386YE Winter Solstice winds of fortune

News spreads through word of mouth as fast as it does through broadsheets and posters, and is sometimes more reliable. Or at least, unreliable in more amusing ways...

Overview

Over the past three months, events have taken place which are of significance to the Empire and may require a response from her champions. These are the winds of fortune, counterparts to the winds of war which detail the Empire's military campaigns. They lay out situations, and usually include things that characters can do to take advantage of opportunities or to resolve problems. In almost every case, they start with a piece of flavour text. This fiction helps introduce the wind of fortune, or draws out a particular theme or element. Often, it represents a viewpoint that one or more NPCs might have in-character. In all cases, these pieces are intended to help create an atmosphere and provide a little entertainment. Where they contain opinions, those are the opinions of the fictional people depicted - and where they contain information or rumours the assumption is that the reader will create their own context for that information or gossip if they want to use it in character.

The body of the wind of fortune describes situations and lays out ways players can engage with them. Except where we explicitly talk about something being "rumoured" or use a phrase like "some might say..." the details of a wind of fortune are factual. They represent briefing material presented by the civil service or similar authoritative sources and represents something the average educated citizen would acknowledge as a reliable truth. Unless we specify otherwise, we're also being as thorough as possible. This information doesn't need further checking in-character. It's not opinion, and we're not trying to trick you.

As always, how much or how little of this information you choose to know in character is up to you. Part of the purpose of Winds of Fortune is to maintain the illusion of the Empire as a living, breathing place where things happen - and to make players aware of things their characters could know based on what their roleplaying says they have been doing for the past three months. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up to Empire having read only a few Winds of Fortune that directly interest your character; part of the fun on the field can come from learning about situations and opportunities in other parts of the game.

In each case, we've tried to tag the Winds of Fortune entry with the nations, or political bodies, to which it is most relevant. We've done this to help people who are interested only in events that are especially relevant to them. In no way are these tags intended to be exhaustive; the Empire is a complex place and very little happens in isolation.

Winds of Fortune

I am Easy to Find

Imperial citizens

Emperor Vesna has used their power to address the Empire to present a personal message to all Imperial citizens relating to the situation in the Barrens.

The message has been distributed across the Empire by the civil service, and you can read it in the I am easy to find wind of fortune.

Secret Meeting (Plenipotentiary)

Archmages, Imperial Conclave; Pale Ravens, Nation's Guard, Whelps (?), Lunete de Cercle, those who believe they bear the heart of Elayne Silverlark; Churnspire Adjutor, those who bear gifts of Meraud; mana-site owners of the Marches; artists of many kinds who are privy to secrets

Six archmages, six plenipotentiary responses. The eternals are bound by ancient compact to respond in some way to each plenipotentiary missive, although sometimes they respond in unexpected ways. Three have chosen to meet with Imperial magicians, in one way or another. Three have chosen to respond in other ways. There is also a matter for the Imperial Conclave to discuss, arising from a Synod judgement at the Autumn Equinox that relates specifically to the practice of plenipotentiary.

You can find details of the meetings, and notes about the other responses, in the Secret meeting wind of fortune.

Hammers and Boxes

Imperial Orcs, the League, Wintermark; Archmage of Autumn; Imperial Conclave, Imperial Senate; Autumn magicians and traders; General of the Wolves of War; Herminius of the House of the Wanderer, Bella Di Sarvos

Over the last three months, several emissaries of the Autumn realm have visited the Empire. Some hail from Shikal the Fire Mountain and are apparently here at the behest of the Archmage of Autumn. Others come from the City of Gold and Lead, and provide updates relating to the ritual Ephisis' Scale. They're also interested in arranging certain trades - including one relating to the enchantment on the Wolves of War.

You can learn about the proposals of Estavus, and the deals of the City of Gold and Lead, in the Hammers and boxes wind of fortune.

Gifts of a Green Mother

Imperial Conclave; Archmage of Spring; anyone with access to the regalia of the Archmage of Spring; Spring magicians; owners of farms, forests, and mana sites; Imperial Senate, Imperial Synod; Day magicians; orcs, briars, humans interested in becoming briars; people with access to realmsroot

As mentioned previously, an emissary of the Green Mother has visited the Empire and offered a number of boons to Imperial citizens. They include an offer to secure her aid in uniting the vallorn hearts; a boon to remove malign curse over Brocéliande; the ability for Spring magicians to brew a potent magical substance in a churning cauldron; a chance for owners of farms, forests, and mana sites to receive some of the eternals largesse if they can find a coven prepared to accept her "bloodamber boon" on their behalf; additional potence for certain enchantments used on orcs and those with the briar lineage - or humans who might wish to gain that lineage; and of course several opportunities to keep tabs on people who are accepting these boons. With Yaw'nagrah under the enmity of the Conclave, it's quite illegal for anyone to accept any of her boons.

