388YE Spring Equinox interlude

Overview

Downtime following the Winter Solstice will soon be open. It allows players to process their character's downtime choices. Not all resources allow a player to make a choice about how they operate between events, but we've provided information about new opportunities for fleet and military unit owners in particular as well as a reminder about existing opportunities created at earlier events.

On this page, we've outlined and offered some context for various effects and events. As always, these include quick summaries, mostly out of character, to explain effects such as large-scale enchantments and curses.

In some cases, there may be further developments around the events listed here in the Winter Solstice winds of fortune. They may also be handled with a Resolution entry on the appropriate Wind, or a note in the Other Events section of next events Winds of Fortune page.

The deadline for Downtime submissions is TBC

Choices

During the Winter Solstice, there were a number of Senate motions, Conclave declarations, Synod judgements, and Military Council orders

Each summit the Senate raises and votes on motions, the Conclave debates declarations, the assemblies of the Synod discuss judgements, and the generals of the Military Council issue orders to their armies. You can find details of these many decisions here:

The Civil Service is responsible for ensuring that these motions, judgements, declarations, and orders are public knowledge. Not everything is widely distributed across the Empire, but any character who attends Anvil can easily find out details of what went on in the houses of power during the event.

Imperial Guerdon

The Imperial Guerdon is a bursary set up by the Imperial Senate primarily to reward military units that support Imperial armies, spy networks, and fortifications. The value of the Imperial Guerdon is divided between each military unit and fleet that supports an army in proportion to their effective strength. The Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies has the power to exclude any or all Imperial armies and navies, fortifications, or special projects (such as spy networks) from the Guerdon. If they do so, then a character who supports such an army, fortification, or special project will receive nothing for doing so.

The Guerdon remains at 500 Thrones.

This season, the Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies has announced that shares of the Guerdon will be shared between military units supporting the following armies:

No other armies, or actions by military units or fleets, will receive shares of the Guerdon.

Military Units

Players who control military units can choose from a number of downtime options
Not every military unit is eligible to participate in every venture
Left to their own devices, a military unit defaults to the mercenary work option

Any player whose character controls a military unit can choose from several downtime options by logging into the downtime system. They may choose to support an army, defend a fortification, or support a spy network. They can also choose one of the many ventures. Left to their own devices, a military unit defaults to mercenary work, guaranteeing an income of money along with a random chance of herbs, more money, mana crystals, ingots or measures.

Players who want to support one of the Imperial armies can also read the orders issued by each general before making their decision. These orders are a matter of public record within the Empire and also available on the 387YE Autumn Equinox Military Council orders page. This new page makes it easier for players to read all the orders before making a decision; previously the only way to do this was to painstakingly click every army in turn. It's also possible for players without military units to see the orders, without waiting for the Winds of War (assuming the orders related to an area that produced a full write-up).

As always, the guidelines around discussing military matters online can be found here.

Support Earthquake Drummers

My Drummers, it is time to conquer new lands for the glory of the five-who-are-one! We shall push into the Forest of Ulnak, supported by mercenaries from the Empire, and bring the Mallum to order beneath our heel. Bring death to the Druj who stand against us. Let those who wish to live understand that the rule of the Dragons has begun!

Saemundr Elvirsbairn, General of the Earthquake Drummers

Imperial military units can support the Earthquake Drummers
The Thule army is part of a larger effort to invade the Forest of Ulnak
A standard military unit that takes this action will receive 7 mana crystals

Rak Who-Speaks-For-The-Dragons-Undivided issued an invitation on behalf Tathenon the Gyre, Who Wields the Might of the Sky. Any Imperial warband that wishes is welcome to join the Thule in their assault against the Druj in the Forest of Ulnak. Those who wish to do so may fight alongside the Earthquake Drummers, who lead the assault against the vermin of the Mallum. Any captain who brings their warband will be granted a gift of crystal mana. A standard military unit will be rewarded with 7 mana crystals, with an upgraded or enchanted military unit receiving proportionally more.

For more information, see the Invited with asperity wind of fortune

Root out the Face-peelers

Varushkan military units can take a raiding action to root out the Face-peelers
If at least seven thousand five hundred strength is assigned to the action, then the trudnik will be forced from their lairs in Karsk and Ossium
A standard military unit that takes this action will receive six random measures and a phial of Corrupt Blood

Following the Winter Solstice, Varushkan military units will have the opportunity to undertake a raiding venture called Root out the Face-peelers. This will involve working with the Thule in Karsk and Ossium to track down nests of "trudnik" and, where they are found, employ axe and flame to destroy them. The Claws of the Dragon are a fairly small organisation, but they are supported here by a cadre of warriors and hunters. Regardless, the full success of this venture will depend on Varushkan involvement.

