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Imperial:Breadcrumbs

2019-06-20T22:56:07Z

Aquarion:

* Costume @ [[Main Page|Empire]] > [[Nation overview|The Nations]] > [[Costume advice|Costume]] >
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A Million Freed

2019-06-20T22:53:02Z

Aquarion: Created page with "{{Stub}} By SaguaI’Ezmara, Other things about it to be added by Matt at some point Lyrics by XX, music to the tune of A Million Dreams <song> I close my eyes and I can se..."

{{Stub}}

By SaguaI’Ezmara, Other things about it to be added by Matt at some point

Lyrics by XX, music to the tune of A Million Dreams

<song>
I close my eyes and I can see
Ambition waiting there for me
To be shared once shown
Through the dark, through the door
Through the locks and chains and more
To bring them home

Chorus:
They can say, they can say it all sounds crazy
They can say, they can say I've lost my mind
I don't care, I don't care, so call me crazy
We can live in a world virtue defines.
'Cause every night I lie in bed
The darkest visions fill my head
A million slaves are keeping me awake
I think of what the world could be
A vision of the one I see
A million freed is all it's gonna take
A million freed from the chains we're gonna break

There's a house we can build
Every room inside is filled
With folk from far away
Travelling across the miles
There to laugh and dance and smile
They have found the Way.

(chorus)

However big, however small
We need to defend them all
Time to set them free
Fight for what’s right, slaving is wrong
But say that you'll join in the song
For the world we see
To the world I close my eyes to see
I close my eyes to see

Every night I lie in bed
This great ambition fills my head
A million slaves are keeping me awake
(A million freed, a million freed)
I think of what the world could be
One where everyone is free
A million freed is all it's gonna take
A million freed from the chains we're gonna break
From the chains we're gonna break.

</song>
[[Category: Music]]

MediaWiki:Copyrightwarning2

2018-10-24T11:36:58Z

Aquarion:

Please note that if you're changing any rules or system text beyond typos or grammar errors, you must have the blessing of one or more of Matt, Graeme or Andy. Failure to comply may result in bees flying out of your nose.

MediaWiki:Copyrightwarning

2018-10-24T11:36:44Z

Aquarion:

User:Aquarion

2018-08-31T19:55:41Z

Aquarion:

(This page mostly contains to check if things work on the wiki. It is a content-free zone. Stop following Recent Changes if that kind of thing upsets you)

Hello, people who follow recent changes.

I prepared explosive runes this morning.

This is a new server, and editing should work on it.

[[File:Cat.jpg|1024px|frame|center|KITTY!]]

User:Aquarion

2018-08-31T19:54:58Z

Aquarion:

File:Cat.jpg

2018-08-31T19:54:21Z

Aquarion: Photo by Mariana Montes de Oca on Unsplash

Photo by Mariana Montes de Oca on Unsplash

User:Aquarion

2018-08-31T19:53:19Z

Aquarion:

MediaWiki:Copyrightwarning2

2018-08-24T14:27:27Z

Aquarion: Created page with "Please note that if you're changing any rules or system text beyond typos or grammar errors, you have the blessing of one or more of Matt, Graeme or Andy. Failure to comply ma..."

Please note that if you're changing any rules or system text beyond typos or grammar errors, you have the blessing of one or more of Matt, Graeme or Andy. Failure to comply may result in bees flying out of your nose.

MediaWiki:Copyrightwarning

2018-08-24T14:27:07Z

Spiral

2018-05-18T16:33:56Z

Aquarion: /* Ossuary */

{{CaptionedImage|file=RegionsofSpiral.png|title=At the heart of Spiral sits the Black Plateau.|caption=Regions of Spiral|align=left|width=500}}
== Overview ==
The [[Urizen]] lived in Spiral long before there was an Empire, but even then it was isolated. The main thrust of pre-Imperial Urizen settlement was in [[Morrow]] to the north, and the two territories were connected by a tenuous "bridge" of spires stretching across [[Zenith]]. Even then, the place had a haunted reputation. At some point in the distant past, powerful magic was worked here and the echoes of that magic occasionally caused trouble for the Urizen in their mountain fastnesses.

At the heart of the territory is the Black Plateau, a great plateau of volcanic glass with a dire reputation. Artefacts from the Black Plateau are often considered haunted or touched by malign evil, and are generally destroyed when they are encountered.

==Recent History==
Spiral was lost to the Empire fifty years ago. In 331 YE. Barbarians from the [[Grendel|Broken Shore]] came up through [[#Apulus|Apulus]] along the coast, and with weapons fashioned from the glass taken from the Black Plateau overran the defenders of Spiral, resisting all efforts to throw them back. Refugees streamed into [[Morrow]] and [[Zenith]], and many of them - and their descendants - live there to this day. Some still consider themselves to be living in exile and consider the liberation of Spiral a pressing concern.

With the restoration of [[#Fort Mezudan, “The Fist”|Fort Mezudan]], Imperial eyes are once again on Spiral. Identifying a weakness in the Grendel supply lines, a [[378YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_war#Dawn|concerted campaign of seaborne raiding]] was followed in Autumn by the invocation of a [[378YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#The_Tempest|cataclysmic storm]] that devastated the docks at [[#Apulus|Apulian]]. It remains to be seen what impact this will have on barbarian domination here.

in Spring 381YE, the Grendel orcs launched a [[381YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Patterns_of_Force_.28Spiral.29|major offensive]] on all fronts that saw Imperial forces driven back to Cinon, and the territory again fell into barbarian hands.

==Major Features ==
=== The Black Plateau ===
A great plateau of volcanic glass with a dire reputation. Artefacts from the Black Plateau are often considered haunted or touched by malign evil, and are generally destroyed when they are encountered. Scholars have established that while many of the artefacts recovered from the Black Plateau date back to the days of distant Terunael, and to pre-Urizen Spiral, there are occasional artefacts that reach back even further - they cannot agree on the exact age of the plateau but the volcanic glass may date back to a period before human history.

Barbarians armed with weapons fashioned from the glass taken from the Black Plateau overran the defenders of Spiral, resisting all efforts to throw them back. There are no permanent settlements or spires in the area [[#Screed|around the Black Plateau]] - attempts to establish them ended in tragedy without exception. Even the barbarians are not stupid enough to spend more time than they need to near the Black Plateau.

Stories have begun to filter in of insane, bestial humans - presumably the children and grandchildren of Urizen left behind when Spiral fell to the barbarians - who live on and around the plateau. Their motivations, if they exist, are unknown. Some of them at least seem to hate the Imperials at least as much as they hate the barbarians.

===The Three Passes===
Before the Autumn Equinox 381YE, the Grendel engaged in a program of collapsing the passes through the western and the northern mountains out of Spiral. At this time there are only three major passes still open that are large enough to allow a campaign army to pass through them without difficulty.
* The '''Onyx Path''' linking [[Redoubt#Optarion|Optarion]] and [[Spiral#Ateri|Ateri]]. The western end of the pass is guarded by the Citadel of the Flame, while the eastern end emerges near the ruins of Fort Mezudan.
* The '''Crow Road''' linking [[Redoubt#Willstone|Willstone]] and [[Spiral#Cinion|Cinion]]. The western end of the pass is watched by the resourceful sentinels of Willstone spire, while the eastern end emerges in the hills above the ruins of Damakhan's Forge.
* The '''Twilight Gate''' linking the plains of [[Zenith#Proceris|Proceris]] and the northern [[Spiral#Ossuary|Osuary]]. This "pass" is wide enough that it would be extremely difficult to close it without constructing a [[fortification]].
These three passes now effectively control access from Imperial territory into Spiral, and vice versa. There are several smaller, higher passes still intact of course that can be used by small groups or caravans - but these are not suitable for a campaign army to use.

===Ruins of Fort Mezudan ===
The [[fortification|fortress]] Fort Mezudan - also known as the Fist - was under construction at the time the barbarians attack, but workers and guards refused the order to destroy the walls. When the original defences against the barbarians fell, the workers armed themselves and held the semi-completed fortress for two weeks until Imperial reinforcements arrived. For that reason the stone-crafters guild were always considered have nominal control of this small fortress, and no decade went by without some major renovation or improvement being undertaken.

During Winter 377YE, the [[Imperial Master of Works]] arranged for emergency supplies and many wains of white granite collected by Marcus of Endsmeet to reach the stone-crafters guild of Ateri. While Imperial forces occupied the invading orc armies, the final months of work were [[Fortify_Ateri_in_Spiral|completed]] at a feverish rate that burnt out almost the entire ushabti work force. By the middle of Spring 378YE, the Fist was complete, ready to serve its intended purpose as a bastion for Imperial forces against the invaders of Spiral.

Unfortunately, shortly after the Autumn Equinox 379YE, a [[379YE_Winter_Solstice_winds_of_war#The_Ruin_of_Fort_Mezudan|powerful magical storm]] struck the fortress, which had already been damaged as part of the [[379YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#The_Siege_of_Fort_Mezudan|renewed Grendel offensive]]. The Fist was completely destroyed.

===Ankarien===
On the slopes of [[#Ankra|Ankra]] stood the Spire of Ankarien. One of the oldest and most prestigious of the Urizen spires, it was home to perhaps the finest library in the Empire. The infamous [[Emperor Nicovar]] was born here, and lived much of his early life at Ankarien; this did not spare the library from his destructive wrath as he descended into madness. What Nicovar did not quite achieve, the barbarians almost managed. As they drew near the librarians carried much of the contents to [[Zenith#Endsmeet|Endsmeet]]. The Spire itself now lies in ruins, and the remainder of its books and scrolls are presumed destroyed by the savage orcs.

=== The [[Legacy]] ===

This vast mine complex is one of the few places in Spiral that remain under Imperial control. It is mostly played out today, but still manages to produces significant quantities of mithril for whoever controls it. According to legend the site was part of a great gift to the Urizen people but who gave it to them, and why, are details lost to time.

The Legacy is a national [[Bourse#The_Legacy|Bourse position]] which produces mithril. Control of the Legacy is assigned to whichever Urizen candidate receives the most support from Urizen owners of [[mana site|mana sites]]. This Bourse position produces 22 Imperial wains of mithril every season.

This Bourse seat was lost to the Grendel during their full-scale assault of Summer 379YE.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Extreme Gardening.jpg|caption=Spiral is an ancient battlefield.|align=right|width=400}}
==Regions==
===Ankra===
'''Quality:''' Hills 
The mountains of Ankra are the site of some of the oldest spires in Urizen, including one of the most prestigious - the library of [[#Ankarien|Ankarien]].
===Apstrus===
The lower slopes of the Apstrus peaks are covered in rolling woodland, carefully cultivated by ushabti and at one time produced a great bounty of [[forest]] materials, especially [[Materials#Iridescent Gloaming|Iridescent Gloaming]]. The ''dreaming spires of Apsterus'' (as they were often known) were dedicated to philosophical thought, their forest-bounty providing the inhabitants with lives of comfort despite their location on the very eastern edge of the Empire. One of the most prestigious was '''Solen's Doubt'''. Dedicated to experimental philosophy, it was a place for solitary study and thought. Unsurprisingly, it was overrun during the barbarian march to the Black Plateau.

Of special interest to the Urizen, the central [[Urizen_culture_and_customs#The_Heliopticon|Heliopticon]] tower for Spiral stood on the northern slopes of Apstrus, the heart of the communication network. The defenders held the tower for several months against the barbarians, allowing the rest of Spiral additional warning of army movements, and relaying desperate messages for aid to Morrow and Redoubt. When the tower finally fell, it is assumed the barbarians either destroyed the specially calibrated mirror and the light-source (a glowing stone infused with the magic of the Realm of Day), or stole them away. Some recent rumours suggest these two components might have been hidden by the defenders, and only uncovered recently, but the facts are unclear - and idle speculation has no place in the study of history.

===Apulus===
'''Qualities:''' Coastal, Ruins 
Before it was taken by the barbarians, Apulus was the gateway to adventure for the people of Urizen and, to a degree, the Empire. Expeditions into the wilds outside the borders would rest here before undertaking their quests into the unknown wilderness. Ships from across the Bay of Catazar docked at the coastal spires here, with [[The League|League]] and [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] adventurers in particular being regular visitors.

Perhaps the worst casualty of the barbarian invasion was the '''Lighthouse at Apulian''', a [[Great work]] that served as both a spire dedicated to foreign trade and a beacon for all the Urizen fleets based in Spiral. The last Keeper of the Lighthouse, Hadrian of Apulian, burst the entire structure apart once it became clear it would fall to the orcs, shattering the magical stone (a gift from the [[Eternals|Eternal]] [[Kimus]]) that served as the light. The white granite tower exploded in a thunderous detonation, the echoes of which were reportedly heard as far away as [[Sarvos]] and the island of the [[Madruga#The_Lyceum|Lyceum]]. The release of magical power incinerated several hundred orcs, along with all the defenders of Apulian. Some refugees from Spiral attempted to have Hadrian declared an [[Paragons_and_Exemplars#Exemplars|Exemplar]] of [[Loyalty]], but received little support from the [[Imperial Synod]]. Most of the survivors are dead now, of course.

The town is no more. In 378YE the [[378YE_Autumn_Equinox_winds_of_war#The_Tempest|invoked devastation]] finished what the defenders had started - the rebuilt waterfront at Apulian was smashed to pieces. Then in 380YE, during a [[Tree_of_ice_(conjunction)|conjunction of the fountain]], powerful ritual magic sank the entire coastline of Apulus into the Bay, transforming the region into a stinking mire. This was the last straw for Apulian; the remaining buildings collapsed and sank in the marshes, leaving the entire area in ruins. 

===Ateri===
'''Quality:''' Hills 
[[#Fort Mezudan, “The Fist”|Fort Mezudan]] stood on the slopes of the mountains here before its destruction by Grendel magic. The Onyx Path is one of the [[#The Three Passes|three passes]] wide enough to allow an [[Imperial army]] to move between Spiral and the rest of the Empire. The eastern end of the pass was guarded by Fort Mezudan, while the western end is protected by the [[Redoubt#The_Court_of_the_White_Fountain|Court of the White Fountain]].
===Cinon===
The wide valleys of Cinon are lush and covered in rolling woodland. Until [[Beware_my_power_(Winds_of_Magic)#The_Rejuvenation_of_Cinon|Winter 380YE]] the region was littered with ruined spires, most long since looted by the barbarians. Several of these spires stood over plentiful [[mine|mines]] and there were many rich veins of [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]] and [[Materials#Weltsilver|weltsilver]]. The mines remain, but almost all the ruined spires are now gone. Those that survived the [[380YE_Spring_Equinox_winds_of_war#Fire on the Mountains|supernatural fires that raged across the mountains]] in Spring 380YE were consumed by trees and vegetation invoked with powerful Spring magic designed to rejuvenate the area.

One small area proved resistant to the magic released to heal the wounded hills. A grove of blasted and burnt trees, no more than twenty-feet across, remains devoid of greenery to this day. Magicians who have visited the area suggest that it is infused with the power of [[Winter magic]], and may be a nascent [[regio]] tied to the [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court|Thrice-cursed Court]]. A small group of [[Urizen magical traditions#Illuminates|illuminates]] have committed to keeping an eye on the place, to see what happens.

The most famous of the lost spires was proabably '''Damakan’s Forge''' - and alone of the old spires, it still stands reasonably hale and healthy despite damage from the magical flames and the uncontrollable Spring magic. Damakan was renowned as the greatest Urizen swordsmith of antiquity, and even today her blades change hands for small fortunes. Although many of her secrets went with her to her grave, a small lodge of smiths have maintained her forge and traditions in its original site in the Spiral. Crafters who were allowed to work with this lodge are rare indeed, but those few who did were able to create swords of surpassing excellence. The spire fell to the barbarians forty years ago - it is unclear how many of the secrets of the weaponsmiths fell into their hands at this time. The smaller settlement of '''Ossen's Spire''' served as a gateway to Damakan’s Forge, where those who wished to serve there came here first, and those who wished a sword from there lived at Ossen's Spire to prove their worth before being granted the honour. Unfortunately, the spire was completely consumed in the fires raised during the liberation of Spiral.

The [[#The Three Passes|Crow Road]] is one of the three passes that connect Spiral to the Empire, linking Cinon with [[Redoubt#Willstone|Willstone]] in [[Redoubt]]. The eastern end of the pass is watched by the resourceful sentinels of Willstone spire, while the eastern end emerges in the hills above the ruins of Damakhan's Forge.

===Ossuary===
Ossuary takes its name from the large number of giant bones regularly unearthed in the mines here. Scholars are at a loss to explain them - some claim they may be the bones of great [[Mundane_beasts#Drakes|drakes]] or perhaps even [[Legendary_beasts#Dragons.2C_Wyverns_and_Wyrms|dragons]]. Many of these bones have been exported to other parts of the Empire where they are studied or presented as curiosities.

The [[#The Legacy|Legacy]] is in Ossuary; a vital resource that provided mithril to the people of Urizen, which was primarily used to enhance mana sites. It was lost to the Grendel in Summer 379YE, causing a significant blow to the [[prosperity]] of Urizen - and potentially to their ability to work magic.

From northern Ossuary, the [[#The Three Passes|Twilight Gate]] connects Spiral to [[Zenith#Proceris|Proceris]] in [[Zenith]]. This "pass" is wide enough that it would be extremely difficult to close it without constructing a [[fortification]] at one end or the other.

===Screed===
'''Quality:''' Accurséd 
The [[#The Black Plateau|Black Plateau]] occupies most of Screed. Even when the territory was in Imperial hands, Screed was largely deserted apart from temporary camps of scholars studying the plateau and its artefacts. Today, the barbarians are said to be employing scavenging teams - some supplemented with human slaves - here, but likewise have avoided creating any permanent settlements.

==OOC Notes==
* As of Spring 382YE, the Urizen (and thus the Empire) control the regions of Cinon, Ankra, Ossuary, and Screed. The Grendel control the remaining three regions. Spiral is again an Imperial territory.
* Shortly before Spring 382YE, the Black Plateau awoke to full malignancy. It's influence is felt across the entire territory.
* Damakhan's Forge in [[#Cinon|Cinon]] has some potential to be used as the basis for an Imperial [[runeforge]]. Prior to Winter 380YE, the civil service had made several estimations of how that might be achieved - but with the wave of rejuvenating greenery that swept across Cinon, and the destuction of many of the outlying parts of the spire, these costings are now obsolete.

[[Category:Urizen]]
[[Category:Gazetteer]]

381YE Winter Solstice Imperial elections

2018-05-04T06:04:30Z

Aquarion:

{{stub}}

This page was updated throughout the event as elections and vacant positions occur (i.e. opportunities!).
Now the event is over we will tidy up the last few position title holders before we transfer this information over to the rolling historical record that can be found [[Current_Imperial_titles | here]]

===[[Imperial Senate]]===
* Senator for [[Madruga]]: Adan i Del Terro i Riqueza
* Senator for [[Astolat]]: The Incumbent
* Senator for [[Necropolis]]: Jeconiah of Ravens Watch
* Senator for [[Skarsind]]: The Incumbent
* Senator for [[Temeschwar]]: The Incumbent
* Senator for [[Bregasland]]: The Incumbent
* Senator for [[Hercynia]]: Rhisart Dancewalker
* Senator for [[Zenith]]: The Incumbent, then we lost the territory to barbarian orcs
* Senator for [[Miekarova]]: The Incumbent
* Senator for [[Kallavesa]]: Edythe Dunne

* The Senator for [[Redoubt]] resigned and was replaced with: Andronikos
* The Senator for [[Volodmartz]] was revoked and replaced with: Alexei Volostra
* The Senator for [[Semmerholm]] was murdered and replaced with: Lady Ailliena Devereux

====Other Imperial Senate positions====
* The [[Ambassador to Axos]]: The Incumbent
* The [[Dean of Pilgrims]]: No motion of [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Appointments|appointment]] was raised in the Senate
* The [[Imperial Master of Works]]: No motion of [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Appointments|appointment]] was raised in the Senate

* The [[Crystal Architect of the Spires]]: No unanimous decision of the senators of [[Urizen]] was presented to the [[Imperial_elections|the Civil Service Overseer of Imperial Elections]]
* The [[Fallsheart Guardian]]: No unanimous decision of the senators of [[Wintermark]] was presented to [[Imperial_elections|the Civil Service Overseer of Imperial Elections]]
* The [[Master Apothecary]]: No unanimous decision of the senators of [[Wintermark]] was presented to [[Imperial_elections|the Civil Service Overseer of Imperial Elections]]

* [[Keeper of the Imperial Bread Basket]]: Raven Merrick

===[[Imperial Military Council]]===
*General for [[Dawn military concerns#The Hounds of Glory|Hounds of Glory]]: The Incumbent
*General for [[Imperial Orcs territories#The Winter Sun|Winter Sun]]: The Incumbent
*General for [[The Marches military concerns#The Strong Reeds|Strong Reeds]]: The Incumbent
*General for [[Varushka military concerns#The Army of the Golden Axe|Army of the Golden Axe]]: Volk Kusntor Starcorvich
*General for [[Wintermark military concerns#The Green Shield Army|Green Shield Army]]: The Incumbent
*General for [[League military concerns#The Towerjacks|The Towerjacks]]: The Incumbent

* General for [[Wintermark_military_concerns#The_Fist_of_the_Mountains|Fist of the Mountains]] was revoked and replaced with: Asehind of Dunhearth Hews
* General for [[The_Marches_military_concerns#Bounders|The Bounders]] died on the battlefield and was replaced with: Blackjack
* General for [[Varushka military concerns#The Army of the Golden Axe|Army of the Golden Axe]]: died on the battlefield and no unanimous decision by the Varushan senators was presented to [[Imperial_elections|the Civil Service Overseer of Imperial Elections]]

===[[Imperial Synod]]===
* The [[Cardinal]] of [[The Way]]: The Incumbent
* The Cardinal of [[Prosperity]]: Cesare Enzo Di Trivento
* The [[Gatekeeper]] of [[Ambition]]: Corey Wayfarer (also known as Corey Brackensong)

* The [[Cardinal]] of [[Pride]] abdicated and was replaced with: Astrid Fjellrevening Rezia di Tassato

* The [[Auditor of Senatorial Accountability]]: Vauraus Korppitkotka
* The [[Friar of Honour's Rest]]: Albert Fugglestone-Copperhill
* The [[High Exorcist]]: The Incumbent
* The [[Voice of Barbs]]: Meredith Nighthaven

* [[ Head Gardener of Urizen]]: Alcuin Shatterspire
*[[Liaison to the Temple in Nemoria]]: Franco Di Erigo

* The Gatekeeper of [[Prosperity]]: No new appointment by the Cardinal of Prosperity
* The [[Conscience of the Senate]]: No appointment by the Cardinal of the Way
* The [[Virtue Inquisitor]] of [[The Way]]: No appointment by the Cardinal of the Way
* The [[Virtue Inquisitor]] of [[Prosperity]]: No appointment by the Cardinal of Prosperity

===[[Imperial Conclave]]===
* Grandmaster of the [[Celestial Arch]]: Reichard Callan Remidos von Holmauer
* Grandmaster of the [[Rod and Shield]]: Zephyr DeRondall

These [[Grandmaster|Grandmasters]] were appointed by the members of their orders. Members of the order voted in a closed session to pick one of their number to lead the Order for the coming year.

* [[Archmage]] of Winter: Emelia
* [[Archmage]] of Summer: The Incumbent
* [[Dean of the Lyceum]]: The Incumbent
* [[Archmage]] of Spring: Fabiene of Vexille

These Imperial Conclave titles were reappointed at Conclave sessions through a [[Candidacy|Declaration of Candidacy]].

===[[Imperial Bourse]]===
* [[Bourse#The_Golden_Trees_of_Seren|The Golden Trees of Seren]]: Watkin (280th)
* [[Bourse#The_Hunt_of_Alderei_the_Fair|The Hunt of Alderei the Fair]]: Raknar Dunning (320th)
* [[Bourse#The_Heartwood_of_the_Great_Vale|The Heartwood of the Great Vale]]: Mathilda Reaper (275th)
* [[Bourse#The_Weirwater_Vales|The Weirwater Vales]]: Rada (280th)
* [[Bourse#The_Canterspire_Circle|The Canterspire Circle]]: Bron Mordssen (280th)
* [[Bourse#Great Forest at Reikos|Great Forest at Reikos]]: Issachar (200th)

These Imperial seats were auctioned openly and citizens bidded for control of these valuable weirwood seats.

* [[Bourse#The_Thimble|The Thimble]]: Idris Eternal (unopposed)

*[[Bailiff of the Grand Market]]: Errol Butcherson (unopposed)
*[[Provost of the Halls of Knowledge]]: Mord Thorntarry (by 10 votes)
*[[Overseer of the Westward Road]]: Borys Vardovich Strascovich (by 50 votes)
*The [[ministry]] of the [[Four Seasons' Boneweaver]]: Palerictus Tog (unopposed)

* [[Imperial Wayleave]]: Shauni di Vest (15th)
*[[Imperial Wayleave]]: Sandro Visconti di Sarvos (35th)
*[[Imperial Wayleave]]: Maccus Belisarius Trahern (20th)

===Destroyed by Druj in Zenith===
* [[Custodian of the Starlight Drift]]
* [[Keeper of the Tower of the Fall]]
* [[Custodian of the Storm Vault]]
* [[Origen's Rest]]

===Destroyed by Grendel in Madruga===
* [[The Brass Coast military concerns#The Freeborn Storm|The Freeborn Storm]]

User:Aquarion

2018-04-10T08:15:54Z

Aquarion:

Dean of the Lyceum

2018-02-08T15:08:10Z

Aquarion:

{{CaptionedImage|file=EvilWizard.jpg|caption=The Dean of the Lyceum oversees the most famous [[College of magic|college]] for the study of magic in the Empire.|title=Simargl, known as "The Empty One" has twice now served as Dean since the death of Empress Britta.|align=left|width=300}}
==Overview==
The Dean of the Lyceum is an [[Imperial title]] in the [[Imperial Conclave|Conclave]] bestowed on a [[Magical skills#Magician|magician]].

The Lyceum was established during the reign of [[Empress Aenea]] on an island east of [[Madruga#Siroc|Siroc]]. It is a centre of arcane learning in the Empire, and the Dean of the Lyceum maintains sumptuous apartments here. Approach to the island is carefully controlled by the inhabitants, and the most promising magicians are invited to study or teach there. When not pursuing research for the Dean, the masters of the Lyceum dedicate themselves to their own pursuits in comfort and security.

In practice, many members of the Lyceum do not live in the physical college itself, rather they participate in research through exchanges of letters for which they receive a small stipend from the college. There are (for example) [[Varushka|Varushkan]] masters of the Lyceum who spend most of their lives with their [[Varushka magical traditions#Cabals|cabal]], [[Urizen]] masters of the Lyceum who rarely leave their dreaming [[spire|spires]], and [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] and [[Navarr]] masters who make a great deal of use of [[Call Winged Messenger]] to send the results of their researches to their colleagues at the Lyceum while maintaining their mendicant lifestyles.

==Responsibilities==
The Dean oversees the Lyceum, and directs the progress of Imperial ritual research. While the Lyceum is often seen as the foremost centre of magical research, there is some rivalry with similar institutions elsewhere in the Empire and beyond.

While the Dean has the final say in the research agenda of the Lyceum, it is common for other magicians to approach her and suggest areas which might benefit one or other of the [[Conclave order|orders]], Imperial Nations or other interest groups in the Empire. Historically some Deans have taken a scholastic approach to their position while others have used it to enrich themselves.
{{CaptionedImage|file=Eudaemon.jpg|title=The Dean of the Lyceum might pursue personal wealth, or an altruistic course, but regardless holds one of the most politically powerful titles in the Conclave.|caption=Eudaemon of Halcyon Spire, who became Dean in Winter 379YE|align=right|width=300}}
==Powers==
The Dean of the Lyceum is an [[Imperial title]] in the [[Imperial Conclave|Conclave]].

===Guiding the magicians of the Lyceum===
The Lyceum is a centre of magical learning where ritual magicians from across the Empire come to study, debate, discuss and pursue arcane mastery. In return for maintaining a good standard of living, these magicians are expected to perform ritual research and study for the betterment of the Empire. The Dean is responsible for setting the direction that research takes.