You can learn about these many opportunities and boons, and the challenges related to accepting them, in the Gifts of a green mother wind of fortune.

Send for Me (Appraisal)

Freeborn, especially of Feroz; Imperial Senate; Keeper of the Breadbasket, Marcher farm owners

At the Autumn Equinox, the Imperial Senate requested an appraisal related to seed banks, inspired by the Upwold Seed Exchange. As no specific researcher was requested, Gerard La Salle has asked Graciana i Lòpez i Guerra to consider the matter. The Freeborn prognosticator is known for her unusual techniques and novel approaches to any problem. And deliver she has! With particular reference to ruined Feroz, Graciana has presented a number of proposals for the consideration of the Senate, and in the process has begun to assess the extent of the damage done to the territory by the wicked Grendel Governor Rahab.

You can find out about the results of the appraisal, as well as details of the situation in Feroz, in the Send for me wind of fortune.

Million Miles of Water

Imperial Orcs, Marchers, Freeborn, League; Imperial Senate, Imperial Military Council

Like the rest of the Broken Shore, the territory of Mareave is warm and dry and much of its north is arid and thirsty. Farms struggle to grow crops or raise herds on such dry ground. This is a major barrier to growing the territory's prosperity and attracting more Imperial Orcs from distant Skarsind to establish new homes here. Marcher experts from Mitwold and Upwold and Freeborn talented in drawing prosperity and growth from barren earth have been invited to the territory on the urging of their National Assemblies to help with this matter. There are also ruins here, built in the Skouran style, including the remnants of an immense aqueduct. There are many options here, and many different ways to address the climate in the new Imperial territory.

You can learn about these various options, and the implications they might have for the larger Empire, in the Million miles of water wind of fortune.

Wasp Nest

Navarr, Highguard; Imperial Synod; Mistress of Monuments; Benefactor of High Chalcis, High Herbalist of Sybella, Generals of the Valiant Pegasus and the Bloodcloaks; Imperial Senate; Keeper of the Garden; Hazelelponi of the Shattered Tower; apothecaries

In peerless kinship, Highborn pilgrims come to Therunin, to work with their peers among the Navarr. they seek a way to lay to rest the ghosts that throng in the east of the marshy territory, and with a little help from an injured Dawnish soldier a path is laid. But the path cannot be walked, and the living are in as much danger as the dead in Therunin right now. With their final peerless kinship, the Highborn seek ways to help heal not only the spirits of Therunin, but also the water and soil corrupted by the taint of Sephal's Cauldron - and perhaps also ways to cement closer ties between the two nations.

You can read about the suggestions that have arisen from this final use of peerless kinship, as well as the glimmer of hope for the future, in the Wasp nest wind of fortune,

Fake Empire (Appraisal)

Imperial Senate, Imperial Military Council, Imperial Diplomats, Grandmasters, Ambassadors, and Æsa Sigeing

The second appraisal commissioned by the Imperial Senate instructs Naomi of Virtue's Rest to discover how the Empire might disrupt relations between each Grendel salt lord. She was asked to find ways to not only disrupt relations between the salt lords but also with their allies, both internal and external. Although this appraisal falls squarely within her expertise, its scope means that her response has been a little limited in application. As a consequence, the prognosticator has split her appraisal into two parts - the first is designed to provide a description of the current situation, providing an overview of the Salt Lords Council, how it is made up and how it functions. The second part of her appraisal lays out what is known about the Grendel's allies and presents some ideas for how they might be approached.

You can read about her findings, and the various suggestions she has made, in the Fake empire wind of fortune.

The General Assembly

A Little Understanding

Imperial Synod, Imperial Senate

At the Autumn Equinox, three of the cardinals of the Imperial Synod, and a citizen who was acting as proxy to the Cardinal of Prosperity, publicly swore an oath to bear an aura of Peace for the coming year, doing nothing to resist its effects. All four were quickly condemned as heretics and blasphemers by the Assembly of Vigilance. The magistrates are now bound to conduct a trial to investigate the religious crimes these cardinals are accused of. Meanwhile, the General Assembly must wrestle with the threat of a growing schism - following so closely on the heels of the recent crisis concerning Vardas - and contemplate what it means for the Way that cardinals dabble with the power of "false virtues".

You can find out about the legal considerations, as well as the potential repercussions of various outcomes, in the A little understanding wind of fortune.

The War of Thorns and Flowers

Highguard, the League, Varushka; Imperial Senate; Imperial Synod; Imperial Conclave; Master of the Koboldi, Master of Ice and Darkness; anyone interested in the war against the vallorn

The nations of the Empire have begun to rise to the challenge of the coming war with the vallorn. The Highborn have called the grey pilgrims home, allowing them to raise another army. The League have asked their most ambitious and innovative people to study the problem, while the Varushkans have sought to draw on dark powers to battle civilisation's most implacable enemy. Other nations still debate the shape of the future, and they are by no means united in what the best course of action may be. These three nations, though, have chosen to face their enemy and begin to draw their plans against it.

