`t believe that, I think they got lucky. They hung the old man and the son side by side from the oak outside their house. They killed the women and children where they found them. The men folk, were marched out of the town chained together, we do not know what became of them to this day.
Journal Entry for 04/1//01/0 . . .
Reports from central Lyonesse
We warned old man Claude but he wouldn`t listen. His son`s unit had been routed by the Imperials somewhere up north and he managed to get home, looking more like a scarecrow than a man! Claude had seven sons, one daughter, six sister in laws, one son in law, eight grand children and one great grand child. He hid his son as any good father would, fed him and his sisters treated his wounds and winter illness. We warned the old man that there would be a terrible price to pay if the Imperials found his son. And find him they did. Some say he was betrayed, but I don`t believe that, I think they got lucky. They hung the old man and the son side by side from the oak outside their house. They killed the women and children where they found them. The men folk, were marched out of the town chained together, we do not know what became of them to this day.
Journal Entry for 04/1//01/0 . . .
Reports from central Lyonesse
We warned old man Claude but he wouldn`t listen. His son`s unit had been routed by the Imperials somewhere up north and he managed to get home, looking more like a scarecrow than a man! Claude had seven sons, one daughter, six sister in laws, one son in law, eight grand children and one great grand child. He hid his son as any good father would, fed him and his sisters treated his wounds and winter illness. We warned the old man that there would be a terrible price to pay if the Imperials found his son. And find him they did. Some say he was betrayed, but I don`t believe that, I think they got lucky. They hung the old man and the son side by side from the oak outside their house. They killed the women and children where they found them. The men folk, were marched out of the town chained together, we do not know what became of them to this day.
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