The Dean can direct research towards [[Formulaic ritual|formalizing]] a new ritual so that it can be mastered. The ritual must already exist in the form of an '' [[Spontaneous_magic#Arcane_Projection|arcane projection]]'', but there is no requirement to select one they have personally commissioned. It is important to note that [[Formulaic_ritual#Creating_a_New_Formulaic_Ritual|creating a new formulaic ritual]] is an art not a precise science - the final ritual may differ from the spontaneous magic described in the arcane projection. The Lyceum can work on formalising one ritual at a time, and the research may take anywhere from a season to several years depending on the complexity and the resources available. The amount of time it takes to complete research into a ritual depends on the magnitude of that ritual. It requires at least three months (one season) for every twenty ranks of magnitude the final ritual will have. If research is not completed, the Lyceum keeps notes on their work so far, and may resume it at a later date from where it was left off.

At the completion, the Dean receives a [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts|ritual text]] suitable for use in mastering the ritual. The Dean may keep the knowledge of the ritual restricted to themselves and their allies, or through a [[Declaration#Declaration_of_Imperial Lore|Declaration of Imperial Lore]] the [[Imperial Conclave|Conclave]] can have that ritual added to the wider body of [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial Lore]], making it available to any ritual magician in the Empire.

If the Declaration of Imperial Lore passes, the Conclave must raise the ten Thrones required to pay for the work involved. A motion requesting funding from the [[Imperial Senate]] is often put forward, if there are good relations between the two houses.

'''OOC Note:''' The Dean selects the [[Spontaneous_magic#Arcane_Projection|arcane projection]] they wish to [[Formulaic_ritual|formulate]] by e-mail to Profound Decisions (empire.rules@profounddecisions.co.uk) prior to the next event. The final magnitude of the ritual text is not guaranteed to be the same as that of the arcane projection.

===Arbiter of Imperial Lore===
Once per summit, the Dean of the Lyceum can raise either a [[Declaration#Declaration of Imperial Lore|Declaration of Imperial Lore]] or [[Declaration#Declaration of Interdiction|Declaration of Interdiction]] to the agenda of a [[Conclave session]] without spending crystal mana. They follow all other rules and guidelines for submitting an article for the Conclave agenda (it must be in advance, with the assistance of a civil servant, and they are responsible for any [[Declaration#Presentation|presentation]]).

===Apartments at the Lyceum===
The Dean has fine apartments at the heart of the Lyceum itself. These luxurious chambers have been built and rebuilt by the finest architects the Empire has to offer and allow the Dean (and their family if desired) to live a rich lifestyle marked by fine food, access to luxuries and exposure to cultural excellence from across the Empire.

==Appointment==
The appointment, replacement, or removal of the Dean is made by the [[Declaration#Declaration_of_Candidacy|declaration of candidacy]] as part of a [[Conclave session]]. Any Imperial citizen may hold the title. A candidate can be presented for the post of Dean only once a season.

The Dean of the Lyceum serves until they are replaced by another magician using the Declaration of Candidacy. As a title in the Conclave, they cannot be [[Revocation|revoked]]. When a Dean loses their title, research on their projects ends although it is not unknown for a Dean to return to ealier projects of interest and have them completed in their name.

[[Category:Conclave]]
[[Category:Imperial Title]]

General FAQ

2017-09-22T18:58:34Z

Aquarion: /* Can I use a recruitment booking code for Empire? */

==Introduction==
{{FAQ}}

===Obscure Questions===
In addition to this list of frequently asked questions there is a list of [[Obscure Questions|obscure questions]] people have asked to which we have provided answers. They are included for completeness and for reference purposes and searches.

===Questions about lineage and orcs===
Questions about [[lineage]] and [[orc|orcs]] are now maintained on their own [[lineage and species FAQ]].

===Questions about nations===
Questions about [[Nation_overview|nations]] are now maintained on their own [[Nations FAQ]].

===Questions about the Setting===
Questions about the world the game is set in are now maintained on their own [[Setting FAQ]].

===Questions by New Players===
An [[Questions_frequently_asked_by_new_players|FAQ]] with questions frequently asked by players who are new to live roleplaying.

==Plot==
===Can I request or suggest a plot idea?===
We do not encourage players to send us suggestions for plot they would like to happen in the game. Partly this is a fairness issue, if it were possible to request plot by email then we would soon be inundated with hundreds of requests - we would spend more time answering emails than we do preparing the event! Critically the way to get more involved in the game would be through email - and that is something we are very keen to avoid. We want our players to play the game and to get involved with plots in the game based on the decisions their character makes.

However the main reason we don't pick up requests or suggestions from players is that the limit of the plot we run is not based on the number of ideas we have. Rather it is based on the time required to write and document a plot before the event and the time needed on the day to brief and debrief the NPCs. Our crucial limitation is the number of writers we have - not the number of ideas. Most of our writers are full of ideas of their own that they want to write - and their enjoyment comes from writing their own plots and seeing them come to life in the game. The best way for us to get more plot at events is if our writers enjoy what they are doing - which means encouraging them to use their own imagination to come up with their own plot ideas.

Some of our writers do read through backgrounds and pick up ideas for plot from them. This is relatively rare and players should bear in mind that there are literally thousands of characters on our database! We recommend that players create a background to help them define their character - not to try and create your own plot hooks in the game.

==Rules==
===Can I pick the lock on a box?===
If you find a lock, then you, as your character, may attempt to pick the lock - provided you are confident you know what you are doing and are not likely to damage their phys-rep. There is no open locks skill or spell - you can only open the box if you can pick the lock on the box.

Whenever you are interacting with other players at an LRP event, ''especially'' if you are in their tent stealing their stuff, you should take all reasonable steps to avoid damaging their kit and props. If you do break another player's LRP kit at an event, we expect you to be honest, let us known and to take responsibility for that.

Always remember that any phys-rep you take ''must'' be taken to GOD within 30 minutes.

===Why have I only got 1xp after two events?===
If you attend one or two events in a year - then you get one xp in total after the first event.

If you attend three or four events in a single year - then you get two xp in total - one after the first event and one after the third event.

===Can I use recorded music in my IC tent?===
We have asked all players not to use background music playing from an electronic source in the IC area. Using music like this remains a controversial issue, some attendees like it - but some don't. In Empire we have worked as hard as possible to encourage the presence of IC musicians at events - and we want to continue that by encouraging players to hire IC performers if they want IC music in their establishments.

===What are the restrictions on bows and crossbows?===
All bows must have a maximum draw weight of 30 lb at 28" (72 cm). All crossbows must have a maximum draw weight of 30 lb. We do not use bow competency tests at Profound Decisions events. You cannot parry or catch arrows that are fired at your character.

Bows and crossbows must be wielded in two hands. Pistol crossbows and wrist-mounted crossbows cannot be used in Empire.

Characters in Empire cannot use a crossbow that loads more than one bolt at once - you can use a phys-rep crossbow that has more than one channel for a bolt, provided that you do not load more than one bolt at once.

===Do I have to spend all 8 character points?===
You do not have to spend all eight character points when making your character. Unspent points are saved and can be spent on that character later. However you cannot spend those points on a different character in the future. Only unspent points that have been earned by attending events can be spent on a new character.

===Does the CLEAVE have to hit armour to be stopped?===
Yes. The armour you are wearing on your torso and body provides additional global hits. But to protect you against a [[Combat#CLEAVE|CLEAVE]] or [[Combat#IMPALE|IMPALE]], the physical blow must strike an actual piece of armour. If it hits a part of your body (other than your head or neck) which is not protected by armour then you take the full affect of the heroic blow. If the blow strikes the actual armour itself and the armour protects against that blow then you just lose one hit.

===Can I use steel armour that doesn't cover my torso?===
To gain the benefit of increased hits, your armour must cover your torso and one other location, either your head, legs, arms or half your arms and legs. But you still gain the protection provided by the individual piece of armour, appropriate for its type, if it is struck.

''E.g. I am wearing a soft leather vest and helm which counts as light armour and provides me with two extra hits. In addition I am wearing steel vambraces and a hardened leather hero belt. If a CLEAVE or IMPALE strikes my steel vambraces then I just lose one global hit. If a CLEAVE strikes my thick leather hero belt then I just lose one global hit. If the blows strike me anywhere else, then I am affected normally.''

===Can I wear mail under my costume?===
Yes, you can wear armour under costume, or even other armour. Your armour does not have to be visible. If you wear a steel vest of mail under your costume or other armour then it would protect against IMPALE or CLEAVE as normal.

===What happens to my hits when I swap armour?===
If you are wearing armour and you have lost any global hits, then you drop to one hit when you remove your armour. If you have lost any hits when you put a suit of armour on, then you do not gain any hits by donning a suit of armour, until you are healed.

In theory it would be possible to use fractions to calculate how many hits you have, in practice this is needlessly complicated for a situation that will almost never arise (people removing armour while wounded and in danger). The rules above are as simple as they can be and ensure that there is never any advantage to swapping one set of armour for another.

===Can I use a [[Combat#One-handed_Spear|one-handed spear]] as a [[Combat#Polearms|polearm]]?===
A one-handed spear can be used as a two-handed polearm. You can't use a two-handed bill or a halberd or the like as a one-handed spear - because it isn't a spear.

===Can my magician wear pieces of armour?===
A character cannot cast spells while wearing any piece of regular armour. A [[Magical skills#Magician|magician]] with the [[Magical skills#Battle Mage|battle mage]] skill may wear mage armour which provides two additional global his but does not protect against CLEAVE or IMPALE.

You may not cast spells while wearing pieces of armour, such as greaves or vambraces. You cannot wear anything that would protect against a CLEAVE or IMPALE and cast spells at the same time. You can wear costume or mage armour that includes some metal if it is part of your costume but it is better to avoid it looking like armour and it does not protect against CLEAVE or IMPALE. If you wish to wear a helm for safety reasons then you may do so.

===Can I master a new ritual I just performed?===
It's not possible to master a ritual by casting it. A ritualist can attempt to cast any ritual effect at an event - effectively working without having mastered the spell. If the ritual is part of the [[Formulaic ritual#Imperial lore|Imperial Lore]] (it is on the wiki) then it is easier to do that. But successfully casting the ritual does not make the ritual part of the Imperial lore - that takes a major effort and only certain characters can achieve it (the [[Dean of the Lyceum]] of the [[Imperial Conclave]] or the [[Urizen]] [[Provost of the Halls of Knowledge]]).

Once a ritual has been added to the Imperial lore (put on the wiki) anyone can spend xp to master it.

It is possible to master a ritual that is not part of Imperial Lore - but doing so requires access to a special item called a [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts|ritual text]] that contains the details of how the ritual is performed. It is not possible for a character to simply teach a ritual that is not part of Imperial Lore to another character.

===Can you be fed a [[potion]] if you are [[Combat#Dying|dying]]?===
Yes. You cannot drink a [[potion]] yourself if you are dying on zero hits, but you can have one fed to you.

===Can I use [[Heroic_skills#Stay_With_Me|Stay With Me]] or [[Heroic_skills#Get_It_Together|Get It Together]] at range?===
No. These are personal skills and require close, personal roleplaying. You must be close enough to touch the target to use these skills - shouting across the battlefield is not sufficient.

===Can I use [[Combat_skills#Weapon_Master|weapon master]] to wield a quarterstaff?===
Both the [[Magical_skills#Battle_Mage|battle mage]] and [[Combat_skills#Weapon_Master|weapon master]] skills can be used to wield a staff in combat. However, neither allows the wielder to employ heroic calls using a staff (see below).

===Can I use a quarterstaff and make heroic [[calls]]?===
A staff is not a suitable phys-rep for a lethal battlefield weapon capable of delivering a heroic blow nor a suitable physrep for a [[Magic_items#Weapons|magic weapon]] such a magic spear.

A staff can be used with the battle mage skill to cast [[Spellcasting#Offensive_Spells|offensive spells]] and is a suitable physrep for a [[:category:staffs|magical staff]] or [[:Category:Ritual_Staves|ritual staff]].

===Can I fight while holding two items in one hand?===
No. You may only have one weapon ''or'' one shield in each hand when you are fighting. You cannot hold more than one item in each hand.

If you are wielding a two-handed weapon, a polearm or a similar item that requires two hands then you ''cannot'' hold a dagger, a buckler or any weapon, shield or similar in the hand while you fight.

===When do I get my hits back from [[Heroic_skills#Unstoppable|Unstoppable]]?===
You get 3 hits back after the 5 seconds of appropriate roleplaying are complete. If you are using the skill when you are on zero hits then you will be left with 3 hits at the end of the roleplaying, regardless of any damage taken during that time (note that you can't attack your enemies while using this skill - see below).

===What can I do while as I am using Unstoppable?===
You cannot take any offensive action or attempt to move from the spot while you are performing five seconds of appropriate roleplaying to use the unstoppable heroic skill.

If you do move or attack, then by definition of the rules any blow that hits you ''must have landed after the five second of appropriate roleplaying to restore your hits was complete'' and so counts in full.

===Can I use Unstoppable while I am [[Calls#PARALYSE|paralysed]]?===
You cannot use the unstoppable skill if you are paralysed, and will not be able to use it once it wears off. If you are paralysed while you are using the skill then your roleplaying has been interrupted. You will not regain any hits, but do not expend the hero point.

==Costume==
===Can I use a modern tent as an IC tent if I dress it?===
Modern tents made of obviously plastic materials like nylon cannot be used in the IC area at Empire, even if you have tent dressing for them. This means that dome tents and party tents cannot be used in the IC area as well as other similar tents. The reason we don't make an exception for tent dressing is that it changes the decision from one that is reasonably straightforward (is that a modern looking tent) to one that is utterly subjective (have you dressed it enough). All attendees on arrival are always adamant that they will fully dress a modern tent but the results vary dramatically. The issue devolves into an argument about how much dressing is required and what the minimum standards are.

In effect what we are doing is asking everybody who doesn't have an IC tent to make a sacrifice and do without an IC tent. There will be hundreds of IC tents on the field and your character will be able to use many of them. The OOC camp site will be nearby and you can sleep there and store vital supplies there. By excluding modern tents from the field we will achieve a much higher standard of IC immersion through the IC area, so ''everybody'' gains, but it does mean that folks without IC tents have to make that sacrifice so everybody can have that gain.
==Game Style==
===Do I have to volunteer to monster?===
The Empire events run by Profound Decisions will feature one or more large battles, involving hundreds of participants. We have ordered four hundred orc masks and are in the process of ordering four hundred sets of orc armour. We can't possibly operate with that many crew, so to ensure that there is an epic horde to fight against we will need volunteers.

Volunteering will only be required if you plan to fight as your character in the battles. If you don't wish to take the field as your character, then there is no requirement to monster any of the battles. If you do wish to fight in the big battles then you will be required to volunteer to monster every other battle. There will be two battles at each of the first two events to ensure everyone has a chance to play one battle and monster one battle at each event.

We are confident that we can make monstering every bit as fun as playing. We need volunteers to fill out the barbarian hordes to make the battles as epic as possible, but our intention is that the majority of players find crewing one of the battles to be nearly as enjoyable as playing them. We are deliberately designing our barbarian foes to make them fun roles to portray.

There will also be skirmishes and other fights with the barbarians and other threats the Empire faces. We are aiming to have enough crew to operate these smaller battles ourselves, so volunteers are welcome but are not required.

===Can I monster the battle without playing an orc?===
Initially, most of the hostile enemies the Empire faces will be orcs. We have ordered four hundred masks for these which use latex prosthetics applied to a thin fabric balaclava making them relatively comfortable and pleasant to wear.

If someone can't play an orc, because they have a latex allergy or are non-combatant, then there will be other opportunities to help with the battle, but they are likely to be less fun. They may be human captives, sacrifices, or it may involve simply helping carry water for the battle. Provided you volunteer to help for one of the battles then you are welcome to the other, but if you can't play an orc then we cannot guarantee that what you'll be doing will be as much fun as the orcs are having.

===Can I get a friend to monster for me?===
People who play non-combatants will be welcome to monster both battles if they wish to. However you can't play two battles just because your friend is monstering two, the onus is on the individual - if you want to fight in an epic battle, you have to personally play your part in helping those epic battles happen, quid pro quo.

===How should parents handle monstering?===
It's important that young children are supervised throughout the event, so two parents or carers who are attending an event together can share monstering responsibilities if they wish to. This exception to the normal rule about sharing responsibilities takes account of their other responsibilities. This means that one of them can play one battle and one monster the other battle at the same event if they wish to. We encourage them to swap over between events, but of course this is up to them.

===How do battles work?===
How will battles work? (I paraphrase)
Battles at events will form part of a wider campaign against the barbarian enemies of the Empire. Players will have opportunities to make pivotal interventions to turn the tide of war in their favour - provided they can triumph. Battles will feature objectives for the Imperial forces to achieve rather than being "meat-grinders"; achieving those objectives will improve the position of the much larger Imperial armies in the field. Things may be kept simple at early events to allow everyone to get the hang of the system but ultimately the intention is for those players playing Imperial Generals to decide where the Imperial armies are sent and to choose which battles to send the PCs to fight from the scenarios presented to them by their civil servants.

===How dangerous will the main field be?===
We are not planning to run camp attacks on the main field - the goal is to try and create the feel of a buzzing settlement right at the very heart of the Empire - a place of relative security. Our NPC magistrates will work to ensure the law is kept and the enemy is very far away. We want the field to feel like a place of relative safety, a place where characters can feel free to walk around without weapons or armour if they choose.

The idea is to contrast this with the very real danger that is present whenever the players leave the main field. Those characters that use magic to teleport to the Imperial battlefields will find themselves facing very real and very deadly threats. For the overwhelming majority of the time, players will know when they are heading into danger and those players who wish to avoid combat should find this easy provided they remain with the safety of the settlement.

===Is PvP murder allowed?===
We are quite explicitly setting out to make assassination as difficult to achieve as possible. The Empire has a legal system, run by NPCs, and it will make all possible effort to identify and execute assassins. Our intention is for the majority of conflict between players to be political and social in nature rather than combat based.

Assassination of characters is still acceptable out-of-character behaviour; what we are doing with the campaign is deliberately making that as difficult as possible for the assassins to get away with, so that it becomes a tool of last resort rather than the simplest way to deal with political enemies.

==Downtime==
===Can I tell you what my character is doing?===
We don't accept free text downtime submission to tell us what your character is doing in Empire. The prime reason for this is that with the huge number of players (well over 1600 at our last event) we would be utterly drowned in requests if we made any attempt to accept or validate such requests. Long experience has shown us that there is no possible way that we can handle that many requests; as a result we say "no" to all requests so that it is fair for everyone.

The second reason is that we are committed to producing a game in which all the key decisions in the campaign take place live at the event. We want to ensure that Empire is relentlessly focussed on the live roleplaying happening at the events. All our plots are written in such a way that any mechanism to influence them is accessible at the event. In such a way everyone playing the game knows that the way to advance their character's agenda must do so while they are playing their character at an event.

The only official way to have your character active between events is to use the online web system - which will allow you to pick from a limited range of options tailored to your character's skills and resources. All these actions are processed automatically, so we can scale these to any number of players.

Although you can't submit your character actions between events to Profound Decisions you can still roleplay that your character has been busy. Your character can't create a substantial impact on the campaign in downtime (that's what events are for) so you shouldn't roleplay that your character succeeded in taking actions that would have such an impact. But you can roleplay that your character has been searching for lost lore, sailing the high seas, fighting orcs in the Empire's wars - whatever suits your character best!

===Can I send resources or coins by post?===
You can hand in coins or resources to your account for use in downtime at the end of every event, but if you forget then you can [[Contact_Profound_Decisions#Address|post them to our head office address]]. Please make sure you include your name, character name and CID as well as a list of what resources you are posting. Please appreciate that it always takes a few days for parcels to reach us.

===When do I get the benefit of my upgrade?===
If you upgrade or diversify a resource then you receive the new production straight away. The system does not show the changes in production (yet), but you will receive the updated production when your downtime is processed.

===Can I make a two month item at the end of downtime?===
Yes, if you select an item that takes two months as the last item you make in downtime then you will automatically complete this item as your first selection for your next downtime (this cannot be changed).

===What should I do if my ritual isn't listed in my downtime?===
If you had a ritual performed at the previous event that is not listed in your downtime then please [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk email us] with as much details about the ritual as you can remember e.g. when the ritual was completed, who performed it, who was present, etc.
Most rituals do not provide additional downtime choices - they only change the production you get for your resource, so you should submit your downtime as normal. We will have your downtime shown correctly by the event.

===Can I submit a free-text downtime?===
No. The downtime system for Empire is very deliberately designed to be tightly defined in terms of using your characters assets and time to give them some valuable goods to take to the next event. This is the only thing that the downtime system can be used to do - to ensure that the focus remains clearly on the events themselves. There is no provision for submitting individual free text downtimes - the time for doing unique and interesting stuff is at the event.

===What happens if I don't make an event?===
When you attend an event your resource will produce materials in the following downtime. If you don't attend the '''next''' event then any money or resources gained are added to your character inventory - you receive them at the next event you do attend.

You only get resources and downtime following an event that you have attended. When you miss an event then you don't receive any resources (or the ability to craft items) in the downtime that follows that event.

===Can I die in downtime?===
Your character cannot be killed by Profound Decisions in downtime, regardless of any action you choose for your resource. If you are choosing to retire your character - and you wish to tie their death to current events then you can choose to have your character die while fighting in one of the military battles detailed in the Winds of War.

===Can I purchase a downtime ticket?===
No. There is no option to purchase downtime only tickets for Empire.

===When does the magic item duration end?===
The year duration for magic items begins at the next event that your character attends following the downtime that you make the item. The item is valid for that event and the three events that follow it.

==Booking==
===Why does my bank payment take days to appear?===
Regrettably, Barclays Bank will not allow us access to their computer systems to integrate our payment system with theirs. This means that we cannot fully automate your payment, we are forced to download the payment data from Barclays by hand. Therefore, once a day we download all new payments. These are then imported into our software and processed automatically using the unique reference code for each player's account.

Unfortunately the data supplied by Barclay's is incomplete, which makes it impossible for us to distinguish between payments on the day they are received. This means we can only process payments for a day once we can be certain that Barclays will not add new payments for that day. Worse, Barclays have written their own software to conceal the true date of any payment received on Friday, Saturday and Sunday so that it appears as if the payment was received on the following Monday, presumably so that their computers can take the weekend off. As a result we can't process any payments sent on Friday, Saturday or Sunday until the following Tuesday at the earliest.

This means it can take up to a week or longer for your payment to appear on your account. Please be patient - it will turn up! We take several thousand payments this way every year, and the number of problems is in single figures and are always quickly resolved. But it does take time - bear with us and your payment will appear on your account as soon as we can process it. '''Your booking will always be honoured based on the day you sent your payment, not the date we process it.'''

===What is the requirement for concessions?===
Anyone who is a full time student, a full time member of the armed services, a pensioner, or receives state benefits as their main income is eligible for the concession on the ticket price. You only have to be eligible at the point where you provide the proof of your eligibility, so students or can claim the discount for the year even if their course ends in the Summer.

You must provide proof of your eligibility. The best way to do this is to email proof to us at [mailto:admin@profounddecisions.co.uk admin@profounddecisions.co.uk] ''after'' you have booked. We can then mark your entire booking as having the concession confirmed. If you don't do this then you will be forced to bring proof to the event and then queue up in a long queue at GOD before you can play. Please don't do this, it's bad for you and bad for us! Email us a scan of your proof and we will log it to your account.

===Can I use a recruitment booking code for Empire?===
The [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/account/recruitment promotional discounts for new players] are valid at all Empire events.

===How do I book my child on to the event?===
The website has now been updated to allow players of all ages to book on to the event. Anyone who is attending the event must have their own account, regardless of age. Once you have created an account and entered your birth date then the [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/event/Tickets ticket prices] will be updated to reflect your age and booking options.

[[Category:FAQ]]

Out of void, out of chaos

2017-09-20T11:56:39Z

Aquarion:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:381YE]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category: Autumn Equinox 381YE]]
<ic>"I'm not sure I understand why you have to go," said the Earl. Her guest shrugged expansively and spread its hands regretfully.

"It is not for me to say," it answered, bowing it's head. A single saffron tear ran down it's alabaster cheek and dripped onto the china plate with an audible ''clink''.

"I've very much enjoyed our conversations," said the Earl. "I am loathe to see them come to an end. We have been friends since - wait we are still friends? Is it something I have done?"

Her guest looked up sharply, liquid eyes reflecting the Earl's concern.

"No, no, no! It is nothing like that! It is nothing that you have done and nothing that I have done it is just ... Things change. My affection for you has not changed, but..." It looked away, embarassed perhaps.

Earl Therese picked up the peculiar little box and made a great show of studying it, allowing her guest to collect itself. The egg inside was matte black, and seemed hungry for the dim candle-light. After a moment, her guest made a small noise to indicate it had regained equilibrium.

"This is not a serpent stone," said the Earl carefully. "And yet we did nothing differently. Can you explain it?"

Her guest smiled sadly. "Things change. I'm sorry I cannot ... I am not permitted to say more and if you are my friend you won't try to force me."

The Earl tapped her fingers on the table, and then let out a long breath.

"Of course I won't. Of course." She considered for a few moments, then locked gazes with her guest and spoke in a more formal tone. "I will accept the gifts you have brought in lieu of the remaining hearthfire, and I am happy that our agreement is discharged. I release you and your master from further obligation."

A sad smile spread across the creature's face. "Thank you," it breathed, and then slowly stood up. The Earl frowned.

"Wait, are you leaving already? I had hoped ..." she left her hope unspoken. Her guest gave her another sad smile, and gently shook her head.

"I'm afraid not. I have to leave."

"You will be back next season though, surely?" Her guest did not answer. It steepled its fingers and bowed slightly, as it had so many times before, and then glided silently from the room without saying goodbye.

There was no need for it to speak - the Earl already knew the answer, in her heart and the pit of her stomach. Therese squeezed the bridge of her nose with her jewelled hand, a little surprised perhaps to find her own eyes glistening with unshed tears. Then she picked up her knife and fork, and finished eating her dinner, wiping up the last of the wine gravy with a slab of thick bread.

As she dabbed her mouth with a scarlet napkin, her Seneschal entered the dining room on slippered feet. Sensitive to her moods, he said nothing until she put the napkin down.

"Shall I gather the rest of the coven," he asked in his quiet voice, his golden eyes concerned.

Earl Therese nodded. "Yes. And quickly. We will need to find a new source of hearhtfire crystals." She glared at the peculiar box again for a moment, before countinuing "... And I think you should write a few letters for me. It's past time for us to find out if anyone knows what is going on - and it is ''very'' obvious that ''something'' is going on, and I am more than a ''little'' disppointed that nobody has told me what that is..."</ic>

==Overview==
The Wanderer rarely pauses so profoundly in its perambulations through the heavens, but for the last three months it has hung balefully in the constellation of the Great Wyrm. The emblem of transformation and transfiguration - the concept that change is not just possible but that it is utterly inevitable - the Great Wyrm is sometimes used as a symbol of magic itself . Most pertinently, perhaps, it is an emblem of alchemical workings - the process whereby magic (most especially [[night magic]]) combines substances to create something greater. The Great Wyrm transforms everything, for good or ill.

A simple conjunction of the Great Wyrm and the Wanderer, with the Wyrm ascendant, is seen as a sign of some transcendant change. And yet at first nothing seems to actually ''be'' changing. Slowly, however, information begins to filter into the community of Imperial magicians from [[bands#covens|covens]] who make a study of powerful rituals that something peculiar is afoot.
==My Dreams All My Own==
* '''Dreamers experience profound dreams of personal transformation and impossible things.'''
Odd dreams are a common result of a powerful conjunction. Over the three months, many people experience dreams of profound personal transformation and impossible things. For some, the dreams revolve around the idea of being someone or something other than they are - dreams in which they have a different sex, or no sex at all, or where they possess [[lineage]] other than their own. Some orcs dream of being human, and some humans of being orcs. A common thread to many dreams is one where the dreamer experiences a moment in their life where they made a choice - sometimes significant, just as often mundane - but in the dream they make a different choice and events unfold differently.