You can learn about the upheavals in the three nations that choose to support the Navarr, and how they can shape the coming war, in the The war of thorns and flowers wind of fortune.

According to Principle (Commonwealth)

Ambassador to the Commonwealth; Imperial Senate; League Assembly; Gisli Baerson

The Commonwealth are a militaristic nation committed to the idea of ensuring the greatest good to the greatest number of people. As fellow signatories of the Liberty Pact they are perhaps the closest allies the Empire has among the great powers of the known world. At the moment they are locked in fierce battle with their historical rivals, the Principalities of Jarm, but they still take time to answer messages from Imperial allies. In this wind, there is a discussion of war, news of visitors from the Commonwealth's universities and an opportunity they present, major changes to trade with the ports of Leerdam and Volkavaar, and an intrigued response to an invitation to visit the Greatest City in the Empire.

You can learn about diplomatic matters related to the Commonwealth, and the opportunities they present, in the According to principle wind of fortune.

Little Faith

Assembly of Wisdom, General Assembly; Advisor on the vallorn; Navarr

The Assembly of Wisdom has called for a called for a true consecration of the Great Library of Hacynian. Rather than a memorial to an exemplar or paragon they wish to create a sacred site, a location that resonates with virtue - the place where the way to defeat the vallorn once and for all was found. The work of the Great Library, and its final revelations, has also inspired members of the nascent vine movement among the Navarr, which has finally borne fruit in a shared understanding of what their role within the nation might be.

You can find out more about the potential consecration, and the newborn vine movement, in the Little faith wind of fortune.

Theory of the Crows (Sarcophan)

Sarcophan Ambassador; Imperial Senate; High Herbalist of Sybella; folk interested in recreational consumables; white granite vendors and priests; Hahnmark farmers and Wintermark entrepreneurs; Cardinal of Prosperity, Mistress of Monuments; Bernhard Kleist von Ennerlund; and an unnamed Dawnish artist who presumably knows who they are...

The merchant-princes of the Sarcophan Delves strive for neutrality. They are enthusiastic about trade with the Empire, but their neutrality is precious to them. They hold it a mark of pride that they will deal with anyone who has goods, services, or money. While they have given up the practice of slavery without regret. Yet for all their focus they are still a great power of the known world, and sometimes their neutrality is sorely tested. There is talk of a new treaty, not just with the Empire but with all the great nations, to safeguard international trade. As always though, there is also discussion of trade and commerce, visits, and meetings arranged. The Sarcophan may not flex their political muscle often, but even when they do they do not lose sight of what is really important.

You can learn about their proposals, and several opportunities and meetings, in the Theory of the crows wind of fortune.

The Long Road

Summer magicians; would-be champions

For the past year, Summer mages who wished to entreat the Iron Duke for a supernatural challenge have been stymied by a conjunction of the stars. The eternal himself was unable to overcome the power of the celestial bodies that interrupted magic between the mortal and Summer realm. For four summits, there have been no new challengers of the Iron Duke. That changes now. Now that the conjunction has finally passed, the power of the ritual is restored, albeit not as it was. Whether the changes are a consequence of the conjunction or at the whims of the Keeper of the Revels themselves is not known. What is known, is that the heralds of Barien have announced that they are now pleased to present their patron's challenges for the Empire to consider.

You can read about these challenges, and how the ritual so closely connected to the Iron Duke has changed, in the The long road wind of fortune.

It Never Happened (Axos)

Ambassador to Axos; members of the Shuttered Lantern; General Assembly, Vigilance Assembly, Imperial priests

Imperial relations with the Citadels of Axos remain rocky. The little nation is clearly undergoing a level of internal upheaval at the moment thanks to the ambitions of Grand Ilarch Kyther, recently ascended to the Throne of Kaban. The Shuttered Lantern have completed their infiltration of the nation, and prepared their reports about the politics of the citadels. There is also the attempt to remove the ghosts and haunts from the fallen Citadel of Solokha, the aid that Imperial priests might offer, and the implications of the fact that the people of Axos believe the Imperial faith is a deception perpetrated by a jealous Creator. A misstep here might set the blocks tumbling again, and see Axos withdraw from the Empire again - but with the right approach perhaps the tumultuous nation might provide new opportunities to Imperial citizens?

You can read about the situation in Axos, and its relation with the Empire, in the It never happened wind of fortune.