A standard military unit that undertakes this venture will receive six measures of forest materials, and a phial of Corrupt Blood. This latter is a vile potion brewed by the trudnik that infuses the drinker with preternatural strength and endurance. A military unit that has been upgraded or enchanted will receive proportionately more. Unfortunately, this raid comes with a cost. One of the problems is that the glamour the trudnik use makes it easy for them to masquerade as Varushkans with the draughir lineage. A thorough attack on the trudnik will cause trouble for the draughir of Karsk and Ossium; following the Winter Solstice they will receive a -1 penalty to the production of their resource unless it is a military unit taking the Root out the Face-peelers action. Even if few military units get involved, the inevitable suspicion and doubt that is seeded will be enough to unsettle the affairs of draughir in Karsk and Ossium.

If at least seven thousand five hundred strength in military units support the raid, then the Empire will be able to expand its knowledge of these creatures, and finally get some reliable evidence of what they are and what they are doing. There will be some mopping up to do - at least one of the trudnik lairs in Ossium is apparently very old and extends into the earth - and if there is a dark spirit involved with the face-peelers it may fall to the Empire to deal with it.

For more information, see the Invited with asperity wind of fortune

Swords Against Darkness

Urizen, League, and Dawnish military units can take a questing action to attack the threats in Spiral
If at least two thousand strength is assigned to the action for three seasons over the next year, then the venture will remain
A standard military unit that takes this action will receive three mana crystals and two doses of liao

After a lot of work persuading some of the wealthier Apulian merchants and key arbiters, Naomi has been able to persuade them to back an attempt to solve the problem. The solution is simple enough, and for once, Naomi 's idea requires relatively little upfront investment. If the Empire can muster enough military units to directly attack the threats in Spiral, then that the inhabitants of the territory would be able to get on top of the problem. If that could be achieved, it would only need a little support on an ongoing basis to keep the threats under control. Naomi likens it to weeding an overgrown garden - it requires a lot more effort to get the weeds under control than it does to keep it that way.

With the backing of wealthy patrons, the venture would provide 3 mana crystals and two liao to any standard military unit taking part. A military unit with at least 200 effective strength (from upgrades or rituals) would receive a Circlet of Falling Snow as part of their rewards. The potential returns aren't great - but of course the Senate could always apply the Guerdon to the expedition.

The venture would last for a year - but if at least 2000 strength of military units undertook the venture on three seasons out of the four, then the venture would remain available for the foreseeable future. If that happened, then the taxation of the territory would permanently increase by 6 thrones a season and the current penalty to military units from the Black Plateau would be permanently removed.

For more information, see the My friends are my estate wind of fortune

Exploit the Espionage

Certain military units can take advantage of the chaos in Sarvos with the espionage ring to earn wealth
Any military units taking part in this venture will increase the number of congregations needed to investigate Sarvos

Somehow, the Whisper Gallery found out about the goings on in Sarvos, and offered to 'help' the Empire identify what secrets are getting out. Any Night ritualist with a military unit who performed Whispering Shadow Courtiers and consumed a dose of Shadowcrow Infusion invited the favour of the Concilium of the Perjured Throne to join them over the season. They have access to the unique scouting venture - Exploit the Espionage - to exploit the espionage ring in Sarvos and gain 108 rings, eight random resources, and Grendel luxuries, with upgraded or enchanted military units receiving proportionally more.

For more information, see the Finding is the final act wind of fortune

Fleets

Players who control fleets can choose from several downtime options
Not every fleet is eligible to participate in every voyage
Left to their own devices, a fleet defaults to the maritime escort option

Any player whose character controls a fleet can choose from several downtime options by logging into the downtime system. They may choose to trade with a foreign port, engage in raiding barbarians, quest in search of glory or renown, scout either to support a smugglers cove or as part of another stealthy option, or commit to guarding a convoy of other ships.

Left to their own devices, a fleet defaults to maritime escort, guaranteeing an income of money along with a random chance of herbs, more money, mana crystals, ingots or measures.

Trade Summary

Imperial fleets can trade with ports in Axos, the Commonwealth, Faraden, the Iron Confederacy, the Sarcophan Delves, the Sumaah Republic, and Zemelslo
Production depends on the port chosen, and can be increased by upgrades and enchantments

Imperial fleets can trade with a number of foreign nations who have chosen to open some of their ports to visitors from the Empire. The assumption is that a ship trading with a foreign nation makes enough from selling their cargo to cover their running costs, crew salaries and the like, but that there is enough profit to provide the character who owns the fleet with valuable goods of interest to the folk who attend Anvil. What goods are received for visiting a port is changeable, and heavily influenced by Imperial diplomacy.