Others have inspirational dreams of impossible things. Mundane things are made marvellous, and with the strange logic of dreams the dreamer explores the strange. One may explore a castle made of rainbow soap bubbles, or fly through the air wearing a suit made of dragonfly wings. Another may dream of a great siege engine that throws living stars that sing heartbreaking arias as they plunge towards the walls of a fortress of black fire, or of a tree composed of meat whose throbbing fruit bleed when bitten. As often as not, dreamers awaken deeply unsettled and with a nagging suspicion that the impossible things they have dreamt might be in some way real - or that they could make them real somehow.

There is no specific [[roleplaying effects]], but this is an excellent event for a player to choose to have their character experience a dream that encourages them to make a significant change, or inspires them to try and achieve a goal at odds with their usual personality.

==The Egg of Shadows==
* '''The ritual Distill the Serpent's Stone is producing something subtly different.'''
The ritual [[Distill the Serpent's Stone]] creates a unique and powerful substance through the art of alchemy - using [[ilium]] and crystal mana to transform a handful of base [[materials]] into something that can empower magic, remove [[curse|curses]], and transubstantiate poisons. During the coming Autumn Equinox, the product of this potent alchemical transformation will be something a little different.

Instead of producing a serpent's stone, the ritual will create a ''shadow egg''. Matt black in colouration, the oval stone is easily broken open in bare hands. Anyone who does so immediately gains a temporary boost to their Realm lore skill of 6 effective ranks for purposes of performing a single ritual, provided they already possess at least one innate skill rank of that Lore. These additional ranks do not grant any additional mastered rituals, and a character's total effective rank can never be more than three times their innate skill (the number of ranks of the appropriate Realm Lore they have gained by spending experience points). This is more than sufficient to triple the effective power of a master of realm lore - indeed a less studied individual will struggle to use the full power of the stone.

At the same time, these shadow eggs appear to have no effect on poisons or curses, and do not allow materials to be transformed.

Serpent's stones that have already been distilled keep all their old powers and can be used freely during the Equinox - they do not seem to have undergone any change at all.

<div style="width: 600px; float: right;"><box>An earlier version of this wind had a section allowing a change of sex under the effect of this ritual. We've removed that following feedback that identified why it was inappropriate.

The most common way that most characters in Empire who wish to change their gender do so is to use herbs, the acquisition and use of which is "below the abstraction layer". In effect such mechanisms are the in-character equivalent of HRT and have essentially similar properties. We'll update the [[technology]] page with an entry covering this when we get a moment.

We've removed the potential for this ritual to allow a change of sex because we had no interest in allowing a potentially comic portrayal of a sex-change. If there is any player who is transitioning in real life who was keen to use this ritual as an opportunity to change their characters gender to one that better suits them, then they can have a quick chat to any ref that they are comfortable talking to about it and we'll sort that for you.

We obviously didn't mean to cause offense; I apologize to everyone for doing so. - Matt P.</box></div>
==An Echo of Souls==
* '''Transmogrification of the Soul's Echo is permitting more profound transformations.'''
As with the power to distill a serpent's stone, the power to [[Transmogrification of the Soul's Echo|profoundly change someone's identity]] represents grand mastery of the realm of night. As some alchemists combine disparate materials to create unique substances, so this ritual allows others to recombine elements of a person's identity to create a new person.

During the coming Autumn Equinox, the power of this ritual is enhanced. In addition to the normal changes, anyone who is targeted with it may choose from certain additional transformations.
* If they are a [[naga]], they may choose to completely lose their lineage. Over the next few hours all trappings will peel away, leaving them as a standard human at the end of it. At the same time the influence of their naga blood [[Naga#Roleplaying_naga|over their character]] will disappear potentially leading to a change of personality.
* If they are a human who has no other [[lineage]], they may choose to slowly transform into a naga. This may take between a few hours and several days. At the end of this time, they have the naga lineage at whatever strength they desire.
* They may choose as part of the transformation to change any or all of their current [[skills]].
* They may choose to forget only their mastered rituals, their artisan recipes, or their potion recipes. In each of these cases, they can only forget ''everything'' or ''nothing'' from a category - it is not possible to lose some rituals and keep others for example.
It is important to remember that it is the ''target'' who chooses which transformations to apply, and while the coven performing the ritual may try to influence them they play no part in the ultimate outcome of the transmogrification.

==Murit and Soghter==
* '''Heralds of Murit and Soghter have disappeared.'''
Over the last six months, magicians from the [[Earl#Enchanters|enchanters]] in [[Dawn]] to [[Urizen_magical_traditions#Stargazers|Stargazers]] of [[Urizen]] have reported that heralds of the night eternals Soghter and Murit appear to be disappearing. Heralds with ongoing arrangements with Imperial citizens have terminated those arrangements, encouraged those friendly to Murit or Soghter to call in any boons owed, and generally concluded their business before vanishing. They are believed to be returning to the night realm as soon as their obligations are discharged.

Since the [[Series_of_dreams#A_Grim_Harvest|incident in the Mournwold]], heralds of the two eternals have been conspicuous by their absence. Indeed, the only two who seem to have been in evidence ''anywhere'' are the ones known as Centimani, herald of Soghter, and Alkahest herald of Murit, and they seem to be appearing only on the field at Anvil.

Further, across the Empire [[regio]] associated with the two eternals have become "sealed". The doors at their hearts seem to be locked in some fashion, apparently from the other side. While they can be forced with ritual magic, the few magicians who have risked doing so either have not returned - or have returned utterly changed in some fashion with no memory of how the transformation took place.

A few concerned communiques from the [[Principalities of Jarm]] and [[Faraden]] imply that the same thing is happening there.

Needless to say this has lead to a great deal of speculation that something significant is happening to the two eternals - and that it seems focused on or around the Empire. So far, other night eternals refuse to offer an explanation as to what is happening, and generally change the subject if it is brought up.

'''OOC Note:''' During the coming Autumn Equinox, the [[Archmage]] of Night cannot use their [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] power to contact either Soghter or Murit. Any rituals, special abilities, or [[magic items]] that would allow communication with either of these eternals will simply not function - no mana or uses are expended, there is simply no effect.

<quote by="Mary Shelly">Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world.</quote>

User:Aquarion

2017-09-15T10:19:11Z

Aquarion:

(This page mostly contains to check if things work on the wiki. It is a content-free zone. Stop following Recent Changes if that kind of thing upsets you)

This is favog

Maps

2017-09-03T20:47:21Z

Aquarion:

__NOTOC__
<row-fluid>
<span12>
==The Empire==
{{CaptionedImage|file=Map-illustrated-superdetailed-e3-2017.png|link=https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/File:Map-illustrated-superdetailed-e3-2017.png|caption=Superdetailed Empire Map|width=800|align=center}}
</span12>
</row-fluid>

<row-fluid>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=Empire-map-woodcut-hollow.gif|link=Map - Empire Overview Woodcut|caption=Empire Overview (Woodcut)}}
</span4>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=Empire-map-illus.gif|link=Map - Empire Overview|caption=Empire Overview}}
</span4>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=EmpireDetailedMapThumb.jpg|link=Map - Detailed Empire|caption=Empire Detailed}}
</span4>

</row-fluid>

==Imperial Nations==

<row-fluid>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=MapBrassCoastThumb.png|link=Brass Coast Maps|caption=The Brass Coast}}
</span4>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=MapDawnThumb.png|link=Dawn Maps|caption=Dawn}}
</span4>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=MapHighguardThumb.png|link=Highguard Maps|caption=Highguard}}
</span4>

</row-fluid>

<row-fluid>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=MapLeagueThumb.png|link=League Maps|caption=League}}
</span4>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=MapMarchesThumb.png|link=Marches Maps|caption=The Marches}}
</span4>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=MapNavarrThumb.png|link=Navarr Maps|caption=Navarr}}
</span4>

</row-fluid>

<row-fluid>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=MapUrizenThumb.png|link=Urizen Maps|caption=Urizen}}
</span4>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=MapVarushkaThumb.png|link=Varushka Maps|caption=Varushka}}
</span4>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=MapWintermarkThumb.png|link=Wintermark Maps|caption=Wintermark}}
</span4>

</row-fluid>

==The Barbarians==
<row-fluid>
<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=Otkodov-simple.png|link=Otkodov|caption=Otkodov}}
</span4>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=Map-barrens-illus.png|link=The_Barrens|caption=The Barrens}}
</span4>

</row-fluid>

==The Wider World==

<row-fluid>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=WorldSmallThumb.png|link=Map - Outside The Empire|caption=Outside the Empire}}
</span4>

</row-fluid>

==Tactical Maps==
<row-fluid>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=Map-tactical-MASTER-2017e3.png|link=Map - Coloured Territories|caption=Empire and enemies, e3 2017}}
</span4>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=Map-tactical-region-keyword-better.jpg|link=Map - Regions with Keywords|caption=Regions with Keywords}}
</span4>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=Map-tactical-ic-watercolour-small.jpg|link=Map - Coloured Territories|caption=Coloured Territories}}
</span4>

</row-fluid>

Maps by Daisy Abbott.

Important note, control of territories and even regional keywords can change from event to event. Please try to make sure you are using the most recent version of the map that is available. There is no guarantee that the maps will be updated every event.

The [[Gazetteer]] tells you all about the places on the map while the [[Pronunciation guide]] tells you how they're said.

===Map Viewers===
Alongside the above, you can take a look at [http://larp.me.uk/PD/empire/map/ Nicholas Avenell's wonderful zoomable Google version of the Empire Map].

Also, Racheet Dave has now produced [http://empire.racheet.me/ a cool dynamic map] so you can study the Empire territory by territory.

[[Category:Maps]]

Maps

2017-09-03T20:46:44Z

Aquarion:

__NOTOC__
==The Empire==
<row-fluid>

<span12>

{{CaptionedImage|file=Map-illustrated-superdetailed-e3-2017.png|link=https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/File:Map-illustrated-superdetailed-e3-2017.png|caption=Superdetailed Empire Map|width=800|align=center}}
</span12>

</row-fluid>

<row-fluid>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=Empire-map-woodcut-hollow.gif|link=Map - Empire Overview Woodcut|caption=Empire Overview (Woodcut)}}
</span4>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=Empire-map-illus.gif|link=Map - Empire Overview|caption=Empire Overview}}
</span4>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=EmpireDetailedMapThumb.jpg|link=Map - Detailed Empire|caption=Empire Detailed}}
</span4>

</row-fluid>

==Imperial Nations==

<row-fluid>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=MapBrassCoastThumb.png|link=Brass Coast Maps|caption=The Brass Coast}}
</span4>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=MapDawnThumb.png|link=Dawn Maps|caption=Dawn}}
</span4>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=MapHighguardThumb.png|link=Highguard Maps|caption=Highguard}}
</span4>

</row-fluid>

<row-fluid>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=MapLeagueThumb.png|link=League Maps|caption=League}}
</span4>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=MapMarchesThumb.png|link=Marches Maps|caption=The Marches}}
</span4>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=MapNavarrThumb.png|link=Navarr Maps|caption=Navarr}}
</span4>

</row-fluid>

<row-fluid>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=MapUrizenThumb.png|link=Urizen Maps|caption=Urizen}}
</span4>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=MapVarushkaThumb.png|link=Varushka Maps|caption=Varushka}}
</span4>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=MapWintermarkThumb.png|link=Wintermark Maps|caption=Wintermark}}
</span4>

</row-fluid>

==The Barbarians==
<row-fluid>
<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=Otkodov-simple.png|link=Otkodov|caption=Otkodov}}
</span4>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=Map-barrens-illus.png|link=The_Barrens|caption=The Barrens}}
</span4>

</row-fluid>

==The Wider World==

<row-fluid>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=WorldSmallThumb.png|link=Map - Outside The Empire|caption=Outside the Empire}}
</span4>

</row-fluid>

==Tactical Maps==
<row-fluid>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=Map-tactical-MASTER-2017e3.png|link=Map - Coloured Territories|caption=Empire and enemies, e3 2017}}
</span4>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=Map-tactical-region-keyword-better.jpg|link=Map - Regions with Keywords|caption=Regions with Keywords}}
</span4>

<span4>
{{ThreeColIconImage|file=Map-tactical-ic-watercolour-small.jpg|link=Map - Coloured Territories|caption=Coloured Territories}}
</span4>

</row-fluid>

Maps by Daisy Abbott.

Important note, control of territories and even regional keywords can change from event to event. Please try to make sure you are using the most recent version of the map that is available. There is no guarantee that the maps will be updated every event.

The [[Gazetteer]] tells you all about the places on the map while the [[Pronunciation guide]] tells you how they're said.

===Map Viewers===
Alongside the above, you can take a look at [http://larp.me.uk/PD/empire/map/ Nicholas Avenell's wonderful zoomable Google version of the Empire Map].

Also, Racheet Dave has now produced [http://empire.racheet.me/ a cool dynamic map] so you can study the Empire territory by territory.

[[Category:Maps]]

File:Map-illustrated-superdetailed-e3-2017.png

2017-09-03T20:36:09Z

Aquarion: Aquarion uploaded a new version of "File:Map-illustrated-superdetailed-e3-2017.png": Reverted to version as of 19:48, 3 September 2017

Accurate as of e4 2017.

File:Map-illustrated-superdetailed-e3-2017.png

2017-09-03T20:35:40Z

Aquarion: Aquarion uploaded a new version of "File:Map-illustrated-superdetailed-e3-2017.png"

Accurate as of e4 2017.

File:Map-illustrated-superdetailed-e3-2017.png

2017-09-03T20:30:55Z

Aquarion: Aquarion uploaded a new version of "File:Map-illustrated-superdetailed-e3-2017.png"

Accurate as of e4 2017.

Under the red sky

2017-07-26T21:25:10Z

Aquarion:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:381YE]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category: Summer Solstice 381YE]]
<ic>The white skinned herald stumbled down the dark corridor in the dank castle. The smell of mould hardly seemed to bother him anymore. It was better than the alternative. He shuddered, remembering his former life in the frozen donjon below the ground. Tharim was not the worst master and although he served the court, he would rather serve the Bound King than the other two – not that he would dare say ''that'' out loud. Not where ''anyone'' could hear him.

When he arrived there was a heated argument underway in Tharim’s throne room. Surut’s growling voice could be heard, echoing across the chambers. He had arrived in the middle, and it did not look like it would be a short conversation. All three of them were present.

Skathe, sat to one side in the guise of a delicate, winsome lass. Before her, a pile of magazines spread out across a low table of polished bone. The covers were adorned with pictures of skulls and bones. She did not appear to be reading them, simply studying them, her black eyes unblinking.

Tharim, as always, sat in his throne, manipulating small pieces of jewellery, turning them in his arthritic fingers, glaring at Surut.

The Charred Knight strode back and forth with a gobbet of venison in one hand shouting obscenities at the other two as he did so.

The herald clutched the scrap of paper in his hand, and tried to make him as small as possible. Tharim ignored his entrance.

Surut, however, turned and glared at him. The only thing that made him more afraid than being under the gaze of Surut was the wry smile with which Skathe was favouring him. He collapsed prone before the frozen throne, his eyes closed, thrusting out the piece of paper, an offering to his liege.

Tharim dropped the rings he was examining. They rolled here and there on the stone floor, and one of his broken servants scuttled out from the side of the throne to collect them. He indicated that the herald should hold the letter for him to read. The herald rose, presenting the letter, gritting his teeth as he used every iota of will to keep the parchment steady. His lord read it carefully, a slow, bitter smile spreading across his cold face as he did so.

Without warning, the note was snatched from his hand by a mailed fist. Surut read it aloud, his burnt face a mask of contempt.

"They want another meeting! You are certainly popular at the moment, aren't you? Ha! I see that they wish to take on some of your curse, even! How fortunate are you."

"Skulking in the shadows again?" Skathe swept the magazines from her table onto the floor. "They are happy enough to trade for our winter's blood,and take our gifts when it suits them, spurning us should we be so gauche as to ask for recompense. Never do they think to ask what price ''we'' might pay for our beneficence! I think it is time for the court to meet with the Empire, to make some things clear to them."

"Good," Surut spat meat across the room as he spoke. It steamed where it lay. "I would like to meet this Empress of Flowers or whoever she sees fit sending to speak to me."

Tharim looked at the two members of his court. He was not going to get away with meeting without them. "Very well, tell them we shall parley if they wish."

The herald nodded and then turned away, shuffling backwards down the long corridor, hearing the bitter, mocking, hateful laughter of the three echo in his ears behind him.</ic>

==Overview==
The [[eternals]] are prominent supernatural beings who inhabit magical realms beyond the reach of the mortal world and whose abilities rival that of the more powerful ritual teams in the Empire as a result of their magical abilities and dominion over their realms. Dealings with them can bring many benefits - but it can also carry some risk... For those who are prepared to deal with them - the first challenge is to make contact - for all eternals are bound by magic to their realm and can never leave it.

The simplest way to make contact is to ask a herald to convey your message to their master - but that is only useful if you can find the right herald. An easier route is to ask a herald to take a message to an eternal they do not serve - but many will refuse to serve as a courier for another power and some will be angered by such a request.

Magic offer other means - there are codified rituals that some Imperial magicians have created that allow them to communicate with a named eternal. Rituals like [[Missive for Sadogua]] are part of Imperial lore , where as others are only taught to the most trusted of mages. Few of these rituals guarantee a reply however.

The most certain route is to request the aid of the six [[Archmage|Archmagi]] who represent the Empire to the eternals, and the eternals to the Empire. Each possesses the power of [[Archmage#Plenipotentiary|plenipotentiary]] - the power to send a formal message to one of the eternals of their realm each summit. Such a message is guaranteed to reach the eternal - and almost guaranteed to bring a reply. No eternal who wishes to maintain relations with the Empire will fail to respond to the missive - even if those relations are currently strained.

The nature of the plenipotentiary missive is such that it serves as a powerful invitation making it easier for the eternal to respond. An eternal who is sent a missive by an archmage of the [[Imperial Conclave]] is able to enter the Hall of Worlds at the next summit regardless of any state of enmity that may exist. It is not unknown for an eternal to take the opportunity to appear with their entourage in the Hall of Worlds in parley, though most choose a more low-key response. A peaceful response is not the only option however though it is exceptionally rare for an eternal to respond with force.

==Significance==
During the Spring Equinox, five of the Imperial Archmagi used their power of plenipotentiary to contact eternals. Eternals do not always respond publicly to plenipotentiary messages, but in this case each of the five has chosen to make an open, formal response.

Magicians of the Empire who are politically active have many ways of being appraised of these messages. In cases where the eternal requests a formal [[Archmage#Parley|parley]] the civil service plays a role in publicizing and arranging the meeting. In other cases, creatures of the realm about their business in the mortal world will mention the upcoming meeting - or may deliver formal messages to powerful or influential magicians directly.
{{CaptionedImage|file=SpringRune.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
===Llofir===
Rosamund Holt, Archmage of Spring, has contacted The Quiet One, [[Llofir]].

Two months before the Summer Solstice, two heralds of Llofir - small rotting creatures with mushrooms growing out of their flesh - appear in the Hall of Worlds. Eventually a civil servant appears and they are able to pass on their message, that Llofir declines to appear for formal parley with the Spring Archmage, however, they have agreed to send messenger heralds to the Hall of Worlds to speak to the Archmage around one hour after midday on the Saturday.
{{CaptionedImage|file=SummerRune.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
===Barien===
Solomon of the Shattered Tower, Archmage of Summer, has contacted the Iron Duke, [[Barien]] to speak about the arrangement of a large tournament to see which eternal shall have the patronage of the [[Master_of_Ice_and_Darkness#The_Icy_Crag_of_the_Eternal_Sun|Icy Crag of the Eternal Sun]].

[[Barien#Castellan|Castellan]] has agreed that she will meet personally with Solomon on the Saturday of the Summer Solstice, to discuss the matter over drinks and a light lunch. Barien has sent word that the challenge has been accepted by the Nobles of the Summer Realm but they refuse to partake of such a challenge before the Autumn Equinox - as they must have time to allow each of them to chose their champions and prepare fully for this conflict.

Barien has confirmed that the following eternals will be sending heralds to find champions. [[Eleonaris]], Queen of the Fields of Glory. '''Jaheris''', Prince of the Shadowed Forest, [[Cathan Canae]], Queen of Ice and Darkness, [[Meraud]], the Golden Magician, [[Rhianos]], Regent of the Eternal sea and [[Adamant]], King of the Golden Deeps. Barien himself is remaining neutral in this matter and there has been no response from [[Hayaak]] or others in the realm.

The icy winds that were damaging the [[Varushka|Varushkan]] vale of [[Miekarova#Srodkoja|Volchitrava]] have stopped and there seems to be no sign of [[Cathan Canae|Cathan Canae's]] anger at this moment.

This is not a formal request for parley - it is advance warning that the eternals of Summer intends to send representatives to speak to the people of the Empire and to chose or test champions. Castellan will have more details although it is clear that the Summer Realm plan to be proactive over the season in finding and supporting champions.
{{CaptionedImage|file=WinterRUne.jpg|align=right|width=100}}

===Tharim===
Syrus Skybreaker, Archmage of Winter, has sent a second plenipotentiary message to [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Tharim|Tharim]], the Bound King of [[the Thrice-cursed Court]].

Unlike the previous muted response, Shakle, a herald of Tharim has come to speak to the civil service personally. The herald has conformed that a full formal parlay with The Three will take place at midnight on the Friday night of the summit.

Tharim, the Bound King has agreed to speak about other things but especially involving the forging of chains to take on part of his curse. [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Skathe|Skathe]], The Hag Queen has sent a cryptic message that she is interested in speaking about fashion as part of this parley. [[The_Thrice-cursed_Court#Surut|Surut]], the Charred Prince has requested a representative of the [[Empress_Lisabetta|Imperatrix Lisabetta]] who he would like to speak to in a formal capacity. Whatever their real purpose it is clear is that this time the Court wish to address as many of the Empire as will listen.

Any magician of the Empire may attend, but it is at the discretion of the Winter Archmage who may speak during a formal parley.
{{CaptionedImage|file=DayRune.jpg|align=right|width=100}}

===Roshanwe===
Gancius Dellamotte di Sarvos, Archmage of Day has contacted the Navigator, [[Roshanwe]] and invited her to meet with the Empire.

One month before the Solstice, three thin-lipped humanoids with fish like features enter the Hall of the Worlds to speak to the civil service. Two of them wear long white robes and have their faces cowled, the third wears chainmail and plate under a long white tabard and bares a two handed sword strapped to their back. They bring a simple message, "The Mariner will be arriving to speak to the Mages of the Empire at five o'clock of the Saturday of the Summer Solstice to discuss matters arising from the recently held Symposium."

The Mariner is a common epithet for Roshanwe, so it may be that the eternal intends to appear in person - but identity can be fluid in the realms so it may indicate that some major herald will come forth to discuss matters instead. Whatever happens it seems clear that while this may not be a formal parley, Roshanwe is taking the Archmage's invitation very seriously.
{{CaptionedImage|file=NightRune.jpg|align=right|width=100}}
===Lashonar===
Elyssiathain of Endsmeet, Archmage of Night, has sent a message to the Guardian of the Southern Skies, [[Lashonar]].

One month before the Summer Solstice, flocks of brightly coloured parrots are seen across the Empire, landing nearby large groups and proclaiming in song that the Conscience of Kings will be happy to face the challenge of music and song proposed for the Winter Solstice.

In a more subdued meeting, two almost-human looking heralds in traditional brass coast grab approach the civil service in Anvil. They bring two things from Lashonar. The first is a message that he will arrive in the hall of worlds at around 3 o'clock on the Saturday of the Summer Solstice. The second is a small note, written to Murit that is being returned apparently unopened and unread.

It is clear that Lashonar is taking this challenge very seriously and is sending heralds to the hall of worlds to discuss terms.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Day !! Time !! Eternal !! Realm !! Meeting
|-
| Friday || Midnight|| Thrice Cursed Court || Winter || Parley
|-
| Saturday || 1pm || Llofir || Spring || Heralds
|-
| Saturday || 3pm || Lashonar || Night || Heralds
|-
| Saturday || 5pm || Roshanwe || Day || Meeting
|}

All along the watchtower

2017-07-26T21:25:02Z

Aquarion:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:381YE]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category: Summer Solstice 381YE]]
<ic>
"Well if that's how you see it, them's your choices, Mournwolder! Suck it up!" Jasna pushed her seat back, as she shouted at the local sat opposite her. His reaction startled her. He started laughing. Bitter, hollow laughter.

"Oh really schlacta? Don't you know our history? There's ''never'' just two choices." He leaned in, his face angry and intimidating.

"We're Marchers... when our backs are to the wall, and some arrogant prick is trying to tell us how important it is that we toe the line and do as we're told ... we ''march''."

And at that he stood up, threw a handful of coins on the table, and walked out of the tavern."</ic>
__TOC__
==Overview==
For thirty years much of the Mournwold has languished under Jotun control. A handful of villages held out along with Overton in Greensward, but for many the Empire became a distant memory. As the seasons turned a generation were born knowing nothing but Jotun dominion. Now at last a great host of Imperial armies has entered the Mourn. But the Empire's magic designed to bleed the Jotun has claimed many innocent lives. With the destruction wrought by their magic it seems certain that the Empire will defeat the Jotun - what is less certain is how they will claim victory.

Imperial generals have been meticulous in issuing orders to their troops instructing them to avoid any civilian casualties, but while their concern is worthy the instructions are unnecessary. Imperial armies are made up of professional soldiers, drilled and disciplined; not some ravening fire destroying everything in their path. Imperial officers strive to ensure the minimum civilian casualties from their actions unless they are specifically ordered to by their generals. Ironically the Jotun fight in a very similar style. The deaths of countless Mournwold civilians have not happened as the result of soldiers run amok at any point - they happened when the Imperial magicians explicitly summoned magic to bring death to everyone in the territory. The legacy of this act lingers in the grim demeanour of every yeoman the Imperial armies encounter.

Now that act has been complemented by the actions of the Iron Helms as their pursue their merciless onslaught against the Jotun, using any tactics necessary to break their enemies' spirit. This strategy is succeeding - the Jotun are falling back in ''terror''. General Akstis Eigulys of the Iron Helms has given clear orders that his troops are only to slaughter the Jotun warriors in this way - no civilians are assaulted, they are allowed to pass unhindered. No Mournwold or orc civilian (of which there are many) have been harmed - but for the actions of the Iron Helms to work they ''have to be visible to everyone''. Perhaps if this order had not come a season after the Empire used magic to kill a sixth of the population of the Mournwold things might have been different. But with that recent deed still fresh in their memory, many Mournwolders are watching the cruelty of the Iron Helms and thinking about what that means for them should the General issue fresh orders next season.

==Significance==
The situation in the Mournwold is dire. Imperial soldiers are now openly shunned, or driven away with rough music. This is not what most Marchers had in mind when they set out to free the Mourn. The Jotun are clearly on the back foot, but the mood of the Mourn grows darker with every passing season. The Empire has just put out one fire in the north, it will need to find a way back from this abyss if it is to avoid starting many more.

At present the situation is so complicated that the civil service are unable to identify a single clear action that the Empire could take to redress the situation. Instead they have identified a number of different approaches the Empire might consider, all of which would have some effect if they could be done - but not enough by themselves. But if the Empire pursued most of the options identified at this stage, it would at least be enough to get prominent Mournworlders to talk to them about the problem.

What categorically will not work at this stage is words. The Way teaches that there is no virtue in words - only in actions. There is nothing people can ''say'' to the people of the Mournwold at this time that is going to change this situation - but the right ''actions'' might be sufficient to ''start'' addressing the problem.

==Spring==
<ic>Shem shifted slightly where he sat on the moss covered boulder, and looked down across the valley with its light sprinkling of woods. He smiled for a moment at how well his backside fitted into the groove in the old rock. That's tradition right there, he thought. six, seven centuries of Landskeeper arse wearing a stone down until it's comfy.

He pulled out the folded parchment, and silently read it for the third time, his lips moving slowly as he read.