So Far So Fast (Lasambria)

Imperial Senate; the Brass Coast; Imperial Synod, Brass Coast Assembly; Imperial Military Council; Imperial Consul

Last summit a party of diplomats from the Lasambrian Orcs visited Anvil to discuss peace. The details of their negotiation are known only to those who were present, but it seems that a treaty that both sets of negotiators were willing to endorse was drafted. Since then, there has been a flurry of messages back and forth but the word is sent: in principle, all parties are willing to accept this treaty. The remaining hurdle is the approval of the relevant Imperial bodies of state. To become law, the Imperial Senate would need to pass the treaty with a constitutional vote, and it would still be subject to veto by the General Assembly and the Assembly of Nine.

You can learn about the treaty, and its implications for the south-west Empire, in the So far so fast wind of fortune.

Figures From the Past Stand Tall

Highguard, especially Stewards of the Dead; High Exorcist; people in Reikos; residents of any territory invaded by the Druj; anyone whose previous character has died at the hands of the Druj

For several years, Reikos has known peace. In the aftermath of the Druj invasion and the expulsion of the rot eternal Llofir from Tamarbode, its inhabitants have dedicated themselves to arts of healing and purification. The Gardens of High Chalcis, once a mighty fortification reduced to ruins, now stand as a symbol of restoration and resilience in the face of the horrors that came from the Mallum decades ago. Despite the rebuilding and the dedication of the Highborn, scars remain. Now it is as if those scars have come alive; as the end of the Highborn year approaches, ghosts gather in the shadows of High Chalcis.

You can learn about these ghosts, as well as an opportunity to volunteer, in the Figures from the past stand tall wind of fortune.

Weird Goodbye

Wintermark; Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq, Keeper of the Runegrott

Two seasons ago the Icebarn twins emerged from Sydanjaa. This pair of Artok travel a strange, shifting route that sees them vanish into Sydanjaa for years at a time. During the Summer Solstice, the Banner-bearer of Atkonaroq and the Keeper of the Runegrott were each charged with leading a group of Imperial heroes through the Sentinel Gate to kill the Jotun tracking the pair and deal with Big Icebarn and Little Icebarn respectively. The artok were marked with runes of dominion and direction, and now at last the two can be put to work in service of the people of Wintermark as long as the runes hold them. The question is... what should they do now?

You can learn about Big Icebarn and Little Icebarn, and the tasks they may be set, in the Weird Goodbye wind of fortune.

Friend of Mine (Sumaah)

Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic; Imperial fleet captains; League assembly

The Sumaah Republic are simultaneously allies of, and rivals to, the Empire. Their shared practice of the Way both provide them with common ground, and divides them over questions of orthodoxy. At the moment they are focussed on their own war with the Asavean Archipelago, but they remain committed to spreading the Way through the entire world. That commitment might be challenged; news has reached the House of the People that the Asaveans are gearing up for a major push, intending to wreak fiery vengeance for the Sumaah role in the destruction of Chalonsio. The Republic asks for help - will the Empire respond? There are advantages to doing so... but also advantages to weakening the powerful Sumaah nation. They are rivals, after all.

You can learn about the diplomatic situation in the Sumaah Republic, and the coming Asavean attack, in the Friend of mine wind of fortune.

Pride and Paragons

Imperial Synod; Lepidean Librarian; Highguard and those invested in the Grand Inspiration

In summer, the Lepidean Librarian took the Courageous decision to publish in full the research on the Life of Vardas. Vardas had been recognised as a paragon of Vigilance for well over three centuries but their entire life story was essentially a collection of tall tales, penned by a League mountebank to make a quick ring. The discovery that it was all a lie and there was no Vardas threatened to be as a hammer blow to the faith that would damage people's faith in the judgement of the Imperial Synod. At the Autumn Equinox, the Synod moved decisively to prevent a full-blown crisis of faith, but just as anticipated, it has raised more questions than it answered.

You can learn about the repercussions of the Synod's decision, and the ripples it has created, in the Pride and paragons wind of fortune.

Start a War (Barrens)

Imperial Senate; people of Dawn; folk with an interest in the Barrens or the Mallum

As the dust settles over the dramatic events in the Barrens, people begin to take stock of what has happened. The wheels of state roll on. The Fangs are now in Imperial possession and can now be allocated by the Imperial Senate. The attack on the Rahvin has polarised views across Dawn, setting houses - even siblings - against each other. There are many who support General Achavion Wolfborne and argue that he has put his life on the line for Dawn. Others oppose the attack, criticising the latest in a line of atrocities that have taken place since Dawn was given stewardship of the Barrens. What happens now?

You can learn about the situation regarding the Fangs, and the two opposing factions inspired by events in the Barrens, in the Start a war wind of fortune.