Axos: The ports of the Towers of Kantor and Chambers of Issyk welcome Imperial fleets. The production of Kantor has been altered. You can find out more about the changes made in the Troop of echoes wind of fortune
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.
Faraden: The port of Caitun welcomes Imperial fleets. Fleets from the Marches and Wintermark benefit from a one rank bonus due to close proximity. The production of Caitun has shifted to no longer produce ingots of orichalcum. Instead, a starting fleet will produce a cube of mooncheese. You can find out more about the situation on the Wild is the wind wind of fortune.
Iron Confederacy: The port of Robec is available for Imperial fleets.
Sarcophan Delves: The usual 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.
Zemelslo: The port of Radosmo welcomes Imperial traders following the Imperial Senate's decision to permit trade with the nation very close to the Principalities of Jarm

Congregations

In addition to the standard preaching options taken by owners of congregations, special lectures may be available

During downtime, the owner of a congregation can choose to take a preaching action. Normally, these actions are used to preach one of the Imperial virtues, or the general teachings of the Way, allowing a Synod member to change which of the virtue assemblies they belong to.

After the Winter Solstice, there are four lectures available.

Investigate Sarvos

League congregations can choose to investigate Sarvos
A congregation that takes the Preach Vigilance - Investigate Sarvos will receive no liao and be placed in the Vigilance Assembly at the Spring Equinox 388YE

Highborn who take this action will take part in interviewing the faithful in Sarvos, investigating leads and clues in the city, and potentially identifying any traitors to the Empire. Any congregation owner who takes this lecture will receive the standard amount of votes but no liao, that will be consumed in the course of their activities. They will be placed in the Vigilance Assembly at the Spring Equinox.

If at least 30 congregations take part, this will create opportunities through the Sentinel Gate at the Spring Equinox 388YE to uncover details about the espionage ring and potentially shut it down. Unfortunately, the disruptions to normal business will see tax revenue from Sarvos reduced by four thrones for the season.

The Sarvos Chamber of Commerce voted to encourage the orcs studying and working at the College of the Liberated to help. The orcs will spend the season ingratiating themselves in the city, and pass on information to those investigating in the city.

For more information, see the Finding is the final act wind of fortune.

Support the Pilgrim's Defiance

Highborn congregations can choose to support the Pilgrim's Defiance against the vallornspawn in Therunin
A congregation that takes the Preach Virtue - Support the Pilgrim's Defiance will receive no liao but remain in the same Virtue Assembly
If 10 congregations preach support for the army then casualties will be reduced by 10%
If 20 congregations preach support for the army then territory conquered by the army will be increased by 10%

Not every grey pilgrim joined the Pilgrim's Defiance. Some were exhausted by their long march and eager to return to the life they had given up to walk the trods. They did not forget their comrades, and will support their fellow pilgrims when asked. Such support can take many forms, providing herbs, potions and liao for their friends and relatives in the new army, or volunteering with the army's field hospital and supply train. Such support can be invaluable in raising morale and supporting the army as it fights.

Any priest that chooses this option will receive votes as normal and remain in their current Virtue Assembly but they will not receive any liao. All supplies will be used to bolster the spirits of those working to support the army.

If at least ten congregations support this action, then it will provide significant benefit to the army while they are fighting the vallorn, reducing casualties suffered by a tenth. If at least twenty congregations support this action, then it will also help the army press forward increasing territory captured by that army by a tenth.

For more information, see the Banners and bells wind of fortune

Encourage Pilgrimage to Capodomus

Anyone with a congregation can choose to preach Ambition by encouraging pilgrims to visit Capodomus Cathedral
A congregation that takes the Preach Ambition - Encourage Pilgrimage to Capodomus action will receive three fewer liao but four more Synod votes than usual
A congregation that takes this action will be in the Ambition Assembly at the next summit
This lecture is available until the start of the Spring Equinox 388YE

Priests who take this option are assumed to be making use of the liao they receive to inspire congregants to make the difficult journey to the Capodomus Cathedral. Those who are brave enough to make the journey experience the awe-inspiring power of the true aura in the Atrium of Golden Light; they will return to their home inspired to embrace Ambition and pursue it with the certain belief that nothing is beyond their reach.

A congregation that preaches this special action will receive three fewer liao each season (assumed to have been spent on creating auras or used to provide patronage), but four additional votes in the Imperial Synod (representing the swelling of their congregations). The priest leading the congregation will become part of the Ambition Assembly if they were not already.

For more information on the events that led to this lecture, see the Golden light wind of fortune.