"our Empire has begun to lose ... it is not too late ... uplift the spirit ... I do not believe that the children of the Jotun are ‘monsters’, to be thus scourged ... It is only with your will and when we act together - in inspiration and benevolence - that we shall ultimately prevail."

He scratched at a scab of bark on his cheek, sighed, folded the letter carefully and put it away again.

Landry and Becks turned up together, as was their wont. There was the usual slightly stilted exchange of pleasantries and small talk.

"Do you want the good news or the bad news," she began. Pleasantries were over. Shem stood up and joined her by the old stone.

"I like to start with the good news," he said.

"Well there isn't any." she snapped. "Tell him, Landry."

"I spoke to a tinker at the market," Landry chimed in. "The problem with the regio? It's not just us. Oliver Ashill says it's up his way too, says everyone is asking about it. She said it's the same in Madeiras as well. And Becks spoke..."

"Euan Blackswan says it's everywhere," Becks interrupted. "Whole empire. Not a single coven can draw on a single Spring regio."

"Oh." Shem said. He knew he wasn't really adding much to the conversation but he just felt so ... hollow. Cold to his stomach. Empty. All that work... for nothing...</ic>

Several landskeepers from the neighbouring territories have come over the border to try and talk to the Mournwolders - to try to convince them that the incident with the winter and spring curses at the start of the year were an aberration and that those responsible have been punished. Copies of [[Empress Lisabetta]]'s address to the Empire were distributed.

Eventually they begin to put together a plan. [[Rivers of Life]] is a potent Spring ritual that could be used to help the Mourn. It's not going to bring back any of the dead of course, but it protects against [[Rivers Run Red]], it would give succour to people in the territory and to make them feel safer. Of course a few of the landskeepers realize such a decision might not suit the wishes of the Military Council, but the Empress has been emphatic about reducing casualties - this would be something the Empire could actually ''do'' to reduce the amount of killing in the Mournwold.

The Mournwolders have almost nothing - there are few magicians of any worth and little mana to perform the ritual. But they figure if they can convince the Conclave with some kind of declaration or something - then maybe they can get the Conclave to cast the ritual for them. It wouldn't solve the problem - but it would be a start. Half a plan!

And then word comes down that the Empire has lost the ability to perform powerful Spring rituals... which has largely stymied the plan. It is clear is that substantive actions taken to reduce the number of casualties on all sides would influence how those who live here view what is happening. But how that might be achieved is no longer clear.
<div style="float: right; width: 500px;">
<quote by="Marcher National Assembly, Spring Equinox 381YE, Martin Orchard, Upheld 46 - 0">
The monks and friars of the Marches condemn the lack of Vigilance shown in not facing the threats posed by cursing the Mourn. We condemn the lack of Loyalty shown to the 250,000 Marchers left there. The Urizen General has been rebuked by the Synod. The Warmage has lost his seat over this. Those responsible shall be held to account.</quote></div>

==Lore==
The Marcher National Assembly have taken actions to ensure that the people of the Mournwold are aware that as a result of thousands of Marcher citizens being killed with magical curses, the Urizen General has been rebuked and the Warmage has lost their seat. The statement is largely falling deaf ears at the moment - but from all the dark talk about a wicker man, it is clear that little short of summary execution or voluntary immolation would mollify their anger. Still, a few people are able to at least make the case that the Empire has demonstrated a change of heart.

Unfortunately these advocates for the Empire are forced to eat their own words when news arrives that the [[Imperial Conclave]] has added [[Mountain Remembers Its Youth|another potent Spring curse]] to Imperial lore. It is hard to make a case that anyone regrets the use of Spring curses on the Mournwold when the Empire is busily adding yet more rituals of this kind to lore. And the timing is particularly unhelpful. In other nations magicians are studying the ritual and wondering how they might use it on their enemies... but the response of the few Mournwolders who can do magic is to study the ritual to see how they might best protect themselves against it.

People have queried if a ritual might be removed from Imperial lore before now. In theory there is no legal mechanism by which such a thing might be accomplish, but Harry Archer, an enterprising thresher from Mitwold has come up with an option. The [[Imperial Conclave]] can interdict a ritual text - and they can give instruction for the thing they interdict to be destroyed. This declaration is usually applied to an item - or a small class of items - but Harry points out that in theory the Conclave might choose to interdict every single known copy of a ritual text - giving orders for them to be destroyed. If that were done - then the effect would be identical to if the ritual had never been added to lore.

The thresher has spoken to the civil service and they have confirmed that while there is no fundamental constitutional bar to this approach, it is not consistent with the current law. While interdicted magic items or materials should be handed in promptly to the civil service this explicitly does not apply to interdicted rituals, which are simply illegal to perform. Magistrates advise that a change to the law would be required to create a new Conclave power to accomplish this. They argue that it would be appropriate to create a new power and they warn it would be expensive - they calculate it would cost 25 thrones per named ritual to seek out and destroy every copy of each of those ritual texts in the Empire. It has been impishly suggested that this power could be called a Declaration of Remorse.

It would be incredibly expensive to remove Rivers Run Red from Imperial Lore but it would be a clear step to demonstrate to the folk of the Mourn that the Empire regretted the decision to use that ritual. It would need to be done alongside removing Mountain Remembers its Youth though - leaving one or the other rituals in Imperial lore would achieve nothing. If these rituals are removed it would not prevent anyone who has mastered the ritual from continuing to cast it but it will no longer be available to learn without a [[Ritual_text#Ritual_Texts|ritual text.]]

<ic>"Look you dumb-ass farmer... we're here to ''free'' you!"

"Free us!" Jasper slammed his fist down on the table. "''Free'' us? You stuck up bloody town-boy! You've got some flaming cheek!"

Jenna rocked back in her seat at the fury in the old man's eyes, and the raw passion in his voice.

"You aren't here to ''free'' us. You're here to kill Jotun! That's all! It's not about us, it's about you - what ''you'' want. We're just another battleground. Our home is just a place where you can kill Jotun."

"That's not..." Jenna shot back but Jasper was not listening.

"Shut ya trap! I've listened to your sanctimonious drivel ''all night''! You ''cannot'' say you are here to free us from the yoke of the Jotun when ''you'' killed ''thousands'' of us. Thousands! And for what? So you could butcher as many orcs as possible. You spent a year telling us it were wrong to Hate the Jotun. You sent that poor Whittler sod to the Labyrinth for it ... and the entire time, the entire time, your only reason for being in the Mourn is because you want to kill the Jotun!"

Jasper hurled his mug against the wall where it shattered. Jenna felt her own wrath rising.

"You'd rather live as a slave then?"

"Seems to me we get to live as a slave whatever happens, all that's changed is that the Jotun never pretended we were anything else!"
</ic>

==Mithril==
Many Mournwolders feel betrayed by the Imperial Synod. After a year of criticizing the people of Whittle for their hatred of the Jotun, culminating in the execution of one of their spiritual leaders, the Empire appears to have demonstrated that they despise the Jotun every bit as much as the Whittle folk. The accusation on many lips is that the Empire is not really here to give the Mourn back to the Mournwolders - they are just here to kill as many Jotun as possible.

At this stage, the Marcher assembly and the rest of the [[Imperial Synod]] is going to find it impossible to move the hearts and minds of the people of the Mournwold. Indeed, given the way [[liao]] works to amplify situations, creating auras across the Mourn is likely to make the situation ''worse''. Giving an angry population Courage, or making them Ambitious, or Proud... could end very badly. The Hierro clan demonstrated the risks in encouraging people to pursue virtue.

What would help is some concrete gesture that demonstrated that this war was being fought for the benefit of the Marcher people who live in the Mournwold. Something the Empire could do that would show these people that this was about freeing them - not killing Jotun. One way the Empire could do that is to allocate the [[Mournwold#The_Singing_Caves|Singing Caves]], the mithril Bourse resource located on the Greensward near Overton, as a national seat rather than an Imperial one. Having one of their own in charge of the mine, rather than have some over-dressed League Prince (everyone seems to agree that the League will own it) would blunt the accusation that this war was only ever about killing the Jotun.

The Senate recently voted to allocate the seat to the Marchers - but the decision was vetoed by the Throne. If the mine is brought back under Imperial control that decision will need to be made ''again''. The Empress has been crystal clear that the Prosperity of the Empire depends on resources like the Singing Caves being Imperial. It remains to be seen if she prefers to go down in history as a prudent ruler in the tradition of Empress Mariika or a benevolent leader like Emperor Frederick.

==Land==
Land matters above all else to Marchers. They defend what they have to the death - and they expect other Marchers to do the same. The Marcher generals understood that; General Will Talbot of the Drakes understood that. If Imperial strategy in the Mourn had been spearheaded by Marcher generals leading Marcher armies things might have been different. But the folk of the Mournwold watched in disgust over winter as countless Imperial armies gave ground before the Jotun advance. And to prove their point that no true Marcher would have done that... when everyone else was falling back... the Drakes were given orders to hold their ground, to fight for every inch of land. In the view of many here that's not just how Marchers should fight - that's how ''everyone'' should fight.

Of course those who study strategy can well understand the value of giving ground. Falling back at the right time can be essential to save an army or to win a campaign in the long run. But the people of the Mournwold don't see it like that - and extolling the virtue of the strategic value of a well-organized retreat just annoys them all the more. If you're not fighting for your land... what in Virtue's name are you fighting for?

Recent actions have led many in the Mourn to question what the Empire is fighting for. So Friar Agnes has proposed a way that the Marchers might show some solidarity with the people of the Mourn and by doing so they can show the Empire what they are fighting for. Having heard that General Talbot was interested in ways to win hearts and minds she has sent a message to his office with a proposal for a mandate that the Marcher National Assembly could pass.

<quote by="Synod Mandate">Land matters above all else. Marcher armies should always stand their ground to defend what is theirs. We send X with 25 doses of liao to spread the word that no Marcher army should ''ever'' give ground.</quote>

The Marchers are naturally inclined to such a mindset, so it would not take much to convince them of the wisdom of this approach - and once it was agreed there would be no going back. If this mandate were enacted, it would become impossible for any Marcher general to issue the order to give ground to their army.

Such an action would not solve all the problems in the Mourn. It wouldn't do anything for the Empire's standing here - but it would improve the standing of the Marcher nation in the eyes of the inhabitants of the Mourn. It would demonstrate that the people of Upwold, Mitwold, and Bregasland shared their passion to defend their lands. It would help them view other Marchers as just like them, rather than lumping them in with the rest of the Empire which is what is happening at the moment.

Of course there is a way that the Empire could demonstrate that they shared the concerns of the Mournwold people. The General Assembly could pass a version of the mandate for all Imperial armies. That would require ten times the amount of liao - this change of strategy would be a hard sell in many lands. But giving up the ability for any Imperial army to give ground would prove to the people of the Mournwold that the Empire is here fighting for their land.

==Neighbours==
<ic>Gwen stood in the doorway, her arms folded, her face set. Her voice was calm, but Jim could hear her patience fraying with every exchange.

"It's just a warning, we're here to look after you." said the schlacta on the doorstep.

"Thank you for your warning." Gwen's voice was frosty enough to wither grass.

He hoped she'd keep her temper under control. He was under no illusion how easily the soldiers could kill her, him, and all three children. Burn the house and the field, Salt the ground. Put their bodies on ... he took a deep shaky breath. He hugged little Beth, her face pale and her eyes brimming with tears. She was being braver than he was. He forced a smile, held her close, whispered how well she was doing. Hugged her tighter.

"We know they're around and they're likely to be desperate. If you see them, let us know. We'll make sure you're safe."

"I will certainly bear that in mind," Gwen's voice was level, but Jim could see her shoulders vibrating with tension. He knew her well enough to know that she was fighting the urge to give the Varushkan captain a piece of her mind. Or show her the back of her hand..

"If that's everything, I have work to be getting on with. Don't let me keep you."

The soldier showed no sign of moving. She took off her oddly shaped helmet, held it in the crook of her arm, wiped the sweat from her scarred face with one thick hand. She was older than he had expected, her long braided hair steel grey.

"Look. These vermin are dangerous. Crafty. You and your family could be in danger. Don't let the stories fool you, they'll fight like cornered rats if their backs are to the wall."

Gwen took a deep, sharp breath in through her nose. When she spoke, her voice was quiet, her words precise.

"We have lived with them for the best part of thirty years - we know ''exactly'' what they are like thank you." She picked her words carefully. "Now, shall I get you all an oatcake and a mug of milk? For the road?"

At her words, Jim stopped breathing, his heart pounding. He was proud of his wife's courage, but deathly afraid she might have overstepped the mark. Everything teetered on a knife edge.

The Varushkan captain pressed her lips together tightly and spun on her heel, jamming her helmet back into place. Without another word she strode across the yard, collecting the four soldiers lounging at the gate.

Gwen shut the door, and leant her forehead against it for a moment. Then she moved to the window to watch, making sure the soldiers have left. Once it was clear they were not coming back, she pulled back the homespun rug on the kitchen floor, and lifted the wooden trapdoor beneath. She glared down into the root cellar. A half dozen frightened faces stared back up at her.

"They've gone for now, but they won't go far." she said quietly. "You'll not make it a field's length before they catch you. You're going to have to stay here at least another night, maybe two. So settle in, and keep quiet or paragons preserve me I'll stick you on spikes myself!"

None of the huddled orcs said anything. Hjordgar just nodded his head twice to show he understood. Gwen let the trapdoor drop again.

Jim picked Beth up, caught his wife in a tight hug. Beth began to cry silently. Gwen kissed her on the brow. They clung together, not speaking, listening to the column of soldiers outside marching south-west toward the Whatmore place.</ic>

The Jotun forced those who served them to toil hard regardless of their race. For three decades, those Marchers who were forced to become thralls have worked alongside the orc thralls that the invaders brought with them. They are not friends, by any stretch, what they are, however, is ''neighbours''. In some places that bond has grown surprisingly strong. Some of these people have more in common, more shared experience of hard work in fields and mines, than they do with the people across the border in Tassato, or Kahraman.

Some of these thralls have fled the Mourn, but most have been trapped, desperately trying to avoid the clashes between the armies. Now that the Empire is on the advance, the Marcher inhabitants are able to return to their farms and look after themselves - but the orc thralls have no lands to go back to and with Imperial armies on the rampage things are becoming increasingly dangerous for them. Their supplies are running low - and winter is coming.

Of all the problems in the Mourn, this is the only one that can be solved by throwing money at it. But it would take a ''lot'' of money... it would need 75 thrones a season to provide enough food to feed the orc thralls until a permanent solution can be found. Doing so would not remove the current antagonism in the Mourn, but it would demonstrate that the Empire was absolutely serious about ensuring that the Jotun thralls were not to be harmed by the war. And that would help improve the standing of the Empire with those Marchers who have worked side by side with the thralls for so long.

<quote by="Empress Varkula, Letter to Karsk Senator">People don't do the right thing because they care about others. That is the the lie we tell ourselves. The truth is that we do these things to feel better about ourselves. To tell ourselves that we are not monsters. It is only people like us, people who ''know'' that they are monsters, who don't have to bother with the games of children. The greatest strength I have is to know myself.</quote>

==Iron==
The situation in the Mournwold is dire - nobody can deny that the territory is dry field awaiting a flame. While there are fifty thousand Imperial troops driving the Jotun before them, nobody is going to take up arms. There will be plenty of shouting and bawling and whining about the price, but people will put up and shut up. But once those armies are sent elsewhere, it is anybodies guess what will happen. Thus many folk are focussed on what can be done to resolve the problem. Some way to sooth angry tempers, to calm frayed nerves, some magic spell to make everyone be happy again. Only a few have had the Courage to point out that there is more than one way to skin a cat.

It's nothing to do with "cruelty" - it's to do with laying down the law. Everyone wants to believe that this war is about freeing the Mournwold, but there is another way to look at it. The Jotun control this land - now the Empire is coming with sword and shield to conquer it. They have done it before - how do people think Holberg ended up part of the Empire? They might have chosen to "join" the League, but they weren't interested in joining anything until the Dawnish armies conquered every piece of land they could see from their mountaintop. Once the writing on the wall was plain for them to see - they found loyalty and joined up.

It's not going to be pleasant - a lot of Marchers are pretty pig-headed. You put a spear to their belly and tell them to decide whether they're for the Empire or the Jotun and ''some'' of them are going to be dumb enough to choose a quick trip back to the Labyrinth. But the grim truth is that if the Empire comes in and forces these people to decide where their loyalty lies then plenty of them are going to see which way the wind is blowing. And the ones that don't... the ones that end up dead? Those are the ones that were going to be trouble anyway... The bitter truth that nobody will want to accept is that you can either have this trouble now... when you have fifty thousand Imperial boots on the ground... or you can have it in two years time when the territory is empty, the Jotun are massing and the armies are engaged elsewhere.

Sure, laying down the law will leave a bitter taste that may never wash out. These people are going to be hostile and angry for years to come. But they will do what they are told, they will get their freedom whether they want it or not, the Jotun will be driven out - and the Empire will have the Mourn back. They will have to build some fortifications to make sure nobody rebels... but that's it. If the Empire wants these people to love them... then they're going to have wipe their tears for them. But they don't have to do that. The people in the Mourn are already angry, the Empire might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb as the Marchers say. If the Empire is prepared to settle for obedience then there is a ''much'' more effective way to get the job done...

To accomplish this the [[Imperial Senate]] could pass legislation authorizing Imperial armies to lay down the law in the Mournwold. An example of a suitable wording to accomplish this might be:

<ic> Armies in the Mournwold are sanctioned to take any measures necessary this season to ensure that all resistance in this territory is crushed. All those who choose to violently resist should expect no quarter, neither will they be given redress under the law. </ic>

The current opinion of the constitutional court is that a motion drafted in such terms would have constitutional implications and require ratification by the Throne.

If this law is passed by the senate any Imperial general whose army is in the Mournwold this season may choose to issue the order to Lay Down the Law.

<box>'''Lay Down the Law''' 
* '''All casualties inflicted by this army are increased by a tenth.'''
* '''The ability of this army to conquer territory is decreased by a tenth.'''
* '''The army will ruthlessly suppress any dissent in the conquered territory.'''

As the army pushes the enemy back, they will root out any who are not loyal to the Empire. They will ruthlessly suppress dissent, executing any who will not acknowledge that they have been defeated. The conquered people will be hostile for ''years'' - the memory of this experience will not soon fade - but fear of the consequences will prevent any act of open rebellion within the next ten years.</box>

If five or more Imperial armies follow this order, then any simmering rebellion in the Mourn will be ended before it can begin. If less than five armies submit this order, then only the regions that those specific armies capture will be conquered and forced to yield. If any Imperial general issues one of these orders then all other options presented here will fail.

==Participation==
If you are playing a character who is from the Mourn, or has family there, then as a PC you are absolutely free to choose your own view of the current conflict that is raging there. Your character should know people who died from the curses enacted over Winter, and if you have been there recently then you should be aware of the anger and resentment that is widespread. But there are Mournwolders on all sides of the arguments - so your character's position is perfectly valid whatever it is.

Changing of the guards

2017-07-26T21:24:54Z

Aquarion:

[[Category:Winds of Fortune]][[Category:381YE]][[Category:Recent History]][[Category: Summer Solstice 381YE]]
==Overview==
The Spring Equinox saw many dramatic events unfold in [[Dawn]]. There was a tourney to elect the [[Dawn_monarchy|monarch of Dawn]], but for the first time in centuries it was contested by two candidates, with nobles rallying round [[Empress Lisabetta|Imperatrix Lisabetta]] or Yael, the First Empress Reborn. In the end the only significant opposition to Lisabetta was from House Ossienne and their supporters who opposed both candidates. The contest was decisively won by Empress Lisabetta, the Imperial [[the Throne|Throne]] is once more the Monarch of Dawn.

But the tourney has only begun to reveal the depths of the Dawnish affection for their new Queen. At the same summit an extraordinary Statement of Principle was put to the Dawnish National Assembly by Tamain Sepulchre where it passed with a greater majority. News of the statement has rippled across Dawn, carried by wandering troubadours to every noble house. The extraordinary words have inspired many arguments and much fervour - did Tamain ''really'' mean what she appeared to say. Now there is a chance to take stock of what that might entail.

<div style="width: 500px; float: right;"><quote by="Tamain Sepulchre, Dawn National Assembly, Spring Equinox 381YE, Upheld 158 - 20">
The Dawnish National Assembly recognises the Empress Lisabetta as Queen of Dawn. She is the ultimate authority in this life and her words should be followed above all others.</quote></div>

==Significance==
Tamain's words - just as the new Queen is crowned have reminded many of Dawn of their glorious history, of what they once had. Inevitably, it caused a few to ask if they might not have such a thing again?

==Crowns==
Centuries ago, before Dawn joined the Empire, the Monarch of Dawn was elected much as they are today - by glorious tourney of nobles. But in those times the Monarch was far from a ceremonial position - they commanded the loyalty of their earls and through them they ruled over the land. They were the ultimate authority... their words were followed above all others... That changed when Dawn joined the Empire - but could it be changed back?

On the face of it, it seems absurd. The Imperial legal system does not leave any room for a monarch to actually rule in Dawn. But this is Dawn! - pointing out that the entire thing was completely impossible simply created a challenge. On this occasion the challenge was eagerly taken up by an ambitious young advocate, Melusine of Tanner's Bar in Causse. She has spent weeks criss-crossing Dawn, since the last summit, talking to nobles about her plan... her extraordinary, incredible, glorious idea to make Lisabetta Queen in more than just name...

Melusine's plan rests on one simple idea. While Imperial law does not allow for a monarchy, it does allow for each nation to choose their senators according to their own culture. In Dawn, this "election" has been conducted by a tourney between the noble houses for hundreds of years - but that tradition only built on the existing tradition to elect the Monarch.

Her proposal requires only a subtle change to the existing arrangements. The tourney should be held just as it always has done - but now it will be conducted beneath the eyes of the Queen. The nobles will do battle for her approval - and when the fight is won the Queen will pick the contestant that fought most gloriously. That noble's house will then put forward one of their own to be senator.

A number of people have pointed out that the Empress is likely to be too busy to attend every tourney, but Melusine argues passionately that she shouldn't be expected to. She points out that the same contestants often win the tourney for a territory each year. If nobody is expecting an upset, then the Empress can simply send a representative who can judge the contest in her name. Maybe she will only take an interest if the outcome is in doubt... or if she wishes the outcome to be in doubt...

Melusine has discussed her plan at length with magistrates and civil service. They have confirmed that while this election method would be unorthodox, it is compatible with Imperial Law - provided that it reflected the will of the Dawnish people. The definitive test of the will of a nation is to ask their [[egregores|egregore]].

Speaking as the egregore, '''Lady Griffinsbain''' has confirmed that many in the nation would welcome a step towards a full restoration of Dawn's monarchy, but such views are far from universal. It is one thing to cheer for the new Queen in a tourney, it is quite another to hand her control of Dawn's political authority. Melusine is passionate, but she can hardly convince all of Dawn by herself. Nor would coming to Anvil and convincing everyone there work either - she needs to influence the entire nation and that is only possible with a mandate. Thus she is travelling to Anvil to seek out Tamain to ask her to submit the following mandate.

<quote by="Synod Mandate">
To achieve glory that rivals the Monarchs of old, our Queen must rule as they once did. We send X with 100 doses of liao to persuade all that she must become the ultimate authority in Dawn, so that we may all grow more glorious together.</quote>

If this mandate were enacted it would do more than just change Dawn's elections. The Empress already possesses the power to speak to every citizen in the Empire once a season. With the backing of this mandate, those words would become as significant in Dawn as a [[Statement of Principle]] passed by the greater majority of their national assembly. They would be as likely as a Statement to create the opportunity in Dawn for a mandate in the following season.

Melusine's proposal already has some powerful backing. The [[Archmage#Staff_of_the_Archmage|Staff of the Archmage]] is a powerful magical item that forms part of the regalia of office of the [[Archmage]]. A new staff is crafted every year by a secretive weaver's cabal in Weirwater. This cabal, the ''Five Rings'', holds the six schema required to make the staves as part of their most prized possessions. They have always refused all requests to share the schema with the Empire - according to their history the schema were given into their care by [[Dawn_history|King Rodric]] the last independent King of Dawn. They have held them in trust ever since - but they have told Melusine that if Empress Lisabetta becomes Queen of Dawn in truth as well as just in title - then they will hand them over to the Queen for her to use in service of the nation and the Empire. What she chose to do with the schema could potentially mean the [[Archmage|Archmages]] losing access to one of the symbols of their office - albeit so that any magician could wield one of these powerful ritual staffs.

The residents of Castle Spiral have also indicated that if the Queen's words really were the ultimate authority in Dawn, then they would kneel and acknowledge her as their true liege. If the Queen so commanded, then control of the castle's resources would then be passed to the [[Castellan of Spiral Castle]], who could either continue to use the facilities of the Castle to help Imperial armies resupply - or dispose of the supplies of weirwood directly if they preferred.

<box>It is not normally possible for characters to enact a conscious change to a nation's electoral system, even using a mandate. The change is possible in this case, because it is significant but small, is consistent with the themes of the nation, enriches the character of the election process, and reflects a Statement of Principle passed with a greater majority. A Statement of Principle that directly tried to change a nation's electoral system would not result in a mandate unless it was judged to also meet the other criteria mentioned here.</box>

==Old Ways==
Melusine is not the only Dawnish citizen to respond to these dramatic events by considering some of the older traditions of Dawn. [[Glory]] lies at the heart of [[Dawn]], it infects the lives of both noble and yeoman. It has been in the spirit of the nation since before the Empire was founded. But although glory still retains its central importance across Dawn, spiritually it has been somewhat supplanted by the Way of Virtue. Now there is a small but growing group who seek to restore glory to its central role. Like Melusine, they have indicated that they are seeking to gain support so that they can raise a mandate to pursue their goals.

<quote by="Synod Mandate">
The National Assembly believes that the pursuit of Glory should come before the pursuit of Virtue. We send X with 25 doses of liao to encourage the citizens of Dawn to pursue glory above all other concerns.
</quote>

Every good Dawnish man or woman is already driven to pursue glory, but this exhortation to place it above the pursuit of virtue is new. It is potentially heretical - any who pursue this path risk condemnation at the hands of the [[Imperial Synod]] - and the person who raised the judgement might then face prosecution for abetting the act.

But this level of risk is what makes the exhortation challenging and inspiring. If the mandate were enacted, Dawnish folk would be inclined to take any time they have previously spent considering the virtues and devote it instead to the pursuit of glory. This would have two immediate effects - all Dawnish military units would receive a small boost, equal to an extra rank, as people rush to support them. But all Dawnish congregations would suffer an equivalent penalty, as people abandon the Way of Virtue to pursue glory.

Earl du Chailly, one of the people at the heart of this movement, is expected to arrive in Anvil on Friday evening of the Spring Equinox, to discuss the matter with the National Assembly of Dawn.

==Limited Opportunity==
This opportunities in their current form are available only during the Summer Solstice 381YE.