Hard to Find (Barrens)

Dawn, especially questing knights and those in the Barrens; Navarr; anyone with interest in the Karass; General of the Golden Sun, Hand of the Healers, all four Knight-Protectors

While all eyes are on the conflict in the north, there is a glorious expedition planned in the south of the territory, a quest deep into the heart of the Untrod Groves. There are rumours of a strange creature dwelling here, a terrible beast that is linked the legendary Earl of the Groves. A band of daring knights is preparing to venture deep into the Groves unaware that disaster is waiting for them. At the same time, the Navarr have now completed their new wayhouse, in the Bleaks. It will help to forge tighter bonds between Navarr and Dawn, but the orcs in the Bleaks seem significantly less enthused about its presence.

You can learn about the expedition into the Untrod Groves, and the response to the new wayhouse, in the Hard to find wind of fortune.

Made Anew (Madruga)

People in Madruga, especially those with herb gardens; military captains who took the Explore the Southern Reaches venture; Orders of the Unfettered Mind and Rod and Shield; Imperial Senate, Imperial Conclave; Hakima of Salt and Sand

At the Summer Solstice, the Scorrero river was driven to burst its banks by Imperial magicians. It streamed into Madruga and washed away the desiccating blight that had transformed the Great Grasses into an ashen wasteland. The waters, infused with particles of star metal worked a powerful transformation on the territory, already scarred by war with the Grendel and the Children of Wrecks. Now a strange marsh covers the southern reaches of Madruga. Following the Autumn equinox, daring champions and Conclave magicians alike began to explore the changed territory and try to understand what this transfiguration portends.

You can learn about what they uncovered, and what is still hidden beneath the marshwaters and swaying grass, in the Made anew wind of fortune.

Golden Light (Capodomus)

Archbishop of Capodomus; Imperial Synod, especially the Ambition assembly; citizens keen to engage in national politics; ambitious folk; artists

The Assembly of Ambition has called for a true consecration of Capodomus Cathedral in Sarvos. Rather than a memorial to an exemplar or paragon, they wish to create a sacred site, a location that resonates with virtue. If the consecration goes ahead, this historic site will quickly become the most prestigious place in the Empire to study the Way, and provide a number of other opportunities to ambitious folk and the priests who encourage them. In particular there is a chance for the Archbishop of Capodomus to reach out to pilgrims across the Empire, to inspire them in the pursuit of their ambitions.

You can learn about the prognosticator's assessment of the writ of consecration, and the opportunities it would create, in the Golden light wind of fortune.

Second Star (Rhianos Race)

Competitors in Rhianos' great race

In Summer 386YE, the Regent of the Eternal Sea, announced they were holding a great race, an epic voyage to the four corners of the world. Those who successfully completed the first leg were given three new options for the second leg depending on whether they valued loot, adventure in the unknown, or wished to set their sails straight on for glory, hoping against hope to win the sweet prize of victory for themselves. The race is still only half complete, there are two more seasons to go before someone can complete the entire voyage. There are few changes this season for those who have stayed the course, say the heralds of the Brilliant Kingfisher, but the course has shifted again.

You can find out about the new course, and the first inklings of the finish line, in the Second star wind of fortune.

Lit Up (Mareave)

Golden Pyramid; Imperial Orcs, Urizen; Minister of Historical Research, Imperial Consul, Senator for Mareave

Mareave, second territory of the Imperial Orcs nation, is the southerly territory in the Empire and potentially the most exposed. As autumn turns to winter, its inhabitants pan for the coming year. What endeavours might work, who might be convinced to support whom in an undertaking, and what to do if - or when - the Grendel return. There is plenty going on. The Golden Pyramid remain in the territory, keenly searching for opportunities to establish new ventures and use their magic to enhance the prosperity of its citizens. The cautiously friendly Skourans look for new ways to approach the fact their old lands of Mahal are now controlled by orcs very different to the original Grendel inhabitants. And in the south the Illarawm sect make their approach to the uncooperative Brine Turtles, hoping to find ways to build new bridges.

You can learn about these diplomatic developments in Mareave, and the exciting potential of a true grand lodge, in the Lit up wind of fortune.

Obsidian Shards (Spiral)

People of Spiral; Senator for Spiral, Oblivion Sentinel

The situation in Spiral has been slowly stabilising over the course of the last year, but peace is never a given in a territory scarred by the presence of the Black Plateau. Now it seems that a renegade force of former rebels, former Urizen who chose to remain in Ankra and become foreigners, have been harbouring a terrible corruption for many years. Their belief that there is a terrible conspiracy afoot in the Empire has led them to begin attacking Imperial citizens. Disavowed by their former allies, they are closing in on targets and only Imperial heroes have a chance to stop them.

You can learn about this renegade faction, and the threat they pose, in the Obsidian shards wind of fortune.

Rumblings in the Gullet

People who live in territories on the Gullet; Roost's Reeve; Kjellen Saltmire; Claviger of the Basilica of Cora Holdfast

A minor tremor has been felt in the territories on the Gullet. Settlements along the coast have suffered some minor, superficial damage, but that alone would not be enough to cause too much of a stir. Then reports of items washing onto shore began. Followed by sightings of strange, shambling figures. Finally, people have gone missing.