Encourage Pilgrimage to Hacynian

Anyone with a congregation can choose to preach Wisdom by encouraging pilgrims to visit the Great Library
A congregation that takes the Preach Wisdom - Encourage Pilgrimage to Hacynian action will receive three fewer liao but four more Synod votes than usual
A congregation that takes this action will be in the Wisdom Assembly at the next summit
This lecture is available until the start of the Summer Solstice 388YE

Priests who take this option are assumed to be making use of the liao they receive to inspire congregants to make the difficult journey to the Great Library. After those who are brave enough to make the journey experience the awe-inspiring power of the true aura in the shrine, they will return home inspired to embrace Wisdom and pursue it in the certain belief that inaction is the only true mistake.

A congregation that preaches this special action will receive three fewer liao each season (assumed to have been spent on creating auras or used to provide patronage), but four additional votes in the Imperial Synod (representing the swelling of their congregations). The priest leading the congregation will become part of the Wisdom Assembly if they were not already.

For more information on the events that led to this lecture, see the Sing a song wind of fortune.

Arcane Projections

Arcane projections must be submitted before the close of downtime
It is not possible to submit arcane projections that create personal curses

The deadline for submitting an arcane projection is now the close of downtime. This is a significantly shorter window than previously. We've made this change to improve our ability to process arcane projections - an earlier deadline means that the game team have more time to consider each arcane projection, which will allow us to be more detailed and consistent in our responses.

As detailed in the The moth for the star wind of fortune, it is not currently possible to create an arcane projection that involves a curse directed at a character.

Colleges and Forges

We've changed the email address for college of magic and runeforge submissions

It is important for characters responsible for a college of magic or runeforge to remember that the deadline for submitting rituals for codification, or instructions to the runeforge, is also the point that downtime closes. You must use let us know how you plan to use your college or forge by this point, otherwise it will not be possible to submit anything and the season will be lost.

We've also made a small change there; the e-mail address to which such instructions should be sent is now plot@profounddecisions.co.uk rather than rules. The rules decisions about an arcane projection that is being codified, or a new item, have already been made, and it is the plot team who deal with the creation of ritual texts, unique items, or schema.

Miscellaneous Effects

After every event there will be a range of special effects that have an impact on downtime
Each effect is automatically applied to the appropriate personal resources; this provides details of what has caused each effect

Every season sees large-scale effects impact individuals and nations. Some arise as the result of Synod judgements, Senate motions or Conclave declarations. Others are the results of winds of fortune or war, or magical effects such as enchantments or curses. Each such effect is mentioned in your downtime if it affects your personal resource, along with a brief summary of what is going on. This list provides more detail, and is also useful for knowing what is going on in the wider Empire.

Rivers Run Clear

Rivers of Life has been cast on Feroz, Mitwold, Redoubt, and Sarangrave
As well as reducing casualties to armies in the territories, the magic infuses all water there with life-giving Spring power

The Imperial territories of Feroz, Mitwold, Redoubt, Sarangrave have had Rivers of Life woven over them. This potent magic preserves life, healing all save the most grievous wounds overnight and infusing water across the territory with restorative powers. As well as the typical effect of reducing losses to any armies fighting in the territory, the magic has other, more narrative effects. Wounds heal, animals and plants are healthy and fertile, and people find it easier to start or expand their families.

Frost and Fens

Dripping Echoes of the Fen has been cast on one region
Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae has been cast on four regions

Ritual	Region	Coven
Dripping Echoes of the Fen	West Marsh, Kallavesa	Sussivari Frost Coven
Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae	Nadir, Mareave	Phoenix Rising
Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae	Clisearn, Mareave	Ashen Flame
Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae	Hope's Rest, The Barrens	Phoenix Rising
Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae	Tomari, Redoubt	Ashen Flame

Quiet in the Tundra (Sermersuaq)

The Wintermark territory of Sermersuaq has been flooded with Day magic
It is clear to anyone in the territory that it is the result of Day magic

The Wintermark territory of Sermersuaq has been enchanted with an arcane projection. Inhabitants of the Day realm find it easier to enter the territory.

Some inhabitants of the territory will find it easier to focus on intellectual activity rather than physical action. When action is called for, it might become easier to consider how best to achieve one's goals in the most effective way.

Players creating or attending sanctioned events set in Sermersuaq should bear this effect in mind, especially when it comes to designing a plot event. Any further effects of this ritual will be in the winds of fortune released before the next event.

Magical Lore

Every summit it is possible that new rituals, magic items, or potions may become available to Imperial citizens
Some of these options are only available to characters from certain nations, such as those entered into Urizen Lore or Runesmith's Law

During the Winter Solstice , one ritual was put forward for inclusion in Imperial Lore:

Viridian's Wildfire Emberstrike was raised by Syl the Dean of the Lyceum and funded by Llŷr Viridian duLac

No new rituals became part of Urizen lore during the summit (but see the The tune without the words wind of fortune), and no new magic items were added to Runesmiths Law.