Archive:381YE Spring Equinox Imperial titles

2017-07-13T16:10:18Z

Aquarion:

==The [[Imperial Senate]]==

===The Throne===
* [[The Throne|The Empress]] : Lisabetta Giacomi von Holberg of the League

===The Freeborn senators of [[The Brass Coast]]===
* Senator for [[Feroz]]: Oria
* Senator for [[Kahraman]]: Qusay i Kalamar i Guerra
* Senator for [[Madruga]]: Anwar i Del-Toro i Riquezza
* Senator for [[Segura]]: Avisena i Ezmara i Guerra

===The senators of [[Dawn]]===
* Senator for [[Astolat]]: Bohemond de Rondell
* Senator for [[Semmerholm]] Escalados de Carsenere
* Senator for [[Weirwater]]: Valentin Ivarovich Orzel

===The senators of [[Highguard]]===
* Senator for [[Bastion]]: Ibrahim, the South Paw, of the Cohort of the Winter Bear
* Senator for [[Casinea]]: Barrabas
* Senator for [[Necropolis]]: Ianthe, of Raven's Watch
* Senator for [[Reikos]]: Cadeus, of the Shattered Tower

===The senators of [[The League]]===
* Senator for [[Holberg]]: Irina Arkady Staryn Von Holberg
* Senator for [[Sarvos]]: Magdelena di Sarvos
* Senator for [[Tassato]]: Cesare Sanguineo Rezia Di Tassato
* Senator for [[Temeschwar]]: Gant Archama

===The senators of [[The Marches]]===
* Senator for [[Bregasland]], the Dour Fens: Orrick
* Senator for [[Mitwold]], Pride of the Marches: Bridget Eastville
* Senator for [[Upwold]], The Silver Chase: Henry Ward

===The senators of the [[Navarr]]===
* Senator for [[Hercynia]]: Ranulf Pridestalker
* Senator for [[Miaren]]: Llewellyn Leafstalker
* Senator for [[Therunin]]: Willa Farkus-Vigil

===The senators of [[Urizen]]===
* Senator for [[Morrow]]: Ariadne
* Senator for [[Redoubt]]: Probus of Shattered Spire
* Senator for [[Zenith]]: Edmundo of Endsmeet

===The senators of [[Varushka]]===
* Senator for [[Karsk]]: Maarit
* Senator for [[Karov]]: Ludmilla Koslov
* Senator for [[Miekarova]]: Father Nikolovich Drakov
* Senator for [[Volodmartz]]: Vuk the Wolfeater

===The senators of [[Wintermark]]===
* Senator for [[Hahnmark]]: Hengest Dun
* Senator for [[Kallavesa]]: Olle Markusson
* Senator for [[Sermersuaq]]: Atte

===The senator of the [[Imperial Orcs]]===
* Senator for [[Skarsind]]: Irontide Vio

===Other [[Imperial Senate]] positions===
* The [[Conscience of the Senate]] is Ingrid Sigeing
* The [[Dean of the Academy]] is Faustina Notturno Di Sarvos
* The [[Advisor on orc affairs]] is Bloodcrow Yargol
* The [[Minister_of_Historical_Research|Minister of Historical Research]] is vacant
* The [[Bursar of the Imperial Academy]] is Titus Hopkirk
* The [[Ambassador to Asavea]] is Camilia di Traviciana di Sarvos
* The [[Ambassador to Axos]] is Tarquinius of Ankarien
* The [[Ambassador to Jarm]] is Oswi Twice-burned
* The [[Ambassador to the Iron Confederacy]] is Starac Sijed Orzel
* The [[Ambassador to Faraden]] is Tal'Shar i Zabala i Erigo
* The [[Ambassador to the Commonwealth]] is vacant
* The [[Ambassador to the Sumaah Republic]] is Vera Runova Helgrod
* The [[Ambassador to the Sarcophan Delves]] is Thanmir Hrafnar
* The [[Advisor on the Vallorn]] is Siân Eternal
* The [[Imperial Consul]] is Aureliana Perpetua Nicasia Saverio di Sarvos

===[[Commission|Commissioners]] appointed by senators===
* '''Note:''' The [[Imperial Senate]] voted to [[Abrogate_Civilian_Commissioners|abrogate the Civilian Commissioners]] at the Winter Solstice 380YE, meaning those titles no longer exist.
* The [[Crystal Architect of the Spires]] is vacant
* The [[Imperial Master of Works|Imperial Master of Works]] is vacant

===[[sinecure|Sinecures]] and [[ministry|Ministries]] selected by senators===
* The sinecure of [[Spider's Tollkeep]] is held by Rafa'eet i Contra i Guerra
* The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Spice Gardens]] is held by Reina i Shartha i Riquez
* The sinecure of [[Dredgemaster of Feverwater]] is Brennyn of Bronwyn's Rest
* The sinecure of [[Dean of Pilgrims]] is Nina of Cantiarch's Hold
* The sinecure of [[Custodian of the Starlight Drift]] is held by Palaphon
* The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Memorial Gardens of Treji]] is held by Ceinwen
* The sinecure of [[Guardian of the Cairn]] is held by Tarqeq Icetongue
* The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]] is held by Domitila Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato
* The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Glorious Fountain]] is held by Tatiana of Auric Horizon
* The sinecure of [[Mayor of Caricomare]] is held by Aria di Notturno di Sarvos
* The sinecure of [[Custodian of the Claw]] is held by Valeria of Phoenix Reach
* The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Tower of the Fall]] is Elyssian
* The sinecure of [[Gatekeeper of Falling Snow]] is Pendraed the Maker
* The sinecure of [[Master Apothecary]] is Freya Kreftinar
* The sinecure of [[Custodian of the Storm Vault]] is Xanthius Echostorm
* The sinecure of [[Shepherd of the Great Herd]] is Sunhammer Kirrik
* The sinecure of [[Healer of Dawn]] is Isabella de Rondell
* The ministry of [[Master of the Clearing House]] is Wilhelmina Aurora Sanguineo
* The ministry of [[Steward of the Tassato Mana Exchange]] is Beatriz Sanguineo Rezia
* The sinecure of [[Master of the School of Exorcism]] is Naomi of Felix's Watch
* The sinecure of [[Keeper of Aurelie's Garden]] is Kiarten Twofeet, of Navarr
* The sinecure of [[Herbalist of the Hearth]] is Brienne-Walda Stormborn
* The sinecure of [[Preceptor of the Skarsind College of Warcasting]] is Irontide T'onk
* The ministry of [[High Herbalist of Sybella]] is Tolame of the Scions of Ravensfell
* The sinecure of [[Guardian of Dunfrith]] is Ham Dunning
* The sinecure of [[Granger of the Golden Orchard]] is Merel Pathfinder
* The sinecure of [[Storm Shaman]] is Ashborn Rauur
* The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Dour Fens]] is Bill of Middleton
* The sinecure of [[Jade Custodian]] is Giacomo Corvinoscuro
* The ministry of [[Celesti Lighthouse Keeper]] is Bakar i Erigo
* The sinecure of [[Eternal Flame of Miaren]] is vacant
* The sinecure of [[Broken Shield Guardian]] is vacant
* The sinecure of [[Keeper of the Crystal Vale]] is vacant
* The sinecure of [[Head Gardener of Urizen]] is vacant

==[[Imperial Military Council|The Military Council]]==
===The Generals of [[The Brass Coast]]===
* General Estana I Mestiere I Guerra of the [[The Brass Coast military concerns#The Red Wind Corsairs|Red Wind Corsairs]]
* General Marciel i Riqueza of the [[The Brass Coast military concerns#The Fire of the South|Fire of the South]]
* Admiral Edgardo i Ruiloba i Guerra of [[The_Brass_Coast_military_concerns#The_Freeborn_Storm|The Freeborn Storm]]

===The Generals of [[Dawn]]===
* General Tancred de Rondell of the [[Dawn military concerns#The Hounds of Glory|Hounds of Glory]]
* General Zoran Orzel of the [[Dawn military concerns#The Golden Sun|Golden Sun]]
* General Vincent Vexille of the [[Dawn military concerns#The Eastern Sky|Eastern Sky]]
* General Garravaine de Rondell of the [[Dawn_military_concerns#The_Gryphon.27s_Pride|Gryphon's Pride]]

===The Generals of [[Highguard]]===
* General Cuth of the [[Highguard military concerns#Seventh Wave|Seventh Wave]]
* General Mathayus of the [[Highguard military concerns#Granite Pillar|Granite Pillar]]
* General Cayleb of [[Highguard military concerns#The Valiant Pegasus|The Valiant Pegasus]]

===The Generals of the [[Imperial Orcs]]===
* General Bloodcrow Morgur of the [[Imperial Orcs territories#The Winter Sun|Winter Sun]]
* General Irontide Skar of the [[Imperial Orcs territories#The Summer Storm|Summer Storm]]

===The Generals of [[The League]]===
* General Gabriel Barossa of the [[The League military concerns#The Wolves of War|Wolves of War]]
* General Natalia Barossa of the [[The League military concerns#The Towerjacks|Towerjacks]]

===The Generals of [[The Marches]]===
* General Nedry of The Cullachs of [[The Marches military concerns#The Tusks|The Tusks]]
* General Will Talbot of the [[The Marches military concerns#The Drakes|The Drakes]]
* General Jack Flint of the [[The Marches military concerns#The Strong Reeds|Strong Reeds]]
* General Alusair Farstrider of the [[The Marches military concerns#Bounders|Bounders]]

===The Generals of [[Navarr]]===
* General Ulric Y'Basden of the [[Navarr military concerns#The Black Thorns|Black Thorns]]
* General Brennos Brackensong of the [[Navarr military concerns#The Quiet Step|Quiet Step]]

===The General of [[Urizen]]===
* General Nicassia Avicia of Phoenix Reach of the [[Urizen military concerns#Citadel Guard|Citadel Guard]]

===The Generals of [[Varushka]]===
* General Coiska Graemovna Sulich of the [[Varushka military concerns#The Army of the Northern Eagle|Army of the Northern Eagle]]
* General Nikolai Zakharovic Prochnost of the [[Varushka military concerns#The Army of the Golden Axe|Army of the Golden Axe]]
* General Akstis Eigulys of the [[Varushka_military_concerns#The_Army_of_the_Iron_Helms|Army of the Iron Helms]]

===The Generals of [[Wintermark]]===
* General Iron Osric of the [[Wintermark military concerns#The Green Shield Army|Green Shield Army]]
* General Erkenbrand of the [[Wintermark military concerns#The Fist of the Mountain|Fist of the Mountain]]

===Other [[Military Council]] Positions===
* The [[Warmage]] is Heilyn Bronwen's Rest, of Navarr
* The [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]] is Brendan Brackensong
* The [[Imperial Fleet Master]] is Estaban Del Rio Blanco

==The [[Imperial Synod]]==
===[[Ambition]]===
* Cardinal Severin Teyhard von Holberg of the League
* Gatekeeper Viviane de Coeurdefer of Dawn
* Virtue Inquisitor Ranae de Rondell of Dawn

===[[Courage]]===
* Cardinal Levitia of Endsmeet of Urizen
* Gatekeeper Jorma Steelhail of Wintermark
* Virtue Inquisitor Lucifer, Son of Cyrus of Highguard

===[[Loyalty]]===
* Cardinal is vacant following the death of Frederik di Regario of the League
* Gatekeeper Tess of the Marches
* Virtue Inquisitor Corwin Leafstalker of Navarr

===[[Pride]]===
* Cardinal Azekah of Zepheniah's Lament of Highguard
* Gatekeeper Astrid Fjellrevening Rezia di Tassato of The League
* Virtue Inquisitor Rane Jorunsdottir of Wintermark

===[[Prosperity]]===
* Cardinal Ricardo Almieda Desmondo di Tassato
* Gatekeeper Morgan Leafstalker of Navarr
* Virtue Inquisitor Vauraus Korppitkotka of Wintermark

===[[Vigilance]]===
* Cardinal Irada von Temeschwar, The League
* Gatekeeper Aarne Ceorling of Wintermark
* Virtue Inquisitor Adamah of Highguard

===[[Wisdom]]===
* Cardinal Agnetha De Rondell of Dawn
* Gatekeeper: Amris of Varushka
* Virtue Inquisitor Sariel of Highguard

===[[The Way]]===
* Cardinal Atla of the Imperial Orcs
* Conscience of the Senate Ingrid Sigeing of Wintermark
* Virtue Inquisitor Yarrick Ursan of Wintermark

===Other Synod positions===

* The post of [[High Exorcist]] is held by Solas of Urizen
* The post of [[Imperial Inquisitor]] is held by Ephron of Adina’s Charge, Highguard
* The post of [[Custodian of the Imperial War Memorial]] is vacant
* The post of [[Imperial Chaplain Consular]] is held by Bloodcrow Ergot of the Imperial Orcs
* The post of [[Seer of the Gateway]] is held by Livia of the Spire of the Celestial Cascade
* The post of [[Auditor of Senatorial Accountability]] is held by Zeno, Stallion's Sibling of Urizen
* The post of [[High Bard of the Empire]] is held by Kaywenn du Launcet of Dawn
* The post of [[Voice of Barbs]] is held by Corey Brackensong
* The post of [[Curator of the Printer's Guild Museum]] is held by Taddea Ginori
* The post of [[Curator of the White City Museum]] is held by Apollos of Highguard
* The post of [[Watcher of Britta's Pool]] is held by Eldeen Wulfssdottir of Wintermark
* The coordinator of the [[Limitu Principality House of the Way]] is Lord Marcus Drummond
* The post of [[Dean of Laroc Cathedral]] is held by Odelina de Rondell of Dawn
* The post of [[Guardian of Giselle's Tomb]] is held by Casimir Marcellino di Sarvos of the League
* The post of [[Crow Keeper of the Rest]] is held by Nils Bardstrom of Wintermark

==The [[Imperial Conclave]]==
===[[Archmage|Archmagi]]===
* Rosamund Holt is [[Archmage]] of Spring
* Solomon is [[Archmage]] of Summer
* Maurice de Gauvain is [[Archmage]] of Autumn
* Syrus Skybreaker is [[Archmage]] of Winter
* Gancius della Notte di Sarvos is [[Archmage]] of Day
* Elyssiathain of Endsmeet is [[Archmage]] of Night

===[[Grandmaster|Grandmasters of the Orders]]===
* Grandmaster of the [[Celestial Arch|Order of the Celestial Arch]] Catalina Novarion
* Grandmaster of the [[Golden Pyramid|Order of the Golden Pyramid]] Arsenio Sanguineo Rezia di Tassato
* Grandmaster of the [[Rod and Shield|Order of the Rod and Shield]] Aethelstan
* Grandmaster of the [[Sevenfold Path|Order of the Sevenfold Path]] Zephaniah of [[Highguard]]
* Grandmaster of the [[Shuttered Lantern|Order of the Shuttered Lantern]] Gregor
* Grandmaster of the [[Unfettered Mind|Order of the Unfettered Mind]] Kyra of Halcyon Spire

===Other [[Conclave|Imperial Conclave]] Positions===
* Simargl, "the Empty One" of the Circle of Zulgan-Tash of [[Varushka]] serves as [[Dean of the Lyceum]]
* Abel of Reikos' Renown of [[Highguard]] serves as [[Bursar of the Conclave]]
* Cyrus, son of Felix of [[Highguard]] serves as [[Imperial Magus]]
* Finn Finnson serves as the [[Imperial_Seer|Imperial Seer]]
* Vitore Van Temeschwar serves as the [[Arcane_Architect|Arcane Architect]]
* Brother Luke of the Shattered Tower of [[Highguard]] serves as [[Master of Ice and Darkness]]
* Helios Bitter Chalice, of Urizen serves as [[Imperial Censor]]

==The [[Imperial Bourse]]==

===[[Imperial Bourse#Imperial Bourse Positions|Imperial Bourse Positions]]===
* The [[Arratan Gamble]] is held by Issebel Vittoria Barossa di Tassato Regario (325 Thrones)
* The [[Brilliant Star]] is held by Vasiliy Krenyenkov Valeskai Strascovich (590 Thrones)
* The [[Canterspire Circle]] is held by Rada Prochrost (50 Thrones)
* The [[Fortress of Salt]] is held by Tobias Shanks (600 Thrones)
* The [[Golden Trees of Seren]] are held by Adelajda von Temeschwar (50 Thrones, 2 Crowns)
* The [[Great Forest at Reikos]] is held by Nemuel of Ravensfell (56 Thrones)
* The [[Great Mine of Briante]] is held by Silvia Alcham (200 Thrones)
* The [[Great Pits of Ennerlund]] is held by Lukash Biessek von Temeschwar (590 Thrones)
* The [[Heartwood of the Great Vale]] is held by Landon of Longridge (50 Thrones)
* The [[Hunt of Alderei the Fair]] is held by Dyta von Temeschwar (50 Thrones)
* The [[Night Quarry]] is held by Meric Freysson (406 Thrones)
* The [[Scorrero Nets]] are held by Saura Splitroot (75 Thrones)
* The [[Sutton Stone Quarries]] are held by Peter Carter (300 Thrones)
* The [[Syrene's Wisdom]] is held by Hepzibah of Reumah's Redoubt(90 Thrones)
* The [[Weirwater Vales]] are held by Jack Plank (50 Thrones)
* The [[Singing Caves]] are held by Falko Von Temeschwar (165 Thrones)

* The [[Damation Cliffs]] are back within Imperial control and ready to be [[Powers_of_the_Imperial_Senate#Allocation|allocated]] by the Imperial Senate

===[[Imperial Bourse#National Bourse Positions|National Bourse Positions]]===

* The [[Broken Shore Bounty]] ([[The Brass Coast|Brass Coast]]) is held by Karlos i Shartha i Riqueza
* The [[Regario Dossier]] ([[The League|League]]) is held by Rodrigo Barrosa (68 Thrones)
* The [[Master of the Imperial Mint]] ([[The League|League]]) is Lieselotte van Holberg (10 Thrones)
* The [[Thimble]] ([[Navarr]]) is held by Idris Eternal
* The [[Steel Fist]] ([[Imperial Orcs]]) is held by Irontide Losak
* The [[Eternal Shafts of Time]] ([[Varushka]]) are held by Tomasz
* The [[Granites of Veltsgorsk]] ([[Varushka]]) are held by Vitaly Grigorovich Dukov
* The [[Brilliant Shore]] ([[Imperial Orcs]]) is held by Gaterender Brik
* The [[Vigilant Swan]] ([[Highguard]]) is held by Azeal of Cantiarch's Hold
* The [[Pride of Ikka's Tears]] ([[Wintermark]]) is held by Raknar Stormspire
* The [[Gift of the Dwindling Star]] ([[Varushka]]) is held by Jarek the Peaceful

* The [[Stonefield Ice Caves]] ([[Wintermark]]) are held by the [[Thule]]
* The [[Legacy]] ([[Urizen]]) is held by the [[Grendel]]

===Other Bourse Titles===
These titles are appointed through the Bourse, but do not give the holder a Seat on the Imperial Bourse.
* Errol is [[Bailiff of the Grand Market]]
* Sagua i'Ezmara i'Murit i'Erigo is the [[Dhomiro of the Cinnabar Hills]]
* Constanza i Kalamar i Guerra is [[Mistress of the Glass Parador]]
* Claus Friedrich von Holberg is the [[Custodian of the Assayer's Guild]]
* Etseban Izmara I Erigo is the [[Vizier_of_the_Incarnadine_Satchel|Vizier of the Incarnadine Satchel]]
* Octavius of Auric Horizon is [[Provost of the Halls of Knowledge]]
* Maryc is the [[Castellan of Spiral Castle]]
* Irontide Flax is the [[Foreman of the Mines of Gulhule]]
* Irontide Krag is the [[Bonesetter of Torfast Trading Post]]
* Wyl Brackensong is the [[Broker of Treji Wayhouse]]
* Jan Von Schmied de Temeschwar is the [[Northbound Trademaster]]
* Robert Dunlain is the [[Sheriff of Overton]]
* Pavel Novak is the [[Overseer of the Westward Road]]

==Miscellaneous==
* The [[Miaren#Brock.27s_Toll|Operator of Brock's Toll]] is Robert Shanks of [[The Marches]]

[[Category: 381YE]]
[[Category:Imperial Titles]]

User:Aquarion

2017-04-18T07:56:09Z

Aquarion:

(This page mostly contains to check if things work on the wiki. It is a content-free zone. Stop following Recent Changes if that kind of thing upsets you)

This is nukka

<spreadsheet sheet="0" file="Autumn_Equinox_380YE_Civil_Service_Timetable.xlsx" />

User:Aquarion

2017-04-17T10:01:45Z

Aquarion:

(This page mostly contains to check if things work on the wiki. It is a content-free zone. Stop following Recent Changes if that kind of thing upsets you)

<spreadsheet sheet="0" file="Autumn_Equinox_380YE_Civil_Service_Timetable.xlsx" />

File:Autumn Equinox 380YE Civil Service Timetable.xlsx

2017-04-17T09:59:54Z

Aquarion: NOTE THIS IS FOR EVENT IV 2016. THIS IS NOT FOR THIS EVENT. DO NOT USE THIS AND THEN COMPLAIN. THIS IS FOR TESTING PURPOSES ONLY.

NOTE THIS IS FOR EVENT IV 2016. THIS IS NOT FOR THIS EVENT. DO NOT USE THIS AND THEN COMPLAIN. THIS IS FOR TESTING PURPOSES ONLY.

File:ImperatrixCourt.jpg

2017-04-13T15:27:14Z

Aquarion:

{{Category:Photos:BethDooner}}

Imperatrix Lisabetta and members of her Guild at the Pledge Ball, Winter 380YE.

'''Back row:'''
* Beatrice Pacelli von Holberg (Jen Phillips)
* Kaspar Yakovitch von Holberg (Matt Byrne)
* Severin Teyhard von Holberg (Simon English)
* Reichard Callan Remedios von Holmauer (Nicholas Avenell)
* Magdalena Teyhard von Holberg (Emma Day)
* Benedict Pacelli von Holberg (Daniel Williams)

'''Front row:'''
* Leonora Albertina van Holberg (Miranda Brennan)
* Empress Lisabetta Giacomi von Holberg (Roz Horton)
* Lieselotte Gretchen van Holberg (Amy Mason)

Wiki Updates

2017-03-16T02:33:49Z

Aquarion: Typo repair

This is a list of significant updates to the wiki which we will try and keep as up to date as possible. Hopefully this will be a more useful document than the recent changes page which lists every spelling correction and formatting change.

By its nature this page will be regularly updated so when you visit the wiki try checking here first. However please keep in mind this is a manually updated page so at times maybe a little behind the actual updates.

==Election eligibility==
* '''Updated 15/03/2017'''
We updated the page [[Imperial elections]] to expand the eligibility to vote in restricted elections to any title. The requirement that you not have been eligible to vote in a different election for a senator is explicitly expanded to include cardinals and grandmasters.

==Dawn Look and Feel==
* '''Updated 07/03/2017'''
We removed the word "heavy" from the [[Dawn_look_and_feel#Armour|armour]] section of the Dawnish Look and Feel page.

==Mercenary Banner==
* '''Updated 04/03/2017'''
We have amended the rules for the [[Mercenary Banner]] to try to ensure that they do not upset the out-of-character play-balance of the battles. There is a long explanation of the reasoning behind the update on the [[Rules_update_2017#Mercenary_Banner|rules update page]].

==Maggot's Talon==
* '''Updated 01/03/2017'''
We've removed the Maggot's Talon item from the game.

==Staff of the Magi==
* '''Updated 08/02/2017'''
We have significantly changed the [[Staff of the Magi]]. it is now a ritual staff, meaning any magician can bond to it without needing the battle mage skill. It also has significantly altered functionality.

==Magic Standards==
* '''Updated 06/02/2017'''
Magic standards have been redefined as a type of [[magic items#Talismans|talisman]] with stringent phys-rep requirements. As a consequence, we've retired all existing magical standards (except the [[Banner of the Bold]]) as they were obsolete, and added eight new [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Category:Magic_Standards magic standards].

==Catering==
* '''Updated 6/2/2017'''
We have added menus for [[Goldbird Bistro]] and [[Beats and Bass]] pizza place to the wiki.

==Magic Two-Handed Weapons==
* '''Updated 30/01/2017''' and '''4/12/2016'''
With two-handed weapons now using [[Heroic skills#Mortal Blow|mortal blows]] rather than shattering weapons, we've made some changes to some two-handed weapons
* The [[Woodcutter's Axe]] is no longer a two-month item but an expensive two-handed weapon that allows one to spend [[Heroic skills#Hero|hero points]] to call [[Calls#SHATTER|SHATTER]].
* The [[Butcher's Cleaver]] is now a two-month item that allows the wielder to spend [[Heroic skills#Hero|hero points]] to call [[Calls#IMPALE|IMPALE]].
* The [[Reaving Mattock]] and [[Landsknecht's_Zweihänder]] have had their costs adjusted, and allow the wielder to call IMPALE rather than SHATTER.
* The [[Trollhammer]] has had its cost increased, but the sympathetic quality of the paralysis has been removed.
We are also considering the addition of a number of new two-handed weapons.

==Cuckoo's Egg==
* '''Updated 29/01/2017'''
This ritual does not work on Imperial citizens. This change is intended to prevent the ritual being used as a way to take additional players through the Sentinel gate to participate in a battle.

==Large army disbanding==
* '''Updated 18/01/2016'''
We have restored the information that large armies and navies disband when they fall to 1,500 fighting strength. This information was removed by mistake during recent work on the military pages.

==Catering==
* '''Updated 17/1/2017'''
We have updated the list of caterers on the [[Event information|event details page]], adding some details of all the caterers we have booked for the coming year.

==Philtres==
* '''Updated 13/1/2017'''
We have switched a number of common potions that are often used in battle to being [[Potion#Philtres|philtres]]. You can learn more about this change in the [[Rules_update_2017#Philtres|rules update]].

==Philtre of Heavenly Lore==
* '''Updated 05/01/2017'''
The [[Philtres_of_the_High_Peaks#The_Philtre_of_Heavenly_Lore|Philtre of Heavenly Lore]] has been increased from 5 points of personal mana restoration to 6 points of personal mana resorattion.

==Implement Changes==
* '''Updated 12/12/2016'''
The wands [[Acolyte's Mercy]], [[Runesmith's Gavel]], [[Swanfeather Schema]], and [[Mazzarine Spindle]]; the rod [[Forlorn Hope]]; and the staffs [[Staff of Power]], [[Staff of Life]], and [[Staff of Imperial Mastery]] have all been updated to make explicit that they allow the wielder to [[Spellcasting#Swift casting|swift cast]] the appropriate spell, as long as they are prepared to spend the additional mana to do so.

We have also updated several items effected by the changes to [[spellcasting]] including the [[Bloodsilver Spike]], the [[Blood-dimming Tide]], the [[Witches' Hammer]], an the [[Radiant Torrent]].

We also updated some of the arcane weapons - specifically the [[Children of Thunder]] and [[Binding Threads]] to make clear that they cannot be used while wearing armour.

==Unstoppable, Second Wind, Stay With Me, Get It Together ... and Relentless==
* '''Updated 10/12/2016'''
We have effectively merged the ''Second Wind'' and ''Unstoppable'' skills to create a new [[Heroic skills#Unstoppable|unstoppable]] skill. The new skill allows a hero point to be spent along with [[appropriate roleplaying]] to recover three hits, but can also be used immediately a character drops to 0 hits. Instead of dying, the character receives a surge of stamina that restore their fighting spirit. It is also possible to use this ability while effected by VENOM - we have removed that restriction. You can learn more about this change in the [[Rules_update_2017#Unstoppable|rules update]]

In the process, we have removed the old second wind skill and replaced it with the new [[Heroic skills#Relentless|relentless]] skill which allows a character to restore a crippled limb with five seconds of uninterrupted roleplaying and a hero point. You can read more about this change in the [[Rules_update_2017#Relentless|here]].

Finally, we have placed requirements on unstoppable, stay with me, and get it together than require them to involve at least five seconds of appropriate roleplaying that is not interrupted.

Obviously, these changes will require several magic items to change.

==Natural Resupply==
* '''Updated 10/12/2016'''
We have amended how armies receive [[Casualties#Natural_Resupply|natural resupply]]. An army must be taking a defending order to be eligible for natural resupply - they cannot receive natural resupply and capture territory at the same time, for example.

==IC Tents==
* '''Updated 10/12/2016'''
We have updated the rules so that you [[Playing_the_game#Stealing_Items|cannot enter an IC tent that has been sealed]], unless you have a ref present and there are clearly people inside roleplaying. You can read more about this change in the [[Rules_update_2017#IC_Theft|rules update]].

==Artisan's Oil==
* '''Updated 10/12/2016'''
In keeping with our changes to the use of herbs and regular spellcasting, the time to use [[Artisan's Oil]] has increased to 30 seconds of appropriate roleplaying from 10 seconds, and can now be interrupted if the user or the target are involved in combat.

==Physick and Apothecary==
* '''Updated 10/12/2016'''
We have made several changes to the way a [[Surgical skills#Physick|Physick]] uses a [[herb]] to heal someone. All use of herbs now takes 30 seconds of appropriate roleplaying, and is interrupted if the patient or the physik is hit or makes an attack. If herb use is interrupted, the herb is not lost but the roleplaying to apply the herb must begin again. This change has meant that a character is always considered to be using the [[Surgical skills#Chirurgeon|chirurgeon]] skill when applying [[True Vervain]] - meaning it can now always be used to restore a character who is dying.