You can learn about the strange occurrences centred around the Gullet in the Rumblings in the Gullet wind of fortune.

Watching You Well

Assembly of Nine; Dedicants of Vigilance; Imperial Senate; The Throne; Allies of the Hand of Dumon; People with an interest in the law

Last season Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra raised a judgement in the Assembly of Nine to direct the Silent Bell to investigate the Hand of Dumon, including anything connecting the group to the Black Plateau. Over the last three months, the Silent Bell have reached out to the Suranni magicians who fled the Iron Confederacy for more information on the membership and ethos of the illegal group.

You can learn about what the Silent Bell were to uncover in the Watching you well wind of fortune.

All the Wind (Faraden)

Ambassador to Faraden; Celestial Arch Conclave Order; Imperial magicians of all stripes; Holberg Chamber of Commerce; Azure Sutannir; Imperial fleets

The lifeblood of Faraden is trade, but it is also a country of canny wizards, courageous warriors, and proud (albeit heretical) priests. Lying beyond the Jotun and the Iron Confederacy, they send their caravans to Imperial markets despite the high tariffs they must pay to pass through the lands between. Diplomatic relations between the Court of the Five Winds and the Imperial Senate are changeable - warm one moment, cool the next - but it has never come to open warfare. Right now Faraden is squeezed between two competing interests - the Empire on one side and the angry Plenum of the Asavean Archipelago on the other - and they must walk a knife-edge between the two powerful nations.

You can learn about diplomatic developments, and several opportunities, in the All the wind wind of fortune.

Bitter and Absolute (Iron Confederacy)

Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy; Golden Fleet Salvagemaster; Imperial fleets;

The Iron Confederacy sees itself as a potential rival to the Empire, a powerful nation that matches its northern neighbours in size and strength. It's hard to prove or disprove their claims, unlikely as they seem, and despite centuries of grudging trade and even the occasional war, Imperial scholars know little about the south-western nation. Diplomacy between the Ducal Council and the Empire continues to shift, though the Senate's removal of tariffs and outlawing the trade of narcotic goods to the Suranni has seen an uptick in relations.

You can learn about trade, diplomacy, and a strange shipwreck in the Bitter and absolute wind of fortune.

About Today (Thule)

Ambassador to Otkodov; Scops of Wintermark; Bond Holders of the Five Fang Consortium; Custodian of the Gift of the Dwindling Star; Mediator of Wreck

The Thule are ruled by their magicians. Almost all positions of authority are held by those capable of working magic. Ritual magicians - or warlocks - hold more power than those who focus on the performance of incantations, and the nation as a whole is ruled with an iron fist by potent, aged shaman-ritualists called the Dragons. The long peace between the Thule and the Empire is close to ending; if there is no agreement then there will be war after the Summer Solstice 387YE.

You can learn about diplomacy, cultural exchange, and the highs and lows of making deals in the About today wind of fortune.

Mistaken For Strangers (Visitors)

People with business with the Kulsdottir; Blaze Dunning; High Bard of the Empire; Generals of the Black Thorns, Citadel Guard, Drakes, Granite Pillar, and Tusks; Unlineaged humans who want to become changelings; Questors and Guides dedicated to Wisdom; People of Dawn and Varushka with an interest in the Deadwood Knight; People interested in talking to representatives of The Falconer; Musicians; People of Dawn with an opinion on Glory; People of the League with an interest in deals; People interested in incense; People who called the Ketsov to inquisition; Highborn Unconquered; The Red Bramble; Friends of Rahuun Amahuz; People with an opinion on the Marracossans; and People with an interest in the Sandfishers

Every season, people from across the Empire and beyond make their way to Anvil. Not just the Imperial citizens who are drawn to influence the major houses of state, but those who want help with their problems, or who have an idea for an amazing scheme that will definitely make everyone involved rich.

You can learn about some of these opportunities to interact with weird and wonderful visitors in the Mistaken for strangers wind of fortune.

Patterns of Fairytales (Winds of Magic)

Imperial magicians and the Imperial Conclave; Silver Chalice order, Unfettered Mind or Shuttered Lantern; those who make or own arcane projections; Kallavesi mystics; Dean of the Lyceum, Marchers who like a party, Marcher farm owners, Landskeepers; Icewalkers; people interested in the Loom of Spells; anyone who has a pinch of stardust; Enchanter Edmund Torawyr, Florence i Fuego i Erigo, and any Imperial title-holders who are potentially willing to accept bribes; anyone worried about Tharim

The winds of magic blow, through the mortal world and from the magical realms. It includes discussions of the Silver Chalice efforts to help deal with the repercussions of the Scorrero flooding, a grand conjunction with major implications for those who make or arcane projections; the auction of a college of magic; and visits to the swamps for Kallavesi mystic vision questers. There's also additional guests at Marcher Wassail, a strange undertaking involving Azoth and alchemy; discussion of letters to Lashonar; someone odd wanting to speak to Icewalkers; and a whole bunch of other eternal related shenanigans for good measure.

You can learn about magical developments, and opportunities, in the Patterns of fairytales wind of magic.

One of Us (Asavea)

Imperial Synod; Loyalty Assembly; Sevenfold Path; folk invested in spreading the Way in Asavea

The Imperial Synod has committed to the spreading of the Way to Asavea. Conflict with the Imperial Senate has been resolved through the use of the veto, and certain compromises have been suggested, and missionaries and wayfarers continue to head east with the help of the Freeborn. The missionaries are not the only people heaving east. At the direction of the Conclave, magicians of the Sevenfold Path have slipped into Asavea, in the hope that they may be able to make contact with virtuous magicians who follow the Way. At the same time, the Loyalty assembly searches for ways for its members to directly aid the grand undertaking - not through straightforward missionary work but by identifying those who would change Asavea for the better and urging them to follow the voice of their heart.

You can learn about the recent developments in this grand undertaking, slow and steady as it may prove to be, in the One of us wind of fortune.

Rebels and Loyalists (Marches)

General Assembly, Loyalty Assembly, Pride Assembly; the Marches

There are two developments in the Imperial Synod following the Autumn Equinox that have eyebrows raised across the Marches. The first is the decision of the Pride assembly to seek recognition for the ringleaders of the Ore Hills Rebellion. The other is the revocation of one of the Marcher senators, for what seems to amount to an accusation of being "disloyal to the nation" - something that the Loyalty assembly has been very clear over the years is not acceptable.

You can learn about these two spiritual matters, and what they might portend, in the Rebels and loyalists wind of fortune.

Other Events

Beasts and Birds

Some animals in Sermersuaq and neighbouring territories have become wilder
There is no obvious explanation for it, but it does not seem to be getting more widespread

In Sermersuaq, and neighbouring territories, beasts have become wilder. Previously tame livestock have begun to bite or butt at the hands they once welcomed. Birds peck at those that come near, even with feed. Pets bite and hiss at their once-beloved owners.

Participation
If your character lives in Sermersuaq, or one of the neighbouring territories, then this might have happened to you or someone you know. An appropriate story could involve a wild animal attacking where it usually would flee, or a beloved pet behaving in an unlikely manner.

Trade Summary

Rather than spread this information out around the various foreign nations, we've collected it here for ease of reference.

Axos: The Axos continue to be annoyed about revelations relating to Imperial involvement in the failure of their joint venture with the Grendel into the Mountains of the Moon. Consequently, Imperial fleets suffer penalties to trade with Axos. A fleet captain trading at the Towers of Kantor suffers a 1 rank penalty.
Commonwealth: The ports of Leerdam and Volkavaar welcome Imperial traders and their production has been significantly altered. You can find out more about the new items on the According to principle wind of fortune. Fleets trading with either Commonwealth port benefit from a 1 rank bonus due to the Asavean bounty on fleets trading with the Empire.
Faraden: The port of Caitun welcomes Imperial fleets. Fleets from the Marches and Wintermark benefit from a +1 rank bonus due to close proximity. The production of Caitun has shifted to produce 2 fewer ingots of orichalcum and 1 more giant blood whelk. You can find out more about the situation on the All the wind wind of fortune.
Iron Confederacy: The port of Robec is available for Imperial fleets.
Sarcophan Delves: The ports of Sarcophan and Betovering welcome Imperial traders.
Sumaah Republic: The port of Zemeh welcomes Imperial traders, and its production has been significantly altered. You can find out more about the changes on the Friend of mine wind of fortune.

Mandates

You can find details of the mandates, along with the rest of the Synod judgements, here.

A number of mandates were successfully upheld in the Imperial Synod last season. As long as the named priest provided sufficient liao, those mandates have been automatically enacted.

Autumn Conjunctions

Last event there were a number of conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate; their known outcomes are listed here

During the Autumn Equinox, there were a number of conjunctions of the Sentinel Gate identified by the Imperial prognosticators. In each case a band of Imperial heroes used that conjunction to travel to a location far from Anvil and intervene in an ongoing situation. These are the known outcomes of those conjunctions. In the case of battles, it is important to remember that the Military Council can only make use of two of the major conjunctions each summit, choosing which to take advantage of during the Muster.