We have also reduced the power of the [[Apothecary Potions#Elixir Vitae|Elixir Vitae]]. The potion now restores only 3 hits rather than restoring the person who drinks it to full hits. We have also adjusted the recipe for the [[Master Medicinal#The Sovereign Specific|Sovereign Specific]]: this potion still restores all lost hits, but the potion now requires an extra two drams of true vervain to prepare.

This is part of the wider changes to healing. You can read more about this change in the [[Rules_update_2017#Healing_and_Swift_Casting|rules update]].

==Spellcasting==
* '''Updated 10/12/2016'''
We have changed the time required to cast a [[Spellcasting#Regular_Spells|regular spell]] to 30 seconds of appropriate roleplaying, up from from 10 seconds. At the same time we have added the ability to [[Spellcasting#Swift casting|swift cast]] any regular spell by spending an additional mana, allowing the spell to be cast as if it were an [[Spellcasting#Offensive spells|offensive spell]].

As a consequence, we have removed the ''swift heal'' and ''purge'' spells, and rolled their functionality into [[heal]] and [[purify]] respectively. Several magic items will change as a consequence..

Finally ,we made a small change to the [[create bond]] spell, specifically with regard to breaking bonds - meaning that it is not feasible to use a swift cast create bond spell to strip a target of the ability to use their magic items.

==Paralyse, Entangle, and Repel==
* '''Updated 10/12/2016'''
We have changed how the [[Calls#PARALYSE|paralyse]], [[Calls#REPEL|repel]], and [[Calls#ENTANGLE|entangle]] effects work. Repel and entangle join [[Calls#STRIKEDOWN|strikedown]] as calls that still have their special effect if they are blocked with a shield or parried with a weapon.

Conversely, we have changed paralyse so it ''can'' explicitly be blocked with a shield or parried with a weapon, but now has full effect if it strikes heavy armour.

==Hero points==
* '''Updated 10/12/2016'''
We have changed the way hero points are bought, and a slight change to how they work. The basic skill is now called [[Heroic skills#Hero Points|hero]], costs 2 character points, and provides 2 hero points and the ability to spend them to over come roleplaying effects. We have also added a new skill [[Heroic skills#Extra Hero Points|Extra Hero Points]] that costs 1 character point, can be bought multiple times (at an increasing cost each time it is purchased), and provides 1 additional hero point each time it is bought. You can learn more about the thinking behind these changes in the [[Rules_update_2017#Hero_Points|rules update]].

==Empower, Shatter and Extra Mana==
* '''Updated 10/12/2016'''
We have reduced the mana required to perform the [[empower]] spell from 2 to 1. We have also added the new [[shatter]] spell - a 2 mana spell that allows a magician to call [[Calls#SHATTER|SHATTER]] with their implement. This will also involve some changes to magic items.
In addition, the [[Magical_skills#Extra_Mana|extra mana]] skill now provides ''2'' extra personal mana each time it is bought, up from 1. You can read more about these changes to spellcasting [[Rules_update_2017#Battle_Mages|in the rules update]].

==Shattering Blow and Mortal Blow==
* '''Updated 10/12/2016'''
We have removed the shattering blow skill and replaced it with the [[Heroic skills#Mortal Blow|mortal blow]] skill. This skill allows a great weapon to be used to make [[Calls#IMPALE|IMPALE]] calls. A number of magic items and rituals will change as a consequence; we are working through those changes but final transition may take some time. You can read more about this change in the [[Rules_update_2017#Shattering_Blow|rules update]].

As part of these changes, the one-handed weapon ''Sundering Axe'' has been removed from the game.

==Imperial treasury==
* '''New Page 10/12/2016'''
We have added a page that explicitly states how the [[Imperial treasury]] works - including what happens if the Empire is in debt. This information has been in play for a while, but has never made it on to the wiki.

==Magical Ritual Masks==
* '''Updated 08/12/2016''' and '''10/12/2016'''
Several ritual masks have had their costs and/or effects altered. Some such as the [[Mask of the Mountebank]] have seen significant changes to their effects beyond merely adding additional ranks to ritual lore for performing certain rituals. The masks which have been effected include:
* [[Mask of the Mountebank]] - no longer aids [[Masque of the Blinded Weaver]]. It provides a 2 rank bonus to perform [[the Twilight Masquerade]], and allows the wearer to substitute iridescent gloaming for crystal mana up to the normal (enhanced) limit of mana they can contribute to the ritual.
* [[Strigine Mask]] - no longer aids [[Reading the Weave]] or [[Piercing Light of Revelation]], and now provides a 2 rank bonus to [[Eyes of the Sun and Moon]] and [[The Eye of the High Places]].
* [[Straw Mask]] and [[Mercantilist's Mask]] - now empower additional rituals, and have had the materials required to make them adjusted (sometimes cheaper, sometimes more expensive).
* [[Corsair's Bloody Mask]] - has had its cost adjusted but otherwise unchanged
* [[Mask of Gold and Lead]] - has materials adjusted, and additional powers added.

==Abraxus Stone==
* '''Updated 08/12/2016'''
We have updated the [[Abraxus Stone]] magic item to provide protection from the effects of the [[Vallorn#Vallorn_Miasma|vallorn miasma]]. Not only is a character wearing one of these talismans not subject to the deleterious effects of exposure to the miasma, they will not contract [[Vallornspawn_husk#Green_Lung|green lung]], nor will you become a [[vallornspawn husk]] if they die while wearing this talisman. All other abilities associated with the vallorn, including other area of effect powers of vallorn creatures, work on them normally.

==Magic Item Changes==
* '''Updated 30/11/2016''' and '''10/12/2016'''
Several items have had the bonus they provide, or their number of uses per day, adjusted. In most cases this has been coupled with a change to the materials required to make them.
* Several items can now be used additional times each day. They include: [[Bloodwoven Braid]], [[Amberglass Chain]], [[Death's Door]], [[Enfeebling Echo]], [[Caress of Arhallogen]];
* Several items that provided a bonus to personal mana have had that bonus increased: [[Neophyte's Aid]], [[Twilight Pauldrons]], [[Ashen Mantle]]
* Several items allowed the wielder to make two attacks when they cast an offensive spell. Since we changed offensive spells, those items have become a lot less useful. As a consequence, we have changed them to let the wielder simply cast a spell a certain number of times each day as if they knew it without spending mana. The following items have been adjusted so far: [[Tumultuous Gyre]], [[Ethereal Manacle]]
* Several items that allowed an effect to be created with hero point expenditure have had their time to use modified. The following items have been changed: [[Blacksmith's Wage]], [[Jack of Irons]], [[Splint Mail]]
* The [[Sceptre of the Necropolis]] has had it's 1/day limitation removed.
* The [[Thresher's Cudgel]] is no longer a once/day item but allows mage implements to be shattered with hero point expenditure
* The [[Blood-dimming Tide]] allows the wielder to cast the [[heal]] spell
* The [[Glamourweave Robe]] now allows a magician who know the [[empower]] spell to cast it four times each day without spending mana
As part of the change, a number of implements have had their wording tweaked such that they no longer require their wielder to know the spell in question.

==Magic Item Materials==
* '''Updated 3011/2016'''
We have begun an overhaul of our [[magic items]]. The first stage involves adjusting the costs to make a significant number of magic items cheaper, especially those that allow two or more uses of a power, or provide two ranks of a bonus. A number of other items have also changed because we have removed the cost-breaks initially provided to items that needed more than one magical material to make. The following items have had the materials required to make them changed in the first pass, but have otherwise stayed the same.
* '''Daggers''': [[Scorpion's Sting]]
* '''One-handed Weapons''': [[Triumphant Blade]], [[Thundering Mace]], [[Vorpal Sword]], [[Shieldbreaker]]
* '''One-handed Spears''': [[Ironbrand Thorn]], [[Bloodsteel Barb]], [[Terunael Warlord]]
* '''Two-handed Weapons''': [[Giant's Maul]], [[Dawn's Glory]], [[Captain's Command]], [[Trollslayer's Crescent]]
* '''Pole-Arms''': [[Butcher's Bill]], [[Bolstering Bill]], [[Warden's Bardiche]],[[Magistrate's Grasp]], [[Fell Iron Fury]], [[Bullroarer's Shout]], [[Barbed Spear]]
* '''Bows and Crossbows''': [[Oathkeeper]], [[Wayfinder]]
* '''Light Armour''': [[Winter's Breath]], [[Runemark Shirt]], [[Ivory Aketon]], [[Spiritskin Coat]]
* '''Medium Armour''': [[Mithril Shirt]], [[Boarskin Vest]], [[Runemail]], [[Wardensweave Scale]], [[Tombsteel Guardian]]
* '''Heavy Armour''': [[Knightly Redoubt]], [[Goldenfire Scale]], [[Winterborn Warmail]], [[Runeplate]]
* '''Wands''': [[Altruist's Recompense]], [[Witchwood Wand]], [[Seer's Probe]], [[Redsteel Chisel]], [[Boneweaver]], [[Woundbinder]]
* '''Rods''': [[Windreaping Sickle]], [[Whelpmaster's Fang]], [[Quiet Word]], [[Stormweaver]], [[Roaring Chimera Rod]]
* '''Staves''': [[Shadowbound Donjon]], [[Suzerain's Command]]
* '''Arcane Weapons''': [[Arms of the Warwitch]], [[Trodwalker's Readiness]]
* '''Paired Weapons''': [[Brother Blades]], [[Earthquake Drummers]], [[Bear Claws]]
* '''Mage Armour''': [[Sunfire Pectoral]], [[Bloodfeather Harness]], [[Mountainfall Bracers]], [[Battlesmith's Panoply]]. [[Splintering Gorget]], [[Wyvernsting Spaulders]]
* '''Mage Robes''': [[Shimmergold Coat]], [[Opaline Coat]], [[Robe of Blood and Bone]], [[Alabaster Cerement]]
* '''Shields''': [[Champion's Bastion]], [[Oakheart Shield]], [[Stormguard Bulwark]]
* '''Jewellery''': [[Shackle of the Unvirtuous]], [[Alderman's Edge]], [[Greensteel Bracelets]], [[Troubadour's Ring]], [[Circlet of Command]], [[Abraxus Stone]], [[Pauper's Key]]
*'''Foci''': [[Ring of Adversity]], [[Ring of Triumph]], [[Atun's Ring]]
* '''Ritual Staves''' [[Choleric Staff]], [[Enigmatic Staff]], [[Luminous Staff]], [[Melancholic Staff]], [[Phlegmatic Staff]], [[Sanguine Staff]]
* '''Tools''': [[Phial of the Sun]], [[Lodestone Shears]]
* '''Paraphernalia''': [[Amberglass Orb]], [[Burnished Orb]], [[Greensteel Orb]], [[Radiant Orb]], [[Twilight Orb]], [[Vitriolic Orb]], [[Dragonbone Orb]], [[Orator's Chalice]], [[Cartographer's Eye]], [[Web of Celestial Attunement]], [[The Green World]], [[The Fields of Glory]], [[The Iron Labyrinth]], [[The Barren Land]], [[The Empty Horizon]], [[The Flickering Flame]], [[The Eternal Gambit]]. [[The Syphon of Stars]]

==Fortifications==
* '''Updated 26/10/2016'''
[[Fortification|Fortifications]] always occupy a specific [[territory#region|region]]. A given region may have only one fortification in it, regardless of whether that fortification is mundane in nature or summoned with a ritual such as [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]].

==Castellan==
* '''Updated 23/10/2016'''
We made some minor edits to the entry for [[Barien#Castellan|Castellan]], favoured agent of the eternal [[Barien]], primarily to make the confusion about her precise status (eternal or herald) a little more explicit.

==Amend Quartermaster General==
* '''Updated 08/10/2016'''
Following the [[Amend_Powers_of_the_Quartermaster_General_II|decision of the Senate]], the [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]] has been amended with the power to [[Quartermaster_General_of_the_Imperial_Armies#Apportioning_the_Guerdon|apportion]] the [[Military_unit#Imperial_Guerdon|Imperial Guerdon]]. Furthermore, the method of [[Quartermaster_General_of_the_Imperial_Armies#Selection|appointing]] the Quartermaster General has changed - it is now a majority decision of the [[Military Council]], rather than an appointment by the [[Imperial Senate]] from a shortlist provided by the [[General|Generals]]. The sections relating to the Imperial Guerdon on the [[military unit]] and [[fleet]] pages have been updated to reflect this change.

==Further Funerary Details in the League==
* '''Updated 08/10/2016'''
Some contradictions between [[The_League_culture_and_customs#Funerals|customs surrounding funerals]] and [[Rings_in_the_League|customs surrounding rings]] have been smoothed out. Most League citizens are cremated - only the most wealthy can afford to purchase, build, and maintain a tomb.

==Clarification to Pole-arm use==
* '''Updated 31/08/2016'''
We have made explicit that it is not legal to use a spear or similar pole-arm by "snooker-cuing" - sliding the pole-arm back and forth through your hands so that your hands meet. If you are using pole-arm, your hands must remiain 18 inches apart on the haft of the weapon. The rules have not changed, but we wish to make clear that this is not acceptable [[Weapons_%26_armour#Pole-arms|under the existing rules]].

==Changes to Varushkan Elections==
* '''Updated 24/07/2016'''
We have subtly but significantly altered the mechanism by which [[Varushka leadership|Varushka elects their senators]]. You can read the reasoning for the change and the IC explanation on the [[rules update 2016#Varushkan Election|rules update]] page.

==Insufficient Army Support==
* '''Updated 23/07/2016'''
We have laid out the rules for what happens if an Imperial nation has more armies and navies that it can support. Details of what happens are [[Commission#Insufficient_Supply|here]].

==Exommunication and Orcs==
* '''Updated 20/07/2016'''
We have slightly amended [[excommunication]] to remove a contradiction with the [[orc|orcs]] page. Excommunication does not work on orcs at all.

==Liao and Anointing==
* '''Updated 18/7/2016'''
We are going to switch to using cards for [[liao]] rather than PD provided phys-reps. Although the little PD provided bottles are great, there are significant issues in using them for self-reffing activities like performing a ceremony. We had planned to get round some of these problems using anointing oil cards for anointing but in the final analysis this half-way house solution proved ineffective. As a result we have abandoned this approach and are instead moving foward our plans to switch liao to cards taking effect immediately at the next event.

We have added a more detailed explanation for the change - and how it will be implemented to the [[rules update 2016|rules update page]].

==Dragonbone Symbol and Banner of the Bold==
* '''Updated 16/07/2016'''
With the change to [[hallow]], the power of the [[Dragonbone Symbol]] item was invalidated. Consequently, we have changed it to allow a character who is [[dedication|dedicated]] or [[anointing|anointed]] to recover hero points once each day by engaging in appropriate roleplaying in an appropriate [[consecration]] area.

These same changes meant that the [[Banner of the Bold]] was now significantly more potent than when it was originally designed, in comparison to hallow. Consequently, we expanded its power to allow the bearer - and only the bearer - to overcome any roleplaying effect, as well as providing them with an additional [[heroic skills#Hero Points|hero point]]. Going forward, our intention is to change ''all'' [[Magic_items#Magic_Standards|magical standards]] such that they are of use to the bearer who is bonded to them, rather than to a [[bands#banner|band of warriors]].

==Aura enchantments==
* '''Updated 16/07/2016'''
Several rituals have been changed in response to the changes to the religion rules, clarifying their function as [[aura|auras]] as well as [[enchantment|enchantments]].
* [[The Chamber of Delights]], [[The Solace of Chimes]], and [[The Chamber of Pallas]] have all be updated. They are now magnitude 8 rituals that create location auras. The locations can be used as a source of spiritual strength to over come roleplaying effects, and it is possible for magicians who relax in these areas to recover personal mana. Their interaction with [[religious skills]] has also been brought into line with the goals of our religion update.
* [[The Conspirator's Cloak]] and [[Freedom of the Soul]] have been updated. They are now personal auras that explicitly provide a source of spiritual strength to overcome certain roleplaying effects. Their interaction with [[religious skills]] has also been brought into line with the goals of our religion update.
* [[Unfettered Anarchy]] has been clarified to explain how the inability to overcome roleplaying effects works, and its relationship with [[Crystal Clarity of the Rational Soul]].
* [[Dreamscape of the Endless Hunt]] has had a line added noting that it also prevents recovery of hero points with effects such as a [[Dragonbone Symbol]] or a relaxing in a magical chamber.
* [[Crystal Clarity of the Rational Soul]] has also been updated slightly, to clarify its relationship with roleplaying effects and remove unneccessary references to [[aura|auras]].

==Wayfarer's Pyx and Dragonbone Reliquary==
* '''Updated 16/07/2016'''
As a consequence of the change to the way [[bands#sects|sects]] and [[hallow|hallows]] work, we have altered the properties of the [[Wayfarer's Pyx]], and retired the '''Dragonbone Reliquary'''. The Wayfarer's Pyx now provides a small bonus to the [[Religious skills#Ceremony Strength|strength]] of a [[religious skills|ceremony]] performed by a sect.

As a consequence, every [[crafting skills#Artisan|artisan]] who knew how to make a Dragonbone Reliquary now has the recipe for Wayfarer's Pyx. A character who knew how to make both items will have an empty slot which they can fill by e-mailing admin@profounddecisions.co.uk.

==Religious Skills and Virtue Auras==
* '''Updated 16/07/2016'''
<table class="wikitable" style="width:250px; float: left; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;">
<tr><th>Religious Skill</th></tr>
<tr><td>[[Dedication]] †</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Anointing]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Consecration]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Exorcism]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Excommunication]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Hallow]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Insight]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>[[Testimony]]</td></tr>
<tr><td>† Dedication is a prerequisite for all other religious skills.</td></tr>
</table>
As part of a large scale review of [[religious skills]] and how they are used we have extensively expanded this area of the rules. We've created new pages for each of the priest skills that talk in detail about how they are used and what they do, as well as collecting together and clarifying information from several different locations. In addition, we've changed the function of [[Sect#Sects|sect]], allowing them to support characters from the same nation who have different dedications rather than to empower the strength of ceremonies.

In addition we have overhauled and made extensive edits to the [[aura|auras]] that characters can create with these religious skills. We also edited several items (including [[Dragonbone Symbol]], and [[Banner of the Bold]]), as well as a number of rituals (including [[The Chamber of Delights]], [[The Chamber of Pallas]], [[The Solace of Chimes]], [[The Conspirator's Cloak]], and [[Freedom of the Soul]]). For the most part these were items and rituals that no longer worked under the new rules or whose properties were
inconsistent.

We have also changed the way [[Bands#Sects|sects]] work (again); a sect allows a group of people dedicated to different virtues to [[Religious skills#Cooperation|cooperate]] on a ceremony, as long as they have the skill and belong to the same nation.

We have added a lengthy entry to the [[Rules_update_2016#Religion|2016 rules update]] to summarize the underlying ethos behind the change. Players who want to change some of their skills in response to this update should e-mail admin.profounddecisions.co.uk.

==Foraging==
* '''Updated 16/07/2016'''
We've reduced the casualties inflicted and ability to capture territory of an army with the [[Army qualities#Foraging|Foraging]] quality using the ''Plunder'' order. The fact this order used to have no downside, and that it potentially generates considerable wealth, meant that it was simply too potent.

==Ilium and Religious Skills==
* '''Updated 14/07/2016'''
We've tidied up the section on [[Ilium#Roleplaying_Effects|roleplaying effects]] to clarify how permanent auras interact with religious skills, and to remove reference to using exorcism to remove roleplaying effects from rituals.

==Ritual Potions==
* '''Updated 23/06/2016'''
In addition to adding six new potions, we've made the six existing Realm Lore boosting potions [[Potion#Tonics|tonics]]. Even though they last only ten minutes, they should not stack with other potions that provide boosts to Realm Lore.

==Mastery==
* '''Updated 23/06/2016'''
We have implemented a new rule to [[Realm_Lore#Mastery|allow ritualists to change a single ritual they have mastered]] for another ritual chosen from Imperial Lore, after each event they attend. We have added a summary of the changes to the [[Rules_update_2016#Mastery|2016 rules update page]].

==Performing Rituals==
* '''Updated 23/06/2016'''
We have changed the rules on [[Realm_Lore#Gaining_additional_ranks|how much mana a magician may contribute to a ritual]]. We have added a summary of the changes to the [[Rules_update_2016#Rituals|2016 rules update page]]. We are in the process of updating other entries on the wiki for rituals, items, and potions to reflect the new rules.

==Enchanted fortifications==
* '''Updated 23/06/2016'''
The three enchantments in Imperial lore that create magical fortifications - [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]], [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]], and [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]] - have all had their magnitude increase to 80 from 64. When these rituals were initially designed fortifications were less effective tools; solidifying the rules on how fortifications work has made these rituals significantly more effective, so the cost has been increased accordingly.

Any similar ritual enchantment that is not currently in [[Imperial_lore#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List|Imperial lore]] will likewise require a higher magnitude to cast going forward - if you have a source for such a ritual you should contact empire.refs@profounddecisions.co.uk.

==Update to the Throne==
* '''Updated 23/06/2016'''
The powers of [[the Throne]] have been clarified and amended. We have added a summary of the changes to the [[Rules_update_2016#The_Throne|2016 rules update page]].

==Great Works==
* '''Updated 09/09/2016'''
Liao removed from top row of [[Great work|great works]], was included in error.

==Changes to Arrows for 2017==
* '''Updated 25/05/2016'''
As the incidence of Archery related injuries is still too high at PD events, we will be [[Bow_safety#Forthcoming_Changes|making changes to the types of arrows (and bolts) allowed]] at events from 2017 onwards. Arrows that are currently legal will remain legal at all PD events in 2016. These changes will come into effect from the first PD event next year.

==Colleges of Magic and Arcane Projections==
* '''Updated 23/05/2016'''
We have amended the powers of [[College of Magic]], [[Dean of the Lyceum]], and [[Provost of the Halls of Knowledge]] to remove the ability to create a free [[Spontaneous_magic#Arcane_Projection|arcane projection]].

==Commission Rules Updated==
* '''Updated 23/05/2016'''
We have amended the [[Commission#Implementing_a_Commission|rules for implementing a commission]] described on the wiki to reflect the actual rules we are using in practice. This means that any player can email PD to provide materials for a commission, you do not need to pass them to the player of the senator who raised the motion to have them email us.

==Battle Conjunction Rules Updated==
* '''Updated 23/05/2016'''
We have amended the [[Rules_update_2016#Conjunctions|rule change for nations on battles]] using the Sentinel Gate. The new amendment makes the options for the battle as flexible as humanly possible - preserving as many IC choices as are fun - while preserving the goal of having roughly equal forces on both battles.

==IC Camp layout==
* '''Updated 23/05/2016'''
We have updated the wiki with the [[Spring_Equinox_2016#Site_Map|layout of the camps at Anvil]] for the next event.

==Shroud of Mist and Shadow==
* '''Updated 27/04/2016'''
After much discussion we have reverted the change to [[Shroud of Mist and Shadow]]. Our initial change was necessitated because of the way a [[military unit]] works in downtime. Rather than expand the remit of Shroud - which was a little unsatisfying - we've agreed to look at changing the way a military unit operates on our system to allow for a bonus only to [[Military_unit#Supporting_an_Army|campaign army support]] and [[Military_unit#Paid_Work|paid work]].

==Gnawing, Endless Hunger==
* '''Updated from 20/04/2016'''
We have updated [[Gnawing, Endless Hunger]] to make explicit the interaction between this curse and the herbal poisons created by [[the Assassin's Gate]] and [[the Winter Moon]].

==Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae==
* '''Updated 19/4/2016'''
[[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae#Performing_the_Ritual|Targeting restrictions]] corrected.

==Corsets==
* '''Updated 18/4/2016'''
We have rewritten the tone of the page on [[corset|corsets]] to remove editorial elements and focus on the facts and suggestions that are relevant for the Empire setting.

==Military Unit and Fleet Enchantments==
* '''Updated 16/04/2016'''
We've streamlined some of the ritual [[enchantment|enchantments]] that target fleets and resources. [[Clad in Golden Raiment]], [[Clarion Call of Ivory and Dust]], [[Raise the Standard of War]] works specifically when supporting campaign armies.<s> [[Shroud of Mist and Shadow]] now explicitly adds its bonus when the target [[military unit]] is supporting a [[spy network]].</s>

We are also discussing changing [[Conclave of Trees and Shadow]] to receive its enhancement when supporting a spy network rather than when performing paid work.

==Labyrinth's Gate==
* '''Updated 14/04/2016'''
We have corrected the page on [[Labyrinth's Gate|Labyrinth's Gate]] so that the description matches the item's cost.

==Upgrading Fortifications==
* '''Updated 04/04/2016'''
We have updated the pages on [[Fortification#Improvement|improving]] a [[fortification]] in line with the changes we made to the price for a basic fortification.

==Accessibility==
* '''Updated 17/3/2016'''
We have updated the pages on [[assistance]], [[Dadford Road Campsite]] and the [[Winter Solstice 2016]] to include a section for players with disability or mobility needs.

==The Three Refrains==
* '''Updated 17/3/2016'''
We have reformulated our former team of national bards to create a new bardic sodality - [[The Three Refrains]]. Members of the sodality are tasked with bringing performance of all kind to Empire, music, plays, dance, songs, poems, just as the bards before them did. However they now have a new remit - to help players poke the plot and bits of the setting they are interested in. If you're following up a piece of lore, looking to find out what happened to something, seeking out a mystery or anything of that kind - then The Three Refrains may be able to help you.

==Site Details==
* '''Updated 16/3/2016'''
We have added a page to [[Assistance|explain how our mules will operate on site]] to enable players get help quickly.

==Event Details==
* '''Updated 15/3/16'''
We have updated the wiki with more details for [[Dadford Road Campsite]] as well as the IC field layout for [[Winter Solstice 2016]].

==Boxes==
* '''Updated 13/3/16'''
We have clarified the rules on [[Playing_the_game#Stealing_Items|stealing items]] from locked boxes and chains in Empire. These things are considered to be made of weirwood, mithril and similar resources and to have been strengthened magically to the point where they are virtually unbreakable. This means that you must have the key or another mundane way to open the lock if you are to access any of the contents. A full description of the update along with an explanation for the clarification has been added to the [[Rules_update_2016|rules update page for 2016]].

==Conjunctions==
* '''Updated 13/3/16'''
We have made [[Rules_update_2016#Conjunctions|a significant update to the way major conjunctions work in Empire]]. This will affect the way the Military Council pick the battles they wish to fight and crucially who can fight together on them. A full description of the update along with an explanation for the change has been added to the [[Rules_update_2016|rules update page for 2016]].

==Like Water Through Your Fingers==
* '''Updated 10/3/16'''
We have removed the erroneous reference to campaign resources and imperial titles from the effect of this curse.

==Shatter==
* '''Updated 10/3/16'''
We have clarified that you cannot use a spear, pole-arm, or quarter-staff with the Shattering Blow skill. You can learn more about this change [[Rules update 2016|here]].

==Shrouds==
* '''Update 10/03/2016'''
We have changed [[Drawing the Penumbral Veil]], [[Incantation's Mystic Mask]], [[Masque of the Blinded Weaver]], and [[Secrets for the Shadow Courier]] from being [[enchantment|enchantments]] or a [[curse|curses]] to being '''shrouds'''. This fits their intended purpose more closely. The only difference is that they count as neither enchantments nor curses.

==Freeborn Matrilineality==
* '''Update 3/3/2016'''
We have updated the [[Matrilineality|Freeborn brief]] to make clear that men and women who join the nation (instead of being born into it) would not formally take a tribal name. Men or women who marry into a Freeborn family (or are adopted) are encouraged to use the family name, but any progeny always take the tribal name that their mother was born with. We have made this change to preserve the essential idea that Freeborn society is matrilineal - because it traces a line back to the three founders - but keep the experience of playing a character who joins the Freeborn nation as free of gender bias as is possible.