Major Conjunctions

Location	Opportunity	Opposition	Link	Outcome
Madruga, Free Landing, Freeborn Plain	Break the Gathering Storm	Children of Wrecks	The Gathering Storm	Not taken; the Children of Wrecks have formed a navy; Thunderous Deluge unleashed across Madruga
Mournwold, Ore Hills, Jade Wood	Rouse the Mourn's defenders	Jotun	Sixty Years Gone	Field Marshall was Jedediah Boon of the Marches; the Miners of the Mourn were rescued; the Summerborn Champions were defeated; the fate of the Hooper Ghosts is unknown
Therunin, Sweetglades, Ashborder	Stop the Druj's plan	Druj	All Along the Lakeside	Field Marshall was Cadwell Waystone of Navarr; Blood Drainers coven was stopped; Cintra Blackstaff was stopped; the fate of the Beasts of Sweetglades is unknown

Normal Conjunctions

#	Location	Responsibility	Overview	Result
1	The Barrens, Untrod Groves, Skrengal Copse	Knight-protector of Spring	Kill the Druj ritualists	Druj ritualists killed
2	Morrow, Peregro, Iulia's Grove	Churnspire Adjutor	Kill the Shuddering Wrast	Shuddering Wrast killed and the rest of the Druj defeated
3	Mournwold, Chalkdowns, Tilly's Howe	Keeper of the Happiston Fields	Investigate the disturbance	Unknown but Tilly of Chalkdown, the Keeper of the Happiston Fields, should know more
4	Miaren, Goldglades, Soured Pasture	Grandmaster of the Rod and Shield	Kill the followers of the Braying Lord	Followers of the Braying Lord escaped and whereabouts are unknown
5	Therunin, Peakedge Song, Bronwen's Stand	Eastern Broker	Stop the Druj	Druj all killed
6	Hahnmark, Wood Heath, Tainted Bawn	Imperial Huntsmarshall	Kill the Crimson Band	Crimson Band all killed
7	Nithoggir, Skarlans, Shaft #3	Ambassador to Otkodov	Investigate the situation	Unknown but Kindra Surefoot, the Ambassador to Otkodov, should know more
8	Temeschwar, Vardstein Vale, Putrid Fields	Delver of the Depths	Slay the Braying Lord	Some Imperial casualties. Braying Lord and its followers all slain
9	Holberg, Holmauer, Wunderkind Fields	Custodian of the Bloody Great Sausage	Kill the Feasters of Marrow	Feasters of Marrow all killed
10	Tassato, Tassato Mestra, Felladonni Woods	Tassatan Hills	Stop the warband from claiming ilium	Jotun defeated and ilium protected
11	Mournwold, Southmoor, Charlie's Coppice	Nigel Hornbeam	Kill Dalton Royse	Jotun defeated but Dalton Royse not found. Defeat of Jotun meant Dalton Royse was later discovered and executed by beaters
12	Astolat, Winterbourne, the Grand Spinney	Jared of the Sentinels Tower	Kill the Speakers of Famine	Speakers of Famine all killed
13	Mournwold, Southmoor, Fecund Boscage	Olyvar of Esther's Sanctum	Clear the last Jotun cache	Jotun killed. Last Jotun cache claimed
14	Ayereed, Cornaghan, Anabla's Orchard	General of the Seventh Wave	Stop the Asaveans from reinforcing Stormlords Rise	Asaveans and Grendel killed. Chest claimed from the Asaveans
15	Mournwold, Chalkdowns, Broken Corral	Reeve of the Happiston Mana Exchange	Defeat the Jotun	Jotun defeated
16	Sarvos, Uccelini, Isle of the Fox	Steward of the Sarvos Mana Exchange	Protect the Isle of the Fox	Grendel all killed
17	Bregasland, Grey Fens, Hal's Hollow	Imperial Advisor for the Feni	Stop the Jotun slaughtering the Feni	Jotun defeated and Feni protected. Liath's Ring has gained the under threat quality
18	Kallavesa, West Marsh, Ardith's Holt	Speaker of the Crows	Protect the Pilgrim's Trail from the Asaveans	High Voice Chiara survived. Grendel and rest of Asaveans killed. Whereabouts of High Voice Chiara unknown.
19	Madruga, Calvos Sound, Santana's Path	Hand of Guerra	Kill the wreckers	Some Imperial casualties. Wreckers defeated
20	Necropolis, Longbeach, Magazjin Plain	Kruidenkenner Trademaster	Kill the wreckers	Some wreckers killed but Imperial retreat after casualties
21	Volodmartz, Perumaki, the Choked Forest	Grim Gardener	Soothe the wolves of Nadezhdikov	Wolves of Nadezhdikov soothed
22	Spiral, Apulus, Eammon's Bawn	Senator for Spiral	Stop the Wailing Gyre	Some Imperial casualties but the Wailing Gyre all killed
23	Karov, Duzekani, Bulgakov	Grieftender of the Forgotten	Make the vale of Bulgakov inhabitable	Deadly black glass was cleansed and Bulgakov made inhabitable