==Broken Shore Bounty and Privateering==
* '''Update 1/3/2016'''
Following feedback from several players and crew we have changed the piracy action to be [[Fleet#Privateering|privateering]] as that best reflects what is actually happening. We have also updated the [[Broken Shore Bounty]] in parallel with this, clarifying the allocation process of the seat and the benefits of committing privateering in the Bay of Catazar.

==Barbarians==
* '''Update 1/3/2016'''
We have updated the page on [[monstering]] at Empire events, including a new emphasis on players having the chance to [[playing a barbarian|play elite barbarian units on the battlefield]]. This is an idea we have been developing over winter to improve the battles for people playing and volunteering them. We have also substantially updated the [[Grendel]] pages and will hopefully update the [[Jotun]] pages at the end of the week.

==Elections in Absentia==
* '''Update 25/02/2016'''
We have clarified that it is perfectly legal to [[Imperial elections|elect a citizen to a position in absentia]]. You must be present to vote - but you don't have to be present to be elected!

==Artisan's Oil==
* '''Update 15/02/2016'''
From 2016 onwards, artisans can expend one month of downtime and 1 crown to make three doses of [[Artisan's Oil]].

==Ties that Bind==
* '''Update 03/02/16'''
The ritual [[Ties that Bind]] has been updated to remove the requirement for the target to be a contributor; we also clarified some of the information the ritual may provide. This should improve the utility of the ritual, especially in terms of locating stolen items.

==Before the Throne of Estavus==
* '''Update 03/02/16'''
The ritual [[Before the Throne of Estavus]] has been adjusted to reduce the basic magnitude, but remove the ability to trade any amount of material with the eternal. The ritual now has a base magnitude of 4 (down from 6), but this allows only one lot of ingots to be transferred. Every additional group of five ingots now increases the magnitude of the ritual by 2.

==Fortifications==
* '''Update 03/02/16'''
Due to an oversight, we forgot to apply the standard 2 crowns per wain labour cost to the [[Fortification#Emergency_Repair|emergency repair]] of a [[fortification]]. We have corrected this oversight and brought it into line with the resupply of armies and navies..

==Rituals that cause MASS effects==
* '''Updates 03/02/16'''
We have changed how rituals that create a [[Calls#MASS|MASS]] call work ([[Fetid Breath of Teeming Plague]], [[Howling Despite of the Yawning Maw]], [[Inescapable Chains of Bitter Glass]], [[Revelatory Light of the Empyrean Spheres]][[The Grave's Treacherous Edge]], and [[Thundering Roar of the Lion-bound Horn]]).

Rather than imbuing an implement, the rituals now create an [[enchantment]] on one of the [[Rituals#Contributors|contributors]], and the option for additional uses has been altered to additional targets to reflect this. In addition, we have removed the fifteen minute restriction on their use, allowing covens to perform the ritual in a safe location, or drawing on the power of the [[Regio#The_Imperial_Regio|Imperial regio]], to be unleashed at a later date.

Several of the rituals have also had [[Roleplaying_effect|roleplaying effects]] added. We have removed the ability to reduce the magnitues of the MASS VENOM and MASS WEAKNESS rituals, replacing them with the ability to substitute [[Materials#Beggar's Lye|beggar's lye]] for crystal mana common to the other MASS effects.

We also removed the sympathetic element from several of these rituals, and clarified the "backlash" of Revalatory Light, as well as making it clear that the character making the call must be capable of casting spells (so, they cannot be wearing armour for example).

There is still some minor tweaking going on in relationship to some of the options the rituals provide with regard to including materials to empower the ritual.

The only ritual that has not been edited at this time is [[Devastating Scythe of Anguish and Loss]]; we are still reviewing the changes we plan to make to this ritual.

==Appointment of Senators==
* '''Updates 02/02/16'''
We've added short sections in out-of-character language to the [[The League leadership#Tallying the votes|League]], [[Highguard leadership#Tallying the votes|Highguard]], [[The Marches leadership#Tallying the votes|Marcher]], and [[Urizen leadership#Tallying the votes|Urizen]] pages to make explicit how votes are calculated. Of particular note is that we think the votes for the Urizen elections have previously been calculated incorrectly, and the new section should make it clear how they will be calculated from here on in.

==Senate Announcement==
* '''Updated 29/1/16'''
We have updated the guidelines for raising a [[senate announcement]] to emphasize that the title-holder must present the civil service with the equivalent of a senate motion paper, summarizing their plans. We have made this change to make it possible for our crew to track and record senate announcements, which is almost impossible when announcements are verbal only.

==Pakaanan's Iron Shutters==
* '''Updated 27/1/16'''
We have clarified the use of [[Pakaanan's Iron Shutters]] ritual to close the portal at the back of the Hall of the Worlds, and explained what happens if someone is in transit when the ritual is performed.

==Shatter==
* '''Updated 15/1/16'''
We have increased the minimum weapon length required to use the shattering blow skill from 42" to 48". You can learn more about this change [[Rules update 2016|here]].

==Navy Updates==
* ''' Updated 15/1/16'''
We have added a page to the wiki on [[navy orders]] as well as updating the information on a [[commission]] to include a [[shipyard]].

==Magical Traditions==
* '''Updated 15/1/16'''
There is now some additional content on the [[magical tradition]] page, giving a broad outline of the use of traditions in Imperial magic. We also included a description of the [[blood magic]] tradition, expanding on elements in the [[navarr]] brief.

==Army and Navy Resupply==
* ''' Updated 22/12/15'''
We've streamlined the explanation of how an [[Imperial army]] or [[Imperial navy]] recovers from [[casualties]]. We've also introduced a 2 crowns per wain labour cost onto [[Casualties#Emergency Resupply|emergency resupply]] bringing it into line with other Senate [[commission|commissions]].

==Military Units==
* '''Updated 20/12/15'''
We have changed the downtime options available to [[military unit]] owners. Military units no longer take the raiding action, but rather engage in [[Military unit#Paid Work|paid work]]. While mechanically the actions are similar, the game context for the paid work action is very different. You can read more about this change [[Rules update 2016|here]].

We also adjusted the description of [[Merciless Wrath of the Reaver]] and [[Shroud of Mist and Shadow]] to reflect the changes.

==Fleets==
* '''Updated 17/21/15''' and '''20/12/15'''
We have changed the downtime options available to [[fleet]] owners. Fleets can now be assigned to [[Fleet#Supporting_a_Navy|assist an Imperial navy]] in the same way a [[military unit]] can support a [[Imperial army|campaign army]]. We have also made some significant changes to the way that [[Fleet#Trade|trade]] and [[Fleet#Piracy|piracy]] work.

We later adjusted how piracy works, making it an option similar to the [[Military unit#Paid work|paid work]] option for military units. You can learn more about this change [[Rules update 2016|here]].

==Army Attacks==
* '''Updated 16/12/15'''
We have amended the [[Army_orders#Attacking|rules on the wiki for armies attacking a region]] to make clear that the targetted region must be adjacent to a region which is under Imperial control - or to a region which will fall under Imperial control in the subsequent campaign.

==Raising an Army==
* '''Updated 16/12/15'''
We have amended the costs to [[Imperial_army#Costs|raise an army]] to bring them into line with the standard costs for Imperial commissions.

==Large Armies==
* '''Updated 15/12/15'''
We've added a labour component to the cost to enlarge an [[Imperial army]], to bring it in to line with other Senate [[commission|commissions]]. We have reduced the mithril cost and removed the requirement for the army to sit out for a year while its size is increased.

==Fast Casting Effects==
* ''' Updated 05/12/15'''
Since the changes to spellcasting, rituals and items that allowed the fast-casting of [[Spellcasting#Regular Spells|regular spells]] were lagging behind in effectiveness. We've now adjusted these effects to allow a magician to cast spells with a few second of appropriate roleplaying, rather than 5 seconds of roleplaying. Furthermore, this means that (as with [[Spellcasting#Offensive Spell|offensive spells]] the caster is not interrupted if they or their target are struck, or if the target is making an attack. All other restrictions of casting regular spells apply, especially the requirement that you must be capable of touching the target with your casting hand as you cast the spell. These changes effect the [[Hands of the Healer]], [[Smooth Hands Shape the World]], and [[Thought Becomes Action]] rituals, as well as the [[Forge of Isenbrad]] and [[Trollsweave Vest]].
===Healer's Harness===
* ''' Updated 02/12/15'''
At the same time, we've altered, the [[Healer's Harness]] ability to prevent loss of mana when interrupted while casting a healing spell. The change to spellcasting meant that ''nobody'' loses mana when a spell is interrupted; they simply have to begin the casting again, We have changed the effect, and slightly increased the cost in materials to create the item, which now provides reciprocal healing for the wearer when they use certain healing spells.
===Warcaster's Oath===
* '''Updated 05/12/15'''
Likewise, the [[Warcaster's Oath]] effect has also changed. This shield is thematically intended to be useful for magicians who fight on the front lines, and the new power - to gain a burst of personal emergency healing in return for personal mana - is intended to reflect that.
==Spy Network==
* '''Updated 04/12/15'''
We've added a labour component to the cost to create a [[spy network]], to bring it in to line with other Senate [[commission|commissions]].

==Navy Resupply==
* '''Updated 04/12/15'''
We clarified how an [[Imperial navy]] [[Casualties#Navy_Resupply|resupplies]], removing the requirement for a navy to be in a friendly dockyard before it can benefit from natural resupply. Instead, the navy merely needs to be in a friendly territory that includes a region with the ''Coastal'' quality, and not engaged in a campaign.

==Senate Update==
* '''Updated 3/09/15'''
We have added a page to the wiki which describes the [[scrutiny|process for the Constitutional Court to check a motion]] to ensure that it is compatible with the Constitution.

==Event Updates==
* '''Updated 3/09/15'''
We have added the Imperial Roll of Honour for Summer Solstice to the wiki. We have also begun updating the wiki with the event details for the final event of the year and adding the Winds of Fortune and Winds of War details to the wiki.

==The League Army Support==
* '''Updated 25/08/15'''
With the liberation and re-integration into the Empire of [[Holberg]], the League can now support two armies. In theory, the League was ''always'' supporting two armies, it's just that one of those armies (the [[the League military concerns#The Towerjacks|Towerjacks]]) was part of the defences of Holberg. The Towerjacks are in the process of being restored to full operation by the League.

==Changing Territory==
* '''Updated 23/08/15'''
We clarified what happens when you [[Territory#Resources|change territory]], with particular reference to how this interacts with a [[Resource#Personal Resource|personal resource]] and with voting in elections. We added several sections to the "leading a territory" sections of the politics pages to make the situation explicit.

==Honesty==
* '''Updated 21/08/15'''
We added a page on Freeborn [[honesty]] - to explain a little more about this Brass Coast ideal - in a manner similar to the pages on Dawnish [[glory]] and Wintermark [[heroism]].

==Furrowed Wake==
* '''Updated 19/08/15'''
The [[Furrowed Wake]] description and flavour text have been edited to use the correct spell. All other sources rather than the page make it clear the staff works with [[entangle]] and not [[repel]].

==Follies==
* '''Updated 13/08/15'''
We added a page for a new type of [[commission]], the [[folly]].

==Ritual Update==
* '''Updated 17/07/15'''
We have altered the benefits for casting a more powerful version of [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]]. The Empire rituals are designed on the principle that magic is much easier to share around than to simply pile up in one place. That important principle was unfortunately missed when this ritual was originally being written. This update brings the ritual into line with the way other rituals in Empire work.

We have also defined the effects of the Spring ritual [[Foam and Spittle of the Furious Sea]]. This ritual was created very early on, long before we had any rules for navies so the previous description of the effects was very vague. We have also altered the rules so that the ritual does impact fleets - as we are now able to define a mechanism by which that affect occurs.

==Capturing a Character==
* '''Updated 17/07/15'''
We have updated the rules for [[Combat#Capturing_a_character|capturing a character]]. We have made this change to make it easier for the militia to conduct ongoing investigations into crimes in Anvil. The old rules were a hang-over from Maelstrom, our previous game, and had little relevance for Empire.

==Military Keywords==
* '''Updated 17/07/15'''
We have update the rules for the [[Army_qualities#Fast|fast quality]] to improve it. The quality only applies when the army needs to move a long distance and we felt there was little benefit in placing a limit on how far it could move under those circumstances.

We have also amended the [[Army_qualities#Magic|magic quality]]. This quality was quite overloaded with abilities and need a simpler and better balance with other abilities. We have removed the generation of an arcane scrying report as we felt this was infringing too far on the ability of players at events to generate such reports using their rituals. We have also amended their ability to create mana - making this a defensive order - but changing it so that the mana generated is based on the effectiveness of the army. The larger and more effective the army is, the more mana it can create.

==Summer Solstice ==
* '''Updated 13/07/15'''
The wiki has been updated with a new page with all the details for the forthcoming [[Summer Solstice 2015]], including the site map and the monstering times. There is also a lot of information on the latest campaign developments released with the [[379YE_Summer_Solstice_winds_of_fortune|Winds of Fortune]].

==Magic Armour==
* '''Updated 12/07/15'''
We have updated the rules for [[Gryphonsoul Aegis]], [[Goldenfire Scale]], and [[Gravedigger's Vest]]. In addition we have removed Soldier's Coat from the game - characters with this skill or one of these items have had it replaced with [[Baersark's Rage]]. We have updated the 2015 Rules Update page with [[Rules_update_2015#Magic_Armour|an explanation for the changes]].

==Spontaneous Magic Changes==
* '''Updated 12/07/15'''
We have changed the costing for [[spontaneous magic]] to make it more expensive to request a spontaneous ritual, but easier and cheaper to cast spontaneous rituals of medium or higher magnitude. We have also updated the Rules Update 2015 sheet to [[Rules_update_2015#Spontaneous_Magic|describe the change and explain why we've updated the rules]]. There are some minor changes to the [[Formulaic_ritual#Ritual_Texts|use of ritual texts in formulaic rituals]] to bring them into line with the new rules for spontaneous magic.

==Historical Research Changes==
* '''Updated 11/07/15'''
Due to [[Bloody Murder (Summer 379YE)|the murderous events of 379YE]], the civil service ability to perform [[Historical research]] has been greatly curtailed, The number of research projects that can be commissioned has been dropped from five to two.

==Ritual Changes==
* '''Updated 23/06/15'''
Some minor tweaks to rituals.
* We've removed the time limit on [[Whispers through the Black Gate]] to allow it to be performed on dead people who died more recently than a day ago while stressing that the longer ago someone died the less likely it is you get them.
* We've added the functionality to [[Timeless Hammer Rhythm]] that allows it to be used to "reforge" an expired ribbon, to keep continuity of character.

==Declaration of Dissemination==
* '''Updated 22/06/15'''
There have been several questions about how the [[Imperial Conclave]] can share rituals with representatives of other nations. The [[Declaration#Declaration of Dissemination|Declaration of Dissemination]] has been added to address these questions.

==Clarification of Imperial Inquisitor==
* '''Updated 03/06/15'''
While making the [[Imperial Chaplain Consular]] page, it became necessary to clarify how the powers of that title were used. After doing that, the [[Imperial Inquisitor]] was also adjusted to use their powers in the same way - namely, that they still place a judgement before the Synod, but that no vote is required. This is similar to the way an Imperial title operates in the Senate.

==Streamlined Administration Process==
* '''Updated 31/5/5'''
We have streamlined the administration process for players handing in resources to use to pay for senate commissions or to affects Winds of Fortune. If we are already aware that you intend to pay for something (from your actions in the field) then we will take the resources from your downtime automatically rather than wait for you to email us. You should still email [mailto:empire.plot@profounddecisions.co.uk Profound Decisions] to let us know that you want to use the materials - as this will ensure that the action is not overlooked - but we will not wait to receive an email if we believe we know what you intend to do.

If a mistake occurs then you should email us as quickly as possible so that we can rectify that.

==Clarify Proxy Voting Rules==
* '''Updated 19/5/5'''
Clarified the proxy rules to explain that a character cannot proxy votes for the appointment of a title in the Senate or Bourse. For example, a Navarr character could not give another character the votes that come from their herb garden during the appointment of The Thimble Bourse seat. You can learn more [[Proxy#Restrictions|here]].

==Forgery==
We have updated the published rules for forgery to make absolutely clear that it is cheating to forge bourse notes.

==Item Correction==
We have corrected the costs of the [[Staff of Life]] which were correct on the database but wrong on the wiki entry for this item.

==Sects==
The rules for priestly co-operation within [[Bands#Sects|sects]] were unintentionally more restrictive than those for co-operation in the absence of a sect. The duplication of rules has been removed, leaving priests precisely as able to co-operate within sects as without.

==Winter 2015 Rules Update==
Over winter we carried out a review of the rules from the second year. As a result of that review we have changed a number of rules. We are in the process of updating the wiki to reflect these [[Rules update 2015|rules changes]]. We will continue to carry out reviews of rules each winter. The most recent updates are to magic, particularly spontaneous magic and battle magic.

==Magic Item modifications==
The [[Healer's Harness]] and [[Warcaster's Oath]] were rendered useless by our change to [[spellcasting]]. We have modified the effect of both, and raised the cost of the Healer's Harness to reflect these changes.

Magic standards must be carried (wording strengthened from "should"): back banners, tabards and especially flamboyant bandannas are not appropriate phys-reps for magic standards, and this was not clearly communicated by the previous wording.

==Otkodov Spy Network==
The [[Construct Otkodov spy network|Otkodov spy network]] was initially set up before more detailed information about how they worked was available. A single spy network cannot provide information about an entire nation, only a single territory. We have clarified this, and future reports from this spy network will focus on the [[Thule]] territory of [[Verthandi]].

==Ritual Theory==
We've created a series of pages relating to [[ritual theory]] that provide background, setting and rules information for players. It is primarily of use to players who want to create new [[spontaneous magic]] effects, or explore the theories of how ritual magic work. This is somewhat of a work in progress - we intend to expand it to cover more setting-related information such as what crystal mana is or how it differs from personal mana (for example), but the information given here should serve as a good foundation for players who want to discuss magical theories in the field.

==Brass Coast Army Support==
Following the re-integration of [[Segura]] into the Empire, [[the Brass Coast]] now has the ability to support three armies rather than two.

==Senate Commissions==
We added details of three new civilian [[Commission|commissions]] available to the [[Imperial Senate]].
* The [[College of Magic]].
* The [[Runeforge]].
* The [[Embassy]].
* The [[Imperial navy]].

==Remote Navarr==
We've clarified a few design concepts around the [[Navarr]] on the [[Remote Navarr]] page. To accompany this, we've made a few edits to [[Navarr_look_and_feel|look and feel]] to reflect those clarifications.

==Military Council Overhaul==
We have done a major redesign of the way the [[Imperial Military Council]] works. This has included clarification on the events at the [[muster]] and [[Council session]], as well as expanded and clarified material regarding the role of a [[general]], the [[Field Marshal]] and the civil servant role of the [[herald of the Council]]. We've also given the right of [[Council address]] to the [[High Exorcist]] and [[Quartermaster General of the Imperial Armies]].

At the same time, we've clarified and streamlined some of the factors to do with [[war]], including the way that generals submit their [[army orders]]. We've also included a [[campaign outcome]] page that details the mathematics that underlie the campaign resolution system.

Finally, we've removed the idea of ''keywords'' from armies - each [[imperial army]] now has a singular [[army qualities|quality]] that reflects the way that army operates. This means that we have also overhauled all the existing armies with new abilities. The individual armies will be updated over the next day or so, but for the moment the changes are detailed on the table [[Military_Council_design#Army_Quality|here]].

You can find details of some of our reasons for these changes [[Military_Council_design#A_Conjunction_did_it|here]].

===Field Marshal===
Following discussion with our magistrates, we have removed the idea that it is a legal requirement for the [[Field Marshal]] to address the [[Imperial Senate]]. It is still a responsibility of the role, but it is up to the [[Imperial Synod]] to deal with Field Marshals who neglect to do so, rather than the Magistrates.

==Clemency==
We removed the idea that characters with Imperial Titles were given additional weight by a magistrate. This was simply not the case in practice, and undermined the idea of virtuous defence. A virtuous argument from a priest should hold more weight than a poor speech from the Throne.

==Legacy of Thorns==
We've clarified that the [[Legacy_of_Thorns#Blade_Venoms|blade venoms]] (specifically [[Legacy_of_Thorns#Oil_of_Blackthorn|oil of blackthorn]] and [[Legacy_of_Thorns#Redwillow_Paste|Redwillow Paste]] cannot be applied to [[Weapons & armour#Implements|implements]]).

==Ritual Changes==
Several rituals are receiving clarifications and tweaks.
* [[Whispering Shadow Courtiers]] no longer references the idea of providing visions of "nearby" things. It functions like [[Signs and Portents]], drawing from a pool of visions including "important" or "relevant" secrets, no matter where in the Empire it is cast.
* [[Wisdom of the Balanced Blade]] no longer gains a bonus to penetrate magical obscuring effects. As with [[Bright Lantern of Ophis]] it must overcome the full strength of an effect designed to obscure information about a curse.
* [[Eyes of the Sun and Moon]] has been tweaked to specifically provide military information about armies and fortifications. We've also removed the "hour's notice" requirement from the ritual as the information it delivers is now prepared for each potential target territory before an event.
* [[The Eye of the High Places]] has been tweaked to clarify that it determines any large scale effects on the target territory, and to remove reference to detecting small-scale effects such as resource enchantments which were proving difficult to collate information about.
* [[Reading the Weave]] has been clarified to remove reference to information that was proving difficult to uncover in a timely fashion.
* [[Bright Lantern of Ophis]] has had its ability to divine large-scale effects from a distance removed - this is now the purview of [[The Eye of the High Places]].
* [[Wisdom of the Balanced Blade]] no longer requires a regio to analyse an area curse, but the ritualists must be in the presence of the curse in some fashion.
* [[Sum of the Parts]] has had its magnitude increased, correcting a significant rounding error


==The Brass Coast Brief==
We have updated the Brass Coast brief on the [[the Brass Coast magical traditions|Brass Coast magical traditions]] and the [[Hakima]] to clarify their political niche and to modify their role slightly. The Hakima are now dedicated to aiding (and meddling in the affairs of) the entire nation rather than an individual tribe. The old brief was too focused, and too limited in scope and we think these changes will help address that. We've also made a minor change to the way [[the Brass Coast military concerns#Kohan|kohan]] are organised, primarily to remove the restriction that the members of a group belong to a single tribe.

We've also expanded on the material on [[corsair|corsairs]] that was originally scattered around the Brass Coast section. The new brief contains some new elements and advice on creating corsair characters and groups.

==Marcher Brief==
We have updated the Marcher brief on the [[the Marches magical traditions]] and [[Landskeeper|Landskeepers]] to clarify their political niche and how they usually organize themselves. We have corrected the old text to make clear that Landskeepers make frequent use of curses against those they believe have transgressed against Marcher traditions and Marcher interests. The old brief was restricting the ability of existing Landskeepers to access the full range of magical powers at events and the previous Landskeeper political structure was too complex and fine-grained to be workable in play.

==Wintermark Brief==
We have updated the Wintermark brief on the [[Wintermark_culture_and_customs#Age.2C_infirmity_and_the_good_death|good death]] to remove any mention of how Wintermark treats individuals who are maimed or crippled. Any form of discrimination on the grounds of disability is against our game rules on equality and diversity and does not fit the setting. Many of the heroes of the Empire come from hard lands - but the Wintermark brief stood out as none of the other briefs single out individuals who are disabled in anyway for special note. The people of the Empire do not discriminate on grounds of infirmity.

==Commissions Updated==
We have updated the page on [[commission]] to lay out the essential details needed for any new commission.

==New Map Viewer==
Racheet Dave has produced [http://empire.racheet.me/ a cool new map viewer] for the Empire. The [[maps]] page has been updated with a link to the new map viewer.

There are also new maps showing the tactical/political features of the Empire, and two maps showing Barbarian lands (Otkodov and the Barrens).

==Senate Update==
We have updated the rules for mercantile commissions, and added a page each for a [[sinecure]], [[ministry]], and [[great work]]. The costs to make new mercantile commissions has been altered and reduced for play balance reasons. We have increased the effective output of the Madruga Shipyard, but all other existing sinecures, ministries and great works are unaffected.

==Rules Update==
We have removed Spider Folds the Net from the list of available rituals. The ritual had major problems and after several attempts to fix it, we have abandoned the attempt and simply deleted it. Everyone who had the ritual now has a free slot that they can fill at any time instead. If anyone requires an IC explanation for the change, it is because recent movements of the constellations have rendered the ritual unworkable.

Rules for [[Battlefield Ritual|Battlefield Rituals]] written up.

Regio rules changed: using a regio does not automatically make the ritual take ten minutes. Some rituals intrinsically take ten minutes, and some rituals require a regio. There is some overlap between these groups.

==Sanctioned Event Update==
We have added some guidelines for using [[Imperial Law at sanctioned events]].

==Senate Pages Overhauled==
We have overhauled the Senate wiki pages, mostly to improve the presentation and make the processes clearer. The overhaul includes a few changes to the political rules and powers of some positions. As with other recent updates we have included some OOC design notes about the changes and this part of the game.

Key changes or clarifications are:
* Procedural motions are eliminated, allocation and assignment are done by normal motions. [[Senate motion|Administrative motions]] covering minor matters by civil service remain.
* [[The Throne]] can talk in the Senate but cannot propose a motion or vote in the Senate.
* The Throne can [[Senate address|address]] the senate.
* The Throne gains the [[The_Throne#Custodian_of_Virtue|Custodian of Virtue]] power to change a vote in the Synod.
* The Throne gains the [[The_Throne#Order_of_The_Throne|Order of the Throne]] power to nominate speakers in the Conclave.
* We have removed the deadline for the Senate to [[Appointments_by_the_Senate#National_Position|appoint a national position]] but given the wider Senate freedom to act earlier if they choose.

==Field Marshal==
A page for the [[Field Marshal]], the official name for the Field Commander chosen by the Military Council has been added to the wiki. This page expands on this position, how it works, the powers, limitations and responsibilities. It includes some OOC design notes about why the position works the way it does.

==Nations and Territories==
The [[Wintermark Territories]] have been extensively expanded. A note was added to [[Wintermark history]] to make it clear that the position of king or queen of Wintermark was not a ''hereditary'' position.

(09/10/14) Extensive updates to [[Varushka Territories]]; to [[Redoubt]] in [[Urizen]]; and to [[Tassato]] and [[Sarvos]] in [[The League]] (including the creation of the [[Keeper of the Sapphire Stair]] [[sinecure]])

==Ritual Corrections==
The following rituals had incorrect costs listed on the wiki. These have now been corrected.
* [[Blood and Salt]]
* [[Revelation of the Jewel%27s Sparkling Heart]]
* [[Unending Cascade of Blood%27s Fire]]

The last ritual was incorrectly reduced in magnitude shortly before the last event. This error has been fixed and the original correct magnitude restored.

The following ritual had an incorrect casting time listed on the wiki. This has now been corrected.
* [[Rising_Roots_that_Rend_Stone]]

The following rituals have been overhauled to bring them into line with each other and changes to the Campaign Battles.
* [[Knights of Glory]]
* [[Quickening Cold Meat]]
* [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]]
* [[Bound by Common Cause]]
* [[Thunderous Tread of the Trees]]
* [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]]
* [[Dripping Echoes of the Fen]]
* [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canea]]

==Anvil Hospital==
We have added information about the [[Anvil Hospital & Imperial School of Medicine]] to the wiki. Thanks to all the players involved for creating this great institution.

==Map Update==
There is a new strategic-and-political map of the Empire [[Gazetteer|here]], and each of the Imperial (or formerly Imperial) territories now has a territory map. Over the next few days, each territory page will be overhauled and updated to include more information about regions and points of interest.

==Military Council Update==
We have updated the [[Imperial Military Council]], streamlining the processes which we will use going forwards to calculate the outcomes of military campaigns, and giving player generals more freedom and control over what happens to their armies. We have also modified the upkeep costs for fortifications to ensure that powerful fortifications remain tenable. We have overhauled the presentation of the section to bring it into line with the new pages for the Imperial Conclave and added extra [[Military Council design|design notes and an explanation for the change]].

==Senate Update==
We've reorganised several pages, as well as creating separate pages for titles such as [[senator]]. We've also done some work clarifying some of the powers of [[The Throne]] where their function was either unclear, or would work poorly.

==Bourse Update==
Several new [[Imperial title|Imperial Bourse titles]] have been added to the wiki.
* [[Bailiff of the Grand Market]] (Marcher position)
* [[Vizier of the Incarnadine Satchel]] (Freeborn position)
* [[Dhomiro of the Cinnabar Hills]] (Freeborn position)
* [[Mistress of the Glass Parador]] (Freeborn position)
* [[Custodian of the Assayer's Guild]] (League position)
* [[Provost of the Halls of Knowledge]] (Urizen position)
* [[Castellan of Spiral Castle]] (Dawn position)

The method by which national Bourse positions are assigned has been updated for the Marches and the League.

==Monstering==
Information about [[monstering]] and [[playing a barbarian]] has been added to the wiki. Everyone who is keen is welcome to join us for big kit making session on Friday before the Easter event starts. Whatever you make is yours to keep! We'll hope to find time to add more detail to these pages later in the year.

===Conclave Update===
Players have asked us to provide an [[Conclave_design#A_WizardCivil_Servant_Did_It| IC explanation for the change in the Conclave rules]], rather than simply retcon it, so we have done as requested.

==Winter 2014 Rules Update==
Over winter we carried out a review of the rules from the first year. As a result of that review we have changed a few rules. We are in the process of updating the wiki to reflect these [[Rules changes 2014|rules changes]]. We will continue to carry out reviews of rules each winter, but do not envisage making many other significant changes in the future.

The rules update has been updated... please note that you need to have the relevant skill to participate in a ceremony as part of a sect.

==Updates April 2014 ==
Finally wrote up [[Riddle Hides the Reward]].

Clarified power of [[The Throne]] to ratify constitutional votes.

Added [[Highguard_culture_and_customs#Day_of_the_Dead|details of a Highborn celebration]] to the Customs and Culture section of Highguard.

Changed [[Warmage]] again in line with constitutional note.

Clarified ability of Senator to resupply army on [[Casualties#Emergency_Resupply|Casualties]] page

Completed motions outstanding from [[377YE_Summer_Solstice_Senate_Session]]

Updates and maps for [[Semmerholm]], [[Liathaven]], [[Therunin]], [[Mournwold]], [[Brocéliande]] and [[Spiral]] are up, but still stubbed until I have time to check all the backgrounds in the world.

===Conclave Overhaul===
A number of pages have been changed to reflect changes to the way the [[Imperial Conclave]] will function at future events. You can read about the changes in more detail [[Conclave_design|here]]
* Updated the [[Imperial Conclave]] page to lay out the new Conclave in more detail
* Created pages for the three principles of the Conclave [[Principle of Precedence]], [[Principle of Proportions]] and [[Principle of Presence]].
* Updated the [[Conclave order]] page with details of joining an order and the powers of membership.
* Updated the ''Membership of the Order'' section of each conclave order page, and included details of the base materials that go into their [[Conclave vault]] each season. The orders are [[Celestial Arch#Membership_of_the_Order|Celestial Arch]], [[Sevenfold Path#Membership_of_the_Order|Sevenfold Path]], [[Shuttered_Lantern#Membership_of_the_Order|Shuttered Lantern]], [[Rod and Shield#Membership_of_the_Order|Rod and Shield]], [[Golden Pyramid#Membership_of_the_Order|Golden Pyramid]] and [[Unfettered Mind#Membership_of_the_Order|Unfettered Mind]].
* Updated [[detect magic]] with regard to Arcane Mark.
* Updated Imperial title pages for [[Archmage]], [[Grandmaster]], [[Dean of the Lyceum]], [[Warmage]] and created a page for the [[Bursar of the Conclave]].
* Updated [[Conclave session]] and created pages explaining [[Conclave address]], [[declaration]], [[gambit]] and [[amity and enmity]]
* Included the ritual [[Arcane Mark]]
* Updated [[Powers of the Senate]] to reference creation and dissolution of Conclave order and to remove references to Imperial Lore.

==Updates March 2014 ==
Ongoing changes to ritual text durations and targeting guidelines; most of these are just clarifications. Specific changes include:
* [[Rot's Rightful Claim]] is no longer an enchantment
* Added a section about ilium use to [[Mark of Ownership]]
* Added a section to [[Black Iron Blade]] allowing its magnitude to be increased when cast on a single target to allow removal of protected bonds.
* [[Icy Maw Devours the Spark of Essence]], [[Naeve's Twisting Blight]], [[Winter's Ghosts]] and [[Drawing the Penumbral Veil]] now target a territory rather than a region
* [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]] now requires a Day regio to bring it into line with other campaign army rituals
* [[Transmogrification of the Soul's Echo]] is now clearer on who makes the changes - it is not a brainwashing ritual

Sanctioned event guidelines have been updated to give advice on how to apply Profound Decisions [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/equalityanddiversity?1 equality and diversity] rules to your event.

Tidied up information about several Bourse seats, and linked the physical locations of the seat resources to the territory sections.

Clarified [[military unit#Downtime options|military unit]] downtime options relating to assigning to Imperial armies or special projects and the production from doing so.

Overhauled and updated [[Skarsind]] page, with smaller updates elsewhere especially to [[Miekarova]] and [[Hercynia]] territory pages

Overhauled and updated [[Reikos]] page, with smaller updates elsewhere

Updated the [[Titles Autumn 377]] page to indicate who has what title as of the end of 2013

Overhauled and updated [[Hercynia]] page, with smaller updates elsewhere

Made some changes to the with reference to [[operate portal]] and [[detect magic]]

Several changes to [[enchantment]] effects, as well as a slight change to the way an enchantment made permanent with [[ilium]] can be removed

Changed duration of [[Mark of Ownership]] to "as long as the item lasts"

===Minor updates===
Corrected an error where [[Enfeebling Echo]] was referred to as ''Hand of Time'' on the staffs category page, and corrected an error in the materials (it costs seven beggar's lye, not seven beggar's lye ''and'' seven green iron. Matt to change on database.

Clarified the way that [[Witness]] works for priests in the Imperial Conclave.

==Updates February 2014 ==
The senate powers to create [[new Imperial titles]] have been overhauled with additional content and clarification.

Update about changing a [[resource]]

LaTeX download added to [[Rune_Overview|runes]]

Update to [[Spider's Tollkeep]] and [[Advisor on orc affairs]] to correct error in who can hold these titles; as National positions, they can be held only by characters from those nations.

Slight change to [[Vallorn]] interconnectivity; Vallorn are not believed to be interconnected, allowing more plot options.

Ongoing changes to ritual text durations and targeting guidelines; most of these are just clarifications. Specific changes include:
* [[Touch of Vile Humours]] has changed to bring it into line with the new rules on Day duration enchantments
* [[Forge the Wooden Fastness]], [[Frozen Citadel of Cathan Canae]] and similar rituals are undergoing a revision to bring them into line with out rules on [[fortifications]]. Watch this space.

Changed the election process for [[Keeper of the Spice Gardens]] has been adjusted to bring it into line with the section on the [[New_Imperial_titles#Appointment|appointment]] of titles; added a page about the Keeper title; made some edits to the [[Feroz#The_Spice-Gardens_of_Feroz|Feroz]] section about the gardens.

Rules about what happens with personal resources in conquered territories added [[Resource#Conquered_Territories|here]].

Change to [[Orc#Rules|orc rules]] about liao and religious skills, to make the situation very clear

Additional page [[Languages]] added to wiki

Details of the Eternals [[Sung]] and [[Janon]] laid out.

===Minor updates===
Recordings of songs added for Brass Coast (Lost Segura, Wagon Song, Without You) and Marches (Marcher Battle Song, Apple Wassail).

An option to retire a character using [[Sift the Dreamscape's Sands]] added

==Updates January 2014 ==

More details added to the [[Sanctioned_events|sanctioned events]] page including [[Sanctioned_event_rules|rules]].

The Play one, Crew one rule added to the [[Battles]] page

[[Traders]] page updated

[[Events]] page updated with details of 2014 events

[[Facebook_%26_Forums|Facebook and Forums]] page with links for the various social media resources that exist for Empire.

[[Profound_Decisions_management_team|PD management team ]] page updated to show Alison and Matt's current event roles.

=== Minor additions ===
A new minor trapping added to the [[Naga]] page.

New song "For Once I Was A Young Man" added to [[Highguard_music|Highguard music]]

New costume diary added to [[Costume_advice|costume advice]] - high status Marchers doublet.

==Updates after Event 4, Sept 2013 ==

[[Synod Results, Autumn Summit, 377 YE]]

==Updates between Event 3 and Event 4 2013 ==
All updates up to Event 4 are grouped here under appropriate heading.

Details of event 4 [[Autumn Equinox 2013]]

===Ring of Triumph===
An error on the summary page for the Ring of Triumph has been corrected. The correct materials for this item are include six ingots of [[Materials#Green Iron|green iron]] '''not''' six ingots of [[Materials#Tempest Jade|tempest jade]]

===Rules and OOC info===
Update on the [[Frequently Asked Questions|FAQ]]
*Question added - Can I email a longer background?
*Clarification about using using a one handed spear as a two handed pole weapon.
*Clarification about using hero skills at range.

A section added to [[playing the game]] about stealing IC items and what to do with the phys reps.

[[Traders]] info updated with details of Jolly Dicey, Twisted Flax, Grimm & Grizzly and a new website for Mandala Studios.

=== World information===
A [[Current Affairs|current affairs]] page added to pull together various reports including elections, senate and synod decisions from the first three events. This page and the various other pages it leads to should be updated each event. There is also a page which details the [[Titles Autumn 377|planned elections at E4]] .

Addition of [[Damaris|Damaris of Cantiarch's Hold]] as a [[ Paragons and Exemplars|exemplar]]

Pages about [[Trogoni]] and [[Plaguewulf]] added.

The section on [[Madruga]] has been updated to show the current situation with the [[Repair the Spider's Dream|now repaired]] Spider's Dream bridge and the [[Imperial Title|Imperial title]] [[Spider's Tollkeep]] which is funded from the tolls is now available for election again.

Section on [[ List of Criminal Offences|criminal offences]] updated with more links to the [[ Religious Crimes|religious crimes]] section. New crime of desecration added.
Several new [[Imperial Title|Imperial titles]] have been created they will be added to the [[current Imperial titles]] list in due course.

More information added to some [[Foreign nations|foreign nations]] including a new page on [[Iron Confederacy]]

Updated information on the [[Imperial Bourse]] about elections and titles.

More [[Eternals]] detailed

Details added about [[Fortifications]] and existing ones added to relevant territory pages.

On going - Details of senate decisions and the resulting actions being added as the scribes have time, check the [[Recent History (Senate)| Senate sessions]] for details.

===Magic===
*Ritual [[Cold Water from the Mountain]] changed from Spring to Day
*Autumn ritual [[Sum of the Parts]] added.

Updates to [[Dean of the Lyceum]] and [[Conclave session]] about adding new rituals available to Imperial citizens.

===Music===

[[Highguard Go To War]] added to [[Highguard music]]

Extra information about music added to [[Urizen music|Urizen]] including three new songs.

Also a whole bunch of song .pdfs have been updated.

Imperial:Footer

2016-11-22T13:37:47Z

Aquarion: Removing Ian's email to avoid deluges of spam

<row-fluid>

<span4>
= More About Empire =
* [[Contact Profound Decisions|Contact us]]
* [http://www.youtube.com/user/ProfoundDecisionsLRP Profound Decisions Video Feed]
</span4>

<span4>
= Profound Decisions =
* [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/ Home]
* [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire/ Empire Website]
* [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/event/tickets Booking]
</span4>

<span4>
= Social =
* [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Empire-LRP/136575943105061 Empire Facebook Page]
* [http://forums.profounddecisions.co.uk/ Empire Forums]
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<hr/>
Skin by Ian and [http://twitter.github.com/bootstrap/ Bootstrap]. Built on [http://mediawiki.org MediaWiki]. [[Terms and conditions]]

Tribute to the Thrice-Cursed Court

2016-08-13T19:33:11Z

Aquarion: Edited category link in line with the rest of winter

==Rules==
{{Season|Winter|4}}
===Performing the Ritual===
{{Casting time|2}} This ritual targets a crafted item that must be present throughout, which is placed in an opaque container.

===Effects===

This ritual targets a crafted item (almost invariably an item that has been made by an [[Crafting skills#Artisan|artisan]]). The item must be placed in an opaque container and disappears at the completion of the ritual.

At some point after the ritual has been completed, a number of phials of [[Vis#Heart's Blood|heart's blood]] will appear in the place of the crafted item. The number of vials gained, and the potency of the blood they contain, will depend on the quality and amount of magic remaining in the items sacrificed.

Vials of blood gained during this ritual are [[vis]], and can be used during [[Category:Winter Rituals|Winter rituals]] in place of crystal mana. Each vial of blood can be used as part of a Winter ritual as if it were up to three crystals of mana. Once a vial is opened, all the blood is consumed in a single ritual but can be split between multiple casters if needed due to the limits of [[Magical skills#Ritual Skills|ritual lores]].

The blood has no use in spellcasting, or in the rituals of other realms.

===Additional Targets===
This ritual can affect additional crafted items. Every additional item increases the magnitude by 2. Additional items must be present throughout.

==Description==
The [[Eternals]] of [[The Thrice-cursed Court]] are known to despise things which are beautiful, strong or untainted. The most bitter and jealous of that twisted trio is the Hag-queen, and it is her name that is most commonly invoked with this ritual. Concerns have been expressed that this ritual in some way feeds to the power of these Winter Eternals, but it seems that the court simply revels in the destruction of things that others have spent care and effort fashioning, feasting on the magic and the beauty of the item as a mortal might feast on the meat of an animal.

It is difficult to predict the amount of blood - and thus effective crystal mana - that will be recouped from this spell. It is clear that the more ingots or measures of special [[Materials]] have gone into the item, the more mana is gained, The remaining power of the item is also a significant element - the more months of power left in the item, the better the return of mana. The vials of blood appear to retain their properties until they are consumed.
{{CaptionedImage|file=RitualFormula1.jpg|title=The forumla of Seval i Riqueza|align=right|width=407|height=128}}
A little over a century ago the [[The Brass Coast|Freeborn]] scholar Serval i Riqueza of the [[Unfettered Mind]] received the support of the [[Imperial Conclave]] to pursue experiments with this ritual to see if he could work out how highly the Thrice-cursed valued the items they were sent. In his presentation a year later, he unveiled an rough equation that he said gave a broad idea of how much blood would be recovered. He cautioned that the equation was not precise, and that he had received a few anomalous results. He asked for more crystal mana to continue his experiments, and some money with which to buy enchanted items; he was turned down at that time, and no further official research has taken place. Serval himself disappeared shortly after, apparently while seeking an audience with the Thrice-cursed to inquire more directly about this ritual.

Some scholars caution against using items that are [[create bond|bonded]] to living people, although whether this is actually dangerous or just a result of the suspicion with which the Thrice-cursed are viewed is unclear.

This ritual is intended to send [[magic items]] to the Thrice-cursed Court. It will send other items to these Eternals, but this never results in vials of blood being returned to the casters, and the indication is that the Thrice-cursed are free to do with the item whatever they desire.

==Common Elements==
This ritual may be performed as an offering, but many magicians prefer to view it as a trade or exchange, invoking the [[Lann|rune of bargains]] and using mercantile language. The container of items to be exchanged is often placed within a triangle inscribed on the ground, or covered with a cloth marked with a triangle in the case of smaller containers. Sometimes the crafted item is scattered with a few drops of blood, or ritually purified of any connection to living people with fresh water (and sometimes the [[create bond]] spell).
[[Category:Winter Ritual]]
[[Category:Rituals]]

User:LauraH

2016-04-27T18:49:40Z

Aquarion: Aquarion moved page User:Laurahoskison@gmail.com to User:LauraH without leaving a redirect: Automatically moved page while renaming the user "Laurahoskison@gmail.com" to "LauraH"

A crew bard, working with Dawn.

378E Spring Equinox Academy Student Council

2016-02-20T22:50:46Z

Aquarion: Redirected page to 378YE Spring Equinox Academy Student Council

#REDIRECT [[378YE_Spring_Equinox_Academy_Student_Council]]

378E Spring Equinox Academy Student Council

2016-02-20T22:50:27Z

Aquarion:

Nothing to see here. Try http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/378YE_Spring_Equinox_Academy_Student_Council
#REDIRECT [[378YE_Spring_Equinox_Academy_Student_Council]]

The Brass Coast territories

2016-02-12T08:31:39Z

Aquarion:

The Brass Coast is wealthy in vineyards and orchards that produce fortified wines and flowers from which they make rich dyes. The people enjoy strong trade links with foreign nations, allowing them to bring luxuries and commodities to all the people of the Empire (for a price of course!). Textiles, wines and ales from far-off places are prized treasures, but wood is a thing of beauty to the natives of the Coast. Theirs are lands of rolling plains, fertile lowlands with lush vineyards. Although there are orchards of exotic fruit trees the land is devoid of large areas of forest. Early in the history of the Coast they cut down most of their hardwood to build ships and settlements, and the fruit trees that remain are more suited for burning than building. Since fine quality wood is a valuable commodity, dwellings tend to be piled high with rugs, cushions and furs.

The towns of the Coast are sprawling, disorganised affairs almost inevitably built around a bustling bazaar. Everything from steel to spices changes hands in these trading hubs and they are festooned with brightly coloured fabrics, gaudily painted signs and exotic wares. Contracts of trade, seals of endorsement and bonds of marque are proudly displayed by vendors who hawk their goods to the people who fill the plazas and streets at all hours. In and around these cosmopolitan bazaars, the wealthiest families maintain sprawling estates. Often plain from the outside, Freeborn structures are alive with ostentation within and lined with ornate tapestries and finery. The most influential Freeborn thread their homes with running water and glittering fountains, sculptures and artefacts crafted from precious materials, beautiful rugs, carpets and hangings, the scents of incense and the sound of music. It is important that a home be beautiful, as well as secure, “Your home,” as one ancient poet put it, “should be a comfort to your body, and a balm to your soul.”

=== Territories ===
* [[Madruga]]
* [[Feroz]]
* [[Kahraman]]
* [[Segura]]

[[Category:The Brass Coast]]
[[Category:Nations]]

Accept Grendel peace treaty

2015-09-06T20:24:36Z

Aquarion: Correct attribution

<ic>To accept the terms of the peace treaty with the Grendel Salt Lords. Proposed by Segura, Seconded by Mitwold.</ic>
{{CaptionedImage|file=GrendelTreaty.png|caption=The Grendel peace treaty|align=right|width=300}}
===Overview===
* A delegation from the [[Grendel]] negotiated a treaty.
* The treaty was presented to the Senate.

===Date===
* Defeated Summer 379YE

===Campaign Outcome===
* The terms of the treaty were not accepted.
* The [[Golden Sails|Grendel delegation]] had already left Anvil; it is not clear if they are aware the treaty has been declined.

{{Senate Motion}}

Change to Navarr voting

2015-08-27T09:22:33Z

Aquarion:

<ic>Alteration to internal Navarr voting protocols regarding those who have no formal territory. 
''Proposed by Therunin, seconded by Tassato.''</ic>

===Overview===
* Change [[Navarr]] [[Navarr_leadership#Leading a territory|voting protocols]] regarding those who have no formal territory
* Passed unanimously.
* Struck down by the Magistrates.

===Date===
* Passed Winter 376YE (Easter 2013).

===Cost===
* None

===Legal Ramifications===
Changing the voting is a constitutional issue. This was struck down by the Magistrates.

[[Category: Senate Motion]]
[[Category:Unconstitutional]]

User:Aquarion

2015-08-22T18:14:39Z

Aquarion:

<DynamicPageList>
category = Senate Sessions
category = Without heckling
order = ascending
</DynamicPageList>

File:Rhain Motion Obverse.JPG

2015-06-02T09:40:12Z

Aquarion:

File:RhainMotion.JPG

2015-06-02T09:38:48Z

Aquarion: Aquarion uploaded a new version of "File:RhainMotion.JPG"

A photo of the motion submitted by Senator Hercynia at the 379YE Spring Equinox summit; this lead to a statement from the civil service that Senators will be asked to rephrase such long motions in future.

Construct House of Barbs

2015-05-30T18:33:20Z

Aquarion: sp

{{Senate Motion}}
<ic>Civil Service Summary: To create a Sinecure in Hercynia - The "House of Barbs", with the associated title "Voice of Barbs" to be elected by the Navaar national assembly, and provide 12 votes in the Synod. ''Proposed by Hercynia, seconded by Miaren''</ic>
{{CaptionedImage|file=RhainMotion.JPG |caption=Full text of the original motion|title=In future, any Senator submitting a motion of equivalent length or verbosity will be advised to revise it before the motion will be accepted by a speaker.|align=right|width=450}}
===Overview===
* Passed at 1 ring
* To be constructed in [[Hercynia]].
* The [[sinecure]] will provide 12 [[Sinecure#Synod_Votes|votes]] in the [[Imperial Synod]] to the ''Voice of Barbs''.

===Date===
* Spring 379YE

===Costs===
* Materials: 10 wains of white granite ([[Sinecure#Costs|Standard costs]]).
* Time: 3 months to construct per 50 wains of materials used
* Labour: 2 crowns per wain
* Upkeep: None

===Progress===
* 1 ring disbursed to [[Senator]] Hercynia; the senator for Hercynia returned 1 ring to the Imperial treasury.

===Campaign Outcome===
* When the House of Barbs is complete, it will automatically create the title "Voice of Barbs".

===Constitution===
* Sinecures are life-time appointments.
* The title "Voice of Barbs" provides votes in the Imperial Synod, and so grants the holder of that title the legal powers and responsibilities of membership of the Synod. If the holder of the title is not already a member of the Synod, it automatically includes membership of all appropriate assemblies (usually the General Assembly, the Assembly of the Way, and the appropriate National Assembly).
* In future, any Senator submitting a motion of equivalent length or verbosity will be advised to revise it before the motion will be accepted by a speaker.

Uncle Vyig

2015-05-07T20:52:34Z

Aquarion:

<ic>This song is well known in [[The_League_territories#Temeschwar|Temeschwar]], the Varushkan city that joined The League. It’s about [[vyig|organised crime]], which was once endemic there, and was referred to obliquely as “Uncle Vyig” (“Uncle Vyig had his hands in my pockets”, etc). The song is about how crime takes a cut of everything. It a fun song about terrible things, and is also popular as a song to sing with children in [[Varushka]].</ic>

Words by Chris Edwards, tune by Daisy Abbott.

Recording (rough): [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/images/music/daisy/Uncle-vyig.mp3 here]

More verses coming soon. Strongly encouraged to make up your own verses, personalising any family feuds etc that are happening on the field.

<song>
''(sung fairly slow and deep before each verse)''
When Uncle Vyig comes to dinner...

He takes a bite from every onion
Puts his spoon right in your soup
And all the poultry that he eats
Could fill a chicken coop!

When Uncle Vyig comes to dinner...

He goes through all your clothing
And borrows just one boot
He helps himself to gloves and hats
And the socks right off your foot!

When Uncle Vyig comes to dinner...

He sits right by the fire
And leaves you all to freeze
His bones are scrawny, thin and cold
But he shares with you his sneeze! (ATCHOO!)
</song>

[[Category:League Music]]
[[Category:Music]]
[[Category:The League]]

Uncle Vyig

2015-05-07T20:52:23Z

Aquarion:

<ic>This song is well known in [[The_League_territories#Temeschwar|Temeschwar]], the Varushkan city that joined The League. It’s about [[vyig|organised crime]], which was once endemic there, and was referred to obliquely as “Uncle Vyig” (“Uncle Vyig had his hands in my pockets”, etc). The song is about how crime takes a cut of everything. It a fun song about terrible things, and is also popular as a song to sing with children in [[Varushka]].</ic>

Words by Chris Edwards, tune by Daisy Abbott.

Recording (rough): [/mediawiki-public/images/music/daisy/Uncle-vyig.mp3 here]

More verses coming soon. Strongly encouraged to make up your own verses, personalising any family feuds etc that are happening on the field.

<song>
''(sung fairly slow and deep before each verse)''
When Uncle Vyig comes to dinner...

He takes a bite from every onion
Puts his spoon right in your soup
And all the poultry that he eats
Could fill a chicken coop!

When Uncle Vyig comes to dinner...

He goes through all your clothing
And borrows just one boot
He helps himself to gloves and hats
And the socks right off your foot!

When Uncle Vyig comes to dinner...

He sits right by the fire
And leaves you all to freeze
His bones are scrawny, thin and cold
But he shares with you his sneeze! (ATCHOO!)
</song>

[[Category:League Music]]
[[Category:Music]]
[[Category:The League]]

Construct Sumaah embassy

2015-05-06T16:31:01Z

Aquarion:

<ic>Permission to build an Embassy for the Sumar Republic plus funding towards the cost of the building. Proposed by Bastion, seconded by Upwold.</ic>

===Overview===
* This motion was defeated

===Date===
* Winter 378YE

===Costs===
* Materials: 25 wains of Weirwood and 25 wains of White Granite ([[Embassy#Costs|Standard cost]])
* Labour: 12 Thrones
* Time: 1 season
* Upkeep: 5 Thrones

===Progress===
* None

===Campaign Outcome===
* This would have allowed the construction of an [[embassy]] with the [[Sumaah Republic]].

[[Category: Senate Motion]]
__NOTOC__

Create law outlawing the Vyig

2015-05-06T14:22:54Z

Aquarion:

<ic>Membership of the organisation known as the Vyig is illegal. Furthermore, possession of Vyig tattoos is illegal and such tattoos will be defaced in addition to any other punishment. Proposed by Temeschwar, seconded by Tassato.</ic>

===Overview===
* Creating a law making it illegal to be a member of the criminal organisation known as the [[Vyig]].

===Date===
* Winter 378YE.

===Cost===
* None

===Campaign Outcome===
* The Vyig organisation is outlawed.
* Having Vyig tattoos is made a crime, and the default punishment is that the tattoos will be defaced.

[[Category: Senate Motion]]

Disburse funds to the Gatekeeper of Wisdom

2015-05-06T13:30:05Z

Aquarion:

<ic>I propose that funds should be granted to the Gatekeeper of Wisdom for the purchase of true liao to investigate past life visions over the next year. ''Proposed by Karov, seconded by Madruga''</ic>

==Overview==
* Request to allocate funds to the Gatekeeper of Wisdom.
* Passed at 8 Thrones

==Date==
* Winter 378YE

==Progress==
* Funds disbursed to Senator Karov

[[Category:Senate Motion]]

Heath magic

2015-03-27T08:59:24Z

Aquarion: Redirected page to User:Delvy

#REDIRECT [[User:Delvy]]

Feast of the Loom

2015-03-25T17:59:57Z

Aquarion: Locally host MP3 links

Original tune Hallow's Eve by Chris Hoban. Words adapted by Daisy Abbott and Jude Reid.

Rehearsal recording of the Feast of the Loom song [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/images/music/daisy/loom-full.mp3 here] (Varushkan harmony version).

Recording with the chorus only [http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/mediawiki-public/images/music/daisy/loom-chorus.mp3 here]

<song>
'''Song for the Feast of the Loom'''

Chorus:
''Go light the lantern at your door,''
''to honour those who've gone before''
''The worlds that part us now are near,''
''the Loom will weave another year''

The westering sun is pale and wan,
the days are dark, the nights are long,
A chill is in the evening air,
and wind stirs in the branches bare

(Chorus)

Sweep out the hearth and clear the grate
and bid folk welcome at your gate,
when darkness comes we'll bar the door,
and feast till we can eat no more

(Chorus)

We'll tell the tales of heroes brave,
and those we loved lost to the grave
The hearth fires that tonight we burn,
will light the Way for their return,

(Chorus)

Now round the bonfires lightly tread
To welcome in the year ahead
The seasons turn through frost and dew
Until the year is born anew
</song>

[[Category:Varushka Music]]
[[Category:Varushka]]
[[Category:Music]]